CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:00 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:43 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 26, 2017.

Speakers:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident
2. Daniel Nanni, Worcester resident

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for a jointly owned pole at: GRAFTON ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for a jointly owned pole at: GRAFTON ST.

Hearing: EVERSOURCE for a gas main location at: CONWAY ST. Granting permission to EVERSOURCE for a gas main location at: CONWAY ST.

Antoinette Bitar request abatement of street betterment assessment #25534 in the amount of $26,484.00 for Valley View Lane.

Vincent Ricard request abatement of sewer betterment assessment #31232 in the amount of $2,250.00 for Porto Rico Rd. in the name of Nellie Swikas.

Michael Aramento request sidewalk repair on the corner of Marland Rd and Burncoat St.

Casey Wiener request parking be prohibited on the west side of Chestnut St. at the intersection of Cedar and Chestnut Sts.

Haitham Ghazi request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 31 Ellsworth St.

Jorge Pallares request installation of an additional handicap parking space in front of 7 Rugby St.

Dennis Buzzell request the curb on each side of driveway at 312 May St. be painted yellow to mark the five foot distance clearance parking law.

Cindy Nguyen on behalf of Cam Nguyen request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 2 Stevens Rd.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Jenna Rovezzi request installation of a crosswalk light in Grafton St. at the corner of Ingleside Ave. and Grafton St., in front of CVS.

Donna Barsamian request resident permit parking for Taylor St. off of Millbury St.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Green Island residents request a bench be placed at the playground in Crompton Park.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: PLEASANT STREET

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: BOYLSTON ST.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager request Police Chief monitor people improperly using the bus shelter in front of 1001 Main St. until it is removed.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with an informational report concerning the number of incidents occurring at the bus shelters on Green St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager look at wayfinding as a means of providing information to people using public transportation.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report as to whether bus drivers could ticket cars in bus stops.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide to City Council before the spring of 2018, any feedback from dog park users as to successes or what needs improvements.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with all the rules and regulations for the city’s dog parks.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide a report to City Council as to what harm motor boats can do to water bodies such as ponds and lakes.

Request City Manager provide City Council with the Department of Public Works & Park's current policy, used by its department, utility companies and other companies doing contract work for the city, as to measures taken for erosion control near catch basins and environmentally sensitive areas. Further, if said policy is different from what the City and the Conservation Commission imposes on private construction, include in the report the differences and reasons why. (Russell)

Request City Manager consider placing “No Parking” signs in business areas that are swept overnight to allow Street Sweepers to effectively clean to the curb. (Russell)

Request City Manager consider spreading marijuana facilities across all five (5) City Districts. (Russell, Mero-Carlson, Rivera)

Request City Manager work with first responders, the Worcester Police Department and the Worcester Fire Department on a voluntary basis to deploy personnel to help with disaster relief in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (King, Rivera)

Request City Manager consider reinstating the Worcester Police Department's Bike Patrol as a means to improving community policing and enhancing public safety. (King)

SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: HOUGHTON ST.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Bruce LaBoffa request zone change for the property at 452 Southwest Cutoff from Residential to ML-0.5.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Mary Wood request WRTA bus shelter located in front of Dippin Donuts, 1001 Main St., be relocated or removed: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to remove the bus shelter located in front of Dippin Donuts, 1001 Main St.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request installation of a street light in the vicinity of 5 Circuit Ave. East and Cabot St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Gerardo Schiano request installation of street light between 93 Lynnwood Lane and Barry Rd: recommend adoption of accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Katalina Rivera request installation of a streetlight in the vicinity of 37 Westmorland Dr.: recommend adoption of accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request installation of a street light at the corner of Tarrytown Ln. (near #60) and Wedgewood Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order subject to National Grid allowing use of their pole for the street light.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Russell Pichette request street lights be installed on Fatima Lane: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Petition of Jo Hart request City Council and City Manager work with the WRTA to immediately change the current non-fixed route of the #19 that ends at Webster Square Plaza to travel both outbound and inbound on Main St., turning left into the Plaza and then turning right onto Main St. to exit by the bus shelter: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Suad Almuhana request installation of handicap parking space in front of 78 1/2 Ward St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Elisa Martinez & Wanda Nuniz of the Apostolic Christian Church request installation of two handicap parking spaces in front of the Church at 23 Stanton St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Marcelina Zorilla request handicap parking space in front of 100 Houghton St. be removed: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Laura Robidoux request installation of handicap parking space in front of 102 Arthur St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Michael Pozzi request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 44 Uxbridge St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Catherine Ferabolli request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 7 Sylvan St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Carmelo Alvira request installation of a handicap parking space across from 50 Elliott St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Toni Ivers request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 146 Perry Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nicholas Laflin request the winter parking ban on Purchase St., from Governors St. to Quinapoxet Lane, be changed from the odd side to the even side of the street: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Susan M. Ledoux request "No Parking Anytime Monday - Saturday 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M." be removed or amended to "No Parking Anytime Monday - Friday 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M." on Randall St. and Emerson Rd.: recommend passage of the two accompanying proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative and Feasibility Study for Dog Parks in Worcester: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Hope Cemetery Master Plan: recommend adoption of accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Shale Street Playground Master Plan: recommend adoption of accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Dog Park Master Plan: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the recommendation of a Dog Park Site: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Hadwen Park Renovations: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to summer youth programs and opportunities: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Minh Bui et al request repair of tennis courts located at: 1) Morgan Landing Park; 2) Pleasant Street Court and; 3) Institute Park: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of William S. Coleman, III request City Council hold a town hall meeting with our state delegation to discuss events and youth employment in the Summer 2017 for our city's youth: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of William S. Coleman, III request City Council request City Administration give a preview of proposed Summer 2017 activities and employment for our city's youth: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of William S. Coleman III request City Council encourage citizens to participate and clean up our City in Worcester's Spring Cleaning 2017. We want Worcester to be the cleanest City in New England: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Order of Councilor Gary Rosen - Request Standing Committee on Youth, Parks & Recreation consider the feasibility of putting a fenced-in off-leash dog park on the Mann St. side of Beaver Brook Park in and around the spacious area once occupied by the swimming pool. To use this dog park, Worcester residents would require a permit that would be issued only after their dog was licensed and vaccinated against rabies: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Order of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri - Request the Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation consider looking at other city parks to see if there is a better fit for a dog park: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Order of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - Request the Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation invite representatives of Tufts Veterinary Hospital to discuss their experiences relative to dog parks: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Order of Councilor Gary Rosen - Request the Standing Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation invite representatives from Tenacity, Inc. to discuss the progress, success and potential expansion of its Summer Tennis and Reading Program (STRP) which is held free-of-charge for Worcester youth at four city sites: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Order of Councilor Kostantina B. Lukes - Request the Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation consider building into their recommendation of the proposed a dog park a follow up review of the impacts that can come from having a dog park and have the administration report back to City Council in six months the consequences if any: recommend Order be placed on file.

COMMUNICATION of City Auditor Robert V. Stearns transmitting a report responding to questions regarding excess funds in the Health Care Trust Fund. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes October 3, 2017)

PETITION of Denise Healey request removal of large planters clumped together on Plantation St. (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016 and Tabled Under Privilege - Gaffney October 3, 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 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)

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)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - That the Worcester City Council does hereby support the initiation of negotiations by the WRA with MassPort or other entities 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 Airport to MassPort and is necessitated by similar transportation and financial concerns that resulted in the conveyance of Worcester Airport to MassPort. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty February 28, 2017- and Tabled - Lukes March 7, 2017)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a City Solicitor's report concerning the wording of the ordinance voted by the Town of Westborough on March 7, 2017, which banned any recreational marijuana stores, farms or other related businesses in that Town and what, if any, would be the impact of the ordinance on medical marijuana businesses, personal consumption and limited home grown plants and further what is the process for the city to implement a such a ban on commercial, non-medical marijuana business. (Tabled - Lukes May 9. 2017)

HEARING & ORDER to grant permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint or identical pole location at: ST. PAUL DRIVE (Tabled - Bergman May 23, 2017)

ORDER of Councilor Michael T. Gaffney - Request City Council, in Accordance with City Council Rule 52, to discharge from the Standing Committee on Public Safety the item referred to said committee on September 6, 2016 relative to a Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication regarding a draft ordinance relative to the smoking or consumption of marijuana or other drug in public, similar to the City Ordinance concerning drinking in public. (Tabled - Bergman May 23, 2017)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the legality of changes in this year’s tax classification from residential to commercial of several assisted living facilities. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman June 20, 2017 and Tabled June 27, 2017 - Bergman)

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager use the wayfinding project as a means to help direct residents who use public transportation. – Item #13a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Michael T. Gaffney – Request City Manager review the possibility of light sequencing in the City while looking at Complete Streets. – Item #13b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou – Request City Manager, in the establishment of a Pedestrian Safety Task Force, consider including VIP (visually impaired persons) in said task force, as well as residents who are deaf or have other disabilities. – Item #13c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell and Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a detailed traffic analysis as to the speeds vehicles are currently travelling whenever information regarding lowering the speed limit to twenty-five (25) MPH is provided. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with the successes, if any, other cities and towns have had when lowering their speed limits. – Item #13d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks look into the traffic pattern and pedestrian safety concerns at the corner of Mill St. Extension and Park Ave. – Item #13e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager post information regarding the Leaf Raking Program to assist seniors on a special portion of the City’s website. – Item #13f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen – Request City Manager post information regarding the Leaf Raking Program to assist seniors at the Worcester Senior Center. – Item @13g CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request Police Chief provide speed enforcement in the vicinity of Bay state Rd., Sachem Ave., Bristol St. and Thorndyke Rd. – Item #13h CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request Police Chief provide speed enforcement in the vicinity of Sigel St. and Endicott St. – Item #13i CC Order adopted

PETITION of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Jonathan Booker request installation of a sidewalk on West Chester St. – Item #13j CC Referred to Public Works Committee

PETITION of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Tom Taylor request installation of a street light on a pole in front of 92 Blue Bell Rd. – Item #13k CC Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee

ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou – Request City Manager request MassDOT provide City Council with an update concerning where in the process is the Shore Dr. project and whether it will be a future endeavor. – Item #13l CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Michael T. Gaffney – Request City Manager request Police Chief monitor ATV usage near Illinois St. – Item #13m CC Order adopted