CITY OF WORCESTER | JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL | Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 5:05 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 | |
| 3. | ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor King, who arrived at 6:17 P.M. | |
| 4. | PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE | |
| | | | | | | | | 4a. | Mayor Petty presented Keys to the City to Abigail Ives and Sophia Moriarty, who both pitched Perfect Games during a Little League softball tournament. | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 4b. | MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of John DiGregorio, who was a Worcester and Boston resident, who passed away. Mr. DiGregorio dedicated his life to politics and neighborhood improvements. | | | |
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| 5. | APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES | |
| | | | | | | | | 5a. | Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 29, 2021. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Mero-Carlson absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6a. | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11g CC
2. Evelyn Herwitz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11c CC
3. Ruth Seward, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11c CC
4. Deb Cary, Princeton resident, spoke in favor of item #11c CC
5. Jenny Pacillo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #21e CC
6. Kathy Napoli, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #21e CC
7. Bill Coleman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8w CC
8. Holmes Wilson, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.13A CM
9. Alex Guardiola, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15a CC
10. Richard Cipro, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #23d CC and #11c CC
11. Beth Proko, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposition to item #9.13A CM
12. Emma Narkewicz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11e CC
13. Kevin Ksen, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.29C CM
14. Kathy Krieger, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11c CC and #21j CC
15. Chris Manthas, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.13A CM
16. Ashley (no last game given), Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposition to item #11e CC, spoke in opposition to item #21i CC and 21j CC
17. Bobby Hazelton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11c CC and #21o CC
18. Debra Goldstein, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11h CC, #21i CC and #21j CC
19. Elizabeth Fleming, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11c CC
20. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11c CC, spoke in opposition to #11h CC, #21i CC and #21j CC
21. Erin Bryan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11e CC
22. Edward O’Leary, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11h CC, #21i CC and #21j CC
23. Judy Diamondstone, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor in opposition to item #21a CC
24. Julia (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.13A CM
25. Laura Matthew, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to #11h CC, #21i CC and #21j CC
26. Maura (no last name given), no resident given, spoke in opposition to #11h CC, #21i CC and #21j CC
27. Mark Edelman, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor in opposition to item #9.13A CM
28. Matt Whitlock, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11e CC, #11h CC, #21i CC and #21j CC
29. Paul Popinchalk, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #21a CC
30. Paula Summer, no resident given, spoke in favor of item #11c CC
31. Sarah Ruffo, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.13A CM | | | |
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| 7. | ELECTION OF ONE RESIDENT TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS | |
| | | | | | | | | 7a. | ELECTION - To fill one (1) vacancy for a term ending December 31, 2021. | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and provided an opening statement, including information from, “Rules Appendix D – Election of the Library Board,” from the Rules of City Council, which outlines the process for electing members of the Library Board of Directors.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to elect one member for the term ending on December 31, 2021. Tina Sullivan, having received the most votes and a majority vote of City Council, was elected on the roll call for a term ending on December 31, 2021. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8a. | Paul O'Rourke request the tree in front of 42 Dell Ave. be removed. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the Department of Public Works and Parks. Referred to the Department of Public Works and Parks on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8b. | David Tetteh request to change the underlying zoning classification for the property at 18 Mountain St. East from Residential, Single (RS-7.0) to Business, Local (BL-1.0), | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the Planning Board. Referred to the Planning Board on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8c. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Jorge and Gloria Mendoza request installation of a guardrail on the Houghton St. side of 2 Crowningshield Rd. until it meets the corner of Crowningshield Rd. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively refer items #8c CC through #8g CC to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8d. | Pauline Glamuzina request the sidewalk in front of 9 Alamo St. be replaced. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8e. | John Hamm et al. request Prouty Ln. from Pleasant St. to Airport Dr. be resurfaced. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8f. | Maria Brescia request installation of guardrail on Massasoit Rd. along the side of 1 Fenwood Rd. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8g. | Anthony Petrone request Skyline Dr. be renamed Officer Manny Familia Way. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8h. | Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Bill Moore request installation of a handicap parking space in front of Project New Hope, located at 70 James St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively refer items #8h CC through #8t CC to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8i. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Mary Jane Euban request removal of a handicap parking space in the vicinity of 59 Esther St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8j. | Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of children advisory signage on Townsend St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8k. | Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of children advisory signage on Russell St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8l. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Michelle Diliddo request installation of a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Loxwood St. and Tauton St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8m. | Laura McCormick et al. request installation of speed limit signage at the intersection of Ararat St. and Brattle St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8n. | Laura McCormick et al. request installation of speed limit signage at the intersection of Ararat St. and I-190 exits. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8o. | Sue Grant et al. request installation of crosswalk in the vicinity of Indian Hill Park on Ararat St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8p. | Sue Grant et al. request traffic enforcement in the vicinity of Indian Hill Park on Ararat St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8q. | Robert Mayotte request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 35 1/2 Columbia St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8r. | Nicole Guibankian request installation of "No parking anytime, or you will be towed" sign in the vicinity of 64 Norfolk St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8s. | Katrina Sandi request installation of handicap parking place in front of 11 Allen St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8t. | Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Brenda Davin request installation of a flashing yellow light at the crosswalk at the intersection of Park Ave. and Enfield St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) (See Item #8h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8u. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: MAIN ST. and STONELAND RD.
| Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to set a hearing for September 22, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Hearing set for September 22, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rose absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8v. | Christopher McMahon request City Council release the Right of First Refusal set forth in the Deed from the City of Worcester to Paul W. McMahon and Frances McMahon. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Councilor Russell then moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege – Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved for a roll call vote to reconsider the item. Reconsideration approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty recognized the petitioner’s attorney, Joseph Losapio, Worcester resident, who spoke in favor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson and Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call to adopt an Order, “That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby release the Right of First Refusal set forth in the Deed from the city of Worcester to Paul W. McMahon and Frances McMahon, dated January 29, 1985.”
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved for a roll call vote to reconsider the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8w. | William S. Coleman III request City Council and City Administration provide a certificate of appreciation to our teen workers providing leadership and safety to the young people in our summer programs. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8x. | Michael Grandone request the yearly auto excise tax be set as a flat fee. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) | | | | | |
| 9. | COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER | |
| | | | | 9.1 | APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation | |
| | | | | 9.2 | APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend the appointments of Violet Kabaso and Martha Benitez to the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to confirm the appointments. Confirmed on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.3 | DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend adoption of an order to grant an exemption to one (1) Seasonal Literacy Coach who is also a Teacher with the Worcester Public Schools. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.4 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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| | | | | 9.5 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend an amendment to the FY22 table of organization for the Department of Public Works and Parks to implement the recommendations of the Comprehensive Clean City Program. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted 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. | Recommend City Council’s consideration and approval to solicit and award a lease of up to six (6) years for Green Hill Municipal Golf Course. | 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.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning the accessibility and technical updates of the accreditation process. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Safety Committee. Referred to Public Safety Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.11 | DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend adoption of the an ordinance imposing a time-limited ban on the use of personal watercraft (aka, jet skis) on Indian Lake. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose and Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Mero-Carlson.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio.
Mayor Petty recognized 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 Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor and City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning whether the Worcester Police Department has increased oversight efforts at Indian Lake in the summer of 2021.” (See Item #24b CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager consider relocating the launch ramp for personal watercraft at Morgan Park to a more appropriate location.” (See Item #24c CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what safety mitigation tactics will be put in place during the moratorium on using personal watercraft on Indian Lake.” (See Item #24d CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who moved to, “Request City Manager inform City Council as to whether the boat ramp at Lake Quinsigamond is open for use.” (See Item #24e CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the emergency preamble associated with the item. Emergency preamble adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to ordain the item. Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved for a roll call on reconsideration for the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 10 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 | |
| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of June 30, 2021. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved 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. | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend adoption of an Order to execute contracts exceeding three years for a new Enterprise Resource Planning financial system. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the proposed budget for the initial portion of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to take the item up collectively with items #11e CC and #21a CC.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Mayor Petty.
Mayor Petty then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the city plans to spend ARPA Recovery Funds to improve housing opportunities.” (See Item #24f CC).
Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 consider increasing funding to areas around housing from ARPA funding based on feedback from the community.” (See Item #24g CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager amend his goals of the proposed budget for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to ensure that funds distributed dismantle racial, ethnic, gender and economic inequalities and advance equitable policies by targeting investments to strengthen revenues of working class and low income communities/residents.” (See Item #24h CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager consider American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund allocation be prioritized in four (4) levels; Level 1 and 2 highly important, having an immediate impact and ready implementation status, Level 3 and highly important but less urgent and targeted for second allocation, Level 4 may not directly qualify for fund but may be feasible within the overall funding timeframe.” (See Item #24i CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the benefits of public pools.” (See Item #24j CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager create an enhanced public awareness campaign to help reach nonprofit organizations that may be aware of funding available to them to supplement lost monies from COVID-19.” (See Item #24k CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, Councilor Wally and Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rivera.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor to item #11e CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Mero-Carlson 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 Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
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. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.30 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management | |
| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the First Year Report of the Municipal Electricity Aggregation Program. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Toomey.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment Committee. Referred to Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 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 | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend that Six Hundred Eight Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Five Dollars And One Cent ($608,695.01) be transferred from Account #91C711F, Capital Projects Fund, to Account #11C70201, City Messenger Rehab - Library. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to collectively adopt items #9.34A CM through #9.34F CM, #9.35A CM through #9.35J CM, #9.36A CM through #9.36H CM and #9.37A CM through #9.37C CM. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend that Seven Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($7,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account # 72C70248, Coes Beach, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with improvements for the Coes/Binienda Beach improvement project. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C71131, MSBA Worcester Arts Magnet, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C75911, Worcester Arts Magnet, to allow for the payment of current obligations associated with the project manager and designer contracts for this project. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | D. | Recommend that Three Hundred Sixty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($365,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account # 72C70209, Farber Field to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with the site improvements at Farber Field. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | E. | Recommend that Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($25,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C7413A, Streets and Sidewalks, and be appropriated to DPW Account # 41C792, Grafton Street Improvements to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with road improvements on Grafton Street. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | F. | Recommend that Twenty Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy Dollars And No Cents ($27,970.00) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account # 72C70242, Playground Assessment, to allow for current obligations to be met. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.35 | FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($7,500.00) to the Worcester Police Department from the Digital Federal Credit Union. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of One Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,150,000.00) from UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc; for the Health Equity Fund ($1,000,000) and a one-time payment in lieu of taxes for Fiscal Year 2022 ($150,000). | Attachments | | | | Two (2) Resolutions adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to apply for, accept, and expend grants from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in an amount of up to Sixty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($60,000.00) through the 2021 Shared Streets and Spaces program.
| Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | D. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to apply for, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Two Hundred Seventy Three Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Two Dollars and No Cents ($273,592.00) from the Commonwealth Corporation through their YouthWorks Year-Round FY22 program grant | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | E. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file and accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($7,500.00) from Digital Federal Credit Union for purchase of technology, equipment or programs. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | F. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file and accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Three Thousand Three Hundred Sixteen Dollars and Ninety Two Cents ($3,316.92) from the Coalition for Healthy Greater Worcester to support the City of Worcester’s COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Equity Clinic. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | G. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Twenty Three Thousand One Hundred Forty Six and No Cents ($123,146.00) from the US Department of Justice through the FY 2021 Byrne JAG Local Solicitation Grant program. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | H. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) from UMASS Memorial Healthcare under the Community Benefits grant - Recreation Worcester FY22 program. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | I. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Nineteen Thousand Eight Hundred Nine Dollars And Sixty Five Cents ($19,809.65) from the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security under the Commonwealth Security Trust Fund Grant program. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | J. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend grant funds with a total amount of Ten Million Eight Hundred Fifty One Thousand Nine Hundred Thirteen Dollars And No Cents ($10,851,913.00) of federal, state and private grant dollars for FY22 programs and operations of the Division of Public Health. | Attachments | | | | Seven (7) Resolutions adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.36 | FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend that Twenty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($20,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account # 72C707, Green Hill Park, to allow for contractual obligations associated with the WWI Memorial in Green Hill Park. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend that Eleven Thousand Six Hundred Five Dollars And Thirty Cents ($11,605.30) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account # 72C70201, Aquatics Facilities, to allow for current and anticipated contractual obligations for the aquatic improvements, to include the repainting and UV system replacement. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Recommend that Four Million Six Hundred Sixty Three Thousand Five Hundred Eight Dollars And No Cents ($4,663,508.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Year XLVII Community Development Block Grant program, and Seventy Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($75,000.00) in anticipated Year XLVII Program Income, and be appropriated to provide financing for projects and programs as specified. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | D. | Recommend that Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Forty Five Dollars And Ninety Seven Cents ($8,845.97) be transferred from Loan Account #91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account #72C70240, Open Space, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with the Open Space Plan. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | E. | Recommend that Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account #72C70230, University Park, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with the survey and design of University Park. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | F. | Recommend that Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account #72C70249, Memorials and Monuments, to allow for contractually obligated payments for the restoration of the Rogers-Kennedy Memorial. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | G. | Recommend that Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($450,000.00) be transferred from Reserve Revenue Account #330-54, Greenwood Street Landfill, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41S607, Greenwood Street Landfill, to allow for engineering services related to remediation at the Greenwood Street Landfill. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | H. | Recommend that Forty Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty Five Dollars and No Cents ($47,865.00) be transferred from Account #14S48546, Code Enforcement, and be appropriated to Account #14S47246, Demolitions and Board Up. These funds will be used to fund the Department of Inspectional Services to demolish and clear up to five (5) buildings that have all gone through the Chapter 139 process and issued demolition orders. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.37 | FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend that Sixty Two Dollars And Thirty Five Cents ($62.35) be authorized from Account #030-92000, Mayor’s Office Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of a prior year invoice from WB Mason. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend that Ten Thousand Three Hundred Seventeen Dollars And Twenty Cents ($10,317.20) be approved to allow for this obligation to be met with Fiscal Year 2022 funds. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Recommend that One Thousand Three Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars And Thirty Two Cents ($1,399.32) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2022 Technical Services Ordinary Maintenance Account #680-92000, to pay prior year Xerox invoices that were higher than the estimate.
| Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 9.39 | MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS | |
| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the City of Worcester Social Media Policy. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege - King | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10a. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks give priority to the reinstallation of a guardrail in front of 38 Piedmont St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively adopt items #10a CC through #10h CC. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10b. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install waterway signage in the vicinity of Fowler Brook adjacent to 511 Mill St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10c. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work in conjunction with the District Councilor to explore alternative protective practices to the guardrail for 149 Belmont St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10d. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning whether ADA legislation relative to handicap parking spaces supersedes the city’s winter parking ban ordinances. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10e. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the appropriateness of "No Right Hand Turn" signage at the intersection of Ridgewood Rd. and Ararat St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10f. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager consider funds from the CARES Act be used for flashing crosswalk lights. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10g. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks contact appropriate representatives for additional information as relates to installing flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Forest Grove Middle School. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10h. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide additional traffic enforcement at the intersection of Seymour St. and Millbury St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11a. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks complete a traffic study at the intersection of Mill St. and Park Ave. to improve both automotive traffic flow and pedestrian safety. (Wally) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11b. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks advise the City Council concerning how to reduce the dangerous speeding by motorists on Pleasant St. between Park Ave. and Newton Square with serious consideration given to changing the lane markings on that stretch similar to the way restriping calmed the traffic on Chandler St. around Worcester State University. (Rosen, Wally) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to amend the item to include the Transportation Planning Advisory Group (TPAG).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11c. | Request City Manager consider creating an Urban Forestry Tree Commission to aid the Department of Public Works Forestry Division and the Tree Warden in proactive research, tree inventory, tree campaigns, help to increase and protect the City's shade tree canopy and overall help improve our urban community forest. (Rose) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who moved to take items #21n CC and #21o CC collectively with the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to add her name to all three orders being considered.
Councilor Toomey then moved to, “Request City Manager consider working with the Greening the Gateway Cities Program to increase funding for planting trees in the city.” (See Item #24a CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11d. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks replace the missing stop sign on Townsend St. at its intersection with Russell St. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11e. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the city plans to engage the community for input into how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be allocated. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.29A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11f. | Request Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services invite to an upcoming meeting the CEO of Saint Vincent Hospital to discuss cutbacks associated with essential health services within the community. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who moved to amend the item to make the request of the City Manager.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, Councilor Rose and Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11g. | Request City Manager reconsider charging owners of 2, 3 and 4 family homes the $200.00 for mandatory random inspections if inspectors do not need to return to the property to check on violation corrections. (Russell) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King and Councilor Rivera, who moved to add their names as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11h. | Request City Manager work with the Police Chief, Superintendent of Schools and the School Safety Director to apply for the STOP School Violence Grant Program, which is designed to improve K-12 school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and help prevent acts of violence and ensure a positive school climate. (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey and 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 amend the item to notify the School Committee, Superintendent of Public Schools and academic stakeholders of said grant and pursue the grant if appropriate.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey and Councilor King for second times, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11i. | Request City Manager consider using monies from the CARES Act to increase our current rental assistant program, which provides financial assistance to landlords and housing stability to tenants, and to consider best practices in accomplishing same. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Rivera, Toomey, Wally) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11j. | Request City Manager consider employing outside consultants to advise the city as to alternatives to renewing our contract with Charter Cable in 2023, including the cost/feasibility of developing municipal/ regional broadband. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Rivera, Toomey, Wally) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Mero-Carlson.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Councilor Russell then moved to take up item #21k CC collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11k. | Request City Manager consult with Commissioner of Public Works and Parks as to ways to improve litter/garbage issues at or near Polar Park, especially during game days. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Wally) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
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 Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Mero-Carlson.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who moved to, “Request City Manager consult with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks concerning trash issues in the vicinity of Polar Park relating to the city’s homeless intervention strategies.” (See Item #24l CC).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11l. | Request City Manager request Parking Administrator provide City Council with a report as to the changes in the Residential Parking Program, the reasons for said changes and the impact on the number of permits and fees generated for permits regarding same. (Bergman) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with Item #11o CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Mero-Carlson.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11m. | Request City Manager contact T-Mobile to discuss the feasibility of the city's availability for T-Mobile’s new home internet service. (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11n. | Request City Manager work with the Director of Inspectional Services and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to shorten the length of time furniture/trash/etc. are left on the city’s sidewalks after being tagged for removal. (Mero-Carlson) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11o. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s new policies and procedures relative to the resident permit parking program, including what the process is for changing such a program, City Council’s involvement in the changes, the public notification process and the process the public should use to obtain resident permit parking placards/stickers. (Mero-Carlson) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11l CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11p. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work collaboratively with MassDOT to specifically ensure enhanced traffic calming measures are established and implemented in the area of Upper Pleasant St./Tatnuck Square and the Paxton line, as well as Bailey St. to the Leicester line. Further, request the feasibility of implanting lanes restrictions and narrowing the roadway be determined, in the interest of public safety. (King) | 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.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who moved to take the item up collectively with item #21p CC.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11q. | Request Mayor and City Manager consider contacting and recognizing Worcester's own and Doherty Memorial High School Alumnae Wadeline Jonathas in declaration of a "Wadeline Jonathas Day." (King) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with items #11r SS, #12a CC and #12b CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11r. | Request Mayor and City Manager consider contacting and recognizing Worcester's own and Holy Name Alumnae Nadia Eke in declaration of a "Nadia Eke Day." (King) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11q CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11s. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repair the guardrail and replace two directional signs that were stolen/removed at the intersection between Chester St., Westchester St. and Parkton Ave. (Rose) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11t. | Request City Manager reach out to the appropriate representative(s) from Spectrum to ask why the city is not receiving emergency information for Worcester, as the information being received is from northern New Hampshire and is not relevant. (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11u. | Request City Manager work with the City Clerk to ensure appropriate funding be allocated for early or mail-in voting for the September 14, 2021 Municipal Preliminary and/or the November 2, 2021 Municipal Election. (King) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #13b CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place item #13b CC on file and adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12a. | That the City Council and the City of Worcester does hereby recognize Worcester's own and Doherty Memorial High School Alumnae Wadeline Jonathas for representing the United States of America in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo in the 400 meter and 4 by 400 meter relay. (King) | Attachments | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11q CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12b. | That the City Council and the City of Worcester does hereby recognize Worcester's own and Holy Name Alumnae Nadia Eke for representing Ghana, her birth nation, in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo by being their Torch Bearer and as an Olympic qualifying athlete competing in the triple jump. (King) | Attachments | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11q CC) | | | | | |
| 13. | COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY CLERK | |
| | | | | | | | | 13a. | Transmitting a communication recommending the appointment of Clare Robbins as Assistant City Clerk. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk and the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report summarizing the Chief of Staff for City Council’s experience within the position, including information about the workloads, the challenges and any other information that pertains to enhancing the operations of the position.” (See Item #24m CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to accept the appointment. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13b. | Transmitting an informational communication concerning extensions in COVID-19 related election practices for the city's Municipal Preliminary and Municipal Election for the 2021 Election Season. | Attachments | | | Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11u CC) | | | | | |
| 14. | REPORTS OF THE PLANNING BOARD | |
| | | | | | | | | 14a. | REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Lorraine Normand and Donna Goff request RG-5 zone be extended to include 316 Lincoln St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept the item. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14b. | REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Todd Rodman, Esq. on behalf of Boston Capital Development, LLC request to change the underlying zoning classification for the following property from Business, General (BG-4.0) to Business, General (BG-6.0), in accordance with the attached plan regarding 153 Green St. and 139 Green St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and 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 | | | | | |
| 15. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | |
| | | | | | | | | 15a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommend adoption of a resolution to file an application to designate 22, 24, and 28 Mulberry Street as a Certified Project and approve a Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Plan for the properties: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson and Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt the item. Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| 16. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES | |
| | | | | | | | | 16a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of the attached resolutions to file and accept entitlement funding under the City of Worcester’s Fiscal Year 2022/ Program Year 47 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program, funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): recommend passage of the accompanying four (4) Resolutions. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to recuse himself from the item and left the room.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt the item. Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| 17. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS | |
| | | | | | | | | 17a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communications of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the FY21 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt items #17a CC through #17g CC. Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Nicole E. Sawitz request installation of a guard rail at the corner and Westborough St. side of 1 Pioneer Rd: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Lawrence Freed request the guardrails over Fowler Brook adjacent to 511 Mill St. be replaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Doris Boulette request curb repair in front of 8 Clive St.: recommend adoption the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request sidewalk repair on Upsala St., especially in the area of the Upsala Street Elder Apartments, located at 36 Upsala St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request street resurfacing on Standish St. from Hamilton St. to Grafton St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17g. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request street resurfacing on Upsala St., especially in the area of the Upsala Street Elder Apartments, located at 36 Upsala St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17h. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the FY21 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept items #17h CC through #17k CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17i. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Sharon Caruthers request reinstallation of downed guardrail in front of 38 Piedmont St.: recommend Petition be given Leave to Withdraw. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17j. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Donna Warshaw request installation of a guardrail and/or jersey barrier in the vicinity of 149 Belmont St. to protect the fire sprinkler connection and building from further damage: recommend Petition be given Leave to Withdraw. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17k. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request sidewalk repair on Standish St. from Hamilton St. to Grafton St.: recommend Petition be given Leave to Withdraw. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17h CC) | | | | | |
| 18. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING | |
| | | | | | | | | 18a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Suzanne Kerbs request installation of a stop sign on Lenox St. as it approaches Beeching St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to advertise the proposed ordinances within items #18a CC through #18i CC. Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Carl Foley and Catherine Lewis request installation of a stop sign for westbound traffic on Clover St. at South Ludlow St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio request “No Parking Anytime” signage on the south side of Nonquit St. opposite of 277 Lake Ave. be removed, reducing the “No Parking Anytime” area to opposite of 2A Nonquit St. to the end of the street including the dead end only: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance as amended. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Stacey Ann Brown et al. request removal of handicap parking spaces in front of 21 and 23 Hitchcock Rd.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Kathleen Arcure request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 43 Indiana St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mayor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Marsha Sadusky request removal of the handicap parking space on Ingleside Ave., adjacent to 45 Cohasset St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18g. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sean Kelly et al. request the winter parking ban on Trumbull St. be amended from a "permanent" ban to become a "declared" ban: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18h. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sean Kelly et al. request the winter parking ban on Eaton St. be amended from a "permanent" ban to become a "declared" ban: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18i. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sean Kelly et al. request the winter parking ban on Mercantile St. be amended from a "permanent" ban to become a "declared" ban: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18j. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Anthony and Ashley Frustaci request installation of Slow Down Children traffic signage on Ridgewood Rd: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt items #18j CC through #18m CC. Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18k. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Daniel Sullivan, on behalf of Greendale Owner, LLC., request approval to install crosswalk improvements, including accessible curb ramps and flashing indicators on Neponset St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order as amended. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18j CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18l. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18j CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18m. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sean M. Rose request increased speed enforcement on Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18j CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18n. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Marvin Landaverde request handicap parking space in front of 27 Arlington St. be removed: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept items #18n CC through #18t CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18o. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kelvin Quaye request "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of 69 East Central Street be removed: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18n CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18p. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage at each corner of the intersection between Maywood St. and Lovell St. to ensure cars do not park within the illegal limits of crosswalks and the intersection and to ensure the safety of students waking to and from Columbus Park School: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18n CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18q. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of Gates Lane Elementary School, 1238 Main St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18n CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18r. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18n CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18s. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Damaris Acevedo request installation of a green left arrow on the traffic light at the intersection of May St. and June St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18n CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18t. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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: recommend Petition be given Leave to Withdraw. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18n CC) | | | | | |
| 19. | LOAN ORDER TO BE ADOPTED | |
| | | | | | | | | 19a. | That the sum of Five Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($5,500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C702B, Land Acquisition Becker, to pay for costs associated with the acquisition, renovation and rehabilitation of property that was part of the former Becker College Worcester campus. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to recuse himself from the item and left the room.
Mayor Petty 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 concerning whether American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies can be used to aid in the School Department’s work at the former Becker College Worcester campus.” (See Item #24n CC).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally recused).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to reconsider the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 10 Nays (Wally recused). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 20a. | Amending Article III of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance Adopted April 2, 1991 Relative to Extension of the Residential, General-5 (RG-5) Zoning District in the Vicinity of Elm Street and Cedar Street. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to ordain the item. Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to reconsider the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays. | | | | | |
| 21. | TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE | |
| | | | | | | | | 21a. | COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the proposed budget for the initial portion of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. (Tabled Under Privilege - King July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21b. | COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the security of the City's networked systems. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment Committee. Referred to Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21c. | ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks prioritize the repair of the road under the Brooks St. bridge. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21d. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of implementing a bus pilot in the Canal District that includes inline stopping as a means of alleviating parking limitations in the area. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King and Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21e. | ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks analyze the triangle at Burncoat St. and Mountain St. West for improvements such as benches, plantings and a potential additional tree. Improvements to walkability to the triangle with freshly painted crosswalks and potentially ADA walkways inside the triangle should also be considered. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21f. | ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally - Request City Manager review the city's process for posting public notices relative to tax delinquent properties so as to ensure the owner listed is updated when a property is transferred after January 1st and the new owner is delinquent. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21g. | ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen and Councilor Matthew E. Wally - Since the vacant former Big D/Price Chopper market property on Mill St. has been an eyesore and an inexcusable blight on the neighborhood since the supermarket closed eighteen years ago, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what steps need to be taken to effectively persuade the thoughtless owner to sell or lease the property for housing and/or retail development. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen and Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty 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 add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to amend the item to remove the word, “thoughtless.”
Councilor Bergman then moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21h. | ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - That the City Council does hereby amend its meeting schedule to cancel the September 14, 2021 meeting due to the September Preliminary Election and schedule a meeting for September 15, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in its place. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to amend the item to meet on September 20, 2021. – Not Put.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to amend the item to meet on September 22, 2021 at 5 p.m.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21i. | ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager consider creating a task force that includes but is not limited to public safety officials from the Worcester Police Department, Worcester Fire Department and Emergency Communications Department to complete a needs assessment to help combat any increases in crime using funds from the American Rescue Plan. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #21j CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who moved to place the items on file.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the items on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21j. | ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning using the American Rescue Plan Act funds to increase community policing, neighborhood police presence and adding a mental health intervention team to the Worcester Police Department. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Placed on file on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) (See Item #21i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21k. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell - Request City Manager consider publicly engaging the public and the City Council in advance of renewing or granting any Cable TV and internet contract. Said public conversation should outline any and all choices available to the administration for this important utility that seems to be increasing in cost far beyond any regional comparable companies. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11j CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21l. | ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager provide City Council with an assessment concerning whether or not two-way radios would or could be a resource to the city's summer staff in pools and ponds as an effective communication tool to public safety and overall communication. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | 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 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21m. | ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager provide City Council with a financial plan for the purpose of funding a new Burncoat Senior High School. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to amend the item to include Worcester East Middle School.
Mayor Petty moved to add Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Rose, Councilor Rosen, Councilor Toomey and Councilor Wally as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21n. | ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request City Manager work with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to review the city's "Right Tree, Right Place" policy to reevaluate the planting of Golden Rain Trees in the city, due to their toxicity, especially to children. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21o. | ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request City Manager work with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to research creative ways to pave around trees instead of cutting them down. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21p. | ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request City Manager work with MassDOT to install traffic calming measures on Pleasant St. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21p CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21q. | ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to collaborate with the WRTA Director to ensure signage for bus stops are present and readable. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to take the item up collectively with item #21r CC.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the items to Public Service and Transportation Committee. Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21r. | ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager request Police Chief collaborate with the WRTA Director to determine best practices for preventing and enforcing illegal parking in “No Parking Bus Stops” signage locations. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) (See Item #21q CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21s. | ORDER of Councilor Sarai River and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager work with United States Small Business Administration to improve equitable access to federal resources for minoritized businesses throughout the City. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King and Councilor Rose, who moved to add their names as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21t. | ORDER of Gary Rosen - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether towing companies that remove cars that were involved in accidents from city streets and private or public property are also required to remove any or all debris from the accident scene. Further, if so, request City Manager include in said report whether the city enforces such a policy so homeowners will not have to do or pay for the cleanup. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
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 absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 21u. | ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request City Manager work with MassDOT to install traffic calming measures on Grove St. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 20, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
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 absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 22a. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 22b. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 22c. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 22d. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 22e. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 22f. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 22g. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 22h. | 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 | | | | | |
| 23. | BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the July 20, 2021 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 23a. | ORDER of Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to identify safety improvements for students and pedestrians in the vicinity of the rotary at the Route 122 and the Worcester Airport. – Item #17a CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 23b. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report concerning how the value of the properties of Becker College being acquired by the city were determined. – Item #17b CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 23c. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to the City Council’s ability to suspend its rules to waive the eight (8) votes required for the advertisement of loan orders. – Item #17c CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 23d. | ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – Request City Manager request City Solicitor draft legislation, with an emergency preamble, to temporarily ban the use of personal watercrafts on Indian Lake, until such a time the city’s Police Department, Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) and Environmental Police prepares an effective plan to combat oversight and enforcement challenges on the lake. – Item #17d CC Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 6 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 23e. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager work with the Police Chief to advocate to the Environmental Police for increased oversight at Morgan Park at Indian Lake. – Item #17e CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 23f. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager reach out to city’s State Delegation to advocate to the Environmental Police for increased oversight at Morgan Park at Indian Lake. – Item #17f CC Order adopted | | | |
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| 24. | NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the August 10, 2021 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 24a. | Motion Toomey @ #11c CC – Request City Manager consider working with the Greening the Gateway Cities Program to increase funding for planting trees in the city. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24b. | Motion King @ #9.13A CM – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning whether the Worcester Police Department has increased oversight efforts at Indian Lake in the summer of 2021. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent) (See Item #9.13A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24c. | Motion King @ #9.13A CM – Request City Manager consider relocating the launch ramp for personal watercraft at Morgan Park to a more appropriate location. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 7 Yeas and 3 Nays (Yeas - King, Rivera, Rose, Rosen, Russell, Wally, Petty) (Nays - Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Toomey) (Colorio absent) (See Item #9.13A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24d. | Motion King @ #9.13A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what safety mitigation tactics will be put in place during the moratorium on using personal watercraft on Indian Lake. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent) (See Item #9.13A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24e. | Motion Rivera @ #9.13A CM – Request City Manager inform City Council as to whether the boat ramp at Lake Quinsigamond is open for use. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent) (See Item #9.13A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24f. | Motion Petty @ #9.29C CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the city plans to spend ARPA Recovery Funds to improve housing opportunities. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.29C CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24g. | Motion King @ #9.29A CM – Request City Manager consider increasing funding to areas around housing from ARPA funding based on feedback from the community. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.29A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24h. | Motion King @ #9.29A CM – Request City Manager amend his goals of the proposed budget for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to ensure that funds distributed dismantle racial, ethnic, gender and economic inequalities and advance equitable policies by targeting investments to strengthen revenues of working class and low income communities/residents. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.29A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24i. | Motion King @ #9.29A CM – Request City Manager consider American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund allocation be prioritized in four (4) levels; Level 1 and 2 highly important, having an immediate impact and ready implementation status, Level 3 and highly important but less urgent and targeted for second allocation, Level 4 may not directly qualify for fund but may be feasible within the overall funding timeframe. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.29A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24j. | Motion King @ #9.29A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the benefits of public pools. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.29A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24k. | Motion King @ #9.29A CM – Request City Manager create an enhanced public awareness campaign to help reach nonprofit organizations that may be aware of funding available to them to supplement lost monies from COVID-19. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.29A CM) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24l. | Motion King @ #11k CC – Request City Manager consult with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks concerning trash issues in the vicinity of Polar Park relating to the city’s homeless intervention strategies. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11k CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24m. | Motion King @ #13a CC – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report summarizing the Chief of Staff for City Council’s experience within the position, including information about the workloads, the challenges and any other information that pertains to enhancing the operations of the position. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 24n. | Motion King @ #19a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies can be used to aid in the School Department’s work at the former Becker College Worcester campus. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC) | | | | | |
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