CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:31 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:00 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 Brady Fenner with a Key to the City in recognition for the “Perfect Game” he pitched at his Tris Speaker Little League baseball game on May 29, 2019.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty presented Ron Charrette with a Key to the City in recognition for his work for over forty years in South Worcester as he retires as Executive Director of the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty presented Department of Public Works and Parks employees Jay Lahair, Dan Patenaude, John Deneault, Chis McEwen, Cody Hall, Dickie Collins and Peter Lamoureux with Keys to the City for their lifesaving and heroic efforts on May 8, 2019 that saved the life of a three year old child.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 11, 2019.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7n CC
2. Gordon T. Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7n CC
3. Galen Moore, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9a CC - #9d CC
4. Jo Hart, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to an unknown item
5. Jonathan Hardy-Lavoie, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #10a CC and #10b CC
6. Justice Love Real, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7l CC
7. Tammy Biondo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #10a CC and #10b CC

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

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: SHORE DRIVE; and Granting permission to: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: SHORE DRIVE.

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

Joslyn Collazo et al request to make public Hacker Court.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty request City Council rename the portion of Clocktower Dr. that abuts the AbbVie Bioresearch Center property be renamed O’Sullivan Connector.

Evan Corrigan request Milton St. be resurfaced.

Evan Corrigan request Hastings Ave. be resurfaced.

Evan Corrigan request the bridge section of Sears Island Drive be resurfaced.

Evan Corrigan request sidewalks be repaired in the bridge section of Sears Island Dr.

Evan Corrigan request the guardrail on Sears Island Drive bridge be repaired.

Oscar Tamayo request to relocate the fire hydrant at the corner of 4 Dupuis Ave.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a crosswalk in Green St. in the vicinity of the Crompton Collective Building.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of John Fresolo request the removal of the bus stop sign on Grafton St. at pole number 26 in the vicinity of Attorney Turo’s office, in the interest of public safety and to facilitate smoother traffic flow.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Sheilagh Crotty request installation of a crosswalk across Grafton St. in the vicinity of its intersection with Standish St.

Justice Love Real request installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Pleasant St. and West St.

Mary Kelly request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of Madulkas Ice Cream, located at 193-195 Lake Ave.

Gordon T. Davis request City Council effectuate a policy of giving more favorable consideration to Worcester High School graduates when considering candidates for City jobs.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Taking for the Kelley Square Reconstruction Project.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Taking for the Grafton Street Improvement Project.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in an amount of up to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($500,000.00) from the US Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention, under the FY19 Youth Gang Desistance/Diversion Grant program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant for cybersecurity training from the Mass Executive Office of Technology Services and Security under the Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Twenty Five Dollars And No Cents ($525.00) from The College of the Holy Cross, to support the projects of the Mayor's Mental Health Task Force.

Recommend adoption of a resolution for acceptance of a stipend for technology from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office Local Consumer Program in the amount of $3,276.11, for the Office of Human Rights & Disabilities.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in an amount of up to Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($250,000.00) through the Massachusetts Housing Choice Capital Grant program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($15,000.00) from the Worcester Public Library Foundation to the Worcester Public Library.

Recommend that Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) be transferred from Account #412-92000, Streetlights Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Parks Account # 720 - 97201, Parks Overtime, to allow for overtime costs through the remainder of fiscal year 2019.

Recommend that Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($25,000.00) be transferred from Account #550-91000, Library Regular Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #550-92000, Library Ordinary Maintenance, to cover costs associated with building maintenance until the end of FY19.

Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($100,000.00) be transferred from Account #171-96000, Workers Comp, and be appropriated to Account #174-96000, Injured on Duty, to cover costs through the remainder of FY19.

Recommend adoption of the Declaration of Trust, as filed by the Other Post-Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund Board of Trustees (OPEB Board).

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Council’s Standing Committees on Public Health and Human Services and Public Service meet jointly with Eversource and with Mother’s Out Front as well as the city’s Public Health, Public Works and Inspectional Services Departments to discuss Eversource’s plans to reduce gas leaks throughout the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager urge Eversource to prioritize the repair of gas leaks at Chandler Community Elementary, May St. Elementary, Rice Square Elementary, Flagg St. Elementary and Doherty Memorial High School before the opening of the next school year.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager request from Eversource a list of gas leaks in the vicinity of any Recreation Worcester programs.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request the Mayor with the City Clerk prepare a resolution to support pending state legislation known as the “Future Act” – An Act for a Utility Transition to Using Renewable Energy (H2849/S1940).

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with recommendations as to how best to improve the resident permit parking program to fit the needs of the growing city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a traffic study of Piedmont St., between Austin St. and Larch St., in an effort to alleviate parking concerns in the area.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks reach out to the various neighborhood groups in the city to determine the major traffic concerns of each neighborhood.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks complete a traffic study of cars travelling southbound on Park Ave. turning right onto Highland St. to determine how many cars turn right when the pedestrian crosswalk sign is on to allow pedestrians to cross.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement, including the posting of electronic speed radar signage, in Williamsberg Dr.

Request Standing Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation discuss the state of the city's soccer fields and possible steps and financing methods that might be considered to increase the number of such fields across the city. (Rosen)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks look into portable street soccer set ups for pop-up recreation purposes in our parks. (Petty)

Request City Manager request Director of Human Resources start monthly or quarterly job fairs in the community. (Petty)

Request City Manager ascertain what, if any, memorials have been created to honor Andrew Haswell Green and/or the Green family, the donors of Greenhill Park. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager submit a report listing all parcels of real estate owned by the city for the purpose of determining if mini parking lots can be established to relieve congested parking in crowded neighborhoods. (Lukes)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide enforcement of existing “No Parking Anytime” restriction on Hancock St. from the angle point to a point thirty (30) feet west of the angle point. Further, if no signage is installed at the location, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks reinstall signage. (Rivera)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of an order for the sale and redevelopment of the Worcester Memorial Auditorium: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Cultural Plan: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to support the Cultural Plan, produced by the City of Worcester in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition and Greater Worcester Community Foundation to embrace creativity for all.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the implementation of the Cultural Compact: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the renovation of Francis Carroll Plaza: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational Communication relative to a report on Economic Development: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Robert Karockai on behalf of Jozsef Karockai request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 1 Stone St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mohammed Abdullah request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 87 Chino Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Victoria Rodriguez on behalf of Abdeilis Lopez Rodriguez request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 183 Austin St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of James Paquette request installation of Resident Permit Parking on Eastern Ave. from Mulberry St. to Normal St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the installation of a stop sign on Bluff St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mayor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Kathryn Krock request installation of four (4) metered parking spaces on Walnut St. within close proximity to the Main St. intersection for twenty (20) minute daycare loading zones during the hours of 7am - 9am and 4pm - 6pm to be dedicated to the customers of Strawberries Early Learning Center and residents of 332 Main St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mayor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Kathryn Krock request to designation of four (4) metered parking spaces on Main St. within close proximity to the Walnut St. intersection .One metered parking space for 24 hour/7 days a week for resident loading/unloading for residents of 332 Main St. and three metered parking spaces dedicated for 20 minute daycare drop-off during the hours of 7am - 9am and 4pm - 6pm. The four spaces to dedicated for use by customers of Strawberries Early Learning Center and residents of 332 Main St.: recommend passage of the accompanying three (3) proposed Ordinances and adoption of the accompanying two (2) Orders to install Commercial Loading and Passenger Zones.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Teresa Castillo request installation of handicap parking space in the vicinity of 31 Haynes St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of Resident Permit Parking in Piedmont St. between Austin St. and Larch St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nicole Metallic request resident permit parking on east side of Marble St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Norma Delgado request installation of resident permit parking for Gates St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of a crosswalk across Woodland St. near 155 Woodland St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Justice Love Real request installation of flashing pedestrian lights at all crosswalks located at West St. and Pleasant St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of Nicole Albion request installation of a solar powered flashing crosswalk at the intersection of Pleasant St. and Huntley St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Urania and John Papas request installation of "No Parking From Here to Curb" signage and yellow, "No Parking" striping 3 feet from the curb on either side of the driveway at 20 Hackfeld Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the residents of Briarwood Continuing Care request a traffic light be installed at the intersection of Mountain St. East & Briarwood Circle: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dorothy McGlynn request installation of speed limit signs and children cautionary signs in Williamsberg Dr: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Theresa MacLellan request installation of speed limit or "Go Slow" children signage in Clarence St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Denise Darmagmac request installation of driveway clearance signage in front of 397 Shrewsbury St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jesus Huertas et al request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 20 Blossom St.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Javier Amarat request removal of a handicap parking space located in front of 211 Constitution Ave.: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Crystaltina Montagna request to rescind resident permit parking on odd side of Carver St.: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Eric Dupuis of United Refrigeration request installation of a commercial loading zone near the driveway of 25 Crescent St.: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Roberta Adams request to make Winter St. one way from Green St. to Harding St. or eliminate the parking on one side: recommend Petition be denied.

Amending Article III, Section 2 Of The Worcester Zoning Ordinance, Adopted April 2, 1991, Relative To An Extension Of The BG -6.0 Zoning District In The Vicinity Of Madison Street, Summit Street, Washington Street And Lamartine Street.

Amending Section 2 Article III Of The Worcester Zoning Ordinance Adopted April 2, 1991 Relative To Extending The Bl-1.0 And Commercial Corridor Overlay (CCOD) Zoning Districts In The Vicinity Of The Property Located At 57 Highland Street And 33 &35 Wachusett Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 41 Westminster Street

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 39 Everard Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 8 Wall Street.

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

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)

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; Tabled Under Privilege - Petty March 19, 2019 and Tabled - Petty March 26, 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; Tabled Under Privilege - Petty March 19, 2019 and Tabled - Petty March 26, 2019)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Susan Burns & Mary Landry request abatement of sewer betterment assessment #31247 in the amount of $36,000.00 for Luther Ave.: recommend Petition be denied. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rose April 23, 2019 and Tabled - Russell April 30, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the future of Discover Central Massachusetts, including information concerning how the city can facilitate the independence of the organization. – Item #17a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Auditor provide City Council with a report concerning the most recent audit of Discover Central Massachusetts when that item becomes available. – Item #17b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the viability of using other avenues that Discover Central Massachusetts could be funded through besides the Worcester Chamber of Commerce. – Item #17c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager go back to providing courtesy services while completing the Spring Street Sweeping program at no additional cost. – Item #17d CC Order denied on a roll call vote of 5 Yeas and 6 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report, as soon as the information becomes available, concerning the compliance records of all entities that have been granted TIFs in the city. – Item #17e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally – Request City Manager amend all future Construction Progress Reports to include the district of each street discussed. – Item #17f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning future opportunities for leases at the Worcester Senior Center. – Item #17g CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager provide City Council with list of what payments on Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN) and/or costs associated with them are for, whenever such items come before City Council. – Item #17h CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide street sweeping for Florence St., between Downing St. and Charlotte St., which did not receive street sweeping due to construction work being done on the street. – Item #17i CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager follow up with the Department of Public Works to determine the timetable for the street repairs on Providence St. and Vernon St. – Item #17j CC Order adopted

Motion Bergman @ #8.36A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the term lengths for members of the Other Post-Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund Board of Trustees (OPEB Board).

Motion Bergman @ #8.36A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning why it is discretionary to purchase liability insurance for the Other Post-Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund Board of Trustees (OPEB Board).

Motion Lukes @ #8:36A CM – Request City Auditor provide City Council with a report reviewing the Declaration of Trust, as filed by the Other Post-Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund Board of Trustees (OPEB Board).

Motion Lukes @ #9c CC – Request City Manager request from Eversource a list of all gas leaks in the city.

Motion Wally @ #10e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning strategies other municipalities across the country are implementing to incentivize property owners in congested neighborhoods to provide parking to other residents in those areas.

Motion Russell @ #10e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with information concerning possible lots that may be sold or auctioned off to residents interested in building entry level housing that includes garage spaces in congested neighborhoods.

Motion Bergman @ #10e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a financial breakdown of the municipal lots in the city.

Motion Rosen – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks open the bathrooms at Elm Park, Tivnan Field and Institute Park.