CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:40 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:14 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring October 29, 2019 as Disability Employment Awareness Day in the city of Worcester. The Mayor recognized Ellen Spencer, Area Director for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, who spoke concerning the Proclamation.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 15, 2019.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Adam Thielker, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9q CC
2. Sean Maher, Shrewsbury resident, spoke in favor of #9s CC
3. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7k CC
4. Joseph Bellil, Holden resident, spoke in favor of #9q CC
5. Gaylen Moore, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #10a CC, #7l CC, #7n CC and #7j CC
6. Crystal Bedrick, Webster resident, spoke in favor of #9q CC
7. Susan Hunt, Charlton resident, spoke in favor of #7f CC
8. Joshua Croke, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9i CC and concerning #7c CC
9. Brenna Robison, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9q CC
10. Fiona Rivera, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7l CC
11. Fay Gauthier, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to #16e CC
12. Steve Jensen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7l CC
13. Kevin Lynch, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7l CC and #7m CC
14. Gabriel Cohen-Glinick, Boston resident, spoke in favor of #7l CC
15. Anne Bureau, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9q CC

Mary Sullivan request sidewalk repair in front of 453 Burncoat St.

Jo Hart request immediate restoration of bus services on North Main St. and to hold a public meeting about bus routes, bus stops and usable bus schedules.

William S. Coleman, III request City Council establish a new City Council sub-committee for LGBTQI community concerns and issues.

William S. Coleman, III request City Council go on record to support of Senate Bill 389, which was proposed by State Senator Harriette L. Chandler, allowing local government to opt into a law to give 16 and 17 year old citizens the right to vote in local elections.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of a blinking pedestrian light at the crosswalk in the vicinity of 86 Austin St.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Susan Hunt request installation of a flashing pedestrian crossing sign at the I-290 entrance crosswalk in the vicinity of Rotman’s Furniture, 725 Southbridge St.

Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Gary Rosen and Councilor Matthew E. Wally request installation of a blinking light on the island of Flagg St. and Salisbury St.

Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Gary Rosen and Councilor Matthew E. Wally request installation of "Slow, Pedestrians Walking” signs at the beginning of the crosswalks on Salisbury St. between Assumption College and St. Mary's Church.

Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Sean M. Rose request consideration for the removal of the crosswalk at the apex of the hill between Assumption College and St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church, located at 535 Salisbury St., in the interest of public safety.

Evan Corrigan request the city's website be updated to include information that "soft plastics" cannot be recycled in our system, including information concerning all items that are not supposed to be recycled.

Peter Stefan, Funeral Director of Graham, Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlor, request an opportunity to speak before City Council at its October 29, 2019 meeting regarding funeral services payments for indigent veterans.

Rhonda Hicks a.k.a. Wahya Gutste Wolfpaw et al request City Council progressively address and fund a needed multipurpose homeless center modeling the center built in Springfield. Further, request City Council conduct a full audit of SMOC and the city of Worcester's contract obligations.

Rhonda Hicks a.k.a. Wahya Gutste Wolfpaw et al request City Council to install trash receptacles on Main St. in the Main South area, beginning at the YMCA to Dunkin Donuts on Main St. Further, request City Council to install public restrooms on a city parcel in Main South to include green spaces and benches.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks adjust the existing handicap parking space in front of 23 Stanton St. so that the space can be used by a wheelchair accessible van.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with an accident report in the vicinity of the intersection of Gardner St. and Southgate St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repaint the crosswalk in the vicinity of the intersection of Gardner St. and Southgate St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to reconfigure the “No Left Turn” signage at the intersection of Orient St. and Hamilton St. so that it is more visible for drivers.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to trim the tree blocking the stop sign at the intersection of Hamilton St. and Orient St.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a presentation on Prescription CPR, as the current survival rate for individuals who survive heart attacks outside of hospitals in the state is about 4%. (Toomey)

Request City Manager explore a Transportation Improvement Plan for the Salisbury St. to Park Ave. area of the community. (Rose, Rosen, Wally)

Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to identify safety improvements for the areas of Flagg St. to Jamesbury Dr., Salisbury St. from Ellis Dr. to Newton Ave. North and Salisbury St. from Newton Ave. North to 341 Salisbury St. (Rose, Rosen, Wally)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work to create a master plan to construct sidewalks throughout the entire length of Salisbury St. down to Park Ave., and further, request City Manager hold discussions with officials from Assumption College to determine whether Assumption College would fund the portions of the sidewalk installed in front of their properties. (King)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a traffic study concerning accidents on Moreland St., at its intersection with Salisbury St. as well as its intersection with Carter Rd. and Brigham Rd. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a similar traffic study for accidents at the intersection of Salisbury St. and Flagg St. (King)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of creating a rotary at the intersection of Salisbury St. and Flagg St. (King)

Request City Manager reach out to the leadership of the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation to collaborate with the foundation to offer self-defense classes to the city’s female residents. (Rose)

Request City Manager request the Director of the Office of Urban Innovation explore the possibility of partnering with “Waze for Cities” in an effort to compile data that will improve traffic (in real time). Further, request City Manager collaborate with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to determine innovative ways to inform future infrastructure development using smart city solutions. (Rose)

Request City Council’s Standing Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee hold a public hearing to discuss the varied challenges facing our city's LGBTQ youth. (Rosen, Wally, Rose)

Request City Manager consider working with REC Worcester to create an indoor volleyball league similar to the Worcester City Hoops program. (Rivera)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks examine the area on Southbridge St. in the vicinity of Rotman’s Funiture, located at 725 Southbridge St., to increase walkability coming from the Holy Cross Campus side of the street to the Rotman’s Furniture side. (Rivera)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks examine Water St., in an effort to provide City Council with recommendations for traffic calming measures that should be taken on the street. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how many businesses have opened in the city over the last two (2) years. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning all the locations where shot spotter is located in the city. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement in Plantation St., in the vicinity of Notre Dame Long Term Care Center. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previous request adopted on April 2, 2019 concerning providing City Council with a detailed report regarding the current residential and commercial tax rates in all gateway cities, as well as the percentages of nontaxable properties in each gateway city. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager report on the developments on a city-wide traffic relief management plan with short term, midterm and long term improvements and to consider lowering speed limits to 25-20 mph, 3D crosswalks, capital improvement projects to improve congestion at bottleneck locations, use of drones, congestion pricing, speed bumps, free WRTA rides to the general public and students and collaboration with neighboring towns in the commonwealth. (Lukes)

Request City Manager designate one person to coordinate all street closings for any and all construction purposes, in an effort to facilitate alternative routes for motorists. (Russell)

Request City Manager work with NAGE Local 495 to implement the following Home Rule Petition: Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in the General Court Assembled, and by authority of the same, as follows: Notwithstanding the provision of any general or special law to the contrary, the personal administrator shall certify any active employee who served in a civil service position in the city of Worcester as a provisional or provisional promotion employee for at least six months prior to the “effective date of passage of this Act,” to permanent civil service status in that position. (Petty)

That the City Council go on record in strong support of the FUTURE Act (H.2849/S.1940) and urge the legislature to pass the bill this session. (Petty)

COMMUNICATION of the City Auditor transmitting an informational communication regarding the passage of time taken to develop the Madison Properties' effect on the timing of the receipt of revenues required to service Series A bonds. (Referred to Finance Committee - #8a CC June 4, 2019)

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Valery Fleming et al request the sewer connection in Winnipeg St. be extended to include the remainder of the street, including 16 Winnipeg St. to the end.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Valery Fleming et al request the sewer connection be extended in St. Louis St. to include from 115 St. Louis St. to 139 St. Louis St.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Robert E. Longden, Esq. request to change the zoning designation at 284 Highland St., from RS 7 to RL-7

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Robert Branca, Manager Branded Realty Group II, LLC on behalf of the owner of 590 Southbridge St. and adjacent land at 8 and 8A Washburn St. request to rezone the Washburn St. property to BL-1.0 to make consistent with the Southbridge St. property.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of a Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment relative to parking and paving in residential front yards: recommend Communication be referred to Planning Board.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an updated Economic Development Report: 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 2019 Worcester Construction Workforce Disparity Study: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of an Order relative to the discontinuance of a portion of Foster Street Right of Way: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending approval of discontinuance and conveyance of a portion of Plantation St. right of way: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of 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: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Karen Bird et al request installation of speed limit and children signage on Thorne St., Orient St. and Chrome St. Further, request for speed and traffic surveillance on Thorne St., Orient St. and Chrome St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Chairman's Order from Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee - Request Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking consider the need for striping Coes St. down the middle as a deterrent for motorists that are driving too fast and on the wrong side of the road.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Fakhriya Nashari request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 24 Lyon St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

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

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sonia Diaz request installation of an additional handicap parking space in front of 23 Stanton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Glenda Torres Amaro on behalf of Angel Torres-Baez request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 86 Arthur St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Van Nguyen request the handicap parking space in front of 13 Tower St. be removed or relocated: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mercedes Familia request the winter parking ban on Stoneland Rd. be amended from "No Parking" when declared on the even side to "No Parking" when declared on the odd side for the entire length of the street: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of George Auden request the winter parking ban for Ingleside Ave., from Hamilton St. to Dartmouth St., be reversed to allow parking on the even side of the street when a declared parking ban is in effect: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Karen Bird et al request installation of "No Left Turn" signage on Orient St. at Hamilton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Karen Bird et al request installation of a stop sign in Hamilton St. at Orient St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ron Adjami request the removal of a handicap parking space located at 488 Park Ave.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Amending Salary Ordinance Of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group E - Fiscal (Supervisor Of Payrolls/Tax Compliance)

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 5 West Lake Street

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 15 Caroline Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking Across From 8 Plantation Street

Amending Section 40 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide For Resident Permit Parking On Hackfeld Road

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Install No Parking Anytime On The May Street Side Of 413 Park Avenue

Amending Section 70 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Install The Prohibited Left Turn For Eastbound Traffic On Clover Street Into Heard Street Amending Section 73 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Install The Prohibited Right Turn For Southbound Traffic On Heard Street Into Clover Street

Amending Chapter Two Section Twenty-Seven of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Concerning Fees to be Charged to the Worcester Housing Authority

Recommend adoption of an amended loan order in the amount of Two Million Five Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Eight Hundred Forty Nine Dollars and No Cents ($2,575,849.00), to provide funding for the Worcester Public Schools, Challenge and Reach Academy building improvement project.

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)

TO BE ORDAINED - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty June 25, 2019 and Tabled - Wally July 23, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – That City Council does hereby support the Comprehensive Clean City Program as submitted to City Council, with the exception of changing the price increase on garbage bags from fifty cents to twenty-five cents and eliminating the clear plastic bag portion of the program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 23, 2019 and Tabled - Russell August 13, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - That City Council does hereby support the Comprehensive Clean City Program as submitted to City Council. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a review of the Comprehensive Clean City Program in one year’s time. Further, request City Manager consider providing all neighborhood based clean-up grants to only established neighborhood groups. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 23, 2019 and Tabled - Russell August 13, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally – That City Council does hereby support the Comprehensive Clean City Program as submitted to City Council, with the exception of implementing an a la carte system for purchasing clear plastic recycling bags and yellow trash bags, which would allow residents to purchase large bags separately from small bags, and yellow trash bags separately from clear plastic recycling bags. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 23, 2019 and Tabled - Russell August 13, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion regarding the process of instituting a residential rent control program and the resulting impact of implementing such a program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes September 17, 2019 and September 24, 2019 and Tabled - Lukes October 15, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager send Quality of Life team to Lafayette St. to determine whether any littering or nuisance properties can be cleaned up. – Item #12a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning any solutions for pedestrian safety measures in the city, especially in regards to student safety near schools. – Item #12b CC Order adopted

Motion King @ #7l CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning all actions taken by the city to monitor alleged illicit activities at SMOC, located at 25 Queen St.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #7l CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the Inspectional Services Department has visited SMOC and whether the building is up to code.

Motion Toomey @ #7l CC – Request City Clerk provide individuals attending City Council meetings with the rules of public speaking and participation.

Motion Bergman @ #7l CC – Request City Manager consider providing the Division of Healthcare Facilities Licensure and Certification with the testimony provided to City Council by residents concerning alleged illicit activities occurring at SMOC.

Motion King @ #7l CC – Request City Manager reach out to the State of Massachusetts legislators who represent SMOC, located at 25 Queen St., to determine any state assistance or partnerships that could be garnered to help the city deal with any illicit activities occurring at the property.

Motion Russell @ #9d CC – Request City Manager review all streets that have been considered for sidewalk installation, including Sunderland Rd. between Grafton St. and Massasoit Rd., which services Roosevelt Elementary School.

Motion Lukes @ #9p CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s property assessments over the last five years.

Motion King @ #9q CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning whether there would be any privacy infringements should the city begin to use drones as part of a traffic relief management plan.

Motion Lukes @ #9q CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s experience having speedbumps on Westland St., including information concerning whether speed of motorists decreased as a result of their installation.

Motion Lukes @ #13a CC – Request City Manager implement a moratorium on the paving over of front lawns. Further, request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with legal opinion concerning implementing a moratorium on the paving over of front lawns.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the exemplary action by the Worcester Police Department concerning the altercation at 64 Franklin St., which occurred on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works repair the crosswalk button for the crosswalk at the intersection of Lincoln St. and Channing St.

RESOLUTION – Suspension of Rules - That the City Council of the city of Worcester does hereby support the Worcester Police Department for their courage and professionalism in dealing with what could have been a very dangerous situation on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 64 Franklin St. (Lukes)

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager consider educating the public concerning how to properly interact with law enforcement. Further, request City Manager consider bringing the Worcester Police Department officers responsible for subduing the altercation at 64 Franklin St. before City Council so that they may be recognized for their service.

Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement in the vicinity of Mason St. Further, request City Manager request Police Chief place an electronic speed monitoring system in Mason St. on a temporary basis.

PETITION – Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of speed limit signage in Mason St.