CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:11 P.M.

Recessed to Finance: 8:13 P.M.
Reconvened to Open Session: 9:25 P.M.
Adjourned: 9:35 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 introduced 10 medical professionals from the Far East of Russia. They are physicians, government health officials, and non-profit leaders participating in a 3-week professional exchange program funded by USAID in Washington DC, and organized by the International Center of Worcester.

Mayor O'Brien introduced Robert Green, the new Head Pro of the Worcester Tennis Club

Elizabeth Early, Executive Secretary for the Worcester Retirement Board, transmitting notification that the Worcester Retirement Board will consider granting Cost of Living increases to all eligible retirees at a Board meeting on June 17, 2010.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to water and sewer rate increases for Fiscal Year 2011: recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed Ordinances

Order Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for a pole location in: KENILWORTH RD (Tabled - Eddy October 20, 2009)

Communication of the City Auditor transmitting Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, Compliance and Federal Awards Programs prepared by Sullivan, Rogers & Company, LLC for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. (Tabled - Haller March 23, 2010)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of Jonathan Koop, President of S & K Valet, in the interest of public safety, request the installation of passenger zones for drop-off and pick-up of passengers at the following business locations from 5pm-2am: in Commercial St. in front of One Exchange Place, in front of 166 Shrewsbury St., in front of 82 Winter St., and in front of 50 Front St. and the recommendation to adopt the accompanying four (4) Orders. (Tabled - Petty April 27, 2010)

COMMUNICATION - Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the transfer of the Worcester Regional Airport.

COMMUNICATION - Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to City Council Questions regarding the Fiscal Year 2011 recommended Budget.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request the Finance Committee meetings be scheduled for June 1st at 7:00 PM to consider Sections 1 through 9 and June 8th at 7:00 PM to consider Sections 10-16 of the FY2011 Budget (Lukes)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report the amount of funds required in the FY 2011 budget to restore the Public Library to the FY 2010 service levels. (Smith)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager continue the efforts to obtain PILOT funds from Clark University and Holy Cross College for Worcester Public Library services. (Clancy)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request report what the line in the budget for the library would look like without the $250,000 PILOT funds. (Haller)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Parks to provide City Council with the amount that is needed to clear up the backlog of ADA related needs (O'Brien)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report where the $1million appropriation from last year for the Emergency Stabilization fund has been dispersed in this years' budget; listing by a dollar amount and position, further report on the funding of the Economic Development Department two new employees (Rushton)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report to City Council the post-retirement unfunded liability (Lukes)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report the $1.5 million reduction in trust funds. (Rushton)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report the effectiveness and cost savings of the third party vendor used for Workers Compensation. (Rushton)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report the highest recycling rate that the city has realized over time (Haller)

PETITION - Councilor Frederick C. Rushton on behalf of Bob Bartlett request sidewalk repair in front of 19, 21, 25 and 27 Franconia St.

PETITION - Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request Sachem Ave. be repaved