CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:38 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:58 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 March 5, 2019.

Mayor Petty moved to allow the following speakers: 1. Casey Burns, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #19k CC 2. Jo Hart, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #11f CC

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: WESTMINSTER STREET; and Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: WESTMINSTER STREET

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BELLEVUE ST. AND PLEASANT ST.; and Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BELLEVUE ST. AND PLEASANT ST.

ORDER - Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - In consideration of the votes being taken regarding the salary of the City Manager and the execution of a contract extension, BE IT ORDERED: that these votes taken by City Council be a representation of the City Council's support of Mr. Edward M. Augustus, Jr., as City Manager and these votes will take the place of the 2019 annual evaluation. Further, the 2020 and future annual evaluations will continue to be conducted as it has been practiced in previous years.

Idella Hazard request City continue, as it always has, to send a police cruiser to the home of any and all citizens when a call and a request comes into the Worcester Police Department without exception.

Evan Corrigan request Bluebell Rd. be resurfaced.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request West Boylston St. from Maplewood Ave. to 1223 West Boylston St. be resurfaced.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Barnes Ave. be resurfaced.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Whittier St. be resurfaced.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Knight St. be resurfaced.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Oakhurst St. be resurfaced.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Amesbury St. be resurfaced.

John Jeorgos request street resurfacing in front of 20-22 Heath St.

Howard Egenlauf request removal of handicap parking space at 41 Westminster St.

Councilor Matthew E. Wally request "dead end" or "not a through street" sign installed at the corner of Calmia St. and Brownell St.

Attorneys Mark Donahue and Jonathan Finkelstein request the Worcester City Council restrict and prohibit parking between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in those certain portions of the southerly and northerly sides of Albany St. in proximity to the land of 38 Albany, LLC and the land of 225 Shrewsbury Street Realty Trust.

Africa Perkins request "No Parking" restrictions in Preston St. from Jaques Ave. to Murray Ave. be removed.

Karen Bird request speed enforcement be provided in the vicinity of Orient, Throne, and Chrome Streets.

Alfredo Viera, Director of Operations of Grid Hospitality Group, request removal of parking meter at 50 Franklin St.

Donna DesRosiers request removal of handicap parking space in front of 39 Everard St.

Ramon Guerrero request installation of handicap parking space in the vicinity of 8 Wall St.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: 235 WEST MOUNTAIN ST.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a jointly-owned pole relocation: BANGOR ST. & LORENZO ST.

Evan Corrigan request the City of Worcester replace fence around perimeter of Worcester Police Headquarters' property.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report comparing Worcester to other urban areas such as Lawrence, Lowell, Springfield and Boston in regards to whether each city uses clear bags or bins for recycling, including information as to the sizes of the bags and bins. Further, request City Manager include in said report what urban cities, if any, use both clear bags and bins in their city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager consider developing a program to provide the package of both trash and recycling bags in an a la carte manner, as opposed to bundled together.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager look into the possibility of allowing very small businesses the opportunity to utilize the yellow bag trash pickup program.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any support that can be provided to businesses selling city trash and recycling bags due to upcharges assessed to the businesses when charge cards are used.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks move the children advisory sign in the vicinity of Oak Knoll to the intersection of Oak Knoll and Hilltop Circle.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased speed enforcement in the vicinity of Forest St. and Grove St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Park install a “Blinking Pedestrian Crosswalk” sign at the intersection of Richland St. and Ward St. in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Schools, subject to funding.

Request City Manager report to City Council on what long range traffic planning steps are being taken to help lessen the city's nightmarish traffic congestion at rush hour. (Rosen)

Request City Manager have the appropriate staff provide enforcement of the sign ordinance up and down the Main South Corridor from Chandler Street to Webster Square. (Rivera, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager report to City Council the impacts resulting from the president's proposed federal fiscal year 2020 budget will have to the city. (Petty)

Request City Manager provide to City Council an analysis relative to parking in the city. (Petty)

Request City Manager ensure efforts are being made to promote and coordinate with the PawSox the creation of a "Worcester Baseball History Museum" at the soon to be built new baseball stadium. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager report the feasibility and financial ramifications of leveraging ONE MILLION DOLLARS of the unused levy capacity to conduct additional street and sidewalk reconstruction within the City as part of a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. (Rose)

Request City Manager provide a legal opinion as to the legal jurisdiction of the City Council regarding policies, practices and programs of the School Department and further as to the jurisdiction of the School Committee to enter into contracts with the Worcester Police Department and the liability for payment of the those services without oversight of the City Council. (Lukes)

Request Police Chief to provide increased traffic enforcement by the Worcester Police Department on the recently-resurfaced Mann St. (Rosen)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a draft ordinance which would allow the city to opt into M. G. L. Chapter 60 Section 62A, which permits municipalities the authority to extend payment options and agreements to senior home owners who fall behind on their tax payments as a means to allow for interest relief for eligible senior home owners with low income who are struggling to repay overdue taxes. Further, request City Manager request City Solicitor include in said report a legal summation of Chapter 60 Section 62A. Further, request said report be referred to the Standing Committee on Rules and Legislative Affairs for the purpose of further discussion and examination. (King, Wally, Rivera, Russell, Mero-Carlson)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Frank Santa Maria request installation of a "Commercial Loading Zone" in Casco St. from a point 105" south of Shrewsbury St. to a point 165" south of Shrewsbury St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Christine Parcher et al request the city's Traffic Engineers propose ways to improve the safety of both motorists and pedestrians at the dangerous intersection of Brownell and June Sts. due to oncoming fast-moving traffic and the visibility issues that cars have trying to enter June St. from Brownwell St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Felix Burgos et al request enforcement of parking laws for abandoned vehicles in Winslow St. and Larch St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Adam Cormier, President St. Mary's Schools and Rev. Richard Polek, Pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa request additional and necessary speed calming measures and parking enforcement at crosswalks to ensure safety of children on Richland St. and Ward St. in vicinity of elementary school since recent signage resulted in no changes and continues to be unsafe: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Arthur LeDoux et al request installation of a "Blind Driveway" sign in front of 217 Lake Ave. North: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the four crosswalks at the intersection of Lake View St. and Sherbrook Ave. be repainted: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mark Levasseur request resident permit parking be installed on Willard Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maureen Comer request installation of resident permit parking on the east side of Trowbridge Rd., from Highland St. to Institute Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Felix Burgos et al request installation of resident permit parking in Winslow St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Felix Burgos et al request installation of resident permit parking in Larch St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Benjamin Adjei request Cutler St., from Aetna St. to Dorchester St., be made one way: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Christine Parcher et al request the short section of Brownell St., from June St. heading south towards Lovell St. be made a one way street into Livermore Square: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Pierce McDonnell request crosswalk be re-installed at the intersection of Grove St. and North St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Carey Eggen request installation of a Deaf Child sign near the intersection of Hilltop Circle and Oak Knoll: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Florian Hoxha request a solution to the speeding problem at Forest St. and Grove St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Arthur LeDoux et al request installation of a traffic mirror across from 205 Lake Ave. North to help when exiting the driveway: 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 "Blind Driveway" sign for 10 Natural History Dr.: 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 “Blind Driveway” sign at 10 Natural History Dr.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paula Bushey and Denise Billotta request all signage from residents, businesses, non-profits etc. be prohibited from being placed on the Newton Square Rotary.: recommend Petition be referred to City Manager.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Vicki Truelson request a bus stop be installed on Haven Lane at Booth Apartments and opposite the National Guard Building on Lincoln St.: recommend Petition be recommitted to the Traffic & Parking Committee per City Clerk.

Amending Chapter Eight of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 relative to Farm Stands

Amending the Salary Ordinance Relative to the Salary of the City Manager.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to information to assist in the hiring of a City Council staff member. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes March 12, 2019)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manger transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion as to the jurisdiction of office space and facilities within City Hall. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson March 12, 2019)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning any taxes owed on the Greendale Mall property. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty March 12, 2019)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommending that One Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($180,000.00) be transferred from Reserve Account # 330-54, Greenwood Street Landfill, and be appropriated to DPW Account # 41S607, Greenwood Street Landfill (City), to allow for engineering services for environmental mitigation. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell March 12, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - That City Council will hereby convene in Executive Session prior to the close of the City Council meeting on March 12, 2019 for the purpose of discussing the deployment of public safety personnel in the city’s schools. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes March 12, 2019)

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)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion concerning the extent of discussion of City Council matters by City Councilors outside of City Council meetings. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 5, 2019 and Tabled - Bergman February 26, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Sarai Rivera, Councilor Gary Rosen, Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes, Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request City Council have the City Council Standing Committees on Public Works and Municipal Operations conduct a joint meeting about the future recommended staffing of the City Council office as well as logistics for office space for staff and City Council. Further, request the joint committee discuss potential recommendations regarding the job description and role of the City Council staff persons and further, encourage other City Councilors who are not members of the joint committee to attend and be included in the conversation. (Tabled - Petty February 26, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally – Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools to provide City Council with a report outlining a holistic solution that addresses the public safety issues associated with traffic at all the city’s schools. – Item #16a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager look into whether the city can permit when tractor trailers park in commercial parking lots overnight due to potential sanitary issues. – Item #16b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a draft ordinance to address streets and locations that may need “No Overnight Parking” signage but may not be zoned as residential and thus would not fall into the city’s illegal parking of box cars and tractor trailers regulations. – Item #16c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide community outreach in densely populated neighborhoods in regards to the proposed regulations for parking and paving in residential front yards in areas where parking is limited or nonexistent when public hearings occur. – Item #16d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a plan showing a 5,000 square foot lot and a 7,000 square foot, that have either 50 or 65 feet of frontage, and have a 1,200 square foot ranch house on the lot for the purpose of outlining where parking would be located on the property under the proposed regulations for parking and paving in residential that does not have a garage. – Item #16e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request School Committee provide City Council with a report detailing how much money is dedicated to girls sports in the Worcester Public Schools, what sports are available to girls and is the city complying with federal mandates. – Item #16f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repaint crosswalk at the intersection of North St. and Grove St., as it was not repainted after construction work occurred. – Item #16g CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning takeaways from the Boys Conference, which was held at Worcester State University and was part of the city’s Youth Violence Prevention Program. – Item #16h CC Order adopted

PETITION of Councilor Khrystian E. King request City Council suspend its rules to permit the recording of his vote regarding the Order to Authorize the Mayor on behalf of the City Council of the City of Worcester to execute Amendment Number One to the City Manager’s Employment Agreement with Mr. Edward M. Augustus, Jr., under Section 3-1(b) of the City Charter and the vote to Advertise the Proposed Ordinance Amending the Salary Ordinance Relative to the Salary of the City Manager as they appeared on the March 5, 2019 City Council items 14d as follows: Item #14d as a yea. - Approved on a voice vote

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager work with the owner of the Big Y parking lot to repair pot holes at the parking lot street entrance near the intersection of Sunderland Rd. and Lake Ave. – Item #16j CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report determining whether Department of Children and Families (DCF) will be moving from downtown to another part of the city and further, attempt to keep them in the downtown area of the city, and if they cannot stay, ensure there is access to the new location via a bus line. – Item #16k CC Order adopted

Motion Lukes @ #11a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what strategies have been tried by the city to address the traffic congestion in city streets, including information concerning what has been tried and failed.

Motion Bergman @ #11a CC – Request City Manager pursue the notion of synchronization of city street lights.

Motion Russell @ #11f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what causes are contributing to the damaging of city streets, including information concerning city streets not being repaired properly following utility work.

Motion Bergman @ #11f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with information regarding how the city’s bond rating could be affected if the city were to leverage $1,000,000.00 (One Million Dollars) of unused tax levy capacity for street and sidewalk repair.

Motion Lukes @ #11f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding what new technologies are being used to repair streets and what cost might be incurred to use some of those new technologies.

Motion Lukes @ #11f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a status update regarding the City Manager’s formal evaluation of his department heads.

Motion Petty @ #11f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with information concerning whether Chapter 90 state funding could be used to conduct additional street and sidewalk repairs.

Motion Petty @ #15a CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning how each City Councilor can be engaged during the process of hiring a City Council staff person, similar to how City Councilors were engaged during the hiring of the City Manager. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with information concerning whether the position can report to the City Clerk’s Office.

Motion Russell @ #15d CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what monies are in the operational Reserve Account #330-54.

Motion Petty @ #16a CC - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with information concerning what can and cannot be discussed in executive session in regards to the deployment of public safety personnel in the city’s schools.

Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a brief report in regards to the REACH Grant recently awarded to the Department of Public Health.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager direct the owners of the former Sam’s Club on Tobias Boland Way to clean the trash along the property.