CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:33 P.M.

Recessed into Executive Session: 7:26 P.M. Reconvened into Open Session: 8:52 P.M. Adjourned: 10:49 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 March 9, 2021.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Miguel Lugo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11t CC 2. William S. Coleman, III, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15c CC 3. Nelly Medina, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11u CC, #11w CC and #11x CC 4. Stephen Quist, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9c CC, #9d CC and #9e CC 5. Christopher Tisdale, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11t CC 6. Demetri Ellie, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11t CC 7. (no first name given) Fitzgerald, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11t CC 8. Jenny Pacillo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11u CC 9. John Rodgers, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #19d CC 10. Jonathan Rasher, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11t CC 11. Kaycee Pennarelli, Shrewsbury resident, spoke in favor of items #11t CC and #11u CC 12. Timothy (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11t CC

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GRAND ST. and HOLLIS ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GRAND ST. and HOLLIS ST.

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

ORDER- That the City Council convene in Executive Session jointly with the School Committee at the Tuesday, March 23, 2021 meeting for the purpose of discussing litigation strategy with respect to the case of Worcester Interfaith, Inc., et. al. v. City of Worcester et al.; United States District Court Civil No. 4:21-CV-40015 and the City Council will reconvene in open session.

Jonathan Miller et al. request Franklin St. be resurfaced.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of the Grafton Hill Neighborhood Association request consideration of reversing the one way direction of traffic on Ingelside Ave. off of Hamilton St. leading to Grafton St.

Stephen Quist request City Council vote to create Home Rule Petition for a one (1) penny sales tax to be deposited into a Worcester Property Home Owners Tax Relief Fund.

Stephen Quist request City Council vote to create a Home Rule Petition to buy a ten (10) dollar surcharge to be deposited into a Worcester Property Homeowners Tax Relief Fund.

Stephen Quist request City Council vote to create Home Rule Petition for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pay a pilot program fee on all buildings in Worcester in addition to pilot payments made for land.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Auditor provide City Council with report concerning the total debt owed relative to North High School.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Auditor provide City Council with report concerning new school investments and capital projects.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report outlining the costs associated with the process of becoming an accredited fire department, including information relative to registration fees.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the department’s efforts to expand the diversity of applicants to the Fire Department.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning whether there is a requirement for businesses to provide contact information regarding towing companies servicing their area.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning the required steps to add a requirement for businesses to provide contact information for the towing companies servicing their area.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer reach out to the businesses in the vicinity of Polar Park to install proper signage relative to cars being towed in their area.

With the arrival of spring after a particularly windy winter that saw recyclables frequently blowing out of our shallow uncovered recycle bins, request the City Council, City Manager, DPW and students in WPI's Environmental & Sustainability Studies program propose a new and environmentally sound recycling program that will gain the support and cooperation of a majority of Worcester residents. (Rosen)

Because so many local/residential and arterial city streets appear to be in deplorable condition, not necessarily due to winter weather, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what continuing street maintenance program, if any, is in place and what additional steps can be taken to remedy conditions on several roads that apparently are suffering from deferred maintenance. (Rosen)

Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to investigate Roadbotics (https://www.roadbotics.com/) to see if it is a viable technology for use by the Department of Public Works. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repaint the “No Parking, Fire Lane” on Leo Turo Way, as the paint has become indiscernible, which presents a major safety hazard. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager consider finding capital funds needed to complete the Mulcahey Field project. (Russell, Toomey, Rosen)

Request City Manager work with the appropriate representatives from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to address and cleanup the litter in the vicinity of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center. (Russell, King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how many seasonal, part time and full time city employees make less than $15 dollars per hour. This report should include any current vacancies. (Rose)

Request City Manager create a comprehensive and funded wellness program and/or initiatives for all city employees. (Rose)

Request City Manager add Dynamic Speed Display Signs (DSDS) on Salisbury St. from Barry Rd. to Flagg St. and on Toronita Ave. between Myrick Ave. and Knapp Ave. (Rose)

Request City Manager work with the District Attorney's Office to provide a community oriented solution to address the recent increase in residents’ concerns over dirt bike theft that include a community centered and solution focused approach to addressing these thefts. These solutions should consider vocation, education and diversion as strategies. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks update all of the mapping companies' programs with any changes in our traffic patterns and truck routes. (Toomey)

Request City Manager work with the Grafton Hill Neighborhood Association regarding adding names of all Grafton Hill residents lost in WWII to the Billings Sq. Memorial. (Toomey)

Request City Manager and appropriate departments and staff utilize one or more methods accepted as effective and humane to scare our increasing population of Canadian Geese out of the city's popular parks, playgrounds and beaches. Changing the habitat of geese by taking away their preferred foods and creating a landscape where the birds don't feel safe has been found to be an effective geese control measure. The use of trained goose-herding dogs directed by certified handlers put geese in flight and, while remaining unharmed, the geese often leave an area entirely. (Rosen)

Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to install lighting at Holmes Field and Grant Sq. Park. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager clean up and beautify the planter box at the intersection of Lake Ave. and Belmont St., including adding new plantings to the box. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager work with the appropriate department to ensure the overpass and stairs in the vicinity of Belmont St. Community School are repainted and cleaned. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with information regarding the possibility of adding a "spouse plus one" type of health plan for current/former City employees receiving health plan benefits thru the City of Worcester; whereby married couples with no dependent children can have a health plan option other than an individual or family plan. (Bergman)

Request City Manager work with the appropriate representatives from Becker College to develop a plan that addresses the impact the college's potential closing would cause. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the community COVID-19 vaccination program. (Rivera)

Request City Manager work with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to explore the installation of basketball rims at city parks within the month of April, 2021. (King)

Request City Manager work with the City Solicitor to create a draft ordinance intended to make permanent the provision of a remote participation option for all public body meetings, so as to improve public access and participating in and with municipal government, thus reducing barriers to civic engagement. Further, request City Solicitor use the city of Boston’s “Ordinance Expanding Access to Local Government” as the template for Worcester’s draft ordinance. Further, request City Solicitor include a phone-in option in the draft along with interpretations services and closed caption capacities. (King)

Request City Manager work with Director of Urban Innovation and Chief Information Officer to audit the city’s digital infrastructure to ensure that residents, businesses, and organizations have easy, reliable, safe, and secure access to information and city services. Further, request said audit include an assessment of the city’s ability to provide adequate translation options and that experts in the file digital accessibility are consulted in this regard. (King)

Request City Manager, after legal consultation with the City Solicitor, work toward and strategize how to provide protection of our Asian American – Pacific Islander workforce; in, around, and outside of the workplace. Further, request City Manager duly consider dissemination of virtual resources such as Bystander Intervention Virtual Training (https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/events) that would prepare city officials and staff to intervene in active or passive Anti-Asian / Pacific Islander, Asian American xenophobic harassment. (King)

Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report regarding the extension of voting reform and related planning and communication strategies. (King)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby encourage Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey to support the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country. DST started as a wartime effort over a century ago but now makes little sense. There are many studies that show the negative impact of these biannual time changes and the benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time. (Rosen)

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting an informational communication relative to the 2021 Spring Sweeping Program.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the year ended June 30, 2020 audited by the CPA firm of CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP: recommend the Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting the single audit report for the year ended June 30, 2019 required by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB): recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk Transmitting an informational communication concerning the process used in the 2020 Election Season to collect nomination paper signatures during the COVID-19 pandemic and further report back options for potentially decreasing the number of signatures for the 2021 Municipal Election: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fire Department safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Fire Department staffing, training and the next recruit academy: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of "No Left Turn" signage for traffic coming from Rt. 9 onto Whitla Dr. between the hours of 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a flashing light signal at the intersection of Belmont St. and Eastern Ave: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order, pending funding.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jerry Oullette request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on the odd side of Tainter St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a “Right on Red After Stop” sign onto Grafton St. where the street intersects with Winter St. and Harding St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a “Right on Red After Stop” sign onto Grafton St. at its intersection at Sunderland Rd: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sherry Monfils request "Do Not Block Driveway" sign be installed next to the driveway at 8 Blossom St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Carl Almonor request installation of "Do No Block Driveway" signage in front of 1 Patch St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Steven Schneider et al. request installation of a "Dead End" sign on road running parallel to Plantation St. in the vicinity of 496 Plantation St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Tiphanie Gelinas request the old speed limit signs in the vicinity of 492 Massasoit Rd. be replaced: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of "No Right Turn" signage for traffic coming from Rt. 9 onto Whitla Dr. between the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Order of Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking review Policy and Procedure No. 693 relative to Towed Vehicles from Private Property of the Worcester Police Department and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 266 Section 120D relative to removal of motor vehicles from private ways or property; penalties; liability for removal and storage charges; release of vehicle: recommend Order be placed on file.

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 Manager 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)

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)

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting a draft of social media policies and procedures for City Council, in the event that a Facebook page for the City Council is created, including information relative to best practices used in other communities. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 26, 2021, Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson February 2, 2021 and Tabled - Petty February 9, 2021)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support Representative Rebecca Rauch and Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz’s SD 699 HD 1283, An Act effectuating equity in COVID-19 Vaccination Bill. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 9, 2021 and Tabled - Bergman February 23, 2021)

ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report that includes information concerning the current pricing of the city’s parking garages, a historical snapshot as to when those prices have increased and whether the Off-Street Parking Board has had any discussions relative to changing said garages’ rates. – Item #14a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager work with the Medical Director to provide City Council with a report concerning suggestions around how best to allow for in-person public participation during public meetings. Further, request City Manager include in said suggestions when such an action would be appropriate. – Item #14b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether other municipalities have returned to participating in their City Council meetings in person. – Item #14c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of resuming in-person public participation during public meetings. – Item #14d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager request Police Chief work to be proactive in supporting police officers’ wellness, given the stress the department has been under due to COVID-19. – Item #14e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Police Chief conduct a health and wellbeing survey of the Worcester Police Department. – Item #14f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 7 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the work being done by the Civilian Academy. – Item #14g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 7 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion King @ #11n CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report examining how lighting at public parks can have an effect on the safety in the area.

Motion King @ #11u CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of individuals contributing to public participation sections of public meetings.

Motion Colorio @ #11u CC – Request City Manager and Mayor prioritize public participation for all individuals who attend public meetings in person, when such a time comes that individuals from the public are allowed to participate in public meetings in person and in the event that remote Public Participation becomes permanent.

Motion Colorio @ #11u CC – Request Mayor more strictly enforce the City Council rules surrounding the timeframe allowed during Public Participation.

Motion Russell @ #11u CC – Request City Manager work to provide residents who are using their phones to call in for remote public participation with a local phone number, so as to not affect their long distance phone bills.

Motion King @ #11w CC – Request City Manager develop a series of city responses against movements against certain groups of individuals, including but not limited to any anti-Mulsim, anti-Asian, anti-Black or anti-Jewish groups.

Motion Colorio @ #11w CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a breakdown of all hate crimes that have occurred in the last year or more.

Motion King @ #11x CC – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning whether the language on the street listings that are mailed to the residents of the city are consistent with what is required on said street listings.

Motion King @ #12a CC – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a copy of the Sunshine Protection Act 2021.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Police Chief work to create a plan to address the rapidly increasing incidences of package thefts, car break-ins, bicycle thefts and other increasing types of crime throughout the city. Further, request City Manager request Police Chief and representatives from Recreation Worcester make plans to start activities sooner, rather than later, and to include youths ages 11 to 15.