CITY OF WORCESTER | JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL | Tuesday, June 2, 2020 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 7:46 P.M. |
Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov | City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.
City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns | Councilors | | Morris A. Bergman | Donna M. Colorio | | Khrystian E. King | Candy Mero-Carlson | | Sarai Rivera | Sean M. Rose | City Clerk
Nikolin Vangjeli | | Gary Rosen | George J. Russell | | Kathleen M. Toomey | Matthew E. Wally |
| | City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| 3. | ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor Rivera, who arrived at 7:49 P.M. | |
| 4. | PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE | |
| | | | | | | | | 4a. | MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed while being arrested by a Minneapolis, MN police officer on May 25, 2020. | | | |
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| 5. | APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES | |
| | | | | | | | | 5a. | Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 19, 2020. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6a. | Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Alexander Tarr, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #11k CC
2. Melissa Malot, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
3. Alice Dillon, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
4. Utz (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
5. Andre (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
6. Emily Valante, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
7. Anny Ali, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
8. Julia Marku, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
9. Clo (no last name given) , Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
10. Winslow Moore, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
11. Dan (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
12. Samuel (no last name given) , Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
13. Kelsey McCluskey, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
14. Caroline (no last name given), Irvine, CA resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
15. Elena Cruz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
16. Gabriel Sanders, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
17. Eliana Stanislawski, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
18. Jack McCaden, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
19. Elizabeth Jones, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
20. Angie (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
21. Erica Cleary, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
22. Elyse Waxman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
23. Shawn (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
24. Emily Tornquist, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
25. Mitchell Duncan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
26. Kelly (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
27. Ginny Ryan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
28. Hassan (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
29. Jessica Gross, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
30. Annie Om, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
31. Joshua Bernard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
32. Margo Barnett, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
33. Julia Klas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
34. Andrew (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
35. Juliette Gale, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
36. Alison Smith, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
37. Eric Johnson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
38. Laura Matthew, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
39. Luk (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
40. Tim Jones, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
41. Margaret Foster, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
42. Maddy Buchanan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
43. Maria Connors, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
44. Marie Brouillette, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
45. Marin Smith, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 6b. | 46. Molly Case, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC
47. Nicole Apostola, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to #12a CC
48. Samuel Skinner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of defunding the WPD budget associated with #8a CC | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 7a. | Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: THORNE ST.
Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: THORNE ST. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to open the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty asked if any abutters wished to be heard on the item. Hearing no speakers, Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to close the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the items. Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| 8. | SUSPENSION OF RULES TO TAKE UP A COMMITTEE REPORT AND OTHER RELATED ITEMS | |
| | | | | | | | | 8a. | ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - As Chair of the City Council Standing Committee Finance and in accordance with Rule 33 (e) of the Rules of City Council, request City Council suspend its rules to take up the Report of the Committee on Finance Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting the submission of the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Operating Budget for City Council review and consideration, as presented to the City Council on May 12, 2020 and referred to Finance Committee, along with related items pending before the Committee, at its meeting on June 2, 2020. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Tabled Under Privilege - Petty | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9a. | Jonathan Finkelstein, Attorney, on behalf of Paul Giorgio and Junction Development LLC request amendment of the zoning map by designating the properties at 134 Gold St., 5 Sargent St. and adjacent streets to be included in an Adaptive Re-Use Overlay Zoning District (AR). | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Planning Board. Referred to Planning Board on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9b. | Robert Epstein et. al. request the shut off valve height in front of 31 South Flagg St. be fixed. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #9b CC through #9f CC collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to whose liability it is to fix the height of shutoff valves on city sidewalks and what programs are in place to ensure said shutoff valves are the proper height.” (See Item #17b CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning item #9f CC.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the items to Public Works Committee.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9c. | Robert Epstein et. al. request the shut off valve height in front of 65 South Flagg St. be fixed. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9d. | Robert Epstein et. al. request the shut off valve height in front of 81 South Flagg St. be fixed. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9e. | Robert Epstein et. al. request surface repair for sidewalk between 1 South Flagg St. and 81 South Flagg St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9f. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request Southview Rd. be resurfaced, including collaboration with Town of Holden for the parcels that abut their portions of the road. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9g. | Harvey Bloomfield et. al. request installation of "Speed Limit" or "Drive Slow" signs on Lantern Ln. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #9g CC through #9j CC collectively, and to refer the items to the appropriate committee and meetings, respectively.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9h. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request removal of the “No Parking Anytime” zone in the vicinity of Harding Tire, located at 180 Harding St., with a Loading Zone being installed in its place. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9i. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: GRAFTON ST. & RUGBY ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for June 9, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9j. | CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: MOHAVE RD. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for June 9, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10a. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a review of the various contracts and rates associated with other municipalities using water associated with the city’s water filtration plant. (Mero-Carlson) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #10a CC through #10r CC collectively and to adopt the items.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10b. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager include a column in future budgets showing the amount approved in the previous fiscal year and the amount spent in the previous fiscal year. (Russell) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10c. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the price increases at city-owned garages over the last several years, including how the current rates compare to other similar communities. (Wally) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10d. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report breaking down the anticipated usage of funds associated with park projects in FY21. (Colorio) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10e. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether more lead paint inspections could be completed if the operation was brought in-house as opposed to bid out to private contractors. (Russell) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10f. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the city’s contract with the Chamber of Commerce as it relates to Discover Central Massachusetts. (King) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10g. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the pros and cons of having the city’s Marketing Campaign be done in-house, as opposed to being contracted out, should monies for such a task be made available. (King) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10h. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning ways the use technology can decrease the volume of public record requests received by the city and improve the method and responsiveness of claims filed with the city. (King) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10i. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report comparing the amount budgeted for court judgments against the amount paid out for the last five years. (Bergman) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10j. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with information relative to whether there have been increases in police activity in the following areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: 1) Youth committing vehicular break-ins; 2) suicide responses; and 3) drivers speeding. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10k. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report relative to implementing a non-solicitation ordinance, including information concerning any costs associated with the ordinance and whether the ordinance would have an effect on individuals collecting signatures for public matters. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10l. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the codes for backyard fire pits that run on propane. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10m. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager ensure the city’s Integrated Plan is available for viewing on the city’s website. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10n. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion explaining the enabling legislation of Upper Blackstone Clean Water, including information relative to the process for appointing members to the Upper Blackstone Clean Water Board of Directors, how the number of members is determined and whether the appointing process outlined in the city’s charter applies to said appointments. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10o. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works work with the appropriate representatives from Upper Blackstone Clean Water to present an action plan for the maintenance of the outside of the Upper Blackstone Clean Water facility. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10p. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Auditor provide City Council with a report, after conferring with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, ascertaining the cost of implementing a pilot program relating to the installation of temporary speed humps/cushions. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10q. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with a cost analysis of police officers providing enforcement for speeding in an area against the cost of a speed hump. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10r. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - That the Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking takes no position concerning the procedure and standard requirements for the installation of speed humps on city streets as recommended by the Department of Public Works and Parks. Further, that the Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking recognizes a future meeting with the Department of Public Works and Parks would be beneficial in discussing said procedure and standard requirements. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11a. | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement on June St. at its intersection with Walnut Hill Dr. (Wally) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take up items #11a CC through #11k CC and to adopt the items as they read, as amended and as referred to the appropriate committees.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11b. | Request City Manager install a camera in the vicinity of 28 Ripley St. to curb illegal dumping in the area. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11c. | Request Standing Committee on Veterans’ Memorials, Parks and Recreation hold a public hearing to discuss the planned improvements relating to the accessible walkway from Coes Park to Circuit Ave. North. (Wally, Rosen) | Attachments | | | Referred to Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11d. | Request City Manager consider having the fencing at the WWII Memorial and Fountain powder coated or plastic coated. (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11e. | Request City Manager restore marker and street signal at Congress Alley signifying that the band Orpheus played there. (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to amend the Order to read as follows: Request City Manager install a historical marker at Congress Alley signifying that the band Orpheus played there.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to amend the item: Further, request City Manager invite members of the band Orpheus during the dedication of said marker. Councilor Bergman then moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of the item.
Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11f. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review processes of documenting job orders and evaluate the way technology can improve tracking of completed jobs, labor and materials. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks also review potential software that will automate the tracking of these tasks and prioritize tasks automatically, tying them back into a data bank for further analysis. (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11g. | Request Standing Committee on Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation hold a public discussion concerning including a military discount as part of the discounts offered at the Green Hill Municipal Golf Course. (Rose) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Referred to Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11h. | Request City Manager implement a second “Take Out Day” on Tuesday, June 16, in an effort to support the various restaurants who have been adversely impact by COVID-19. (Rose) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11i. | Request City Manager consider providing for a virtual outreach and study session relating to the upcoming Police and Fire Department Civil Service exams, in an effort to increase participation and knowledge around said exams. (Rose) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, Councilor Toomey and Councilor King, who all moved to add their names as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11j. | Request City Manager request all department heads provide City Council with all backup documentation to be discussed at the various City Council and Standing Committee meetings a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours prior to said meeting. (Mero-Carlson) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11k. | In light of current events happening in Minneapolis and other parts of the nation, request City Manager organize a joint meeting of the Commission of Diversity and Inclusion, Human Rights and the Coalition Against Bias and Hate to report concerning their collective efforts over the last year in building community and establishing best practices. The disturbing events and imagery we have all bared witness to over the last few weeks reminds us of the important work our City agencies and the Worcester Police Department do to ensure that the rights and opinions of our residents are protected and our responsibility to build strong relations and credibility with our community. (Rivera, Rose, King, Rosen) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12a. | That the Worcester City Council urges our State Delegation and others to pursue the naming in 2020 of the Worcester District Courthouse the “Sarah E. Wall Courthouse”. (Bergman, Rose, Mero-Carlson) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take the item up with #12b CC and to Table Under Privilege and adopt the items, respectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Councilor Bergman then moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12b. | That the Worcester City Council does hereby request the Board of Election Commissioners hold a hearing to explore preparation for the upcoming 2020 elections in September and November, including the feasibility of an all vote-by-mail election due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that representatives from the Secretary of State’s office, the Worcester Elections Department, other relevant State and City departments, voting advocacy organizations, and members of the public be invited to testify. (Rivera, Rose) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
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| 13. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY | |
| | | | | | | | | 13a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Crime Statistics During the Coronavirus Pandemic: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take the item up collectively with #13b CC and to accept the items.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning building code effectiveness grading schedule: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13a CC) | | | | | |
| 14. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS | |
| | | | | | | | | 14a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to the FY2021 Water & Sewer Rate Recommendation, Status of the Integrated Plan, Status of the Water & Sewer Enterprises, and the Water & Sewer Reserve Policy: recommend passage of the two (2) proposed Ordinances to increase the Sewer Rate to $8.15 and decrease the Basic Water rate in Worcester to $3.39. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the item with the City Manager, Director of Water and Sewer Operations and Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the item with the City Manager and the Director of Water and Sewer Operations.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who discussed the item with the City Manager and Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, Councilor Rosen and Councilor Toomey, who all spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to amend the item to approve the item as originally brought forth by the Department of Public Works and Parks, which would include no change to the water rate of $3.67 per hundred cubic feet (CCF) of water used and An increase in the sewer rate to $8.15 per hundred cubic feet (CCF). (See Item #17c CC)
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman for a second time, who discussed the item with the Director of Water and Sewer Operations, the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks and City Auditor.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson for a second time, who discussed the item with the City Manager.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who discussed the item with the City Manager.
Mayor Petty moved to Table the Item and his motion Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege – Petty | | | | | |
| 15. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING | |
| | | | | | | | | 15a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mariam Pacheco request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 22 Minthorne St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #15a CC through #15e CC collectively and to advertise the proposed Ordinances.
Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lita M. Killebrew request installation of a handicap parking space in the vicinity of 14 Rupert St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) (See Item #15a) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Joseph Cummings request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 53 Raymond St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) (See Item #15a) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gary Margolin request the removal of a handicap parking space on the Lancaster St. side of 4 Dix St., and that the existing resident permit parking regulations preceding the handicap parking space be extended in its place: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) (See Item #15a) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson and Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request the four (4) parking meters on Thomas St. be removed, with the “No Parking Reserved for Police Vehicles 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday” be extended to take its place: recommend passage of the accompanying two (2) proposed Ordinances. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise two (2) proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) (See Item #15a) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Resolution of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Gary Rosen, Councilor Matthew E. Wally, Councilor Donna M. Colorio, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson and Councilor Khrystian E. King - That in the Calendar Year 2020 a Pilot program be established and funded whereas temporary speed humps/cushions be installed from June 1 through November 15 in two locations in each district, chosen by the respective District Councilor, and that the City Manager and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks coordinate the resources to accomplish same: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution as amended to include language allowing for gaps for emergency vehicles. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16a. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16b. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16c. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16d. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16e. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16f. | 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 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson May 5, 2020) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| 17. | NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the June 2, 2020 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 17a. | Motion King @ #6a CC – That City Council does hereby suspend its rules to allow for the Public Participation section of the agenda to occur for longer than the typically allotted thirty minutes. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17b. | Motion Bergman @ #9b CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to whose liability it is to fix the height of shutoff valves on city sidewalks and what programs are in place to ensure said shutoff valves are the proper height. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17c. | Motion Petty @ #14a CC – That the City Council does hereby amend the Report of the Committee on Public Works Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to the FY2021 Water & Sewer Rate Recommendation, Status of the Integrated Plan, Status of the Water & Sewer Enterprises, and the Water & Sewer Reserve Policy to approve the item as originally brought forth by the Department of Public Works and Parks, which would include no change to the water rate of $3.67 per hundred cubic feet (CCF) of water used and An increase in the sewer rate to $8.15 per hundred cubic feet (CCF). | Attachments | | | Tabled Under Privilege - Petty (See Item #14a CC). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17d. | Motion Petty - Suspension of Rules - That the City Council does hereby suspend the rules to allow for conversation concerning the George Floyd Protest that occurred on Monday, June 1, 2020. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote on the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent).
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor King and Councilor Toomey, who all spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to, "Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council, at its next meeting, with a legal opinion as to whether or not the Worcester Police Department is obligated to respond to any crime or alleged crime at Clark University if Clark University has made the assertion that the Worcester Police Department is unwelcome on their property." (See Item #17e CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning Councilor Bergman’s motion.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Bergman’s motion.
Councilor Bergman’s motion adopted on a roll call vote of 6 Yeas and 4 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Rose, Toomey, Wally) (Nays – King, Rosen, Russell, Petty) (Rivera absent). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17e. | Motion Bergman – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council, at its next meeting, with a legal opinion as to whether or not the Worcester Police Department is obligated to respond to any crime or alleged crime at Clark University if Clark University has made the assertion that the Worcester Police Department is unwelcome on their property. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 6 Yeas and 4 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Rose, Toomey, Wally) (Nays – King, Rosen, Russell, Petty) (Rivera absent) (See item #17d CC) | | | | | |
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