CITY OF WORCESTER | JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL | Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 6:31 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 and Councilor Rose. Councilor King and Councilor Rose arrived at 6:38 P.M. Councilor Rose participated in the meeting remotely. | |
| 4. | PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE | |
| 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 September 22, 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6a. | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Cory Bisbee, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #12b CC
2. William S. Coleman, III, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9h CC
3. David Slacken, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9h CC
4. Diane Protano, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9a CC and #9e CC
5. Nelly Medina, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9h CC
6. Edward Moynihan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13a
7. Sean Libbey, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9g CC
8. Margot Barnett, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12b CC | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 7a. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: MARLAND RD.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: MARLAND RD. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to open the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty asked if any abutters wished to be heard on the items. Hearing no speakers, Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to close the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the item. Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8a. | ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - In accordance with Rule 30 of the Rules of City Council, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson requests reconsideration of the vote of City Council taken on October 5, 2021 to adopt the Report of the Committee on Public Works upon the Petition Frank Santa Maria request Casco St. be renamed Santa Maria Way: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | 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.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote to 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved for a roll call vote to reconsider the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9a. | Dianne Protano request installation of two (2) bollards in the vicinity of Protano Sq. memorial plaque in order to protect the plaque. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who moved for a roll call vote to adopt the following motion, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install two (2) bollards in the vicinity of the Protano Square Memorial plaque in the vicinity of Solferino St. and Plantation St.” (See Item #19a CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty 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 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9b. | Celeste Burke request installation of a handicap parking space across from 132 Maywood St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to collectively adopt items #9b CC through #9e CC. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9c. | Justice Nyame et al. request installation of "Slow Down Children Present" or " Caution - Watch For Children" signage on Hale St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9d. | Chris O'Donnell and Darwin Hale request installation of Dead End signage for Inman Ave. at Barrett St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9e. | Dianne Protano request "No Right Turn" signage be installed for trucks exiting Solferino St. onto Plantation St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9f. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: CANTERBURY ST. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to set a hearing for October 19, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Hearing set for October 19, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9g. | Sean Libbey request City Council address issues concerning bikes and motor bikes taking up the entire street. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9h. | Nelly Medina request City Council request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the backlog of families receiving aid from organizations that distribute funds for housing and furthermore, to determine the capacity of these organizations to confront the linguistic and cultural challenges of multicultural communities. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty 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 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10a. | 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 reason why Fairmont Ave. was made into a one-way street. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt items #10a CC through 10h CC. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10b. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a traffic study to determine the feasibility of reversing the traffic direction of the street on Fairmont Ave. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10c. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement on Ararat St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10d. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief install electronic speed monitoring on Ararat St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10e. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Clerk provide each district City Councilor with a list of petitions relative to speed humps installations in their district. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10f. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a traffic study for Fourth St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10g. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager work to determine the feasibility of rerouting truck traffic on Garrison Ave. being caused from construction projects in the area. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10h. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a traffic study conducted at the intersection of Moreland St., Carter Rd. and Brigham Rd. before the November 2021 Traffic and Parking meeting. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Mero-Carlson absent) (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11a. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the timeframe for posting and onboarding process for the HHS Social Worker/Clinician position added to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. (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 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 dedicate new growth over the budgeted amount to the Fire Department’s Community Risk Assessment Master Plan. (Petty) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey | | | | | |
| 12. | COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY CLERK | |
| | | | | | | | | 12a. | Transmitting an informational communication concerning House Bill 4118 an Act Relative to Re-precincting (formerly H.3863), relative to the City Council 2020 Redistrciting process, as indicated in the City of Worcester's Charter Section 7-6 Districts: Section A&B. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally and Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Mayor Petty.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved, “That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the State Legislature’s Redistricting Committee’s use of the local census building blocks and local knowledge of the City Clerk and Board of Election Commissioners to redraw the State Legislature’s districts for the next ten (10) years.” (See Item #19b 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 recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rose.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey and Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12b. | Transmitting a communication relative to a motion made in Executive Session on October 5, 2021 relative to the case of Worcester Interfaith, Inc., et. al. v. City of Worcester et al.; United States District Court Civil No. 4:21-CV-40015, which reads as follows: After review and discussion in the October 5th Executive Session of the limited options that would purportedly be in conformance with the federal Voting Rights Act, the city council does hereby decide to move this discussion to an open session of the city council for further discussion at the October 12th meeting (please see attached documentation for various options discussed within the Executive Session). | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and spoke concerning the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Mayor Petty.
Mayor Petty then moved, “That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby authorize the City Solicitor to execute the consent decree containing the following three electoral system options:
Option #1: A single-member district-based system for electing all members of the Worcester School Committee with no at-large seats (the “Single Member System”). Under any such Single Member System, there shall be a total of six (6) single-member Worcester School Committee districts, including two (2) majority-minority districts, based on citizen voting age population of Hispanic/Latino/a and Black residents, and the Mayor as Chair.
Option #2: Hybrid: A hybrid system that combines single-member district-based seats with 1 at-large seat. Under the Hybrid System, the Worcester School Committee shall be comprised of seven (7) single-member district-based seats, including two (2) majority-minority districts, based on citizen voting age population of Hispanic/Latino/a and Black residents, with one (1) at-large seat and the Mayor as chair.
Option #3: Hybrid: A hybrid system that combines single-member district-based seats with 2 at-large seats. Under the Hybrid System, the Worcester School Committee shall be comprised of six (6) single-member district-based seats, including two (2) majority-minority districts, based on citizen voting age population of Hispanic/Latino/a and Black residents, with two (2) at-large seats and the Mayor as chair.” (See Item #19c CC).
Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rivera and Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rose.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor and City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved, “Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning split precincts, including information as to other locations in the state where split precincts exist and how they handle said split precincts.” (See Item #19d CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor and the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor and City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio 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 Rosen and Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Wally.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the process of establishing a Charter Commission.” (See Item #19e CC).
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Toomey.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King and Councilor Rivera for second times, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rivera.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio and Councilor Rose for second times, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt his motion, item #19c CC. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 3 Nays (Yeas – King, Rivera, Rose, Rosen, Russell, Toomey, Wally, Petty) (Nay – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved for reconsideration on Mayor Petty’s motion, item #19c CC. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer his motion, item #19c CC, and the item to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee for informational purposes only. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee for informational purposes only on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| 13. | REPORTS OF THE PLANNING BOARD | |
| | | | | | | | | 13a. | REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Fernando Dalfior request that a portion of the premises known and numbered as 300 Southbridge St. and shown on the attached Exhibit A be rezoned to extend the boundaries of the Adaptive Reuse Overlay District (AROD) to include the premises. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13b. | REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Julia Gutierrez-Crowley request Allston Ave. be made a public street, to ensure proper drainage. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| 14. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING | |
| | | | | | | | | 14a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order pending funding. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt items #14a CC through #14d CC. Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of North High School, 140 Harrington Way: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Carlo Genatossio, Jr. request installation of a solar powered flashing signage at the existing crosswalk at the intersection of Kendall St. and Channing St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order pending funding at one location of the intersection. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Juliet Feibel request installation of a flashing pedestrian crosswalk light at the existing crosswalk at the intersection of Myrtle St. and Portland St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order pending funding at one location of the intersection. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maria Castillo request installation of additional signage notifying vehicle owners of existing resident permit parking on South St. between Plane St. and Chapin St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept items #14e CC through #14w CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Joseph Konkol request Elm St. from Linden St. to Chestnut St. be made a two-way street: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14g. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jack Duffy-Protentis request installation of an audio crosswalk signal at the corner of Highland St. and Dean St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 14h. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sue Grant et al. request installation of crosswalk in the vicinity of Indian Hill Park on Ararat St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14i. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Joseph Forjette request the speed limit of Navasota Ave. be set to 20 mph: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14j. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of A. David Sutton et al. request installation of speed bump in the vicinity of 24 Houghton St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14k. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jill Hultquist request installation of a speed bump on Commonwealth Ave: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14l. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ricardo Aguilar request installation of speedbumps along Uxbridge St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14m. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Roberta Adams request installation of three to four speed bumps at the end of Eastern Ave. in the vicinity of Breck St. and Velander St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14n. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf Carolyn Baranauskas request installation of a traffic signal or stop signs on Sunderland Rd. at Dalton St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14o. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Walter Sharkus request installation of children advisory signage on Gifford Dr: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14p. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of Norrback Elementary School, 44 Malden St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14q. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of school signage in the vicinity of Union Hill School, 1 Chapin St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14r. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nicole Guibankian request installation of "No parking anytime, or you will be towed" sign in the vicinity of 64 Norfolk St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14s. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Grace Sara, on behalf of Central Pizza, request installation of traffic mirror in the vicinity of 222 Chandler St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14t. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of Cathy DeCaire request a traffic study be conducted at the intersection of Beatrice Dr. and Goddard Memorial Dr. that evaluates the appropriateness of installing traffic lights at the intersection: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14u. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paul and Marcia Hansen request installation of "Not a Truck Route" signage entering Garrison Ave: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14v. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Christina Foley request installation of a flashing light at the intersection of Massasoit Rd. at Blithewood Ave., in the vicinity of Blithewood Park, as a speed calming mechanism to slow the speed of vehicles: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14w. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Devin LaPlume request installation of a drop off/pick up zone, disallowing residents to park in front of 225 Shrewsbury St: recommend Petition be given leave to withdraw. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15a. | Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group S – Custodial relative to the Building Maintenance Supervisor. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to ordain items #15a CC through #15k CC. Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15b. | Amending The Salary Ordinance Of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group A - Administrative And Supervisory Relative To The Personnel & Payroll Manager (DPW). | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15c. | Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group K – Library Relative to the Library Page. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15d. | Amending the Salary Ordinance Of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group N – Police relative to Police Cadets. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15e. | Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996, Relative to Members of Local 495, NAGE. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15f. | Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Relative to Members of Local 504, IBPO Worcester Police Officials. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15g. | Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Rescind Resident Permit Parking on Spurr Street. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15h. | Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Modify Resident Permit Parking on Plum Street. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15i. | Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for Stop Sign on Chapin Street at South Street. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15j. | Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in Front of 31 Dartmouth Street. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15k. | Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking for 254 Belmont Street. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| 16. | TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE | |
| | | | | | | | | 16a. | ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning all city actions occurring at 65 Kenwood Ave., including but not limited to Worcester Police Department, Worcester Fire Department and emergency calls, any code enforcement violations, as well as any updates concerning court actions relative to the location. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson September 22, 2021 and October 5, 2021) | 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 place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16b. | COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Housing & Neighborhood Development Activities. (Tabled Under Privilege - King October 5, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and Chief Development Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rose.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King and Councilor Bergman for second times, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Economic Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17a. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17b. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17c. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17d. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17e. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17f. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17g. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17h. | 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 | | | | | |
| 18. | BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the October 5, 2021 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 18a. | ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a map depicting all the locations painted in the annual city-wide line painting program. – Item #18a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18b. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review Newton Square Rotary for additional signage. Further, request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased speed enforcement in the vicinity of the Newton Square Rotary." (See Item #18b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18c. | ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager consider creating a "Friends of Elm Park," group to help in the upkeep of the park. – Item #18c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| 19. | NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the October 12, 2021 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 19a. | Motion Russell @ #9a CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install two (2) bollards in the vicinity of the Protano Square Memorial plaque in the vicinity of Solferino St. and Plantation St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19b. | Motion Mero-Carlson @ #12a CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the State Legislature’s Redistricting Committee’s use of the local census building blocks and local knowledge of the City Clerk and Board of Election Commissioners to redraw the State Legislature’s districts for the next ten (10) years. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who brought forth the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege – King | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19c. | Motion Petty @ #12b CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby authorize the City Solicitor to execute the consent decree containing the following three electoral system options: Option #1: A single-member district-based system for electing all members of the Worcester School Committee with no at-large seats (the “Single Member System”). Under any such Single Member System, there shall be a total of six (6) single-member Worcester School Committee districts, including two (2) majority-minority districts, based on citizen voting age population of Hispanic/Latino/a and Black residents, and the Mayor as Chair. Option #2: Hybrid: A hybrid system that combines single-member district-based seats with 1 at-large seat. Under the Hybrid System, the Worcester School Committee shall be comprised of seven (7) single-member district-based seats, including two (2) majority-minority districts, based on citizen voting age population of Hispanic/Latino/a and Black residents, with one (1) at-large seat and the Mayor as chair. Option #3: Hybrid: A hybrid system that combines single-member district-based seats with 2 at-large seats. Under the Hybrid System, the Worcester School Committee shall be comprised of six (6) single-member district-based seats, including two (2) majority-minority districts, based on citizen voting age population of Hispanic/Latino/a and Black residents, with two (2) at-large seats and the Mayor as chair. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 3 Nays (Yeas – King, Rivera, Rose, Rosen, Russell, Toomey, Wally, Petty) (Nay – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson) (See Item #12b CC).
Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays.
Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee for informational purposes only on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19d. | Motion King @ #12b CC – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning split precincts, including information as to other locations in the state where split precincts exist and how they handle said split precincts. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12b CC). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19e. | Motion Toomey @ #12b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the process of establishing a Charter Commission. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19f. | Motion Wally – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager engage with leadership of the Worcester Red Sox in an effort to invite Worcester Public School students to play football and soccer games at Polar Park in the fall of 2021. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
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