CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:01 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:46 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty read and Proclamation declaring March 1, 2017 as White Ribbon Awareness Day, a day recognizing ending violence against women and all gender-based violence. The Proclamation was presented to Craig Mortley of YWCA Central Massachusetts Domestic Violence Services and Sean O’Brien and Kimberly Dupris of Pathways for Change, Inc.

MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of Worcester residents and Peter Leasca and William Hawley. Mr. Leasca and Mr. Hawley were both World War II veterans and well respected community advocates.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 7, 2017.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident
2. Don Riccardi, Worcester resident
3. Sandy Ellis, Worcester resident
4. Rich Boucher, Worcester resident
5. Gordon Hargrove, Worcester resident

Marta Wasiewicz request to make Melbourne St. a public street.

Felix Burgos et al request street light in the vicinity of 9 Winslow St. be turned on.

Rowaid Sami Khudhur request removal of the guardrail in front of 828 Pleasant St. to create a new driveway on Chamberlain Parkway.

Bishop Robert L. Webbs Sr. request installation of an ADA compatible wheelchair ramp at the front entrance of the Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ Inc. on the Jaques Avenue side of the building.

Lorna Resulaj request sidewalk repair in front of 125 South Flagg St.

Patricia Fulmer request berm repair at the north end of the property at 696 Salisbury St.

Sandra Bishop request installation of handicap parking space in front of 31 Grosvenor St.

Anne Desmond request installation of handicap parking space in front of 43 Wilson St.

Pasquale Turano request installation of handicap parking space in front of 12 Somerset St.

Albert San request installation of handicap parking space in front of 14 Crown St.

Frederick Boisseau request handicap parking space in front of 11 Groton Place be removed.

Lori Brown request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 52 Laurel St. at the property's back stair entrance.

Sandy Almonte request handicap parking space in front of 14 Clarendon St. be removed.

Sandra Brown request installation of handicap parking space in front of Worcester Comprehensive Education & Care at 160 Tacoma St.

Felix Burgos et al request installation of resident permit parking in Winslow St.

Felix Burgos et al request installation of stop sign at the intersection of Winslow and Larch St.

Felix Burgos et al request installation of a "No Parking Here to Corner" sign on Winslow St. at Larch St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Sheilagh Crotty request installation of a “Left Turn Only” lane in Hamilton St. where it intersects with Plantation St.

William S. Coleman III request City Council have City Administration give an informational update on the status of lead in our water and compare it to 31 cities and towns in Massachusetts.

William S. Coleman III request City Council and City Administration give a status update on the reconstruction of the Second World War Honor Roll that gave recognition to Worcester's citizens of color who fought for our country.

Recommend appointment of Ariel Lim to the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.

Recommend appointment of Vanessa Williamson to the Citizens Advisory Council.

Transmitting informational communication regarding the conclusion of the JLMC process between the City of Worcester and IAFF Local 1009 and recommend adoption of Salary Ordinance amendment.Refer to CCM Item 8.33D

Transmitting informational communication relative to purchasing cable boxes from Charter Communications, Inc.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the cost per participant for the Worcester Jobs Fund Program.

Recommend adoption of an Order to authorize an easement deed to Charter Communications Entertainment, LLC (“Charter”) for the installation of conduit through the city-owned property at 22 Newbury Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the existing fines and enforcement of cars parking on sidewalks.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Hadwen Park Renovations.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Shale Street Playground Master Plan.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 2017 Arbor Day celebration scheduled for 10:00 AM on Friday, April 28, 2017 in Greenhill Park.

Transmitting informational communication relative to adding additional language to the granting of National Grid’s petition for a conduit location at Clarence St./Chadwick St./Rosemont St.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the ownership, type of home business and addresses of all home businesses, the restrictions and regulations defining a home business and what action is taken in the event that the owner of a home business does not comply with the conditions of establishing the home business.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a leaf raking program for elderly and disabled residents in Worcester.

Recommend that Two Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Eight Dollars And Seventy One Cents ($2,998.71) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7112A, Citywide Capital Rehabilitation, to Project Account #26C704, Fire Department Capital Rehabilitation.

Recommend that Nine Hundred Eighty Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty Five Dollars And No Cents ($980,765.00) be transferred from the following various accounts to Account #75C702, Civic Center Rehab, to fund anticipated costs for ongoing FY2017 Capital Projects and Equipment at the DCU Center.

Request authorization to apply for, accept and expend funds in the amount of up to Two Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($200,000.00) from a grant through the Office of the Governor of Massachusetts.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a LSTA Preservation/Conservation grant in the amount of Thirty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($30,000) from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for the Worcester Public Library to preserve the library's historic Green Collection.

Request that a donation in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($50,000.00) be accepted with gratitude from The Hanover Insurance Group and Unibank.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($300,000.00) for the Land and Water Conservation Grant (LWCF) program from the Mass Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude numerous small donations to the Worcester Public Library for the 2nd Quarter FY17 in the total amount of Five Hundred Eighty Dollars and No Cents ($580.00).

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a grant in the amount of Two Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($2,000.00) from the Worcester Arts Council to the Worcester Public Library for the purpose of Ethnic and Cultural programming activities.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to apply for, accept, and expend funds from the MA Clean Energy Center's Learn and Earn Grant Program. The maximum award amount for this grant opportunity is One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($160,000.00).

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Six Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($6,000.00) from Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, Inc. to support WPD's K-9 program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to apply for, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Eighteen Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($18,000.00) from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Connecting Activities Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) grant.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend an earmark in the amount of One Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($175,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation and Recreation to continue tree planting and maintenance in Worcester.

Recommend that One Hundred Seventy Nine Dollars And No Cents ($179.00) be approved to meet this obligation with Fiscal Year 2017 funds.

Recommend that Two Hundred Twenty Five Dollars And No Cents ($225.00) be transferred Account #29-33031, Wetland Protection Fund and be appropriated to Account #043-92134, Economic Development Registration Fees to attend the UMASS Extension Course on Wetlands Assessment and Field Techniques.

Recommend that Fourteen Thousand Six Hundred Twelve Dollars And No Cents ($14,612.00) be transferred from Account #04T803, OPEB Trust Reserve, and be appropriated to Account #663-96000, Health Insurance, to provide funding for Fiscal Year 2017 2nd Quarter health insurance expense for Airport retirees.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($200,000.00) available in Account #260-91000, Fire Department Personal Services be re-appropriated to fund items related to the JLMC arbitration. Refer to CCM Item 8.3A

Request City Council recess into Executive Session to discuss the status of the lawsuit between the Town of Holden and the City of Worcester regarding sewer rates.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic and speed enforcement in West Chester St. at Barrett Ave.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with a traffic analysis and accident report for West Chester St. at Barrett Ave. over the last ten years.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks survey Wachusett St. from Institute Rd. to Highland St., to determine the feasibility of installing parking on the street, Sundays only, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks reinstall missing signage for “No Parking Anytime” in south side of Hollis St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a traffic analysis of the Green Hill Pkwy, Shaffner St. and Paine St. area, including a recommendation for ways to calm traffic and speeding in the area.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services inspect the old Barbers Crossing Building on West Boylston St. and if need be, issue a demolition order to the property owner, as the building has been left to languish, has not been improved and is showing evidence of building failure. (Economou)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide foot patrol in the Crown Hill area. (Rivera)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning amending Rule 27 of the Rules of City Council in a way that would give a higher precedence to the motion to place an item on file with the City Clerk. (Economou)

Request City Manager provide additional and safe on-street parking in the area of both the John Binienda Beach at Coes Pond and the Coes Knife Park, Playground and Stearns tavern facility by re-striping Mill St. in that entire area with an outside travel lane, a middle bicycle lane and marked parking spaces in the inside lane. (Rosen)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic and speed limit enforcement on Main St. between Brookline St. and Young St. (Rosen)

Request City Manager inquire forthwith with the United States Postal Service as to why first class mail sent from Worcester to Worcester is now taking up to 4 business days to be delivered, and, when said mail is delivered why different neighborhoods in the City are getting the same mail on different days (up to 2 days later). (Bergman)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the outstanding indebtedness of Union Station. (Lukes)

Request City Manager and the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the traffic in the Hamilton, Plantation & Grafton Streets area and find solutions to address the ongoing issues specifically regarding the increase in traffic for tractor trailer trucks since CSX has expanded in this area. (Mero-Carlson, Russell)

ORDER OF TAKING FOR SEWER LOCATION: ESPER AVENUE

ORDER OF TAKING FOR SEWER LOCATION: MIDGLEY AVENUE

That the Worcester City Council does hereby support the initiation of negotiations by the WRA with MassPort regarding the feasibility of transferring Union Station as an intermodal transportation center to MassPort. The transfer concept is based upon the transfer of the Worcester Air Port to MassPort and is necessitated by similar transportation and financial concerns that resulted in the conveyance of Worcester Airport to MassPort. (Lukes)

That the City Council does hereby recognize and congratulate the Worcester Police Department for their quick and professional manner in dealing with the events that occurred in downtown Worcester on Sunday, February 19, 2017. (Lukes)

Transmitting the audited financial statements and management letter of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

Transmitting the Semi-Annual financial statements of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) for the six months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Transmitting the monthly report on the status of Fiscal 2017 Budget for the month of January 2017.

Transmitting a glossary of terms used in or related to the CAFR.

Transmitting an informational report concerning the details of the CAFR's Governmental Funds.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Alan Engheben request installation of a crosswalk light at the intersection of Main St. and King St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the residents of Greenbriar Lane request installation of a crosswalk across Greenbriar Lane at Richmond Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lorraine Laurie request installation of "No Parking From Here to Corner" signage in Waverly St. at Providence St. on the south side: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Roy Moore, III request speed enforcement checks on West St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Rena Grasso request traffic control between Green Hill Pkwy and Shaffner St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a crosswalk in Bay State Rd. at Thorndyke Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request crosswalk be repainted at the approximate location running between 806-807 Pleasant St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jennifer Laporte request installation of resident permit parking on Chrome St. from Orient St. to Wall St. recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Eddy Williams request installation of resident permit parking in Hollis St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Russell Haims request removal of resident permit parking on the north side of Marston Way in front of 7 Marston Way: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Pedro Fuentes Febres request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 3 Great Brook Valley Ave.: recommend Petition be denied.

Amend the Salary Ordinance Of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group M - Recreation (Recreation Worcester Program)

Amend the Salary Ordinance Of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group R – Laborer And Craftsman (Temporary Laborer)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER from the Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs and Education - Request City Manager offer assistance to the School Committee in advocating for changes in the Foundational Budget Formula. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes February 14, 2017)

CHAIRMAN'S RESOLUTION from the Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs and Education - That the City Council does hereby go on record in support of changing the Foundational Budget Formula in a manner that would reflect the actual needs of the Worcester Public School System’s budget. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes February 14, 2017)

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 Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a service report concerning Charter Communications for the year 2016. – Item #17a Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the possibility of transferring the ownership of Union Station to Massport and using the Worcester Regional Airport as a model for Union Station. – Item #17b Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager include in City’s contracts involving HUD funding language that states OMB Circular A-122 prohibits the expenditure of federal funds on any political activities. – Item #17c Order denied on a roll call vote of 1 Yea and 10 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager shovel out City-owned property in the vicinity of Lake Ave. and Sunderland Rd. – Item #17d Order adopted

Motion Russell @ #10h CC - Request City Manager mandate a reconfiguration of the CSX driveway that brings a jersey barrier all the way out Grafton St. forcing trucks to go down the hill.

PETITION - Councilor George J. Russell request Pond St. be made a one way street.

PETITION - Councilor George J. Russel request Winter St. be made a one way street.

PETITION - Councilor George J. Russell request installation of a weight restriction in Pond St.

PETITION - Councilor George J. Russell request installation of a weight restriction in Winter St.

Motion Toomey @ #10h CC - Request City Manager install signage indicating routes that are for truck traffic in the vicinity of CSX.

Motion Toomey @ #10h CC - Request City Manager identify all commercial mapping system routes and general mapping systems, such as Mapquest, when establishing truck routes in the City.

Motion Lukes @ #10h CC - Request City Manager make a recommendation to City Council concerning imposing 20 MPH speed limits in neighborhood streets in the vicinity of CSX.

Motion Lukes @ #8.14A CM – Request City Manager implement a process requiring annual renewals and identification proving residence when residents register a home business as a means to deter bypassing home business zoning regulations.

Motion Lukes @ #16a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what federal, state or local legislation established resettlement cities and what the legislative responsibility is for funding services as a result of being designated a resettlement city. Further, request City Manager include in said report what number of residents have been placed in Worcester as a result of the City being defined as a resettlement city over the last ten years.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager consider providing City Council at its next meeting with the feasibility of increasing the elderly exemption, as it has not increased since it was first created.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Dawn Jordan request removal of a tree at 28 Terrace Dr.

Motion Economou – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager address the sound barrier along West Boylston Dr. at I-190, which may need to be removed, replaced, and/or repainted.

Motion Lukes – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager generate more publicity about the City’s crowdsourcing feature on its website asking for ways the City could use the Common.

Motion Rosen – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks restripe the crosswalks at Holland St., Catalpa St. and Wentworth St.

Motion Rosen – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning expanding the use of credit cards used for payment on the City’s website, including the payment of Dog Licenses, to include Visa and American Express.