CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:02 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:24 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 September 27, 2016.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident
2. John Provost, Worcester resident

Hearing: EVERSOURCE for gas main location at: OAK HILL RD. Granting permission to EVERSOURCE for gas main location at: OAK HILL RD.

Robert Branca, Jr., Manager Branded Realty Group LLC request to extend the HDIP tax increment financing relief previously granted to encompass the entire parcel at 80-100 Wall St. and 38 Norfolk St. in connection with the acquisition of vacant land surrounding the 100 Wall St. parcel and the multi unit residential market rate housing development previously approved by the Council, in connection with the expansion, added number of units and re-design of the project, and to extend the date of the commencement of the real estate tax relief to November 1, 2018 in light of additional work required to redesign and complete the project.

Robert Branca, Jr., Manager Branded Realty Group LLC request to extend the RG-5 Zoning District to encompass the entire parcel at 80-100 Wall St. and 38 Norfolk St.

Craig Blais, President of New Garden Park, Inc. request the discontinuance and removal of a portion of the area known as Goddard St. as described as a private way from the Official Map.

Craig Blais, President of New Garden Park Inc. request to discontinue and removal a potion of the area known as Pond St. from the Official Map.

Katherine Lindley request sidewalk repair or replacement on the odd numbered side of Andover St.

Wayne LeBlanc, Attorney on behalf of Robert, Donna and Brian Maki request abatement of street betterment assessment #25273 in the amount of $3,358.73 for Bullard Ave. in the name of Michael Revelli III.

Lawrence Abramoff request repair of asphalt sidewalk and driveway entrance to 335 Chandler St. south side.

Maria Castillo request to make South St. one way.

Alexander Abban-Essuman request to remove the handicap parking in front of 27 Parker St.

Richard Freeman request removal of two handicap parking signs in front of 6 Judson Rd.

Hardatt Prashad request parking meters at 687 Main St. be removed and 15 minute parking be installed for the three small businesses located at that address.

George Brown request installation of a handicap parking space across from 26 Benefit St.

Kenneth Roy request traffic signal be installed at the crosswalk at 1290 Pleasant St.

Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Glenn Trombly request installation of a 2.5 ton weight limit restriction for trucks on Victor Ave.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Phylis Gurski request installation of a bus stop on the Vernon St. side of the Vernon Medical Center, located at 10 Winthrop St.

NATIONAL GRID for conduit location at: HOUGHTON ST

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: SALISBURY ST.

Jo Hart requests the City work with the WRTA to display or to hand out, at least at the hub, both old and new schedules on the day the WRTA rolls out it's new schedules but does not roll out the buses on those new routes.

Jo Hart requests the City work with the WRTA immediately to issue printed lists of all bus-stop signs currently in position, which bus stops have been eliminated, which bus stops have been relocated, and which signs have been knocked down and should be replaced.

Jo Hart request City works with the WRTA and the Police Chief and Department of Public Works to issue printed directives of advance plans for routes/schedules for buses that must be rerouted because of planned events in the city. Further, request that WRTA be notified immediately of any emergency or construction/paving events that cause buses to be rerouted and that WRTA send a representative to notify passengers at that site, especially at a major locations like St. Vincent's and/or post signs at the affected stops notifying passengers of the rerouting.

Jo Hart request the City request the WRTA to change it's hit or miss system so all buses will operate one route only, not to change routes with no notification, and in fairness since some routes are interlined and some are not. The changeover at the new hub has never indicated which bus you might happen to be on. The small flickering signage is rarely complete or correct.

Jo Hart request City work with the WRTA to clarify how and why the late-night route of #19 got changed late May/early June with no notice at all and in-between WRTA's usual changes (the phone zap info did not change with the route) and to now change it to travel out and back on Main St. instead of Stafford St. and to make the route clear on schedules.

Transmitting informational communication relative to City’s retiree health plans and associated open enrollment period for Medicare-eligible retirees for the 2017 plan year.

Transmitting informational communication relative to linking sewer tie cards to the Geographical Information System (GIS).

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Cherry Valley and Rochdale Water District (CVR).

Recommend approval of a public solicitation bid for a six (6) year maintenance contract for the Green Hill Municipal Golf Course.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the renovation and relocation of the Vietnam Veterans and EX-POW Memorials.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a breakdown of the groups that receive and the usage of funds from the Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative Grant.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Dehydration Facility in Grafton.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a report of the 2016 Worcester Recreation Program.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thirty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($235,000.00) be transferred from Account #04C750, Citysquare Delegated, to Account #04C751, Citysquare Direct. These funds will be used for payment for the construction management company administering the construction of the underground parking garage in Citysquare.

Recommend that Four Hundred Ninety Seven Thousand One Hundred Sixty Six Dollars And Eighty Eight Cents ($497,166.88) be transferred from various Loan and Project Accounts, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C722, RECC Center, to allow for the payment of all current costs associated with the newly constructed Regional Emergency Command Center.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, INC. (M.I.A.A.) in the amount of Four Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($400.00) for Rockwood Field.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation from Park Spirit of Worcester in the amount of Three Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($300.00) for the Summer Recreation Program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file and accept a Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and Department of Fire Services FY2017 Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE Grant of up up to Twelve Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($12,800.00).

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($500.00) from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation from M.I.A.A. in the amount of One Thousand Four Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($1,400.00) for Tivnan Field.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation from the Paul N. Johnson, Sr., Babe Ruth League in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($500.00) for Tivnan Field.

Recommend that Two Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($270,000.00) be transferred from Account #14S13724, Neighborhood Public Works, and be appropriated to Account #14S40542, Worcester Senior Center, to provide funding of an expansion of an existing scope of work involving the rehabilitation of the Worcester Senior Center.

Transmitting informational communication regarding Loan Order Account number changes to change the account numbers associated with loan orders previously ordained by the City Council on June 21, 2016 and June 28, 2016.

Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($100,000.00) be transferred from the Emergency Communications Department FY2017 Regular Salaries Account #270-91000, to the FY2017 Ordinary Maintenance Account #270-92000.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the quarterly update of the activities of the regional tourism council – Discover Central Massachusetts.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 2016 Fall Fest on the Common, October 29th from 12pm - 3pm.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS - Request City Clerk work with Technical Services to determine if it is feasible to amend the Calendar Program so public speaking rules can be added to the City Council agenda.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Traffic Engineer provide the Committee on Traffic and Parking with a recommendation for a handicap parking space in Rugby St. to accommodate the request of Noelle Dowd.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Traffic Engineer provide a list of short term recommendations for improvements to Mill St. in the vicinity of Coes Pond Beach so the Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking can discuss them at a public meeting to be held in February 2017.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager contact Worcester State University and inquire as to where they are in the process for developing a Parking Plan for the Chandler St./May St. area.

Request Standing Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation invite representatives of Regatta Point Community Sailing to an upcoming meeting to discuss what steps this non-profit, charitable organization that teaches responsible boating and promotes environmental awareness needs to take to establish a satellite site at the John Binienda Memorial Beach at Coes Pond and the nearby Coes Knife Park, Playground and Tavern facility. (Rosen)

Request City Manager consider raising the fines for violating pedestrian right of way in crosswalks and report what is the process needed to implement the increase. (Toomey)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the City's efforts to maintain, landscape and beautify, throughout the year, city-owned properties, especially median strips, islands, and the grounds of our buildings. To residents and visitors of Worcester, the state of these properties surely is one highly-visible indicator of how important the city's reputation and image are to its leaders. (Rosen)

Request City Manager submit a listing of all home businesses in the city and report on the city's method of obtaining permission for a home business and the method of compliance with the requirements of operating a home business. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report the technology available to the City regarding GPS tracking and reporting systems used by the general public and truck drivers to obtain information regarding the quickest and shortest routes in the city and under bridges so as to provide safe and regulated use of appropriate traffic patterns through neighborhoods and throughout the city. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report on whether all monies solicited from the public and contributed on behalf of the POW WOW project have been distributed and paid pursuant to solicitation promises. (Lukes)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks create a master plan for Roberto Clemente Field and adjoining land. (Economou)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks look at whether it's feasible to water the grass at some of our bigger ball fields by well in an effort to continue to maintain the fields and reduce our dependence of the public water drinking supply. (Economou)

Transmitting the Independent Auditor's Report on financial statements and supplementary information for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Revisions to the Proposed Rules Recodification: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the Proposed Recodification of the Rules of the City Council: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion about the relationship among city clerk, city council and city manager as it relates to the authority to appoint Assistant City Clerks: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Pending Board and Commission Vacancies: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to regional purchasing through Municipalities Organized for Regional Effectiveness (MORE): recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to a Proposed Amendment to Rule 60o of the City Council's Charter as requested by City Council: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Michael Gaffney - Request the Standing Committee on Rules and Legislative Affairs consider the amendments to the proposed Rules of City Council as enclosed: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Michael Gaffney - Request the Standing Committee on Rules & Legislative Affairs submit a list of all Rules of City Council that are being recommended for elimination: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Sarai Rivera and Councilor Tony Economou - Request City Council amend the the Rules of the City Council to require all Regular, Special and Emergency meetings of the City Council and its Standing, Ad-Hoc and Joint Committees be videotaped regardless of the location in which they are conducted in order to provide more complete community access: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Council consider amending Council Rules to allow a joint committee to act as an Ad Hoc committee for the purpose of hearing and voting on joint referrals with each committee member casting a single vote for each jointly referred agenda item, rather than casting a vote for each jointly referred item as a member of each separate standing committee: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Michael J. Germain - Request City Council amend the wording in the proposed rule change to add that a Councilor should approach and inform the chair that prior to the item being taken up that he or she intends to make a motion to hold under privilege so that they be recognized first: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order Councilor Joffrey Smith - Request the Standing Committee on Rules and Legislative Affairs consider requesting the administration draft a home rule petition requiring a 2/3 roll call vote to overturn a successful hold under privilege: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of David J. Rushford, City Clerk transmitting to City Council the Rules of City Council for 2014-2015 term: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of David J. Rushford, City Clerk, transmitting communication from Jonathan Sclarsic, Assistant Attorney General, concerning Open Meeting Law Complaint from Councilor Konstatina B. Lukes: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of David J. Rushford, City Clerk transmitting communication of Jonathan Sclarsic, Assistant Attorney General, concerning Open Meeting Law complaints filed with the City Clerk in the Summer of 2012: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Chairman's Order from Committee on Public Works - Request the City Council of the City of Worcester name the plaza at the rear of City Hall in honor of former President John F. Kennedy and that the City Manager is requested to arrange for the annual presentation of a Jacob Hiatt Award that recognizes a local resident for public service contribution, and further request that the City Council's Standing Committee on Rules and Legislative Affairs be requested to establish parameters for presenting the award annually on the plaza during the Month of May, the month of the former president's birth: recommend Chairman's Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Resolution of Mayor Joseph C. O'Brien and Councilor Barbara G. Haller - That The City Council of the City of Worcester gives notice to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to manufacturers and distributors of products and packaging sold in our jurisdiction, that it supports the transfer of responsibility for the costs of managing discarded products to producers (brand owners and first importers), under oversight of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection; and further, the city of Worcester urges the Massachusetts legislature to enact EPR legislation for discarded electronic waste this year, and Further, the city of Worcester urges the Massachusetts legislature to enact comprehensive EPR legislation based on the Framework Principles for Product Stewardship Policy; and Further, the city of Worcester will work with the Massachusetts Product Stewardship Council and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to enact EPR legislation and regulation: recommend Resolution be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kimberly Shea request installation of a handicap parking space in Wachusett St. at a point 20' south of Dix St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Debra Karasek request the handicap parking space in front of 249 Shrewsbury St. be removed: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Pauline Desrosiers request removal of the handicap parking space at the corner of Camp St. and Cambridge St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Leon Shaw request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 3 Perry Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Richard Polek request cars be allowed to park on the left hand side of Richland St. after 2:30 PM: recommend passage of the two accompanying proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ralph Santoro request resident permit parking be installed on both sides of the entire of length of Rena St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lynn Leslie request a "Stop" sign be installed at the intersection of Sunderland Rd. and Short St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Joseph Thorin request installation of a four-way stop sign at Canterbury and Gardner Sts.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Patricia Finnegan Gates, Esq. on behalf of Worcester Trumbull Street LLC request removal of three (3) parking meters located at or about 125 Front St. near the intersection with Trumbull St., adjacent to the AC Hotel being constructed by the Petitioner, and further, requests that the hotel drop off zone be located in place of the three (3) removed parking meters: 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 Jonathan Church, Administrator of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, request installation of a bus stop, inbound, on the north side of Franklin St., 31' east from the eastern edge of the crosswalk at the intersection of Franklin St. and Harding St., across from light pole #29: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jonathan Church, Administrator of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, request installation of a bus stop, outbound, on the west side of Tobias Bolland Way, 20' north of telephone pole #7: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kimberly Shea request removal of handicap parking space on the Dix St. side of 6 Wachusett St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lucinda Larochelle request blinking yellow crossing light at crosswalk on Main St. by Great Pond Rd: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install pedestrian crossing signage on both sides of crosswalk on Main St. at Great Post Rd.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou request installation of crosswalk lights in Salisbury St. and Monadnock Rd., in the interest of public safety: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install pedestrian crossing signage on both sides of crosswalks.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Stephanie Brennan request speed enforcement in the vicinity of 509 Salisbury St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Noelle Dowd request installation of a handicap parking space on the easterly side of Rugby St. at the raised paved area opposite the apartment building at 3 to 5 Rugby St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jacob Santiago request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 19 Seymour St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Carmen Perez request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 94 Granite St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Rogelio Olmeda request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 25 Paine St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kimberly and Gentian Cake request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 136 Maywood St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lucinda Larochelle request blinking yellow crossing light at crosswalk on Pleasant St. at crosswalk near Prouty Lane: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Philip Massad request No Parking signs be installed at the corner of Grand St. and Illinois St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Robert Keller request No Parking signs be installed in Fiske St at corners with Chandler St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Bonnie Gibbs, Director of Resident Services Autumn Woods request replacement of No Parking Anytime signs along both sides of Upland Gardens Drive: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Michele Bouffard et al request to make Acton St. one way from Houghton St. to Grafton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of David Becker request a four-way Stop be installed at the intersection of Acton and Houghton Sts.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 - Occupational Group V - Election Officers.

Amending the Salary Ordinance relative to the Salary of the City Manager.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of an Order to accept a public art easement from 252-280 Main Street Nominee Trust. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes October 4, 2016)

ORDER - Granting permission to EVERSOURCE for a gas main location at: WESTBOROUGH ST. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 27, 2016 and October 4, 2016)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the number of properties in areas surrounding Holy Cross, Clark University, Becker College and WPI that are listed as having true four-bedroom units. (Tabled - Bergman August 19, 2014)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Brittan Square Parking Lot. (Tabled - Palmieri January 7, 2015 and January 13, 2015)

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager provide information from the City Solicitor as to what steps are available to enforce breaches of the Services Agreement with Laz Parking Limited, LLC in regards to City owned parking garages, specifically the Federal Plaza Parking Garage. (Tabled - Petty January 7, 2015, Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 13, 2015 and Tabled - Bergman January 20, 2015)

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Tony Economou and Councilor George J. Russell - Request City Manager provide information from the City Assessor, Chief Financial Officer and City Solicitor as to the assessed real property values of all City owned parking garages, the amount of debt, if any, the anticipated repairs and/or capital improvements costs for fiscal year(s) 2015/2016 and the existing lease commitments/terms for spaces in these garages. (Tabled - Petty January 7, 2015, Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 13, 2015 and Tabled - Bergman January 20, 2015)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Order of Councilor Michael T. Gaffney request City Manager consider amending the Five Point Financial Plan to require that any increases in local aid received from the Commonwealth be assigned to the Other Post Employment Benefit Trust Fund: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled - Gaffney June 16, 2015)

ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen and Councilor Philip P. Palmieri - Request City Manager inform City Council as to whether he and other representatives from the city intend to meet with the owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox to see if they have any interest in relocating to Worcester. (Tabled - Gaffney September 29, 2015)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication on a quarterly update relative to the City of Worcester’s plan to implement improved strategies and policies that better serve and represent our diverse community. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes January 26, 2016 and Tabled - Petty February 2, 2016)

PETITION of Denise Healey request removal of granite borders placed by the City onto private properties on Plantation St., and placed instead in a City park. (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016)

PETITION of Denise Healey request removal of large planters clumped together on Plantation St. (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016)

PETITION of Denise Healey request the targeted second "makeover" of Shrewsbury St. be placed on hold until other city streets have had their first "makeover". (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a list of the non-profit agencies who keep their properties on the tax rolls. (Tabled - Gaffney May 24, 2016)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report listing properties that have been converted from commercial or industrial to residential. (Tabled - Gaffney May 24, 2016)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting communication responding to City Council inquiry requesting City Manager submit an estimated assessor's recap comparing the proposed FY 17 tax levy with the current real estate assessments and the FY 16 assessed values. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes June 14, 2016 and June 21, 2016 and Tabled - Lukes July 19, 2016)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to legislation to regulate and restrict non-profit organizations in residentially zoned districts. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman September 20, 2016 and September 27, 2016 and Tabled - Bergman October 4, 2016)

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager request the Board of Election Commissioners provide City Council with a report regarding the success of the Early Voting Program for the November 2016 election within 30 days after the election. - Item #14a Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report explaining the linking of tie cards to GIS. - Item #14b Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager provide City Council with a breakdown of the groups that receive and use funds from the 2017 Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative Grant. - Item #14c Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report from the Health Department regarding the future Creeper Hill Rd. Dehydration Facility in Grafton and whether or not any air contaminants, smoke and/or odors generated could have an adverse effect to the abutting residential neighborhoods of this facility. - Item #14d Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to what legal options the city has regarding the granting of permission to utility companies for running gas lines through City streets without charge. - Item #14e Order adopted

Motion Russell @ #7p CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the location of National Grid’s conduit work on Houghton St. is on public or private property and if the private property owner was paid for the work done by National Grid on their land.

Motion Bergman @ #8.8A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a copy of last year’s maintenance contract for the Green Hill Municipal Golf Course.

Motion Bergman @ #10c CC – Request City Manager identify major green space and median locations where people enter the City that have lost sponsorships and further, request City Manager plan out ways to better maintain those areas moving forward, including budgeting and brining in third parties.

Motion Rosen - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning implementing the City’s first two official dog parks, which would begin operations by Memorial Day in May of 2017. The first dog park would be located at Beaver Brook Park, which would be broken up into two sections based on dog size and the second dog park would be located at either the Tacoma Street Playground or Roberto Clemente Field. Further, request City Manager recommend to City Council locations and construction time lines for three more dog parks with openings in 2018 or 2019.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council does hereby recognize Robin Currie for her efforts to provide information and raise awareness concerning human trafficking during a 500 mile walk from Portland, ME to Washington, DC.

Motion Economou – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager reclassify the school area of Tacoma St. as a School Zone with appropriate signage.

Motion Economou – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council does hereby recognize the Quality of Life Task Force for the work they do concerning the homeless population in the City.