CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:02 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:17 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring Saturday, December 10, 2016 as Worcester Human Rights Day, 2016 in the City of Worcester. The Proclamation was presented to Lillian Chukwurah of the Human Rights Commission.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 22, 2016.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident
2. Jeff Berthiaume, Worcester resident
3. David Soares. Worcester resident
4. Nino Giamei, Worcester resident
5. Cheryl Berthiaume, Worcester resident
6. Monsignor Stephen Pedone, Worcester resident
7. Albert Cecchini, Holden resident
8. Father Richard Reidy, Worcester resident
9. Evan Corrigan, Worcester resident
10. Deborah Tao, Worcester resident
11. Terri Kelly, Worcester resident

ELECTION - John A. Carnegie and Robert W. Sorrenti, MD were elected to fill the two vacancies for terms ending on December 31, 2022.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID AND VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: FERNSIDE RD. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID AND VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: FERNSIDE RD.

Laurian Banciulescu of Hilltop Group Holdings request Denmark St. be made public.

Simone O'Dell (Fleming) request abatement of street betterment assessment #25386 in the amount of $8,940.40 for Stearns St.

Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Paul Weinheimer request sidewalk repair at 1199 Main St. (in front of Goddard House) and both 59 and 65 Stafford St.

Kathleen Kanaracus request sidewalk repair starting from the corner of Richmond Ave. and Pleasant St. and ending at the property of 821 Pleasant St., including the sidewalk in front of 821 Pleasant St.'s driveway.

Edward Simsarian request installation of "No Parking Anytime" on the north side of Highland St. between Germain St. and Haviland St.

Ilias Vasiliadis request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 25 Wyman St.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Joseph O'Brien request removal of a handicap parking space across from 16 Oread Place.

Councilor Gary Rosen request steps be taken to increase the safety of pedestrians who, at their peril, use the crosswalk on Pleasant St. in front of the Shaarai Torah West synagogue. Among such steps might be the installation of signage warning motorists in both directions that they are approaching a crosswalk.

NATIONAL GRID & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole on IROQUOIS ST./QUISSETT ST.

Jo Hart request City of Worcester work with the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) to put on hold its original Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan, already approved by the State, so that more public meetings can be held, with a change of focus from those original parcels selected for developers, to a more fair solution using City Hall as the center for a true "downtown" physical area and for the City to assist owners of buildings in need of help without using the State or eminent domain.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the response of property owners to the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan, including information regarding how many people have been contacted.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a copy of the Massachusetts House of Representatives’ Economic Development Bond Bill, in an effort to identify any funds available to the City.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Auditor provide City Council with an update regarding the city’s stock market investments.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager encourage the City Treasurer to promote thru the city’s web site, tax bills, etc. the exemptions that are available to property owners who have made home improvements for accommodating senior citizens.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager make recommendations that would holistically improve existing regulations to include the trending use of tiny houses, granny pods and home medical pods

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager review the existing fines regarding cars parking of sidewalks and further request public safety officials to be more mindful of this violation and provide enforcement.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request the WRTA (Worcester Regional Transit Authority) regularly contact the police department to discuss upcoming events in the city so the WRTA can be prepared as well as the feasibility of posting these events on their buses for commuters.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with an update concerning the timeline for initiating the Mounted Police Unit.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief create a plan to increase community involvement and encourage residents to come forward with neighborhood issues, including the recent car break-ins in the Burncoat Street and Grafton Street areas.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief arrange a community meeting once per year in each sector of the City, which could be combined with a Standing Committee on Public Safety meeting.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief increase foot patrols in all neighborhoods of the City when staffing levels are higher, including those neighborhoods that do not typically see high crime rates.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a copy of the materials given to residents during Neighborhood Meetings, such as maps and phone numbers, in .jpeg or PDF format for distribution on social media.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with the links of the Emergency Communications Department’s social media websites, as a means to share this information with the residents of the City.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with the number of calls the emergency center received during the recent flooding on October 21, 2016.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the process the Emergency Communications Department follows when an emergency call comes into the office, as well as how calls are prioritized.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager send information concerning enrolling in the City’s AlertWorcester Notification System through the Water and Sewer Bills, as well as through the School Department’s student newsletters.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a traffic study of the railroad bridge on Southbridge St. near Jackson St., in an effort to help determine if a street light should be installed in the area.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with crime statistics of the area under the railroad bridge on Southbridge St. near Jackson St. over the last five years, in an effort to help determine if a street light should be installed in the area.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - That the City Council does hereby support the Worcester Police Department’s Mounted Police Unit (MPU).

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - That City Council does hereby recognize the Off-Highway Vehicle Task Force for their successes in curbing the problems caused by off-highway vehicles during the Summer of 2016 and beyond.

Request City Manager work with the City Solicitor to provide City Council with all possible options for managing the legal distribution, sale, and siting of recreational marijuana in Worcester. (Petty, Rosen, King, Lukes, Rivera, Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the city can prohibit the sale of recreational marijuana in the city. (Lukes)

Request City Manager make a recommendation to City Council that finally will address the problem of litter in our neighborhoods caused by recyclables being blown by winds out of open recycling bins. (Rosen)

Request City Manager use new and innovative pedestrian safety technologies at Newton Square to calm traffic and to communicate the message to drivers that they must slow down, pay attention and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Such safety measures might include crosswalks painted with subdued colors, the installation of crosswalk warning lights, flashing beacons, and flashing LED signs. (Rosen, Economou)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a copy of the Fitch bond rating upgrade. (Lukes, Economou, Gaffney)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what impact, if any, the following had upon the City's bond rating; a. tax classification, b. increase/decrease in property values, residential and commercial/industrial, c. the percentage of residential versus commercial/industrial properties, d. the percentage of tax exempt properties, e. the eminent domain powers available to the WRA, f. the three (3) million dollar cut in the budget to provide relief to the tax payers. (Lukes, Gaffney)

Request City Manager work in consultation with the City Solicitor and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to amend/modify the City of Worcester Leaf Sweeping Program to allow for the placing of leaves into the gutter annually beginning on November 1 and not just when a street is posted with leaf collection flyers. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Director of Emergency Communications join City staff at neighborhood meetings in District 4, as a means to explain to residents the various procedures the department follows during emergency communications. (Rivera)

Request City Council Standing Committee on Economic Development work in conjunction with the City’s Economic Development staff to conduct a series of five listening sessions, one in each district, where small business owners throughout the City can provide advice and feedback to the Standing Committee and staff concerning how the City could help with supporting their businesses. (Russell)

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: BEAVER BROOK PARKWAY

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: DOMINION ROAD

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: STARK ROAD

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to two (2) Opportunity Fairs that focus on the Police Civil Service Exam.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to the most recent municipal bond rating for the City of Worcester.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to the quarterly update report of economic development initiatives.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to the Joint Labor Management Committee’s (JLMC) Arbitration Award and Opinion regarding the FY14-17 successor contract for IAFF Local 1009.

Joseph Connarton, Executive Director of PERAC, transmitting communication relative to the amount required to be appropriated to the city's retirement system for Fiscal Year 2018 which commences July 1, 2017.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion concerning establishing an Historic District for Mt. Carmel Church property: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order that the City Council does hereby request the establishment of a Historic District for the Mt. Carmel property that includes the church, rectory, recreation center and ball field.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the schedule of early voting in 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 fiscal year 2017 state budget as it relates directly to 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 Bond Anticipation Notes and 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 Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Improvement 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 a legal opinion on what contracts and leases require City Council approval and the required number of votes for each: 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 DCU Center Special District Improvement Fund Note/Bond Issue: 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 availability of a tax exemption for the increased value of a residence where an addition or improvement is made in order to provide housing to a senior citizen: 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 property tax arrearages on any/all properties recently identified for redevelopment: 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 five year financial forecast: 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 recent bond rating status: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of Timothy J. McGourthy, Executive Director for Worcester Regional Research Bureau, Inc. transmitting communication regarding "Breaking Down the Budget: Questions to Consider": recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Jo Hart request the issuing of all permits be removed from the Office of the Chief of Police for any public gathering or limitation of any regular everyday use of the city's public realm, and also request the License Commission take over the task so abutters may be notified and may speak for or against any activity requiring use or abuse of city streets and sidewalks: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Jo Hart request City Council immediately set up a formula for extravagant fees and enforcement for towing for parking a vehicle on any portion of a public sidewalk: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Jo Hart request the permitting for Loudspeaker Use be transferred from the Worcester Police Department to the License Commission so that abutters and affected neighbors may be heard at a hearing on each occasion: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Jo Hart request procedures for all material (paper documents, discs, etc.) given to City Council or to a City Council Standing Committee at public meetings and hearings be more clearly defined: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Chairman's Order from Municipal Operations Committee - Request City Council consider initiating negotiations with the current City Manager for an employment contract extension for the period October 4, 2017 through October 3, 2020: recommend Chairman's Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Richard Blasé request City Council consider privatizing the Human Resources functions of the City of Worcester and the Worcester Public Schools: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Michael Grandone request City Council to consider some real estate tax relief for commercial property owners who have their businesses "housed" within their own commercial property and have faced financial restraints due to the severe weather conditions this winter: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Michael Grandone request City Manager consider if it would save taxpayers confusion if the real estate tax bills had an additional column showing what the actual tax is per said "Calendar Year" in addition to crossing years because the City is on a "Fiscal" based tax calendar schedule: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Michael Grandone request City Manager and City Council to consider real estate taxes for both residential and commercial owners be "frozen" at the current rate for three (3) years and ask all non-profits to contribute monies in good faith to a monetary fund that would cover the needed tax increase that our City so desperately needs, to offset said "frozen" tax increases the real estate owners would have had to pay to cover their yearly tax increase: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Michael Grandone request City Council and City Manager conduct meetings and hearings for local small businessmen to discuss an ordinance making it mandatory for all companies, colleges and businesses that receive a T.I.F. or non-profit status to seek goods and services from businesses in the City of Worcester as a measure of good will to help support local businesses with their purchases of said goods and services: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Michael Grandone request City Council consider an Ordinance that allows a commercial property owner to take a real estate tax deduction if they provide their own snow plowing and removal to better serve the public/tenants attempting to access their commercial property: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Michael J. Grandone requests an ordinance making it mandatory that all companies, institutions, and businesses receiving tax increment financing from the city of Worcester, to contract firstly with businesses in the city of Worcester to provide goods and services before seeking alternative outside sources for said goods and services: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of William Belcher request City Council make the process for selection of the next city manager, and the same for the next police chief, open to a national search: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the benefits of a Mounted Police Unit: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report outlining the legality of sponsorships being placed on Worcester Police property transporting horses in the Mounted Police Unit: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the newly established Neighborhood Response Team: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the progress of the Off-Highway Vehicle Task Force: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a summary of the downtown policing efforts: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the updated two way radio system: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the enrollment efforts for the AlertWorcester Notification System: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to determining the interest of the Town of Spencer in joining the Regional Emergency Communications Center: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the rules and regulations for the Telephone Emergency Notification System: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Order of Councilor William J. Eddy - Request City Manager, working with the City Council, look at options for upgrading the City’s 911 system, including the possibility of implementing a Smart 911 system that is currently used in 300 municipalities and numerous colleges in Worcester and throughout the nation: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Jodi Contonio request installation of a street light at the dead end of Willow St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a street light if and when the street has construction done.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Frank Ceffalo et al request installation of street lights on poles #1, 2 and 6 in Woodcliffe Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Merari Alvarado request to improve/increase the street lighting in the vicinity of 16 Winchester Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of John Budzinski request installation of a street light in front of 67 Purchase St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Allan Rooney request installation of streetlight on Bedford Ave. between Pilgrim Ave. and Puritan Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request street lights be installed on Howe Avenue: recommend Petition be placed on file.

That the sum of Three Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($325,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C784, BG Municipality Outdoor Recreation, to fund the Dog Park Project, including the costs incidental and related thereto,

That the balance of One Million Nine Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($1,920,000.00) from the Loan Order totaling Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($2,700,000.00) authorized from the City Council on April 5, 2016 and appropriated to Account #91C7134, Water Mains, to pay for cost associated with Water Infrastructure, and including the costs incidental and related thereto, is hereby rescinded in it’s entirety. That the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C713E, Water Hydrants, to fund costs associated with Water Hydrants, including the costs incidental and related thereto. That the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C713D, Water Filtration Plant Modifications, to fund costs associated with Water Filtration Plant Modifications, including the costs incidental and related thereto. That the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C737A, Water Meters, to fund costs associated with Water Meters, including the costs incidental and related thereto. That the sum of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($250,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C714A, Water Pump Stations, to fund costs associated with Water Pump Stations, including the costs incidental and related thereto. That the sum of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($250,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7130A, Water Security Systems, to fund costs associated with Water Security Systems, including the costs incidental and related thereto, That the sum of Five Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($520,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7134, Water Mains & Gates, to fund costs associated with Water Mains & Gates, including the costs incidental and related thereto

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 George J. Russell – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report detailing the construction project on Hamilton St. – Item #14a Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning when the street resurfacing budget is projected to come forward. – Item #14b Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request the City Manager amend the City’s donation policy so that any donation the City accepts does not have a name attached to it. – Item #14c Order denied on a roll call vote of 1 Yea and 10 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Clerk create a dictionary of government terms used during City Council meetings to be posted on the City’s website. – Item #14d Order adopted

Motion Lukes @ #13f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report addressing why the City does not regularly provide reports concerning investment holdings and earnings.

Motion Lukes @ #13f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether Fitch Rating’s report’s statement concerning the City’s levy capacity not being sufficient to warrant a stronger assessment is in relation to the City’s property assessments. Further, request City Manager include in said report how much flexibility there is when determining what the property assessments are in the City.

Motion Toomey @ #14b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with an explanation of any concerns the City has regarding the erosion of the City’s tax base and its effect on a downgrade in rating.

Motion Toomey @ #13a CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning if the City’s ordinance for smoking in public can be applied to smoking marijuana.

Motion King @ #13a CC – Request City Manager reach out to the State Delegation and report back to City Council concerning steps the Delegation plans to take concerning the implementation of legalized recreational marijuana.

Motion Economou @ #13a CC – Request City Manager invite State Senator Michael Moore to discuss and educate City Council concerning the positives and negatives of what happened as a result of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado.

Motion Petty @ #13a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning if dispensaries in the City will only be able to sell medicinal marijuana or if recreational marijuana is also permitted for sale with the implementation of new marijuana laws.

Motion Economou @ #13c CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the increase of cost in recycling operations if the City were to implement a program where residents would place their recyclables in a clear bag for pickup. Further, request City Manager include in said report the savings the company responsible for recycling pickups in Worcester would incur if plastic bags were used for pickup.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Beverly Julian request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage to the left of the driveway at 240 Mountain St. East.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou request installation of a stop line and stop sign where Barrett Ave. intersects with West Chester St.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Russell Pichette request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage on the easterly side of Fatima Lane from Clark St. to the mailboxes.