CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:44 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:20 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 October 16, 2018.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speaker:
1. Jo Hart, Worcester resident

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: 15 DOUGLAS ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: 15 DOUGLAS ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: FAIRHAVEN ROAD Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: FAIRHAVEN ROAD

Jackie Roberts request street repair for the corner of Elizabeth St. and Patch St.

Dawn Ludy, Controller Harr Toyota request installation of a pedestrian crosswalk next to the Millbrook St. entrance of Harr Toyota across Millbrook St. to Chik-Fil-A.

Thomas Xhupi request installation of 30 Minute Parking on the Merrick St. side of 325 Pleasant St.

Juan Mora & Ingrid Castilio request a traffic assessment of the double yellow lines in Goldthwaite Rd. to determine if the lines can be moved easterly to allow parking on the west side.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Sue Ann Goodwin request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage on the inner portion of the island in Institute Rd. between West St. and Boynton St.

Michael Hoose on behalf of Geraldine Hoose request installation of a handicap parking space in the vicinity of 10 Vale St.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: 168 HOUGHTON ST.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: 160 HOUGHTON ST

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: 284 GROVE ST.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement and driveway clearances on Kosta St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement and driveway clearances on Mower St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install a “Crosswalk Warning” sign in the vicinity of Chatham St. and High St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Standing Committee on Public Works install a guard rail at 566-574 Chandler St. for the purpose of increasing public safety.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AND MILITARY AFFAIRS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the "South Worcester Honors Those Who Served” war memorial as to its history, original purpose for adding veterans names and whether or not the memorial includes all veterans who served or only those veterans who were casualties of war.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AND MILITARY AFFAIRS - Request City Manager request the City Solicitor report to City Council how the language for the ordinance relative to Veterans Memorial was chosen as it pertains to who is eligible for a veterans memorial. Further, request the City Manager request the City Solicitor report the process to modify the ordinance to allow additions to pre-existing memorials that include all veterans who served, if that was the intention of the memorial.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AND MILITARY AFFAIRS - The City Manager be and is hereby requested to have the Veterans Agent work with the Assistant Commissioner of Parks to look for an existing war memorial for all veterans who served, in the Granite Street area, that would be more appropriate for adding the names of Veterans Harold & Arthur Smith, who served in WWII.

Request City Clerk and the Board of Election Commissioners consider relocating Voting Poll Ward 6, Precinct 4 from the Quinsigamond Village Neighborhood Center to the new Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center for elections starting in 2019. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide a report to City Council as to the status of title to the city owned empty lot at the intersection of Sunderland Rd. and Lake Ave. Information is requested to clarify whether or not it was donated to the City for public safety use and if it was donated for that purpose, does it have any effect on the City’s ability to offer it for sale as surplus. (Russell)

Request City Manager consider splitting up the surplus lot on Sunderland Rd. and Lake Ave into single family house lots to encourage single family development as allowed in this RS-7 zone. (Russell)

In an effort to maximize City proceeds and promote continued transparency, request the City Manager consider using one of the many online municipal auction services to auction off City surplus real estate, vehicles, equipment and personal property, as this is the practice many other Municipalities and State agencies. (Russell)

Request City Manager confer with the Worcester Police Department to establish a "safe trade station", whereby transactions entered into through Craigslist and/or other on line marketplaces can take place at the Police Station outside (parking area) and/or inside (lobby) and to inform the public of same. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager confer with the Worcester Historical Society and Worcester Academy and establish an appropriate monument recognizing Edward Davis Jones (1856-1920) born and buried in Worcester and co-founder of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. (Bergman)

Request City Manager consider planting an eight foot evergreen tree in the triangle on Burncoat and Mountain St. East, which would beautify this space and create a location for celebrations such as tree lightings for the District and community. (Rose)

Request City Manager report on whether any payments have been made currently or in the past 10 years to any bond rating agency, the date and amount paid in the past 10 years by each bond rating agency, and the rating submitted for Worcester by each entity for the past 10 years. (Lukes)

Transmitting communication relative to preliminary unaudited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Mark L. Donahue, Esq,. request to amend the City of Worcester zoning map pertaining to 37 Fruit St., so as to alter that portion located in the RL-7 zone to BO - 1.0 thereby causing the entire lot to be contained in the BO-1.0 zone.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication recommending adoption of an order to create the Canal District Ballpark DIF Development District and Invested Revenue District: recommend adoption of the three (3) accompanying Orders.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dennis Lipka, Interim Administrator of the WRTA request installation of inbound and outbound bus stops on Blithewood Rd. as described in the attachment.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dennis Lipka, Interim Administrator of the WRTA request installation of inbound and outbound bus stops on Franklin St. as described in the attachment: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dennis Lipka, Interim Administrator of the WRTA request installation of inbound and outbound bus stops on Harrington Way as described in the attachment.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dennis Lipka, Interim Administrator of the WRTA request installation of inbound and outbound bus stops on Granite St. as described in the attachment: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Sheila Crotty request installation of a crosswalk on Standish St. at the intersection of Grafton St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request speed enforcement in the vicinity of McKinley Rd. and Green Hill Parkway: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Molly Welch, Reg. Director of Admissions for Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center request the pavement markings and signage for Commercial Loading and Passenger Zones in front of 26 Harvard St. be replaced and repainted: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Justice Real request installation of two crosswalks across Pleasant St. at West St. and a crosswalk across West St. at Pleasant St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install one crosswalk across West St. at Pleasant St.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request improvement of the street signage and guardrail effectiveness at the road bend in the vicinity of 566-574 Chandler St. for the purpose of increasing public safety: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Order of Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Matthew E. Wally request City Manager take steps to address dangerous traffic concerns regarding the crosswalks in the vicinity of May Street School.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install new Crosswalk Warning signs and provide for Worcester Police Department crosswalk enforcement in the area of May St. School.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Francisco Galarza request the installation of a handicap parking space in front of or in vicinity of 3 Jones St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nancy Torres request installation of handicap parking space in front of 34 Dix St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a stop sign on Channing St. at the entrance to Green Hill Park: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Leo Marron et al request installation of Resident Permit Parking on Perrot St. due to Worcester State College parking: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Donna Buteau request installation of resident permit parking on Hamilton St. in front of 57-59 Hamilton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Rose Giaquinto request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of 18 and 20 Kosta St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of William Allen request installation of stop sign at the uphill side of Chatham St. at the intersection one way streets Chatham St. and High St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Vicki Truelson request installation of a crosswalk to and from Haven Lane and the bus stop in front of the National Guard Building on Lincoln St.: recommend Petition be placed on file

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AND MILITARY AFFAIRS Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request City of Worcester recognize the 100 year anniversary of Armistice Day (November 11, 1918), and organize an event to honor Worcester's sons and daughters who participated in the Great War: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AND MILITARY AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Michael T. Gaffney, Councilor Gary Rosen, Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Khrystian E. King and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager provide a list compiled of all known living veterans of World War II residing in Worcester and further, request the Mayor establish an appropriate date in the near future to Honor them with a key to the City and/or other appropriate recognition: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AND MILITARY AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes and Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager report to City Council concerning any plans to locate a memorial at Green Hill Park in remembrance of World War One: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AND MILITARY AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the World War I Memorial Grove in Green Hill Park: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AND MILITARY AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to monuments and memorials throughout Worcester: recommend Communication be placed on file.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of an Order relative to the Parcel located at 521 Sunderland Road. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell October 23, 2018)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the 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.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Tabled - Mero-Carlson April 3, 2018)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – That the City Council go on record in favor of supporting the Worcester Bravehearts as they plan for the future. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes August 21, 2018 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty September 12, 2018 and Tabled - Lukes September 25, 2018)

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager report on what further construction will be performed and the date of completion for June Street. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes September 25, 2018 and Tabled - Lukes October 2, 2018)

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager promote the Integrated Plan Community Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, November 8, 2018 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Worcester Public Library, on the city’s website. – Item #12a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide the public with a list of people and programs that can help elderly people with Fall Leaf Collection. – Item #12b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager post the NPR article titled, “Forget Oakland or Hoboken. Worcester, Mass. Is the new “It” Town,” on the city’s website. – Item #12c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what happened to cause a gas issue in the vicinity of Forsberg St., Tatman St. and Victoria Ave. that affected service of 150 homes. – Item #12d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Clerk and Mayor provide recognition to the owner of Dario Diesel, who after a fire, was able to reopen their business at 182 SW Cutoff and help support their employees. – Item #12e CC Order adopted

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request City Solicitor prepare a local ordinance to disallow campaign solicitation 150 feet from the entrance of any early voting location similar to the state law used on Election Day.

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager consider bringing the Red Sox 2018 World Series Championship trophy to Worcester.

Motion Lukes – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager develop a process to have the Worcester Police Department contact religious institutions and evaluate security issues of each institution and help develop a process to address those needs.

Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with the current plan the Worcester Police Department uses to respond to acts of violence and terrorism.