CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:04 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:32 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Joseph M. Petty presented Meg Brunelle, Jane Dowd, Amy Misera Patricia Zavras and Mindy Hill with Keys to the City in recognition of their selfless devotion of time, energy and talent to the Forest Grove Field Hockey Team.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty read a Proclamation declaring December 10, 2017 as Worcester Human Rights Day in the City of Worcester. The Proclamation was presented to Cara Berg Powers, the Vice Chairperson 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 21, 2017.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Karen Valentine-Goins, Worcester resident
2. John Provost, Worcester resident
3. Steven Sykes, Worcester resident
4. Nicole Bell, Worcester resident
5. Andrea Cruz, Worcester resident
6. Peter Collins, Shrewsbury resident

ELECTION - Chantel Bethea and Toby Pedone were elected to fill the two vacancies for terms expiring December 31, 2024.

Hearing: To determine tax rates for residential, commercial, industrial and personal properties for Fiscal Year 2018. (Hearing held November 28, 2017 - Lukes)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2018 Tax Classification. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes November 28, 2017)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager respectfully submits the following information communication relative to the updated FY18 Tax Classification package. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes November 28, 2017)

Robin Currie and Chantel Bethea of the Central Mass Freedom Coalition request City Council consider implementing a policy for the City of Worcester regarding human trafficking.

Mary E Flibbert request abatement of street betterment assessment #25507 in the amount of $22,400.00 for Bergin Ln.

Councilor Gary Rosen request sidewalk resurfacing at 61 Longfellow Rd.

Thomas Ducharme request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 31 Louise St.

Charles Mooney request removal of a handicap parking space in front of 19 Judson Rd.

Casey Freeman request installation of a "No Right Turn" sign onto Winter Hill Dr. between the hours of 7a.m. and 9a.m.

Freddie Reyes request installation of "20 Minute" Parking signs in front 480 Park Ave.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: MISCOE RD./MYRNA RD./BAILIN DR.

Jo Hart request the City of Worcester hold a well publicized public meeting showing an accurate picture of the current building the library is presenting to the public for renovation.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager consider implementing specific zoning laws or regulations to spread sites for marijuana dispensaries evenly across the five city districts to prevent saturation of this type of business in one area of the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the minimum and maximum lengths of time a pedestrian is given to cross at a crosswalk signal at intersections throughout the City. Further, request City Manager provide in said report an analysis of locations where longer lengths of time are needed.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager look into sponsorships for installing more bike racks throughout the City that may include the sponsors’ advertisements.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager ensure that the City receives, in writing, that the owners of property abutting sidewalks with bike racks are responsible for shoveling the bike racks out during snow storms

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the Youth Department’s involvement in regards to reckless bicycle riding in public roadways.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with information relative to the members of the task force to address the problems with reckless bicycle riding.

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update as to the status of the proposed Firefighter Museum at Union Station. (Economou, Rosen)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks replace missing “No Parking Anytime” signage in Newbury St. at Congress St. (Rivera)

Request City Manager include a link to the March of Dimes free maternal wellness site, titled, “My 9 Months,” which provides information leading the fight against premature births, birth defects and infant mortality, on the new City of Worcester website upon its completion. (Rivera)

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 2019 which commences July 1, 2018.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager transmitting informational financial reports, as request by your Honorable Body.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting information and recommendations for implementation of the new laws and regulations regarding medical and recreational marijuana use in the City of Worcester.: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance limiting the number of marijuana establishments in Worcester to 15 and the adoption of the accompanying Order accepting and establishing a local sales tax of 3% on the sale of recreational use marijuana.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Worcester Jobs Fund Fiscal Year 2017 Report.: 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 pedestrian, bicycle, and roadway safety and complete streets: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Petition of Tony Toscano request more police patrols on Wachusett St. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a growing number of complaints about reckless bicycle riders on public roadways: 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 Worcester Railroad Right-of-Way Trespass Prevention Initiative: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sue Philip request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 12 Meade St.: recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Marsha Brown Reale request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 14 South Buffum St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Laurie Lebel request removal of handicap parking space in front of 30 Kosta St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sandra Vargas request installation of a handicap parking space be in front of 12 Vale St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Haitham Ghazi request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 31 Ellsworth St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jorge Pallares request installation of an additional handicap parking space in front of 7 Rugby St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Elizabeth Agramonte request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 77 Fox St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Miriam Rivera request installation of a handicap parking space for 25 Richards St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of James DuVarney request installation of a handicap parking sign at the corner of Grafton St. and Flower St. 10 feet in front of the fire hydrant.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Bernadette Chabot request to relocate "No Parking Anytime" signage from the north side of Dorchester St., between Ward St. and Vernon St., to the south side of the street and also relocate the Handicap Parking space on the south side to the north side of the street: recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lou DeLalla request to remove Resident Permit Parking on the east side of Coburn Ave. between house numbers 33 and 41 and to remove Resident Permit Parking on the west side of Coburn Ave., between house numbers 30 and 58 also: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Karen Solitro and Marie Perrone request Resident Permit Parking be extended on the east side of Natick St. from #8 to #26: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to on-street parking in the vicinity of Coes Park on Mill St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to amend the No Parking on Mill St.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jodi Contonio request installation of a permanent winter parking ban on both sides of Willow St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the tax assessment tables showing how decreases in the budget would impact lines 210-247. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes November 28, 2017)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting updated tax assessment information relative to the fiscal year 2018 determination of assessed valuations for all real and personal property. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes November 28, 2017)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of an order to enact the Double Elderly Abatement Program to provide elderly homeowners with One Thousand Four Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($1,400.00) in property tax relief for Fiscal 2018. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes November 28, 2017)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend that Eight Million Eight Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand Six Hundred Forty Three Dollars And No Cents ($8,839,643.00) be transferred to finalize the City's Fiscal Year 2018 annual budget by appropriating the City's Fiscal Year 2017 certified free cash. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes November 28, 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)

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 relative to the Brittan Square Parking Lot. (Tabled - Palmieri January 7, 2015 and January 13, 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 Council to vote on an amount of dollars for tax relief for taxpayers prior to the election. (Tabled Under Privilege - Economou October 24, 2017, Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey October 31, 2017 and Tabled - Petty November 14, 2017)

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager, while creating a master plan for Lake Quinsigamond, consider the feasibility of building a community rowing center which can include space for both Worcester Fire and Worcester Police Departments boats. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 14, 2017 and Tabled - Petty November 21, 2017)

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager consider using the Reverse-911 system to educate residents of Worcester concerning AlertWorcester and the information it provides each time a Winter Parking Ban is in effect. – Item #13a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether funding received from a grant from Massachusetts Department of Public Health, under the Worcester Division of Public Health Tobacco Control could be used for Infant Mortality Rate resources. – Item #13b CC Order adopted

Motion Lukes @ #7a CC - Request City Council dedicate the excess funds in free cash of $850,000.00, which was originally planned to go to the Worcester Public Schools, to tax relief. Further, request City Council use the excess funds in the Health Insurance Trust Fund of $2,000,000.00 for tax relief.

Motion Petty @ #7a CC - That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2018 be set at $19.32 for Residential Property and $32.92 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Motion Economou @ #7a CC - That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2018 be set at $19.12 for Residential Property and $33.46 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #7a CC - That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2018 be set at $18.91 for Residential Property and $34.03 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Motion Lukes @ #10c CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning any progress made on the infant mortality rate.

Motion Lukes @ #12a CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to what it would take to legally prevent the fifteen marijuana facility sites from being established in Worcester.

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – Request City Council convene in Executive Session at the December 12, 2017 meeting to discuss strategy with respect litigation in the case of Fargo Management LLC versus the City of Worcester at the conclusion of the regular meeting.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager implement a way to deal with trash found in areas frequented by panhandlers.

Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repair the pothole in Vernon St., approaching the on-ramp to I-290 West.

Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager install park benches in Crompton Park.

Motion Lukes – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any consequences for drivers who hit an animal and leave the scene.