CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:35 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:31 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 15, 2020.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Jessica Mackowiak, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9e CC 2. Suzanne Burke, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9q CC 3. Marie Brouillette, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9r CC and #9m CC 4. Matt Whitlock, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9a CC and #9r CC 5. Mithra Salmassi, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9r CC 6. Will Raymond, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9b CC 7. Kevin Ksen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18f CC 8. Elaine Baskin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9q CC

Andre Larrea request Pine View Ave. from Genesee St. to Waterman St. be made public.

John Simakauskas request Acton St. from Rice Sq. and Arthur St. be repaved.

Michael Konan on behalf of Central Mass Builders, Inc. request the installation of a 165' sewer extension on Marjorie St. for a new construction duplex at 63-65 Marjorie St.

Sharon Caruthers request reinstallation of downed guardrail in front of 38 Piedmont St.

Christine Florio Trustee and Paul Novak request funding for the replacement of the current failed water main, located on Tunis Rd., which currently provides water to 4 and 6 Arena St. or to authorize the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to connect the buildings into the existing 8" water main on Arena St. at the city's cost.

Jennifer McGinty request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 24 Williams St.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio request the installation of a "No Left Turn" or delayed left turn sign signal at the intersection of Grove St. and Salisbury St., in both directions.

James Wadlington et al. request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 1 Beaver St.

Ben Wrubel et al. request installation of children advisory signage and 20 mph speed limit signage on Tampa St.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: FLAGG ST. and BROOKSHIRE RD.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: GRAFTON ST., WATER ST., and WINTER ST.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GREEN ISLAND BLVD.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: HADWEN RD.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: WINTER ST.

Nathan Cummings request City Council request City Manager formally disband the defunct Auxiliary police and Special police programs and remove all references to "Auxiliary Police" and "Special Police" from city ordinances and WPD policies and procedures.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a previously requested legal opinion as to the process for decreasing a street's Prima Facie Speed Limit to 20 mph or 25 mph.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager create a task force of both municipal employees and stakeholders from the community for the purpose of considering the feasibility of implementing a municipal broadband network.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager request Chief Information Officer provide City Council with a report concerning what options the City has for developing a municipally-owned broadband network, including information relative to the usage of solar farms, partnership with colleges, the cost of the program, and specific areas of the City that the program should target.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning access to information on properties available to Worcester Police Department and Worcester Fire Department.

Request City Manager work with his various department heads to identify and make available mandatory educational training opportunities relative to addressing structural racism and institutional bias. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what authority and enforcement powers the Public Works and Parks and Inspectional Services departments have when absentee landlords allow litter, trash and dumping by tenants or others to accumulate on their property. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of annual revenue the city receives from fines collected for these violations and whether, if permitted by state law, an increase in these fines is advisable. (Rosen)

Request City Manager consider making the traffic flow of the Senior Center’s circular driveway one-way from Providence St. to Spurr St. (Russell, Rosen)

Request City Manager consider installing flashing yellow lights and reconfiguring the crosswalks to facilitate safe pedestrian flow in the area surrounding the Senior Center on Vernon St., taking into consideration final pathways of the new parking lot layout. (Russell, Rosen)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a list of potential surplus, municipally owned buildings that could be repurposed for training space for the Worcester Police Department. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report outlining the regulations applicable to the operation of private social clubs. (Wally)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what the city is doing to handle being put into the higher risk "red zone" for COVID-19. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s rodent control program. Further, request City Manager include in said report the ways the city is mitigating the overpopulation of rats, as well as the areas where the city has seen an increase in rodents. (Colorio)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a police report associated with Bancroft Tower for the year 2020. (Colorio)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report as to the feasibility of a Private Security Camera Incentive program that would create rebates for businesses, nonprofits and religious institutions in high crime areas of the city. (Colorio)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks contact the owner of 1130 Pleasant St. to request the placement of a temporary barrier that prohibits trailer trucks from turning onto Mapleleaf Rd. (Wally, Rosen)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report detailing the strategy for the 2020 Fall leaf pickup process. (Wally)

Request City Manager consider creating a space within City Hall to celebrate all of Worcester’s first BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) elected officials, including Charles Scott, Stacey Luster Deboise, Juan Gomez, Sarai Rivera, Khrystian King and Sean Rose. (Rose, Wally)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider providing “manhole” protection rings (see example attached) to road work in order to limit personal injury and property (vehicle) damage and to limit the City’s liability regarding same. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with the dollar amount paid out for fiscal years 2015-2020 for claims involving exposed manhole covers. (Bergman)

Request City Clerk work with the Board of Election Commissioners to make efforts towards maintaining polling location integrity to the extent practicable for the November 3, 2020 Presidential Election. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously approved order on May 5, 2020 relative to installing 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 provide City Council with an update concerning a previously approved order on June 16, 2020 relative to working with potential partners and funders to establish a 24-hour call in service for individuals to call as a means to provide outreach for individuals who may be homeless, a victim of sexual exploitation and/or suffering from substance abuse disorder. (Rivera)

Transmitting the management letter for the year ended June 30, 2019, prepared by the independent CPA firm of CliftonLarsonAllen, LP.

Transmitting the single audit report for the year ended June 30, 2019 required by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant of up to One Hundred Fifty-Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Six Dollars and Twenty Cents ($159,506.25) from Center for Tech and Civic Life ‘CTCL’

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting an informational communication regarding additional information requested relative to 14 Farnum Street.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting the financial update for the period ending August 31, 2020.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mayor Joseph M. Petty request installation of a “Thickly Settled” sign in Barry Rd. between Salisbury St. and Dick Dr.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Teresa Moran, Membership and Communications Director of EAW, request installation of a flashing pedestrian crosswalk signal in the vicinity of 397 Grove St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Brenda Davin request the traffic engineers recommend ways to increase safety measures when pedestrians use the crosswalk at Park Ave. and Charlotte St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson and Councilor Morris A. Bergman request the location of the “No Left Turn” signal at the intersection of Plantation St. and Belmont St. be assessed to determine a more appropriate location for the signal.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of John Coleman request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 11 Reeves St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Eric Cruze request installation of an additional crosswalk across Pleasant St. at Crown St.: recommend Petition be placed on filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Virginia Johnson request installation of "No Parking" signs on both sides of Forest Street.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Report of Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, "Broadening Broadband: Considering Municipal Ownership as a Solution to Worcester’s Internet Challenges.": recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Report of Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the work by the Division of Urban Innovation.: recommend Communication be placed on file.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell - Request City Manager create a program to encourages all city employees and residents to call in complaints to customer service about trash and litter on streets and private property. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman September 15, 2020 and September 22, 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)

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)

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)

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)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of an order transferring care, custody, management and control of the tax title property located at 14 Farnum Street to the Executive Office of the City Manager for disposition purposes. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman September 8, 2020 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 15, 2020 and Tabled - Russell September 22, 2020)

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Matthew E. Wally, Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Donna M. Colorio, Councilor Gary Rosen and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager support the (re)opening of the City’s licensed cigar and hookah lounges and for the state to amend the classification of these establishments. These establishments can, and should, fit under the guise and parameters set forth as restaurants as they have or will have a common ViC license. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rivera September 8, 2020 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson September 15, 2020 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson September 22, 2020)

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the history of the developer of the property at 340 Main Street, including information relative to whether there have been any problems in other communities and construction issues associated with TIFs and TIEs in other communities. – Item #15a 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 quarterly updates from the TIF and TIE Compliance Officer relative to the development of 340 Main Street. – Item #15b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning why the city does not implement the use of wooden guardrails, especially in residential neighborhoods. – Item #15c 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 a report concerning whether there are any additional anticipated costs associated with the challenges of keeping humidity above thirty percent in the various city buildings. – Item #15d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen – Request City Manager consider whether the amount of ozone produced by the various ionization units the city will be purchasing are safe levels for the city’s children and adults. – Item #15e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report summarizing how plans associated with Polar Park have changed, including information relative to what the city, developer and Worcester Red Sox have gained from the changes, as well as what has been given up. – Item #15f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with periodic reports detailing the happenings associated with the city’s meetings relative to Polar Park. – Item #15g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining the various investors that have credited the Worcester Red Sox and Polar Park project as a reason why they chose to invest in the city. – Item #15h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning 14 Farnum St.’s transfer, including information relative to abutters and assessed value of the land. – Item #15i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report identifying the deficiencies the lot that is contemplating being sold in the 14 Farnum St. land transfer. – Item #15j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Petty @ #9p CC – Request City Manager work with the City Clerk to mitigate any concerns around construction sites that are in the vicinity of polling locations.