CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:33 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:51 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 James Lukes, husband of former Mayor and City Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes, who passed away on April 26, 2020.

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring the week of May 3, 2020 to May 9, 2020 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in the city. The Proclamation was virtually presented to Beth Pond and Chandra Watts.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of April 21, 2020.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers, who all participated remotely through digital means: 1. Sue Burke, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7c CC 2. Name Unknown, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7c CC 3. Paul Popinchalk, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #7c CC

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

Marguerite Cormier request installation of a streetlight on pole #20 in front of 139 Lake Ave.

Councilor Matthew E. Wally request Fourth St. be repaved.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of the Saxon Road Neighborhood Group, residents of Newton Square and surrounding neighbors of Duffy Field request installation of a “No Dumping/ Fine” sign be installed at Duffy Field.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Terrence Malarney request installation of a blinking light on Grove St. at its intersection with Parkton Ave.

Councilor Donna Colorio on behalf of Terrence Malarney request traffic calming measures be implemented on Grove St. in the vicinity of its intersection with Parkton Ave.

Tarang Shah request the closure of some streets to through traffic, decided on a case by case basis, in order to allow for pedestrians to walk safely while social distancing.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager consider performing random sample testing for COVID-19 to help determine what percentage of the city’s population is positive for the virus.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing Sections 7 and Section 8 of House Bill No. 4617 pertaining to the use of revolving funds and amortizing deficits.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the risks and benefits associated with utilizing funds associated with the Bond Rating Stabilization Fund in the event of fiscal distress.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request Chief Diversity Officer provide City Council with a report concerning the role she played to ensure a diverse pool of applicants applied for the Chief of Council position.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - That the City Council prefers the applicant hired for the Chief of Council position be a resident of Worcester.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request Director of Human Resources ensure the rubric for the Chief of Council position provides for an individual who shows the ability to maintain confidentiality and nonpartisanship.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with information relative to whether the salary monies allocated to City Clerk David J. Rushford had to be exhausted prior to City Clerk Susan M. Ledoux taking the position.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the street sweeping to date has been vastly negatively affected because, for the first time, drivers have not been required to move their parked cars from the street. (Rosen)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether a sufficient number of mental health programs are available locally for health care workers and city employees, among others, who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and who might be suffering from stress, depression, severe anxiety or PTSD. (Rosen)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a financial analysis, which includes capital cost estimates and funding requirements for the South Division Fire Station and the city wide Financial Management System prior to revising the City’s Financial Integrity Plan. (Colorio)

Request City Manager install a camera at Duffy Field for monitoring and surveillance of illegal dumping and destruction of park area, in the interest of public safety for the Saxon Road Neighborhood Group, residents of Newton Square and surrounding neighbors of Duffy Field. (Colorio)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services make masks and gloves available, free of charge, on an ongoing basis during this COVID-19 emergency to the “panhandling community”. (Bergman)

Request City Manager consider adding to the Emergency Order of April 17, 2020 “Requiring Customers of Essential Retail Businesses to Wear Face Coverings” the following: That “All Operators/Employers of a retail business are required to check daily with the use of a non-contact infrared thermometer the temperature of their employees and any employee with a temperature at or above 99 degrees be refused to remain on the premises until such temperature returns to normal (at or below 99 degrees)”. (Bergman)

Request City Manager work with Department of Public Works and Parks staff to provide City Council with following information prior to its budget deliberations this year: 1) The total number of hours and wages for all snow removal inspectors for each of these fiscal years: 2016-2019; and 2) The total number of snow removal inspectors so employed for each of these fiscal years: 2016-2019. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider opening the Leaf and Yard Waste Drop-Off site on Millbury St. as soon as possible, while complying with current health regulations associated with COVID-19. (Toomey, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning funds raised for the Mounted Police maintenance account and request that we establish a campaign to support fundraising for one of the city’s more effective tools in encouraging social distancing as well as community engagement. (Toomey)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil, Esq. on behalf of Anthony Rossi request to amend the Worcester Zoning Map to add the land parcels of 26, 33 and 39 Hermon St. to the Adaptive Reuse Overlay District: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting an informational communication concerning the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the year ended June 30, 2019: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting the audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Worcester Retirement System (WRS) for the system’s year ending December 31, 2018: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk Transmitting an update relative to the hiring of the Chief of Council position: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk Transmitting the resumes of Assistant City Clerk Stephen AJ Pottle and Assistant City Clerk Nikolin Vangjeli: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the City's homelessness outreach efforts: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the results from the Worcester Senior Center Participant Survey: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to a mechanism for community input to improve the Worcester Senior Center: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 17 Shelby Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 85 Fox Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 31 Dale Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Right Turn Only On Clover Street At Heard Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Install No Parking Anytime On Kenwood Avenue.

Amending Section 40 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend Resident Permit Parking On Astrid Street.

Amending Section 40 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide For Resident Permit Parking On Nebraska Street.

Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For Stop Sign On Inwood Road At Quinapoxet Lane.

Amending Section Of 42 Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend Foster Street Parking Meters.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King, Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - Request City Manager consider revising the Financial Integrity Plan for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) to allocate excess New Growth above budgeted to: 1) The High School Building Fund; and 2) The City Manager Capital Campaign Fund, to prepare for the capital costs for the South Division Fire Station and the city wide Financial Management System. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson April 28, 2020)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request restoration and relocation of the Sullivan Memorial located in Melrose St. to a location approximately 50 feet north of its current location: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson April 21, 2020 and April 28, 2020)

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 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)

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 Kathleen M. Toomey - In light of recent events, request City Manager consider establishing a process to inspect rental apartments, which would help to confirm structural changes are done to the standards set by Inspectional Services, in the interest of public service. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a recommendation as to how often these inspections should take place. (Tabled - King December 17, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager develop a comprehensive Parking Master Plan in the city. – Item #17a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning the powers and duties of the Board of Health in cases of infectious diseases. – Item #17b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the Worcester Housing Authority’s successes in managing individuals in close proximity to one another during COVID-19. – Item #17c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning financial reimbursements associated with using the DCU Center as a temporary hospital. – Item #17d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with the sublicense with UMass concerning pods at the DCU Center. – Item #17e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning advanced planning to address neighborhood issues that may arise after the COVID-19 pandemic. – Item #17f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Russell @ #9d CC – Request City Manager review areas frequently used as illegal dumping sites across the city.

Motion Bergman @ #9e CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning what regulations regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), if any, could be imposed on the panhandling community during the COVID-19 pandemic, in light of the Supreme Court decision that protects their constitutional right to panhandle.

Motion Petty @ #9f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the pros and cons of requiring all operators and employers of a retail business to check their employees’ temperatures with a non-contact infrared thermometer.