CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:35 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:55 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 October 27, 2020.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Sherry Stanley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a CC 2. Laura Matthew, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10a CC, #11a CC and #13d CC 3. Terry Cherry, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a CC 4. M. Benjamin Desjarlais, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b CC, #10c CC and #11a CC 5. Casey Panarelli, Shrewsbury resident, spoke in favor of items #10a CC, #11a CC and #13d CC 6. Nelly Medina, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10a CC, #11a CC and #13d CC 7. Jacob Friedman, Holden resident, spoke in favor of items #10a CC, #11a CC and #13d CC 8. Millhouse Jean-Charles, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10a CC, #11a CC and #13d CC 9. Charles Robinson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a CC 10. Matt Whitlock, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10a CC, #11a CC and #13d CC 11. Liz Barnes, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10d CC 12. Wendy Walsh, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #10e CC 13. Maura Coakley, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #10e CC 14. Melissa Hollenbeck, Worcester resident, spoke in favor if items #10a CC and #13d CC 15. John Powers, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #10e CC and in favor of item #11a CC 16. Marguerite Cawley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10a CC, #11a CC and #13d CC

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: MAIN ST. and OREAD PL. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: MAIN ST. and OREAD PL.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: CEDAR ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: CEDAR ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WEST BOYLSTON ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WEST BOYLSTON ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WEST BOYLSTON ST. and ROYCROFT RD. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WEST BOYLSTON ST. and ROYCROFT RD.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: MIDLAND ST. and CHALMERS RD. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: MIDLAND ST. and CHALMERS RD.

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: ORIENT ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: ORIENT ST.

Natalie Smith et al. request the tree in front of 47 Prudential Rd. be removed and cut down.

Jodi Contonio request installation of a traffic mirror on Willow St. at the intersection of Willow St. and Lovell St.

Jodi Contonio request installation of a "No Parking from Here to Corner" sign on Willow St. at the intersection of Willow St. and Lovell St.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a flashing crosswalk at the intersection of Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr.

Jerry Oullette request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on the odd side of Tainter St.

Yvonne Degboe request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 25 Canton St.

Winifred Octave request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Northampton St. between Westminster St. and Windsor St.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BOWDOIN ST.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the CSX funds were expended, the current available funds, and what to expect in the future.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Auditor provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of monies associated with the city's account associated with CSX, including information relative to the current balance in the account.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning actions taken by Eversource Gas relative fixing gas leaks within 50 feet of Worcester Public School Zones.

Request City Manager work with Worcester Housing Authority (WHA), Assistant Commissioner of Parks and with public health and public safety officials to immediately open and unlock the gated fence of the park at Stearn's Tavern, in order to allow for increased direct accessibility to the park, playground, trails, and beaches of Coes Pond. Said item should be done in an effort to ensure partnership across city departments, in the interest of the Lakeside/Columbus Park Community. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning said efforts. (King)

Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report detailing the steps necessary to implement vote-by-mail and in-person early voting during the upcoming and future municipal elections. (Petty)

Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation Committee hold a public hearing to discuss possible options in light of the MBTA's proposed cuts that will, among others, eliminate commuter rail service on weekends and after 9 p.m. on weekdays. These major service cuts will cause definite hardship for some of Worcester's essential workers and city residents for whom public transit is a necessity. (Rosen)

Request City Manager request Department of Public Works and Parks redo the leaf pick-up in parts of the Main South and Elm St. area neighborhood. (Rivera)

Request City Manager create a task force comprised of the "Save Duffy Field" residents and the "Share Duffy Field" residents to assist in the master planning for Duffy Field. (Rose, Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Rosen, Colorio, Wally, Russell, King)

Request City Manager work with the Acting Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, as well as any other interested parties and departments, to assess the walkability of the walking and hiking trails at Wetherell Park/Duffy Field to ensure said trails are safe and available throughout all seasons. (King, Rose)

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: NORTON STREET

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: CAMDEN AVENUE

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: TORONITA AVENUE

That the City Council of the City of Worcester, in recognition of the dual health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated by the health crisis of structural racism, does hereby call upon our Legislature and Governor to reinstitute the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions. (Rivera, Rose)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby acknowledge Caitlin McCarthy, a 16 year plus veteran of Worcester Public Schools, on her award-winning feature screenplay WONDER DRUG, which is heading into production with Rhino Films and producer Stephen Nemeth. Ms. McCarthy was inspired to write about the diethylstilbestrol (DES) tragedy because she is a DES Daughter. For her DES activism, she has been nominated twice for a Presidential Citizens Medal and honored with an MTA Human and Civil Rights Award from the Massachusetts Teachers Association and a "Service to Community" Alumni Award from Regis College. Ms. McCarthy is currently on the cover of Imagine Magazine as Worcester’s "Wonder" Woman Screenwriter. She is proud to live and work in Worcester, and hopes to film WONDER DRUG in the city. (Colorio)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of Transmitting informational communication relative to the installation of lights at Grant Square: recommend Communication be referred to Public Works Committee.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation conduct a public hearing concerning 5G technology in Worcester: recommend Order be referred to Urban Technologies, Innovation, and Environment Committee.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Matthew E. Wally, Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation hold a public hearing on Eversource’s proposed increase in gas distribution rates: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Status of the CSX Neighborhood Improvement Fund: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to gas leak detection at proposed new tree planting sites within the right-of-way: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of Transmitting informational communication relative to the City's green accomplishments: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication be Transmitting informational communication relative to the Worcester Police Department’s efforts to address truck traffic in the City: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Patricia Kirkpatrick et al request a subcommittee hearing to address current gas leaks within 50 feet of Worcester Public School zones, due to the health risks they post to children. Furthermore, request City Council send a letter to Governor Baker endorsing the F.U.T.U.R.E. Act Bill: recommend Petition be placed on file.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the expectations related to the acceptance of the gift of Hillside Beach to the City of Worcester (Tabled Under Privilege - King November 10, 2020)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning what, if any, process is used to identify properties whose tax-exempt status should be removed due to lack of use beyond three (3) years for a religious and/or educational purpose. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson November 10, 2020)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report indicating how much revenue identified as "community impact fees" has been received from marijuana businesses. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson November 10, 2020)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager work with the appropriate personnel to remove all foreign objects (e.g. cars, tvs) in the water at Hillside Beach at Coes Pond. (Tabled Under Privilege - King November 10, 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)

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 Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the number of social clubs in the city. – Item #18a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager identify which Veterans’ Memorials in the city are located on city property, state property and private property. – Item #18b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager establish a committee to identify a proper location for a memorial for the Nipmuc Nation. – Item #18c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager put together a plan to create a permanent area in the city where all the flags of the various ethnic groups in the city can be displayed. – Item #18d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report outlining the legal definition of “sober homes.” – Item #18e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager identify and highlight all individuals who work for the city that have served or continue to serve in the United States of America Armed Forces. – Item #18f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Clerk reach out to the Acting Library Director to ensure the advertisements associated with the Library Board of Directors Election are posted throughout the Library and on their social media platforms. – Item #18g 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 detailing outcome measures associated with the Worcester Community Police Addiction Recovery Program. – Item #18h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

Motion King @ #10a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what foreign objects have been taken out of Hillside Beach at Coes Pond.

Motion King @ #10a CC – Request City Manager trim back the overgrowth on beach side of Hillside Beach at Coes Pond.

Motion Colorio @ #10e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how members of a task force relative to assisting in the master planning for Duffy Field will be selected.

Motion Colorio @ #10e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the measureable outcomes associated with a task force created for the purpose of assisting in the master planning for Duffy Field.

Motion Bergman @ #10e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the parameters and property lines of Duffy Field.

Motion King @ #11a CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby apprise its federal partners of its support for them to continue fighting for COVID-19 stimulus relief.

Motion Bergman @ #11a CC – That Councilor Sarai Rivera, Councilor Sean M. Rose, Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Khrystian E. King’s Resolution relative to reinstituting the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions, originally introduced as item #11a CC on November 17, 2020, be adopted as amended to read as follows: “That the City Council of the City of Worcester, in recognition of the dual health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated by the health crisis of structural racism, does hereby call upon our Legislature and Governor to reinstitute the moratorium on foreclosures and to amend Massachusetts General Law Chapter 239 Section 7 as it relates to nonpayment of rent and COVID-19 related evictions.

Motion King @ #11a CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with an overview of M.G.L. Chapter 239 Section 7.

Motion King @ #13b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning properties that were previously tax-exempt that should no longer be considered as such and are not meeting their tax obligations and commitments.

Motion Toomey @ #13b CC – Request City Manager work with the Department of Revenue to provide City Council with a report concerning the rules and regulations concerning the circumstances surrounding making a property tax-exempt.