CITY OF WORCESTER | JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL | Tuesday, June 30, 2020 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 6:33 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 | |
| 1. | PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & STAR SPANGLED BANNER | |
| 2. | ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor King and Councilor Rivera. Councilor King arrived at 6:34 P.M. and Councilor Rivera arrived at 6:35 P.M. | |
| 3. | PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE | |
| 4. | APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES | |
| | | | | | | | | 4a. | Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 16, 2020. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Rivera absent). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 5a. | Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Amelia Houghton, Shrewsbury resident, did not speak regarding any items on the agenda
2. Alice Dillon, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
3. Domenico Lombardi, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to #6a CC
4. Ashley Hebert, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC
5. Rachel Orange, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9i CC
6. Elizabeth Marszalek, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
7. Brenna Robeson, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
8. Emily Rittershaus, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC
9. Emma Narcowitz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9i CC
10. Laura Matthew, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
11. Father John Slavinskas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
12. Erin Zamarro, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
13. Emma Kirkman-Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
14. Jessica Mackowiak, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC and #9i CC
15. Jennifer Killorn, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
16. Molly Bond, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
17. Pat Bruchmann, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
18. Reginald McGee, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC #9i CC and #9j CC
19. Till Cremer, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
20. Vicki Krasinski, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC
21. Jamie Courtney, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
22. Anny Ul-ain, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC
23. Eliana Stanislawski, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9i CC
24. Margaret Foster, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
25. Michelle Puch, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
26. Carmen Wise, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC
27. Julia Markuu, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC
28. Matthew Giddeon, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC
29. Margaret (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC
30. Julia Knowles, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC
31. Amanda Bowman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC
32. Julia Hubble, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC
33. Megan Cross, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to a positive City Manager review associated with #8a CC | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6a. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: NORTH ST., GROVE ST., LANCASTER ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: NORTH ST., GROVE ST., LANCASTER 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. | | | | | |
| 7. | SUSPENSION OF RULES TO TAKE UP A COMMITTEE REPORT AND OTHER RELATED ITEMS | |
| | | | | | | | | 7a. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell - As Chair of the City Council Standing Committee on Public Works 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 Public Works Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil request release an unused Drainage and Utility Easement on property located at Avery Path and Brookline Street now owned by Norcross Development, LLC (0 Brookline Street), granted by Avery Investment Properties, LLC to the City of Worcester dated November 30, 2006 and recorded in Worcester District Registry of Deeds Book 40555, Page 317, as presented to the City Council on June 9, 2020 and referred to Finance Committee, along with related items pending before the Committee, at its meeting on June 30, 2020. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the order and accept and adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved for reconsideration on the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays. | | | | | |
| 8. | FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS - EVALUATION OF THE CITY MANAGER | |
| | | | | | | | | 8a. | COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City Manager's Fiscal Year 2020 Accomplishments. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item. The City Councilors reviewed the City Manager in the following order:
1. Mayor Joseph M. Petty
2. Councilor Khrystian E. King
3. Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey
4. Councilor Sarai Rivera
5. Councilor Matthew E. Wally
6. Councilor Sean M. Rose
7. Councilor George J. Russell
8. Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson
9. Councilor Morris A. Bergman
10. Councilor Donna M. Colorio
11. Councilor Gary Rosen
During his evaluation, Councilor King moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council as soon as possible with a referenced independent review of the police action taken by the Worcester Police Department on June 1, 2020.” (See Item #19c CC) and to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a demographic breakdown of the top one-hundred wage earners in the City of Worcester, including information as to how many people are women and how many are people of color.” (See Item #19d CC).
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item, praising his staff for their hard work throughout the year.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9a. | Donald J. O'Neil on behalf of Consigli Real Estate Holdings, LLC request to amend the Zoning Map to include parcels of land at 30 Lagrange St., 35 Lagrange St., 42 Lagrange St. 44 Lagrange St., 47 Lagrange St., 50 Lagrange St. and 47 Oread St. within the Commercial Corridors Overlay District (CCOD) at and to change the underlying zoning classification of said parcels from MG-2.0 and RG-5 to BG-6.0. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take up item #9a CC through #9g CC collectively and to refer the items to the appropriate committees and hearing dates.
Referred to Planning Board on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the sidewalk in front of 7 Einhorn Rd. be replaced. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9c. | Caitlin Laplante on behalf of HRI Matheson Apartments request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 87 Murray Ave. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9d. | Virginia Johnson request installation of "No Parking" signs on both sides of Forest Street. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9e. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio request installation of a “No Left Turn” sign at the bottom of Beechmont St. driving onto Salisbury St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9f. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: HARLOW ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for for July 21, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9g. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BIGELOW ST. and ENDICOTT ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for for July 21, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9h. | Douglas Arbetter request in the event a Citizen Review Board, or similar institution, be created by the City Manager or City Council, the membership require 1 representative from each of the six federally recognized racial/ethnic identities: non-Hispanic White, Hispanic/Latino, Black or African American, Asian, American Indian or Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #9h CC, #9i CC and #9j CC collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the items.
Councilor Toomey then moved for a roll call vote to place item #9j CC on file.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a presentation from a Board of Health meeting, which outlined points of emphasis for the Worcester Police Department, including establishing a Citizen Review Board.” (See Item #19b CC)
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera and Councilor Rose, who both spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer items #9h CC and #9i CC to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Toomey’s motion to file #9j CC. Councilor Toomey’s motion failed on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 8 Nays (Yeas – Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Toomey) (Nays – Bergman, King, Rivera, Rose, Rosen, Russell, Wally, Petty).
Mayor Petty then moved for a roll call vote to refer item #9j CC to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay – Toomey). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9i. | Douglas Arbetter request City Council request a report from the City Manager detailing if and how the City of Worcester documents the criminal history, particularly felonies, of police officers, during both the pre-hiring process and whilst employed. Further request that if such documentation exists, that the City Council require it to be published and accessible by the public. | Attachments | | | Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9j. | Douglas Arbetter request City Council request a report from the City Manager detailing how many police officers are hired under the Veterans Preference policy, and how this policy has impacted the overall racial and ethnic diversity of the Worcester Police Department. | Attachments | | | Referred to City Manager on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay - Toomey) (See Item #9h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10a. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with a traffic study indicating the appropriateness of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Gardner St. and Southgate St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #10a CC through #10j 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 TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager with a traffic study concerning the speeding problems in the vicinity of Beechmont St., including information concerning the appropriateness of, “No Left Turn” signage on the street. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10c. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning whether 20 mph speed limit zones must be implemented city-wide prior to being imposed selectively. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10d. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a previously requested legal opinion as to what types of institutions are included in the definition of institutional effect as it relates to resident permit parking. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10e. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a traffic study of Massasoit Rd., in the vicinity of Blithewood Park. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10f. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report detailing the updates made to traffic patterns and traffic lights throughout the city from suggestions made by a petition filed on July 23, 2019 by Carey Souda. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10g. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks determine whether it would be agreeable by the petitioner of item #9d on the September 3, 2019 City Council agenda to install a blinking yellow light at a different intersection in the vicinity of 330 Plantation St., as there are utility conflicts at the intended location. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10h. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement on Mason St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10i. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to the city’s liability as it relates to installing signage on roads, including “Icy,” or “Dangerous,” signs. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10j. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to the city’s liability as it relates to installing signage on roads, including “Deaf Child” signs. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11a. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - That the Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking does hereby support the city administration working with MassDOT to advocate for tracking calming measures on Grove St. at its intersection with Parkton Ave., including the installation of a blinking light on Grove St. at its intersection with Parkton Ave. | 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 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12a. | Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to the summer 2020 Recreation Worcester Program. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12b. | Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, respectfully recommend the adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a donation in the amount of Forty Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty Dollars and No Cents ($47,880.00) from Bank of America, through the Worcester Community Action Council, to support the Health & Human Services' Division of Youth Opportunities and its Recreation Worcester Program. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #12b CC through #12e CC and to adopt the items. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12c. | Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, respectfully recommend the adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a donation in the amount of One Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($125,000.00) from the United Way of Central Massachusetts, to support the Health & Human Services' Division of Youth Opportunities and its Recreation Worcester Program. | Attachments | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12d. | Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, respectfully recommend the adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a donation in the amount of One Hundred Fourteen Thousand Six Hundred Fifteen Dollars and No Cents ($114,615.00) from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund through the Worcester Together Fund, to support the Health & Human Services' Division of Youth Opportunities and its Recreation Worcester Program. | Attachments | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12e. | Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, respectfully recommend the adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a donation in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($150,000.00) from the Worcester Together Fund, to support the Health & Human Services' Division of Youth Opportunities and its Recreation Worcester Program. | Attachments | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12b CC) | | | | | |
| 13. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | |
| | | | | | | | | 13a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Brendan Gove, President Zero Point Development request zone change for a portion of 222 Brooks St. from MG-0.5 to RL-7.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take the item up collectively with #13b CC and to advertise the proposed Ordinances. Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Stephen F. Madaus on behalf of Jefferson Mararian request to amend the zoning map of the city of Worcester by changing the zoning designation of 497 Granite St. and 0 Southwest Cutoff from RS-7 to a new zoning designation of ML-0.5: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13a CC) | | | | | |
| 14. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING | |
| | | | | | | | | 14a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Nancy Sullivan request installation of flashing pedestrian crosswalk lights at the intersection of Greenwood St. and Spofford Rd., in the vicinity of Helen’s Bakery: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #14a CC through #14d CC collectively and to accept and adopt the items. Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Greg Lavelle request installation of a flashing pedestrian crosswalk signal in the vicinity of Russell St. and Park Ave.: recommend adopt of the accompanying Order to install two crosswalks across the intersection of Russell St. and Park Ave. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request to move the stop line located at the corner of Pleasant St. and Irving St. a few feet east (closer to Main St), in the interest of public safety: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Suzanne Burke et al. request the installation of traffic safety signs that include "Blind Curve or Corner" and "Slow Down" be placed on Saxon Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install curve warning signage. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Gordon Duncan request installation of a three way stop sign on Beechmont St. where it intersects with Metcalf St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #14e CC through #14q CC collectively and to accept the items. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a stop sign on Dominion Rd. at its intersection with Ansonia Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14g. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Benjamin Adjei request installation of resident permit parking in Cutler St. from Dorchester St. to Aetna St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14h. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Carey Souda request upgrades and improvements to the traffic patterns and traffic lights around the City as listed in the attached document: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14i. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Rozelle Jenkins request installation of a blinking safety traffic light from Hamilton St. to Lake Park: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14j. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request the traffic lights at Harrington Corner be adjusted to shorten the frequent and long backup of vehicles that are coming down Pleasant. St. (toward Dunkin Donuts) and entering the intersection: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14k. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Terrence Malarney request installation of a blinking light on Grove St. at its intersection with Parkton Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14l. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Andrea Savastano et al request installation of a blinking yellow light and cross walk in the vicinity of 330 Plantation St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14m. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14n. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of speed limit signage in Mason St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14o. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of "No Left Turn" signage exiting Leo Turo Way onto Shrewsbury St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14p. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson install “No Trucks Allowed” in Lake Ave. North: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14q. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15a. | Amending Chapter Five Section Twenty-Six Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Relative To Sewer User Charge. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to ordain the item. Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| 16. | TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE | |
| | | | | | | | | 16a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager submission of the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Operating Budget for City Council review and consideration: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Tabled Under Privilege - King June 23, 2020) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Note: The City Council voted to approve the budget on June 16, 2020 on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. On June 23, 2020 City Council passed Councilor King's motion for reconsideration on the budget on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. On June 23, 2020 Councilor King moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. As no action was taken by the City Council to approve, reduce or reject the budget within forty-five (45) days after the City Council's receipt of the budget, pursuant to Article 5, Section 5-2(b) of the Worcester Home Rule Charter the amounts recommended therein became appropriated for the year and are available for the purposes specified. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16b. | Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of Salary Ordinances to bring the ordinance into compliance with FY21 Operational Budget. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty June 23, 2020) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to advertise the proposed fifteen (15) ordinances. Voted to advertise fifteen (15) proposed ordinances on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16c. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager allocate funding in the amount of $120,000.00 for the creation of a jail diversion social worker position, who can serve as an advocate for individuals who face developmental, mental health and other life challenges. Said funding should come from savings acquired from previously approved reallocations in the Worcester Public Schools Budget. Said position should also be part of a pilot program of the Worcester Police Department and be privately contracted out. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio June 23, 2020) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to take up items #16c CC through #16e CC and #16g CC collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the items.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio.
Councilor Colorio then moved to amend items #16d and #16e CC to have the City Manager provide City Council with a report on the feasibility of each action.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the items.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the items.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Councilor Russell then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing what would be included in the creation of a Black community cultural hub.” (See Item #19e CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson and Councilor Rosen, who both spoke concerning the items.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with clarification as to how the FY21 budget was adjusted in order to eliminate/reduce the charge for assigned police officers on the Worcester Public Schools Budget in the amount of $120,000.00 in order to determine the appropriateness of utilizing potential savings.” (See Item #19f CC).
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Wally.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, Councilor Toomey and Councilor Rose, who all spoke concerning the items.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera and Councilor Russell for second times, who both spoke concerning the items.
Councilor Russell then moved to amend items #16d CC and #16e CC to eliminate wording relating to where the funds discussed would be allocated from.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the items.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by the City Manager.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio for a second time, who modified her motion to amend items #16c CC, #16d CC and #16e CC to have the City Manager find the funding for each item without mentioning a specific department.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt items #16c CC, #16d CC and #16e CC as amended by Councilor Colorio. Orders adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Councilor Russell’s motion to amend was not put.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt item #16g CC. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16d. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager allocate funding out of the Worcester Police Department budget in the amount of $137,000.00 for the purpose of establishing of a Black community cultural hub. Said funding should be allocated in tandem with funding for a Case Manager in the Public Health and Human Services department. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio June 23, 2020) | Attachments | | | Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16e. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager allocate funding out of the Worcester Police Department in the amount of $137,000.00 for the purpose of creating a Case Manager position in the Public Health and Human Services department. Said funding should be allocated in tandem with funding for the creation of a Black community cultural hub. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio June 23, 2020) | Attachments | | | Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16f. | ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report relative to the feasibility of re-implementing the practice of hiring civilian paraprofessionals, or police service aides, who can respond to non-crime related service calls. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rivera June 23, 2020) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King and Councilor Rose, who both moved to add their names as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16g. | ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager work with Director of Public Health, the Mayor’s Task Force on Mental Health and the Police Chief to redirect funding to go to mental health providers, social workers and recovery coaches as a means of working to address 911 calls related to people experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as assessing all individuals arrested, so that individuals can be directed to health services needed and increase treatment instead of incarceration. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rivera June 23, 2020) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17a. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17b. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17c. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17d. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17e. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17f. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17g. | RESOLUTION of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Sean M. Rose and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - 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”. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman June 2, 2020 and June 9, 2020 - Petty and Tabled - Russell June 16, 2020) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17h. | COMMUNICATION of Stephen Herzog, Project Manager at Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., on behalf of CSX Transportation, Inc. transmitting an informational communication relative to the application of herbicide on the railroad. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty June 9, 2020 and Tabled - Russell June 16, 2020) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| 18. | BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the June 23, 2020 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 18a. | ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – That the City Council does hereby suspend the rules to allow for the public participation section of the agenda on June 23, 2020 to occur beyond the typically allotted thirty (30) minutes. – Item #12a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18b. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager allocate funding in the amount of $120,000.00 for the creation of a jail diversion social worker position, who can serve as an advocate for individuals who face developmental, mental health and other life challenges. Said funding should come from savings acquired from previously approved reallocations in the Worcester Public Schools Budget. Said position should also be part of a pilot program of the Worcester Police Department and be privately contracted out. – Item #12b CC Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18c. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager allocate funding out of the Worcester Police Department budget in the amount of $137,000.00 for the purpose of establishing of a Black community cultural hub. Said funding should be allocated in tandem with funding for a Case Manager in the Public Health and Human Services department. – Item Item #12c CC Tabled Under Privilege – Colorio | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18d. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager allocate funding out of the Worcester Police Department in the amount of $137,000.00 for the purpose of creating a Case Manager position in the Public Health and Human Services department. Said funding should be allocated in tandem with funding for the creation of a Black community cultural hub. – Item #12d CC Tabled Under Privilege – Colorio | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18e. | ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen – Request City Manager research and consider the feasibility of Worcester implementing a pilot program for a specialized mobile mental health crisis intervention team such as Eugene, Oregon's CAHOOTS program, which stands for Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets. Consisting of mental health workers, medics, and social workers, among others, who are unarmed, trained to de-escalate, and most of the time without police backup, this team answers calls like suicide interventions, overdoses, homelessness and behavioral health issues of people in crisis. Started in 1989, CAHOOTS responds to well over 20,000 calls per year in a city about the size of Worcester. Many cities across the country are now considering similar pilot programs. – Item #12e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18f. | ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the various orders by City Council for mental health services within the city’s various departments. – Item #12f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18g. | ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report relative to the feasibility of re-implementing the practice of hiring civilian paraprofessionals, or police service aides, who can respond to non-crime related service calls. – Item #12g CC Tabled Under Privilege – Rivera | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18h. | ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager work with Director of Public Health, the Mayor’s Task Force on Mental Health and the Police Chief to redirect funding to go to mental health providers, social workers and recovery coaches as a means of working to address 911 calls related to people experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as assessing all individuals arrested, so that individuals can be directed to health services needed and increase treatment instead of incarceration. – Item #12h CC Tabled Under Privilege – Rivera | | | |
| | | | | |
| 19. | NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the June 30, 2020 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 19a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil request release an unused Drainage and Utility Easement on property located at Avery Path and Brookline Street now owned by Norcross Development, LLC (0 Brookline Street), granted by Avery Investment Properties, LLC to the City of Worcester dated November 30, 2006 and recorded in Worcester District Registry of Deeds Book 40555, Page 317: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Read and Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays (See Item #7a CC). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19b. | Motion King @ #9h CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a presentation from a Board of Health meeting, which outlined points of emphasis for the Worcester Police Department, including establishing a Citizen Review Board. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19c. | Motion King @ #8a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council as soon as possible with a referenced independent review of the police action taken by the Worcester Police Department on June 1, 2020. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19d. | Motion King @ #8a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a demographic breakdown of the top one-hundred wage earners in the City of Worcester, including information as to how many people are women and how many are people of color. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19e. | Motion Russell @ #16c CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing what would be included in the creation of a Black community cultural hub. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19f. | Motion Wally @ #16c CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with clarification as to how the FY21 budget was adjusted in order to eliminate/reduce the charge for assigned police officers on the Worcester Public Schools Budget in the amount of $120,000.00 in order to determine the appropriateness of utilizing potential savings. | Attachments | | | Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19g. | Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager look at the feasibility of providing facilities for homeless individuals in the city to allow for a cooling area and portable showers, especially during the summer months. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
|