CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:02 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:02 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council meeting of January 28, 2014.

Hearing: TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS AMERICA, LLC for conduit locations: HIGHLAND ST. & BELMONT ST. Granting permission to TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS AMERICA, LLC for conduit locations: HIGHLAND ST. & BELMONT ST.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers: 1. Scott Ricker, Worcester resident 2. Ed Moynihan, Worcester resident 3. William Breault, Worcester resident 4. Maureen Dunker, no residencen given 5. Colin Novick, Worcester resident 6. Jo Hart, Worcester resident 7. Gail Owen, Worcester resident

Councilor Sarai Rivera request the street lights in Canterbury St from the intersection of Gardner Street to Hammond Street be repaired.

Norman Guertin et al request the sidewalk on the Fay St. side of 281 Grafton St. be repaired.

Norman Guertin et al request Fay St. be repaved.

Camille Nasrah request street repair in the vicinity of 285-335 Plantation St.

Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Kevin Chosta request speeding enforcement in Parkton Avenue at Grove Street and a 3-year history of accidents at the corner of Grove Street and Parkton Avenue.

Joseph Gallati request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 17-19 Shelby St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager consider assigning the outreach position being created to deal with the issues of prostitution, to work with the public health structure of the administration rather than with the economic development hierarchy.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager consider requesting the Worcester County Sheriff to assist the City of Worcester with identifying solutions to the problems associated with domestic animals defecating in public areas including the creation of appropriate signage.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide the City Council with a report determining whether or not a municipality may install handicapped parking zones with time limits.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Mayor request the Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools consider assigning a crossing guard to the intersection of Hadwen Road and South Flagg Street.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Chief Police install speeding surveillance in Jones Street.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install a “Do Not Block Ramp” sign in the north side of Foster Street near the intersection with Major Taylor Boulevard.

Request City Manager provide the City Council with the most recent report by the Infant Mortality Task Force including recommendations for the reduction of Worcester’s infant mortality rate. (Lukes)

Request City Manager ensure the Standing Committee on Municipal Operations' meetings held outside of City Hall be broadcast on the Government Channel and the city website. (Russell)

Request City Council take off the Table the item amending the Mayor’s Salary. (Gaffney)

Request City Manager bring sufficient and appropriate resources to remove and/or improve the name plates on the Soldier's and Sailor’s Memorial located on the northeast corner of the Common so that all the names are again clearly visible and readable. Further, request that the repairs be completed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the conclusion of the Civil War, April 9, 2015 and for an appropriate rededication of the memorial. (Economou, Palmieri)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to make permanent sidewalk repairs in those locations where city shade trees have been removed and the sidewalk patched temporarily by the DCR. (Economou)

Request City Council review and consider the transparent and participatory school superintendent selection process commencing February, 2008 as a model for the process of the selection of a new City Manager as detailed in the attached School Committee meeting records. (Lukes)

Request City Council request the Purchasing Agent prepare documents for an RFP for a professional search firm for the selection of the next City Manager (Lukes)

Request City Council take a vote after responses to the RFP are submitted for a professional City Manager search firm approving the selection of a search firm. (Lukes)

Request City Council to request a representative of the selected professional search firm to be present at any and all community meetings regarding the selection of a new City Manager to consider such issues but not limited to the type of search and the qualifications of a city manager based upon the city's needs. (Lukes)

Request the Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking review the issue of access to the property located at 180 South Flagg owned by the Greater Worcester Land Trust in the event that resident permit parking is voted in the area. (Lukes)

Request the City Manager request the City Solicitor identify whether or not any specific penalty currently exists for those committing graffiti crimes under the City of Worcester Ordinances, and, whether or not a city ordinance can be drafted that would include as penalties: restitution or community service and the loss of driving license privileges if restitution/community service does not occur. (Bergman)

Request the City Manager provide the City Council with information as to what, if any, procedures are in place for local colleges/universities to notify the city when their enrollments and/or on campus housing is/are expected to significantly increase. (Bergman)

Request the City Manager request the City Solicitor provide the City Council with an opinion as to the enforcement of the definition of “Lodging House” under the City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance after the court decision of the City of Worcester v. College Hill Properties, LLC (2013). (Bergman)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the Department of Public Works and Parks response to the October 2013 Worcester Bicycle Work Group recommendations/report regarding proposed bike lanes. (Bergman)

Request City Manager update City Council concerning the current Triage Center on Queen Street that includes the following: demographics, statistics of how many are being rehoused, what type of case management services are provided, what are the basics of how someone gets triaged? (Rivera)

Request City Manager update City Council concerning the progress concerning the development of some soccer fields within this upcoming year. (Rivera)

Request City Manager clarify for the City Council if, and/or why any waterfront properties within the city have been given an additional assessment thereby increasing the owners' tax obligation. (Rosen)

Request City Manager develop an amendment to the City of Worcester ordinances disallowing dumpsters from being placed in the front yard of a residential building in all zones. (Rivera)

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Maureen Froggatt request Willow St. be made public.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Goldie Goros et al request Barrett Ave. be converted to a public street.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou request Westinghouse Parkway be converted to a public street.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Petition of Claire Lawrence request to install in Vincent Circle three (3) signs requesting dog walkers to pick up waste: recommend Petition be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Goods for Guns 2013 program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Mass in Motion Healthy Markets Initiative: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Regulation Changes to the Disposal of Sharps: recommend Communication be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Phyllis Bilazarian request to install Resident Sticker Parking in South Flagg St. from the corner of Hadwen Rd. to Claridge Dr.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to provide resident permit parking on South Flagg Street both sides from Hadwen Road to Claridge Drive, Mondays through Fridays 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Spiro Lamce request installation of handicap parking space in front of 54 Townsend St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Donna Ceccarini request handicap parking space in front of 16 Gage St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to install one HP space across from 16 Gage Street.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Todd Holland request installation of handicap parking space across the street from 34 Fraternal Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to install one HP space in front of 21 Fraternal Avenue.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kristaq Tiko request installation of handicap parking space in front of 16 Dale St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to install one HP space across from 16 Dale Street.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Orlando Lopez request installation of handicap parking space in front of 48 Windham St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nana Obiri-Yeboah request the handicap parking space in front of 131 Maywood St. be removed: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Elsa Wheelock request relocation of handicap parking space to directly across from 20 Kosta St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to relocate existing HP space in Kosta Street to in front of 19 Kosta Street.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Margaret Paradis request installation of handicap parking space across from 54 Sever St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Karen Sargent et al on behalf of the Worcester Friends Meeting (Quakers) House request a crosswalk be painted across Pleasant Street at the east side of the intersection with Kenilworth Road: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks cause to be repainted the crosswalk in Chandler Street opposite Chandler Elementary School: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor William J. Eddy on behalf of Tatnuck Magnet School request installation of new crosswalks and handicap ramps at Copperfield Rd. and Pomona Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor William J. Eddy on behalf of Tatnuck Magnet School request installation of new crosswalks and handicap ramps at Copperfield Rd. and Pleasant St.: recommend approval of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor William J. Eddy request installation of a crosswalk sign at Pleasant St. and Moore Ave.: recommend approval of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request crosswalk stings in all crosswalks within Washington Square: recommend approval of the accompanying Order to request City Manager request the Chief of Police to conduct crosswalk safety surveillance in the Washington Square roundabout.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Sandy Meltzer request installation of a crosswalk at Audubon Rd. and Richmond Ave.: recommend approval of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Stephen O'Neil, Administrator WRTA request installation of a bus stop on the north side of Front St., between Church St. and Main St., preferably in the area proximate to City Hall: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Steven Green request installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacon pedestrian actuated traffic signal on High Street at the entrance to the Denholm's Building to enhance pedestrian safety issues at the location: recommend approval of the accompanying Order requesting and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks install, subject to funding, a rectangular rapid flashing beacons at the pedestrian crosswalk on High St. at the entrance to the Denholm building.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jayna Turchek, Director of Human Rights & Disabilities, request passenger zone on the north side of Foster St. in the immediate area of the DCU main entrance: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order and passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Eileen Ballard request installation of handicap parking space in front of 3 Cottage St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Carlos Mercado request handicap parking space be installed in front of 38 Shelby St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Drexler Asassy request to install a yellow flashing light on May St. between Worcester State University and Temple Emanuel in the vicinity of the crosswalk to aid pedestrians: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Frances Grigas request the missing 20 mph sign in front of 116 Commonwealth Ave. be replaced with a blinking speed limit sign: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Kathleen Powers request the installation of 20 MPH signs in Jones St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request that substantial directional signage be installed in Main St. near the intersection with Goddard Memorial Drive informing motorists that they need to turn off Main St. uphill to Worcester Regional Airport: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri request installation of a some type of parking zone in front of 657 Main St. to allow a bus to drop off or pick up disabled students safely: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sherrie Urena request solutions to the congested parking on Endicott St. from Vernon St. to #133 Endicott St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of William Metterville request to rescind the "Right Lane Must Turn Right" in May St. at Park Avenue heading east: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Michael Dodds request installation of crosswalk at 69 Grove St. in front of Veterans Inc.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw without prejudice.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking - Upon the Petition of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri request the installation of a crosswalk in front of the Grove Street veterans’ facility: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw without prejudice.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Christopher Doyle request the Winter Parking Ban in Copperfield Rd, east side, from #138 to Seconset St., be removed to allow resident on-street parking: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Marie DiCardy request parking meters in Chestnut St. between Chatham and High Sts. be removed: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kevin Curtis request removal of new parking meters directly in front of and across from 61 Chandler St.: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Deborah Chad request installation of a crosswalk in Millbury St. at the main entrance to the Quinsigamond School: recommend Petition be denied.

RESOLUTION of Mayor Joseph C. O'Brien - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby goes on record in support of the Administration’s efforts to negotiate the maximum hiring of local residents in Tax Increment Financing agreements and other tools used to attract business and to expand our tax base. (Tabled - O'Brien September 13, 2011)

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting communication expanding upon the newspaper article regarding the human error factor which occurred in the city's recount. (Tabled - Lukes February 7, 2012)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Order of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Council support more diverse new housing development with an emphasis on market-rate housing with a maximum of 10% affordable units if there are going to any units available for development in the downtown Worcester area: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled - Lukes May 1, 2012)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Out of State Residents Working on Local Projects and Not Meeting the State's Health Care Mandates. (Tabled Under Privilege - O'Brien August 14, 2012) (Tabled - Lukes September 4, 2012)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilor Joseph C. O'Brien - Request City Council amend the Salary Ordinance of the Mayor to be equal to twice the salary of a City Councilor effective January 1, 2016: recommend adoption of the accompanying new Order that the salary of the Mayor be a yearly flat rate of $43,500, effective January 2, 2016. (Tabled - Germain December 10, 2013)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to parking meters at Rockwood Field. (Tabled Under Privilege - Eddy December 10, 2013 and Tabled December 17, 2013)

Motion Petty @ #8e CC – Request City Manager have the Stop Sign in Parkton Ave. at Grove St. relocated for better visibility.

Motion Toomey @ #8b CC – Request City Manager consult with the Superintendent of Public Schools to request assistance for video recording community meetings concerning the search for new City Manager. Councilor Rosen moved to amend to include WCCA for assistance.

Motion Petty @ #10f – 10i CC – Request the Standing Committee on Municipal Operations develop a timeline for the process for searching for a new City Manager.

Motion Toomey @ #10n CC – Request the Standing Committees of Public Works and Traffic & Parking meet jointly with Walk Bike Worcester to discuss progress.

Motion Palmieri @ #10k CC – Request City Manager request the appropriate staff email City Council court dates when someone is appearing in court for violating the graffiti ordinance.

Motion Economou – Suspension of Rules- Request City Manager notify Mass DOT or the appropriate party to have the stairway from Indian Hill Rd. to Frontage Rd. shoveled as well as the sidewalks along Frontage Rd. to Shore Dr. Further, request City Manager have the appropriate city staff remove the graffiti in the same area.

Motion Palmieri – Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager request Technical Services send an email blast notification of the upcoming community meetings for the Standing Committee on Municipal Operations to encourage participation relative to the search of a new City Manager.