CITY OF WORCESTER | JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 6:33 P.M. |
Recessed into Executive Session: 7:10 P.M.
Convened into Open Session: 8:30 P.M.
Adjourned: 10:06 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 AND STAR SPANGLED BANNER | |
| 2. | ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor Colorio, Councilor King and Councilor Toomey. Councilor Colorio and Councilor King arrived at 6:38 P.M. and Councilor Toomey arrived at 6:55 P.M. | |
| 3. | PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE | |
| | | | | | | | | 3a. | Mayor Petty read the Proclamation declaring the week of April 19, 2021 to April 23, 2021 as After-School Professionals Appreciation Week in the city. Mayor Petty recognized Raquel Castro-Corazzini, who accepted the Proclamation and spoke concerning the Proclamation. | | | |
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| 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 March 30, 2021. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 5a. | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. William S. Coleman, III, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8n CC and #8o CC
2. Sandy Meltzer, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #6e CC
3. Bill O’Connell, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #6e CC
4. Deborah Packard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.4A CM
5. Nicole Apostola, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8m CC and in opposition to #9.13B CM
6. Sheila Brenner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8l CC | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 6a. | Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: MILTON ST.
Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: MILTON ST. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take up items #6a CC through #6d CC and #6f CC collectively and open the hearings. 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 items. 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6b. | Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: MONTVALE RD.
Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: MONTVALE RD. | Attachments | | | Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #6a CC). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6c. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: CANTERBURY ST. and GARDNER ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: CANTERBURY ST. and GARDNER ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #6a CC). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6d. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: FREMONT ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: FREMONT ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #6a CC). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6e. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: RICHMOND AVE. and FENWICK ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: RICHMOND AVE. and FENWICK ST. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege - Rose | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6f. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WHISPER DR.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WHISPER DR. | Attachments | | | Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #6a CC). | | | | | |
| 7. | RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION | |
| | | | | | | | | 7a. | ORDER- That the City Council convene in Executive Session jointly with the School Committee at the Tuesday, April 13, 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. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who moved to recuse herself from the item and did not participate in the Executive Session.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera recused)
Mayor Petty brought forth the following Resolution, which was voted on during the Executive Session: That the Worcester City Council does hereby commit to amending the Worcester Home Rule Charter so as to change the electoral process for electing members of the Worcester School Committee and will do so through a Home Rule Petition after conducting a public process to choose a new electoral process. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 2 Nays (Yeas – King, Mero-Carlson, Rose, Rosen, Russell, Toomey, Wally, Petty) (Nays – Bergman, Colorio) (Rivera recused).
Mayor Petty then made the following statement: In adopting this resolution, the City Council is not conceding a violation of the Voting Rights Act, but believes it is in the best interest of all parties that the law suit be resolved without the expense of protracted, costly and potential divisive litigation. The next step is the Law Department will work with the attorneys of the plaintiffs to produce an agreed upon consent decree. The consent decree will address the electoral process the parties agree meet the requirements of the Voting Rights Act that will be considered by the city council in a timetable to implement the consent decree and the minutes of the Executive Session will be released at the next city council meeting. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8a. | Allana Rocha Bicalho and Marcos Dias Bicalho request abatement of street assessment #25726, in the amount of $9,000.00 for Pelican Ave. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #8a CC through #8h CC collectively to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8b. | Lynn Fassett request abatement of sewer assessment #31354, in the amount of $3,535.00 for Midgley Ave. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8c. | Douglas and Jennifer Courville request abatement of street assessment #25668, in the amount of $18,736.50 for Knapp Ave. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8d. | Douglas and Jennifer Courville request abatement of street assessment #25773, in the amount of $18,750.00 for Phoebe Way. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8e. | Joanne Gray request abatement of street assessment #25772, in the amount of $15,000.00 for Newburn Rd. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8f. | Caroline Villaruz request installation of a streetlight on lamp post #21, in front of 238 June St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8g. | Evan Corrigan request Sears Island Dr. be resurfaced. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8h. | Evan Corrigan request Inwood Rd. be resurfaced. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8i. | Martin Masterson request installation of handicap parking space in front of 254 Belmont St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #8i CC through #8l CC collectively to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8j. | Stacey Ann Brown et al. request removal of handicap parking spaces in front of 21 and 23 Hitchcock Rd. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8k. | Dennis Lipka request WRTA bus stop #178 in front of 0 Chestnut St. be relocated to approximately 136' South of the intersection of Chestnut St. and Walnut St., directly in front of 18 Chestnut St. building. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8l. | Sheila Brenner request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Pleasant St. and Howland St., with signage indicating said crosswalk being installed in its vicinity. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8m. | Nicole Apostola request City Council request City Manager place easily accessible data on the city's website concerning the funding, use and community benefit agreement for Polar Park that identifies 1) all funding sources for the project; 2) exact project costs, including any/all cost overruns; 3) documentation for gate receipts; 4) how hiring goals are being met; 5) tabulation of the community days and community meetings hosted and scheduled for the current year; 6) tabulation of the revenue-generating events the city is holding during the current year; 7) document usage of the city-designated ballpark suite; and 8) document game tickets given to Worcester Public Schools students. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #8m CC through #8o CC collectively to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8n. | William S. Coleman, III request City Council request City Manager appoint a community liaison from his administration to work with the neighborhood groups to help coordinate spring 2021 cleanups. | Attachments | | | Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8m CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8o. | William S. Coleman, III request City Council request City Manager hold a vaccine clinic for library and City Hall employees and their families to protect them from COVID-19. | Attachments | | | Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8m CC) | | | | | |
| 9. | COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER | |
| | | | | 9.1 | APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation | |
| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Sean Brennan to the Worcester Arts Council with a term to expire on December 31, 2024. | 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 | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.2 | APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend the appointment of Lizbeth Perez Rodriguez to the Community Development Advisory Committee with a term to expire on June 30, 2023. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to confirm the appointment. Confirmed on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.3 | DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES | |
| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to City of Worcester and Public School employees' wages for calendar year 2020. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report of the City of Worcester and Public School employees’ wages for calendar year 2020 organized by department.” (See Item #13d CC).
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. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.4 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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| | | | | | | A. | Recommend adoption of an order relative to the Boys’ Club in Lincoln Square. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the value of the Boys’ Club property at 16 Salisbury St. in Lincoln Square. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with information as to whether any TIF policies or equivalents will be in place for the new project being undertaken at the location by WinnCompanies.” (See Item #13a CC).
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, Councilor Rivera and Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Toomey.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally and Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rosen.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who moved to, “Request City Manager review traffic patterns in the vicinity of Highland St. and Belmont St., near the Boys’ Club property in Lincoln Square for any potential improvements.” (See Item #13b CC).
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved, “That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support commemorating the Lincoln Square Boys’ Club during the construction of the new housing project at the property.” (See Item #13c CC).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Economic Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.5 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division | |
| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to testing for Per-and Polyfluoroakly Substances (PFAS) in Worcester's drinking water. | 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. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.6 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
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| | | | | 9.7 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
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| | | | | 9.8 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
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| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a save the date for the 2021 Arbor Day celebration, scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2021. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with an update as to any progresses made updating the city’s Tree Policy.” (See Item #13e CC).
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of having the city designated as a Tree City.” (See Item #13f CC).
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. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.11 | DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend adoption of an amendment to the City's organizational ordinances to create the Worcester Ballpark Commission. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the various oversight options available relative to the Worcester Ballpark, including how other communities handle the responsibility.” (See Item #13g CC).
Councilor King then moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege – King | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a proposed Home Rule Petition to provide the city of Worcester an exception to the Open Meeting Law to authorize the city clerk to publish, prior to the start of a city council meeting, the names of city councilors who have signed onto items as co-sponsors | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to, “Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide the Attorney General’s Office with a copy the city’s draft Home Rule Petition seeking an exemption from the Open Meeting Law to allow the city clerk to publish, prior to the start of a City Council meeting, the names of city councilors who have signed onto items as co-sponsors, as a means to inform the City Council’s decision making on whether to move forward with the proposal.” (See Item #13h CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, Councilor Rosen and Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor King’s motion. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 2 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, King, Mero-Carlson, Rivera, Rose, Russell, Toomey, Wally, Petty) (Nays – Colorio, Rosen).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.14 | DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration | |
| | | | | 9.15 | DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
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| | | | | 9.16 | DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
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| | | | | 9.17 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration | |
| | | | | 9.18 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health | |
| | | | | 9.19 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs | |
| | | | | 9.20 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Human Rights and Accessibility | |
| | | | | 9.21 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services | |
| | | | | 9.22 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services | |
| | | | | 9.23 | WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY | |
| | | | | 9.24 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANANGER
Cultural Development Division | |
| | | | | 9.25 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division | |
| | | | | 9.26 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Office of Urban Innovation | |
| | | | | 9.27 | PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT | |
| | | | | 9.28 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division | |
| | | | | 9.29 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division | |
| | | | | 9.30 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management | |
| | | | | 9.31 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division | |
| | | | | 9.32 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division | |
| | | | | 9.33 | DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
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| | | | | 9.34 | FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers | |
| | | | | 9.35 | FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under the MA EVIP Public Access Charging Grant Program. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively adopt items #9.35A CM through #9.35 C CM and items #9.36A CM through #9.36C CM. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($20,000.00) from the Worcester Cultural Coalition for support of the work of the Cultural Development Division. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Seventy Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($75,000.00) from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation under the 2021 Tree Planting program. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.36 | FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend that Two Hundred Ninety Five Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy Seven Dollars And Thirty Four Cents ($295,977.34) be transferred as indicated to provide sufficient funding for the Cable PEG Program for the 4th Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend that Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) be transferred from Account #410-91000, DPW Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #410-97000, DPW Overtime, to cover anticipated overtime costs through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2021. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Recommend that Seven Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Seven Dollars And No Cents ($769,387.00) be transferred from DPW Account #411-92000, Snow Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to DPW Account #4103-93000, Streets Equipment, to allow for the purchase of snow equipment. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.37 | FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year | |
| | | | | 9.39 | MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS | |
| 10. | TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE | |
| | | | | | | | | 10a. | PETITION of Lorraine Normand and Donna Goff request RG-5 zone be extended to include 316 Lincoln St. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson April 6, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Development Officer and the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved for a roll call vote to Table the Item Under Privilege for a second time. Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
Tabled Under Privilege – Mero-Carlson | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommend adoption of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment relative to Self-Storage Facilities: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell April 6, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Development Officer and the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Councilor Russell then moved to amend the item to include the allowance of special permits in Business General Zones for self-storage facilities.
Mayor Petty spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Development Officer and the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Mayor Petty.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Development Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey and Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Development Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Russell’s motion to amend the item. Motion denied on a roll call vote of 6 Yeas and 5 Nays, as the motion required a two-thirds vote. (Yeas – King, Mero-Carlson, Rivera, Rose, Russell, Toomey) (Nays – Bergman, Colorio, Rosen, Wally, Petty).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved for a roll call to reconsider the vote on Councilor Russell’s amendment. Reconsideration approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Russell’s motion to amend the item. Motion denied on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 8 Nays. (Yeas – King, Rivera, Russell) (Nays – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Rose, Rosen, Toomey, Wally, Petty).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to advertise the proposed Ordinance. Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 3 Nays. (Yeas – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Rose, Rosen, Toomey, Wally, Petty) (Nays – King, Rivera, Russell).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved for a roll call vote to reconsider the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Yeas. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11a. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11b. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11c. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11d. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11e. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11f. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11g. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11h. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11i. | PETITION of Meighan Sharry request City Council request City Manager effectively stop efforts to develop athletic fields at Duffy Field/Wetherall Park. (Tabled - Petty March 30, 2021) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| 12. | BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the April 6, 2021 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 12a. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager work with the Sheriff’s Office to provide City Council with a report as to the feasibility of creating a contingency plan allowing their officers to provide details during events at Polar Park when Worcester Police Department Officers are unavailable. – Item #19a CC Order denied on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 8 Nays (Yeas – King, Rivera, Rose) (Nays – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Rosen, Russell, Toomey, Wally, Petty) | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 12b. | ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what has already been done as it relates to traffic and safety planning during Worcester Red Sox games, as well as any information that can be disclosed regarding what is still to be done. – Item #19b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| 13. | NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the April 13, 2021 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 13a. | Motion Russell @ #9.4A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the value of the Boys’ Club property at 16 Salisbury St. in Lincoln Square. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with information as to whether any TIF policies or equivalents will be in place for the new project being undertaken at the location by WinnCompanies. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.4A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13b. | Motion King @ #9.4A CM –Request City Manager review traffic patterns in the vicinity of Highland St. and Belmont St., near the Boys’ Club property in Lincoln Square for any potential improvements. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.4A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13c. | Motion King @ #9.4A CM – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support commemorating the Lincoln Square Boys’ Club during the construction of the new housing project at the property. | Attachments | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.4A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13d. | Motion King @ #9.3A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report of the City of Worcester and Public School employees’ wages for calendar year 2020 organized by department. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.3A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13e. | Motion Wally @ #9.8A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update as to any progresses made updating the city’s Tree Policy. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.8A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13f. | Motion Bergman @ #9.8A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of having the city designated as a Tree City. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.8A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13g. | Motion King @ #9.13A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the various oversight options available relative to the Worcester Ballpark, including how other communities handle the responsibility. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.13A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13h. | Motion King @ #9.13B CM – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide the Attorney General’s Office with a copy the city’s draft Home Rule Petition seeking an exemption from the Open Meeting Law to allow the city clerk to publish, prior to the start of a City Council meeting, the names of city councilors who have signed onto items as co-sponsors, as a means to inform the City Council’s decision making on whether to move forward with the proposal. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 2 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, King, Mero-Carlson, Rivera, Rose, Russell, Toomey, Wally, Petty) (Nays – Colorio, Rosen) (See Item #9.13B CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13i. | Motion Bergman – Suspension of Rules – Request Standing Committee on Education hold a discussion jointly with its School Committee counterparts relative to supporting the attached resolution relative to S. 1973, An Act Advancing and Promoting Genocide Education. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who introduced the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman for a third time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to, “Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning whether Chairpersons of the City Council’s Standing Committee can bring items forward that have not been referred through, including whether discussion items would be permissible.” (See Item #13j CC).
Councilor King then moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege – King | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13j. | Motion Mero-Carlson @ #13i CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning whether Chairpersons of the City Council’s Standing Committee can bring items forward that have not been referred through, including whether discussion items would be permissible. – Item #13i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13i CC) | | | | | |
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