CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:04 P.M.

Recessed to Executive Session: 8:12 P.M. Reconvened to Open Session from Executive Session to Adjourn: 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 presented Councilor Tony Economou with a Key to the City, as well as a City Council Chair, for his exemplary work serving Worcester District 1 for the past six years. Each City Councilor in attendance, as well as the Mayor and the City Manager all spoke regarding their experiences with Councilor Economou.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of December 5, 2017.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speaker:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident

Igli & Laureta Papa request abatement of street betterment assessment #25532 in the amount of $8,289.00 for Monmouth Ave.

Benjamin Depaz request sidewalk repair in front of 114 Coburn Ave.

Yvonne Miller request abatement of street betterment assessment #25470 in the amount of $7,500.00 for Dominion Rd.

Yvonne Miller on behalf of James H. Miller Life Estate request abatement of sewer betterment assessment #31207 in the amount of $5,000.00 for Dominion Rd.

Councilor Economou request to resurface St. Paul Dr.

Mark Levasseur request resident permit parking be installed on Willard Ave.

Cesarina Gonzalez request handicap parking in front of 3 Benefit Terrace be removed.

Tracey Gray request installation of a handicap parking space in the vicinity of 3 Richmond Ave.

Suzanne O'Brien request the Worcester Police Department conduct monthly speed enforcement around 143 Clover St.

Suzanne O'Brien request installation of traffic and radar speed indicators in the vicinity of 143 Clover St.

Suzanne O'Brien request a traffic study be conducted regarding the number of accidents at the intersection of Heard St and Clover St.

Humberto Alvarez request installation of resident permit parking on Gates St.

Loan Pham request handicap parking space in front 31 Stanton St. be removed.

Stephen Heard request the red light for the left turn lane at the intersection of Lincoln St. and the on ramp to I-290 East be changed to blinking yellow when on coming traffic has a green light.

Councilor George Russell on behalf of Samuel Agyenim request a traffic mirror be installed on Heywood St. at South Stowell St.

Khawlah Almustafa request a handicap parking space be installed in front of 7 King Philip Rd.

Councilor Gary Rosen request the winter parking ban for Vassar St. be amended to allow parking on one side of Vassar St. during declared parking ban, instead of the present ban for both sides.

Councilor Mero-Carlson request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Melville St. and Paine St.

Councilor Mero-Carlson request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Nebraska St. and Camassa Terrace.

Jo Hart requests immediate installation of free traffic-light cameras (red-light cameras) to eliminate the city's vehicular hit and run and murderous vehicles.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks investigate and address the flooding concerns in the St Paul Dr./Saxon Rd. neighborhood. (Economou)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update as to the master plan for Higgins Industrial Park and Saint Gobain properties. (Economou)

Request City Manager request Director of Traffic Engineering provide City Council with a report concerning meeting with the neighborhood residents in the block surrounding 364 West Boylston St. to determine what, if any, additional signage for parking needs may be necessary. (Lukes)

Request City Manager provide an update concerning the Master Plan Initiative for Burncoat Park/Holland Rink. (Mero-Carlson)

Request the Mayor recognize the achievements this year of the Worcester Cowboys culminating in their playing in the American Youth Football Nationals in Florida and further, request that they be so honored before the Council at its next meeting. (Bergman)

#10e CC July 18, 2017 ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager and City Council reduce the FY18 taxes at the tax recap for 1) 20% of any certified free cash; 2) any amounts determined to be in excess in the Health Insurance Trust and; 3) any new growth in excess of what is currently budgeted.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty transmitting the proposed Annual Calendar of City Council Meetings Schedule for 2018.

City Manger Edward M. Augustus, Jr. transmitting request for City Council to convene in executive session to discuss litigation strategy with respect to the case of Fargo Management LLC vs. City of Worcester.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Philip O'Connell Jr. Attorney on behalf of Somar Investments Properties LLC request City of Worcester abandon and discontinue its use of a portion of Chino Ave. and Boylston St., public ways, as a portion of a building at 8 & 8A Boylston St. owned by Somar Investments Properties LLC, encroaches on said property.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Antoinette Bitar request abatement of street betterment assessment #25534 in the amount of $26,484.00 for Valley View Lane: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order for partial abatement resulting in a new assessment of $11,484.00.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Alexander Vega request abatement of street betterment assessment #25556 in the amount of $558.00 for Aroostook St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to abate in full.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Beverly Kerr request abatement of street betterment assessment #25543 in the amount of $3,346.50 for Valley View Lane: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to abate in full.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Edward & Vana Oslowski request abatement of street betterment assessment #25552 in the amount of $12,154.50 for Valley View Lane: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to abate in full.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Paul and Susan Zendzian request abatement of street betterment assessment #25525 in the amount of $13,321.00 for High Ridge Rd: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order for partial abatement resulting in a new assessment of $17.32.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Salim Ibrahim request abatement of street betterment assessment #25524 in the amount of $28,000.00 for High Ridge Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order for partial abatement resulting in a new assessment of $14,000.00.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Ann Clark request abatement of street assessment #25523 in the amount of $17,500.00 for High Ridge Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order for partial abatement resulting in a new assessment of $3,500.00.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Richard Burgos request abatement of street betterment assessment #25544 in the amount of $15,300.00 for Valley View Lane.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order for partial abatement resulting in a new assessment of $3,384.36.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Harilla & Donika Golloshi request abatement of street assessment #25528 in the amount of $15,208.50 for Monmouth Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order for partial abatement resulting in a new assessment of $208.50.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Residential Resurfacing Program for FY19 and FY20: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manger transmitting informational communication relative to the FY18 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Jonathan Belkin request to install and extend sewer main from Progressive St. on to the sewer easement located on 181 and 183 Sunderland Rd. at the owners expense: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request sidewalk resurfacing on the even side of Pleasant St. from Brantwood Rd. to Christ the King Church: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Steven Henning request replacement/repair of the sidewalk in front of 52 Dick Dr.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Jerry Bianculli request resurfacing of sidewalks in front of 2 Inverness Ave. and 640 Grafton St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of David Hilton request sidewalk repair in front of 1 Delawanda Dr.: recommend Petitioner be given Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request to resurface the length of Wetherell St. from June St. to Monroe Ave.: recommend Petitioner be given Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Nikolaos & Maria Tzikas request abatement of street betterment assessment #25563 in the amount of $13,500.00 for Aroostook St.: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Activity Report for the month of July 2017: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to to the Construction Progress Report for the month ending August 31, 2017: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend No Parking Anytime On Meade Street Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 12 Meade Street

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 14 South Buffum Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 30 Kosta Street

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 12 Vale Street

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 31 Ellsworth Street

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 7 Rugby Street

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 77 Fox Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 25 Richards Street

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking On The Flower Street Side Of 416 Grafton Street

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend No Parking Anytime On Dorchester Street Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Amend Handicap Parking Across From 15 Dorchester Street

Amending Section 40 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend Resident Permit Parking on Coburn Ave.

Amending Section 40 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend Resident Permit Parking on Natick St.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend No Parking Anytime On Mill Street.

Amending Section 43 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend The Winter Parking Ban On Willow Street.

Amending Chapter Eleven of the Revised Ordinances of 2006 relative to limiting the number of Marijuana Establishments.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an outstanding achievement award for Michael P. Hirsh, MD. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty December 12, 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)

Motion Petty @ #9a CC – That City Council does hereby set the standard time for the regular meetings of City Council to begin at 6:30 p.m., starting on January 9, 2018.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou request Tacoma St. Playground be renamed Tacoma Park.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager check the timing and turning arrows of the traffic lights at the intersection of Grandview Ave. and James St.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning streets being torn up for construction, especially those that were recently repaved by the City.

Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update as to the repairing and construction of the Green Island Neighborhood Center.

Motion Russell – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide temporary lighting in Plantation St. at Grafton St. and Hamilton St. until a time when the permanent lighting is restored.