CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:34 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:29 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of Worcester Firefighter Lt. Jason Menard, who passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 while heroically battling against a four-alarm fire on Stockholm Street at the age of 39. Mayor Joseph M. Petty also asked all residents to keep in their thoughts the community and family members affected by the tragedy, as well as three other firefighters who were injured in the incident.

Mayor Petty read a proclamation declaring Thursday, November 21, 2019 as Transgender Day of Remembrance in the city. The proclamation was presented to Tiffany Williams, Jesse Pack and representatives from Worcester Pride.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 29, 2019.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Jack Delehanty, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #8d CC
2. Jo Hart, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #8d CC
3. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #8d CC
4. Glen Ford, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to #10e CC

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

Dina Calixto request to repair and/or relocate the catch basin/drain in front of 9 Greenwood St., due to basement flooding in the home.

Cristiano DeLuca request emergency installation of guardrails at the corner of Ludlow St. and Stafford St. in the interest of public safety.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of David Harding from Polar Beverages request sidewalk repair in front of 1001 Southbridge St.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Jack Delehanty request the timing for the pedestrian crossing light at the intersection of Park Ave. and May St. be adjusted to provide more time for people to cross safely.

Shawn Carey request a change in the Resident Permit Parking Program to allow a purchase of a second visitor pass when the original is lost, stolen or destroyed.

Tim Loew and Ken Cameron on behalf of Becker College request to amend the Resident Permit Parking on the entire odd side of Roxbury St., from the corner of William St. to Highland St., from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Greg Cybula request the removal of two handicap parking signs in front of 2 Stockton St.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request the double lines on Leslie Rd. be repainted.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Clerk send a letter to the owner of 21 Myrick Ave. informing them that the petition requesting an abatement for a street assessment for 21 Myrick Ave. will be recommended given leave to withdraw because at this time no assessment has been assigned and that they may submit a new petition when the assessment has been issued.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks ensure the tree in front of 464 Salisbury St. is trimmed as soon as possible.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks assess the sidewalks in front of 464 Salisbury St. for any immediate trip hazards while it is waiting for reconstruction.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility and impact of opening up the Brooks St. dead end. (Rose)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update regarding renovations and improvements of our fire stations. Further, request an update concerning the status of a replacement of Webster Square Fire Station. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request the City Solicitor report to City Council the process to add to the name and purpose of the Veterans and Military Affairs Subcommittee the wording “and Historical Markers” and the process of adding a mission statement regarding same. (Bergman)

Request City Manager put in affect a system with animal control whereby the location/time/date of coyote sightings could be posted on the City’s website. (Bergman)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update on the process and public participation schedule for the building of the “new” Doherty Memorial High School. (Bergman, Wally)

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks provide City Council with a report concerning cost effective ways (or strategies) to improve the safety of the Newton Square rotary. (Rose, Wally)

Request City Manager report on the real estate assessments to be submitted in determining the next Tax Classification vote. (Lukes)

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)

Dr. Helen A. Friel,, Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting informational communication from the School Committee in support of a Home Rule Petition to 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.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Delmont Ave., from Harmon St. to Clarendon St. be made public: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

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

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

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Lily H Nguyen and Pablo Murillo Jr. request abatement of street betterment assessment #25656 in the amount of $14,000.00 for Westcott St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to provide for a full abatement.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request resurfacing of sidewalks on Woodford St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Theresa Gallagher request sidewalk repair in front of 30 Tatman St. and further that the water shut-off obstacle in sidewalk be leveled: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Eric Rosenthal request sidewalk replacement in front of 29 Otsego Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Nataly Dernulc request sidewalk repair along the Perry Ave. and Harlem St. sides of 37 Harlem St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Donald Ichton request sidewalk repair in front of 86 Pine View Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Matthew Nasif request sidewalk repair in front of 464 Salisbury St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Alexander Hoppe request sidewalk repair in front of 25 and 27 Frothingham Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Raul Navarro request sidewalk repair in front of 13 Norrback Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request sidewalk repair in front of 42 Wedgewood Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Daniel Voellings request sidewalk repair in front of 488 Mill St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Gary Vecchio request to repave sidewalks on the even side of Caprera Rd., from Imperial Rd. to Granby Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Nancy Wentworth request sidewalk repair on Airlie St., from its intersection with Granville Ave. to Hillcroft Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Krysta Rossetti request sidewalk repair for the entire length of Airlie St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mary Whalen requests sidewalk repair in front of 46 Monroe Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Joan Tedeschi request Morgan St. be resurfaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request Buckley Rd., between 20 Buckley Rd. and 37 Buckley Rd., be repaved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of Barbara Engwall request street resurfacing on Vineyard St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Nancy Wentworth request Airlie St., from its intersection with Granville Ave. to Hillcroft Ave. be resurfaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Krysta Rossetti request street resurfacing for the entire length of Airlie St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request Milton St. be resurfaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Sean M. Rose request resurfacing of Barry Rd. from the intersection of Birchwood Rd. and Barry Rd. to 92 Barry Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request Morningside Rd., from Morningside Terrace to Fiske St., be resurfaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Alan Pandiani, owner of National Glass Works, request installation of protective post/guardrail at corner of Park Ave. and Parker St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Hugo Luis Reyes Rodriguez request installation of a guardrail in front of 25 Tennyson St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request the guardrail on Sears Island Drive bridge be repaired: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Bruce Silva request installation of a guard rail in front of 1511 Main St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Construction Progress Report for the month ending May 31, 2019: 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 the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Six Month Activity Report from January - June 2019: 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 the Construction Progress Report for the month ending June 31, 2019: 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 the Construction Progress Report for the month ending July 31, 2019: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Steven and Meredith Nordstrom request abatement of estimated street betterment assessments for Lots 33-019-164-4, 33-019-164-3 and 33-019-164-2 on Myrick Ave.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Theresa Gallagher request street repair in front of 30 Tatman St.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of Barbara Engwall request street resurfacing on Minthorne St.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Alexander Washington request street repair in front of 25 Friedel St.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Sean M. Rose request Volkmar Rd. from West Boylston St. to Croydon Rd. be resurfaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request Hastings Ave. be resurfaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Johanna Moquin request the curbing be removed and driveway apron be repaired in front of 15 Marwood Rd.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Joann Lee request Nelson Park Dr. be resurfaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera request removal of the portion of the guardrail in front of 76 Malvern Rd. that is nearest to the property’s driveway: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Matthew Early request abatement of street betterment assessment #25659 in the amount of $14,000.00 for Westcott St.: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Erin Cahill request abatement of street betterment assessment #25646 in the amount of $11,250.00 for Navasota Ave.: recommend Petition be denied.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the salary difference of a police officer assigned to the Union Station Substation and a police officer working paid detail. (Tabled Under Privilege King - November 12, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager request City Solicitor report on the qualifications and process to ordain a small commercial (real estate tax) exemption. Further, request City Manager request City Assessor report on the effect of same on the tax tables. Further, request City Manager request Chief Development Officer report on the history and results of same as to other municipalities that have adopted this. (Tabled Under Privilege Bergman- November 12, 2019)

TO BE ORDAINED - An Ordinance Amending Section 40 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide For Resident Permit Parking On Hackfeld Road. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 29, 2019 and November 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)

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)

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 Matthew Wally – Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks provide to City Council with a report comparing the city’s wages for snow removal personnel with other surrounding as well as other comparable municipalities. - Item #18a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks provide to City Council with a report regarding the 13 plowing related categories that received increases over the last 3 years. - Item #18b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager provide to City Council a report at the next budget session for consideration regarding whether or not the use of free cash or other funding used for city services should be used to invest in a GPS system for snow equipment used by the city. - Item #18c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally - Request City Manager provide to City Council with a status report regarding efforts taking place by the newly formed Department of Urban Innovations. - Item #18d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - That City Council does hereby amend its meeting schedule to cancel the December 3, 2019 City Council meeting to recognize the 20th Anniversary and to honor the 6 firefighters lost in the line of duty at the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse. - Item #18e CC Order adopted

Motion King @ #10e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning information regarding the meetings for the building of a new Doherty Memorial High School, including information concerning the purpose of each meeting. Further, request City Manager include in said report information concerning who sits on the Doherty Memorial High School Building Committee and how those individuals were selected.

PETITION – Suspension of Rules – Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of Urania Papas request installation of “No Parking Here to Curb” signage on both sides of the driveway of 20 Hackfeld Rd.

Motion Lukes and Rosen - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council with a presentation concerning the Worcester Community Choice Electricity Aggregation Program at the December 17, 2019 City Council meeting.