CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:10 P.M.

Recessed: 7:34 P.M.
Reconvened: 7:44 P.M.
Adjourned: 8:07 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph C. O'Brien

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Mayor O'Brien read a Proclamation declaring Sunday, May 16, 2010 as House the Homeless Day.

Mayor O'Brien recognized the presence of Royce Anderson from the International Center of Worcester with six visiting Librarians from Azerbaijan participating in a ten day professional exchange program.

Herman Jackson, II et al request Ockway Street (from Pine Hill Road south) be converted to a public street.

Haskell Morin request the southwestern corner of Midland St. and Elmwood St be designated Morin Sq. honoring the military service of Pvt. Joseph A. Morin and Captain Edward M. Morin and Dental Corps and SP4 Haskell D Morin.

Councilor Joseph Petty request to install a street light in front of 25 Genesee Street.

Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. request replacement of curbing in vicinity of 1 Thenius St.

Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. request to resurface Thenius St.

Mayor Joseph C. O'Brien request that the current parking meters be removed from in front of the Parent Information Center at 768 Main Street and in place thereof, install either 30 or 60 minute parking.

Gustavo Goncalves of Uncle Sam's request the commerical loading zone from 19-23 Kelley Square be removed.

Christopher Whittle request stop signs be installed at the intersection of Seymour and Sterling Streets.

Councilor Joffrey A. Smith request to install two hour parking from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., 7 days per week, from April 15 - October 15th on the west side of Sever St the length of the property of the Worcester Tennis Club.

Ronal Madnick, Director of the Worcester County Chapter ACLU of Massachusetts, request the City Council not participate in any business activities substantially connected with the State of Arizona and municipalities in Arizona (see attachment).

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Clerk generate a plaque listing the City Clerks of Worcester and the years serving in their position and have that mounted in the hallway outside of the Clerk's Offices.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request the Police Chief conduct enforcement of "No Parking on Sidewalks" at the following locations:
1. In the south side of Harrison St. between Green and Harding St.
2. In the east side of Park Ave. in the vicinity of the WPI athletic field
3. In the east side of Park Ave. from Humboldt Ave. to Sagamore Rd. and
4. In Institute Park in the vicinity of the tennis courts

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide the City Council a report of the cost of demolition of Crompton Park pool facility and provide a cost estimate to demolish the remaining seven pool facilities, including a cost estimate to remove fencing and sod and seeding of disturbed areas, and provide a best case timeline if funding was available including an annual capital cost to complete demolition work over a twenty year period.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide the City Council with a cost analysis to construct the Crompton Park and Greenwood Park facilities.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide the City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of constructing a skateboard facility at Logan Field on the hill that faces Airport Drive.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide the City Council with a cost analysis of constructing a handball court at Tacoma Street in Great Brook Valley.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of the Public Works and Parks to review current protocols and consider implementing a policy that would institute a standard 4-5 second delay in the timing of traffic signals from red to green so as to allow all traffic facing a yellow-turning-to-red signal to clear an intersection before competing vehicles receive their green signal and enter an intersection. (Petty)

Request City Manager report to the City Council concerning funding/repairs that have been made to the city parks over the past five years; data should be arranged by park, dollar amount allocated/spent per park and the year(s) in which the work was performed. (O'Brien)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning steps taken by the city of Bridgewater to abate college drinking issues. (Clancy, Haller)

Request City Manager review traffic design plans for Worcester Crossing now that the new Walmart has opened. (Clancy)

SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: SUNNYVIEW HEIGHTS

Thomas P. O'Neill, Senior Counsel of National Grid, transmitting informational communication relative to the Condensed Financial Return for the year ended December 31, 2009 to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities for Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid.

That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby resolves that the City of Worcester should do a thorough review of all investments and business practices engaged in by the City to determine what activities, if any, it conducts with the state of Arizona and municipalities in Arizona; and Further, that the Worcester City Council resolves that the City of Worcester should, to the extent reasonable, with due consideration for, among other things, return on investment, on behalf of itself and its investment beneficiaries, not to participate in any business activities substantially connected with the State of Arizona and municipalities in Arizona. (Rushton, Smith, Germain, O'Brien)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Virginia Ryan et al request City Council vote to adopt Section 19 of Chapter 32B of the Massachusetts General Laws: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Jose Zayas request that the City Council ordain that all Worcester Boards and Commissions established by the City Manager under the authority of the city charter and applicable state laws, be held at reasonable and convenient times. Namely from 5:00 P.M. and on, for the purpose of insuring the public fair access and participation of all such meetings. And that all such meetings be recorded and televised via Worcester public cable access channels and if reasonably feasible to be placed on Worcester's official website for public view: recommend Petition be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Michael Grandone requesting the mandating of a new City Ordinance stating: "The City of Worcester and all departments under the City of Worcester, shall only ask, allow and accept RFP's from businesses inside the City of Worcester and furthermore, only award said bid to the highest and/or most qualified bidder who has a base of operation within the City of Worcester, and furthermore is a taxpayer in good standing with said City of Worcester: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Chairman's Order from the Committee on Finance - Request City Council's Standing Committee on Municipal Operations examine if it is in the city's best interest to require that insured employees be required to have an annual physical examination: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Chairman's Order from the Committee on Finance - Request the City Council's Standing Committee on Municipal Operations review the salaries for the City Auditor and the Assistant City Clerks and report to City Council before the end of Finance Committee's deliberation of the budget: recommend Order be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request all City Council Standing Committees report to City Council for the December 9, 2008 City Council meeting a status report of each committees goals and objectives as established for Fiscal Year 2009: recommend Order be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. - Request all the City Council Standing Committees review and establish their top two or three priorities and report back to City Council by mid April: recommend Order on be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, Councilor Frederick C. Rushton, and Councilor Philip P. Palmieri - That the City Clerk be designated by the City Council as the Small Business Ombudsman for the City of Worcester and that he, and staffpeople he so designates, act to refer inquirers to appropriate municipal, state and federal departments, agencies and licensing authorities in accordance with a “One-Stop Shopping for Business” brochure. Further request that said brochure be installed on the front page of the City of Worcester web site with a button labeled, “How do I start a business in Worcester?: recommend Order be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilors Frederick C. Rushton, Philip P. Palmieri, Gary Rosen, Joffrey A. Smith and Joseph Petty - Request City Clerk report to City Council concerning advantages and disadvantages of voting at the new polling locations: recommend Order be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilors Frederick C. Rushton, Philip P. Palmieri, Gary Rosen, Joffrey A. Smith and Joseph Petty - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of implementing absentee voting at locations in the city other than City Hall: recommend Order be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilors Frederick C. Rushton, Philip P. Palmieri, Gary Rosen, Joffrey A. Smith and Joseph Petty - Request City Manager prepare and file Home Rule legislation to allow Early Voting in the City of Worcester: recommend Order be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilors Frederick C. Rushton, Philip P. Palmieri, Gary Rosen, Joffrey A. Smith and Joseph Petty - Request City Manager prepare and file Home Rule legislation to allow Election Day Registration in the City of Worcester: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Resolution of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby requests the Central Mass. Delegation to support legislation increasing municipal employee's contribution on health insurance to 25%, early retirement being established and the transfer of municipal funds to cover deficits: recommend Resolution be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Report of the Committee on Municipal Operations Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending City Council's adoption of an Ordinance amendment relative to Junk Dealers and Dealers in Second-Hand Articles: recommend Report and Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Report of the Finance Committee upon the communication of James Delsignore, City Auditor relative to the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Worcester Retirement System (WRS) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006: recommend Report and Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Report of the Committee on Public Works Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City Council request to provide a detailed service report of the Customer Service Operations that would include how many calls were answered per seconds and how many issues were resolved to the satisfaction to the caller: recommend Report and Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Report of the Committee on Public Works Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to new services at DPW&P Customer Service Center: recommend Report and Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to Department of Code Enforcement Billboard Analysis Program: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting request of the Worcester Housing Authority for a waiver of building permit fees: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to public school's energy cost projections received from Dr. James A. Caradonio, Superintendent of Public Schools and a copy of the report forwarded to Worcester's Local Delegation on energy and snow removal cost: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to an agreement reached by the Massachusetts Nurses Association and the City of Worcester for the Worcester Public Health Nurses: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to the recent Bond Anticipation Note (B.A.N.) sale issued to finance the City of Worcester's capital improvement program: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to a power point presentation that was prepared for the Worcester Regional Research Bureau (WRRB) Forum: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to a revised budget deficit amount if new employee contributions for health insurance instead of the 80/20% rate that is computed in determining the current deficit projections: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Relative to the Tax Work-Off Program for seniors: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to a list of Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to the City and payments paid by the City to other Communities: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to a report on the comparison of commercial and real estate tax abatement requests in FY 2005 and FY2006, by percentage and dollar amount, and whether any requestor is on the Top 50 property tax payers: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to the City of Worcester being selected to receive the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission's 2006 Technical Services Award for excellence in integrating GIS technology in municipal operations: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to new legislation reducing statutory interest rate on tax deferrals: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City of Worcester's Post Employment Benefits Other than Pension (OPED) that reflect methods approved by the Government Accounting Standard Board (GASB) as of July 1, 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the tax foreclosed property sales from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2006 through the Adopt a Lot Program: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a comparison of Tax Lien Sales for 2005 and 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City of Worcester's internet bill paying system: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the status of the City's internet bill payment system: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to City Manager's request for a report on an update of the Energy Task Force: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Bond Ratings from Moody's Investor Services, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch Ratings: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the six sections of the Five Year Financial Plan: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the State Auditor's Review of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) for the year ended June 30, 2005: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to a contract executed between the City and Kelley and Ryan Associates, Inc. (Kelley and Ryan) for the entire portfolio of delinquent taxes owed the City, as well as all new tax collection services as of January 1, 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the parking ticket processing vendor Request for Proposal: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative the Top 100 Real Estate Taxpayers for Fiscal Year 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City of Worcester's recent collection initiatives being used to increase tax revenues: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending City Council approval of the attached ordinance for the Reorganization of the License Commission: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the cost to expand pre-employment physicals: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to an evaluation of all licenses, permits and fee structures within city departments and assessment of the actual cost of providing these services: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to statistics on workplace injuries and disabilities: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding questions posed at the June 5, 2007 Finance Committee Meeting: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the process for real estate property values and the request for the Tax Classification Vote to be prior to November 6, 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the City's Current Bond Rating Analysis: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the State Department of Revenue (DOR) Regulations and Guidelines as referenced in the City Council Item # 9.29A from June 19, 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to obtaining taxes from not-for-profits who lease out their property for profit: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Worcester Redevelopment Authority's (WRA) Audited Financial Statements and Independent Auditors' Report for the year ended June 30, 2006 and 2005: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the Bond Ratings from Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investor Services: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the City's bond ratings: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the City's Bond Rating: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of a new parking ticket processing and collection vendor: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City of Worcester's E-Procurement Enhancements: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding outsourcing Workers' Compensation: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the impact of reforms on the City's Annual Operating Budget: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the total assessed valuation of each College, University, Medical and Museum Institution Campus within the City of Worcester: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City Budget: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting report relative to the City's Top 250 Wage Earners: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to salaries of City Administration Personnel: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to City Vehicles: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a five year forecast of city vehicle purchases and the potential number of these vehicles that will be hybrid: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the advertisement of tax takings in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 60 Section 53: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting response to a request for Management Letter comments from the last five years that were not fully resolved and repeated in subsequent years and a list of Student Activity Funds that did and did not have supervisory approval of June 30 bank reconciliations: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the Census 2010 Initiative: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 Population: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the 2010 Census Initiative: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an Update on the 2010 US Census: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the transition of the Division of Assessing: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication Relative to the City's Dependent Audit: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Ballot Questions: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Telecom Loophole: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding Workforce Investment Act Funds: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to legislation to dispose of municipally owned vacant buildings: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to whether a reorganization plan is needed to designate the City Clerk as a Small Business Ombudsman: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communications regarding the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission Health Plan (GIC): recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City's Pharmacy Benefit Manager: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City's New Prescription Benefit Manager: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to FY09 Health Insurance changes: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to employee and retiree health insurance benefits: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to notification of the premium holiday to City of Worcester employees and retirees: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a Legal Clarification of the Votes Needed in City Council for Approval of Provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Health Insurance Questions Posed During Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Hearings: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Chapter 32B, Section 19 of the Massachusetts General Laws: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Health Insurance Negotiations with Local 495: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Local 495 Members' Health Benefits: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Family and Medical Leave Act: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Administration of the Family Medical Leave Act: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to MGL Chapter 32B Section 19: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to savings from Health Insurance Reform Since 2004: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the FY10 Medicare Eligible Retiree Health Insurance Open Enrollment: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a history of the City's Health Insurance Plan and Contribution Rates: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City's Health Insurance Dependent Verification Process: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City of Worcester's Health Insurance Dependent Audit Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the Health Insurance Dependent Care Audit Process: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Health Insurance Plan Tiers: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Health Insurance Benefits: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to employee and retiree vision benefits: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting analysis of City's Capital Equipment & Vehicle Budget focusing on items that could/should be paid for from current revenues rather than borrowed funds: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting report relative to cash flow from Worcester Center Blvd Garage and $1.9 mil issued debt for sky bridge connecting garage to proposed hotel & Convention Center: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting responses to questions at February 15, 2005 meeting regarding the collection of tax titles and property taxes: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting City's Single Audit for year ended June 30, 2004: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting Actuarial Valuation & Review as of January 1, 2005 for the Worcester Retirement System: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to certified Free Cash for the City as of July 1, 2005: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting City of Worcester's 2005 Comprehensive Annual Report (CAFR) prepared by Sullivan, Rogers & Company LLC: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting a copy of an article regarding the Worcester Retirement System which appeared in the December 19, 2005 issue of Money Management Letter: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting reports relative to Worcester's DCU Center Fund - the Arena Component and the Convention Center Component: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting a report on Federal Award Programs - the City's Single Audit: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting City's Management Letter Report: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting February 2006 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting March 2006 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting April 2006 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting May 2006 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting the September 2006 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to October 2006 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting the following schedules concerning the City's bonded debt: Schedule of Bonds Payable June 30, 2006, Schedule of Bonds Authorized & Unissued as of March 31, 2006 and Legal Dept margin Calculation as of June 30, 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting two articles recently published in a monthly newsletter by the Retired State, Country & Municipal Association of Massachusetts relative to increasing the COLA base and legislation or legal action that would increase benefits for those who opted for Option C before July 1, 2004: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to notification from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) that they have certified General Fund "free cash" as of July 1, 2006 to be $2,101,529 and certified that $563,529 of "free cash" for the Water Enterprise Fund and $11,962 for the Airport Enterprise Fund: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting review of the City Manager's Five-Point Plan to improve the City's fiscal health: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication from Worcester Retirement Board relative to Pre-Employment Physical Examinations: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to disability applicants who had either no pre-employment physical or an examination that was not adequate: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to a table identifying, by department, the number of applicants for disability pensions that have evidentiary hearings before the Worcester Retirement Board: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting Actuarial Valuation and Review as of January 1, 2006 for the Worcester Retirement System (WRS): recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to information that was requested at a previous meeting regarding disability pensions awarded and their average annual cost for the last five years: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting reports on the results of operations for the City's General Fund, Stabilization Fund and its four enterprise funds for fiscal year ended June 30, 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to Worcester's DCU Center Fund - the Arena Component and Convention Center Component financial statements with supplemental schedules for the years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 plus the independent auditor's report: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative the Reports on Federal Award Programs for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as prepared by the City's Auditors, Sullivan, Roger & Company, LLC: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to City's Management Letter, comments and recommendations by the City's Auditors, Sullivan, Rogers & Company, LLC and responses from management: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative Risk Assessment and Management Letter: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to information on the administrative fees paid from City's Health Insurance Trust Fund that was started in fiscal 2004: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Worcester Retirement System (WRS) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to the Actuarial Valuation and Review as of January 1, 2008 for the Worcester Retirement System: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting report on the amount of inequity that the Worcester Retirement System has experienced as a result of the calculation that is used to determine amounts paid by one Massachusetts retirement system to another when employees transfer and eventually retire: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting City's Management Letter for the year ended June 30, 2008 with comments and recommendations by the City's auditors Sullivan, Rogers & Company, LLC and the responses from management: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting update of the estimated fiscal 2010 Retirement Assessment: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting Worcester's DCU Center Funds Arena Component and Convention Center Component reports including the financial statements with supplemental schedules for the years ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 plus the independent auditors' report: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to Reports on Federal Award Programs - City's Single Audit - for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2008: recommend Communication be placed on file