CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:36 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:17 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 19, 2021.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. David Slacken, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of item #10a CC 2. David Arroyo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11c CC 3. Debbie Johnson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8u CC

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: SHREWSBURY ST., BELMONT ST. and HOSPITAL DR. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: SHREWSBURY ST., BELMONT ST. and HOSPITAL DR.

Evan Corrigan request the tree missing at 455 Burncoat St. be replanted.

Robert H. Gallo, Manager of Arboretum Village LLC., request Bittersweet Boulevard be made public street.

Donald J. O'Neil request the Zoning Map be amended by extending the BL-1.0 zone line running along the rear property line of the land located at 1369 Grafton St. northeasterly to incorporate the abutting parcel of land located at 3 McAvey Way (MBL 41-027-61+62) presently zoned ML-0.5 in its entirety.

Nick Lewis request the property located at 110 Webster St. be included in the adaptive re-use overlay district to allow for multi-unit residential development.

Francis Wanene request installation of street lights in the vicinity of 1 Tucker St.

Michael Penny request the sidewalk in the vicinity of 275 Massasoit Rd. be repaired.

Peter W. McKone and Patricia M. McKone request abatement of street betterment assessment #25764, in the amount of $26,760.00 for Newburn Rd.

Evan Corrigan request installation of "Welcome to Worcester" signage at the Holden/Worcester border at West Mountain St. and Doyle Road (Holden).

Sandra Davis request installation of handicap parking space in front of 20 Berkeley St.

Thu Tran request removal of handicap parking space in front of 4 South Ward St.

Thu Tran request removal of handicap parking space in front of 4 Mott St.

Frantzy Merisier request installation of handicap parking space in front of 49 Freeland St.

Ivette Navarro request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Oxford St. between Chatham St. and Austin St.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a weight restriction for trucks travelling on Commonwealth Ave.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a flashing pedestrian crosswalk signal on Chandler St. at Nu Kitchen, 335 Chandler St.

CROWN CASTLE NG. EAST, LLC. for a conduit location on: MAIN ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: BURNCOAT ST. and DEVENS RD.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a conduit location on: LUDINGTON RD.

Evan Corrigan request the City Council establish February 29th as a quadrennial municipal holiday celebrating Worcester's incorporation as a city on February 29th, 1848.

Nicole Apostola request election results by ward/precinct be made available on Informing Worcester (https://opendata.worcesterma.gov/) including registered voter numbers as of the election.

Debbie Johnson et al. request a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding be given to the cafeteria workers who worked through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jones K. Appiah request an opportunity to address the City Council regarding the use and operation of the rink at the City Common for inline skating, rollerblading and skateboarding.

Michael J. Grandone request the legality of setting safety restrictions on panhandlers and drivers at traffic signals and intersections where drivers stop at a green light signal to give monies, tie-up traffic and cause drivers behind said vehicles to slam on their brakes in anticipation of getting through said green light signal be examined.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointments of Thomas Maloney, Moses Dixon, Meg Mulhern, David Moore, Charran Fisher, Jose Perez and John Harrity to the Worcester Ballpark Commission.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Richard Shea, Paul Franco and Frances Langille to the Elder Affairs Commission.

Recommend adoption of a salary ordinance amendment to create two flat hourly rates for "Emergency Shift Coverage" in the Communications Department

Recommend adoption of an order releasing deed restrictions on the property located at 51 Gage Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to safety improvements at the intersection of Heard Street and Clover Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Construction Progress Report for the month ending October 31, 2021.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the design process to date as well as the future milestones associated with Foley Stadium improvements.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the celebration of Festival of Lights scheduled on Friday, December 3, 2021.

Recommend that Five Hundred Fifty Six Thousand Two Hundred Seventy Dollars And No Cents ($556,270.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745B, Sewer Reconstruction, and be appropriated to Account #44C751, Interception Ins Sewers, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with Sewer Lining and Reconstruction projects throughout the city.

Recommend that Two Million Nine Hundred Fifty Six Thousand Five Hundred Six Dollars And No Cents ($2,956,506.00) be transferred from Account #91C7111A, Building Rehabilitation City & Schools, and be appropriated to Account #04C754, Citywide/Schools Energy Improvements, to fund costs related to the ongoing ESCo Project.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) from the Commonwealth Corporation, under the FY22 Regional Workforce Planning Grant program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($12,900.00) from the Worcester Public Library Foundation, for the Worcester Public Library 2022 Summer Reading program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, under the Creative Worcester initiative program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Four Thousand Three Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($4,300.00) from The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District for the Festival of Lights celebration.

Recommend that Five Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy One Dollars And Sixteen Cents ($5,871.16) be authorized from various DPW Ordinary Maintenance accounts to allow for prior year obligations to be met with Fiscal Year 2022 funds.

Recommend that Twenty Three Thousand Forty Six Dollars And Forty Three Cents ($23,046.43) be authorized from Account #710-2000, Golf Ordinary Maintenance, to allow for the payment of prior year obligations from Fiscal Year 2022 funds.

Recommend that Ninety Three Dollars And Fifty Three Cents ($93.53) be authorized from Account #040-9200, City Manager’s Office Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of a prior year invoice from Eversource.

Recommend that Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty One Dollars And Eighty Eight Cents ($7,881.88) be authorized from Account #112-92000, Public Facilities Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of prior year invoices.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an analysis of the Discover Central Massachusetts initiatives showing support for and promotion of the BIPOC community.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager consider amending the city's ordinance relative to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) by increasing the membership to nine (9) members and requiring the tenant representation to be at least two (2) members.

With an abundance of caution, request City Manager request work with the Fire Department to send a letter to the manufacturers of the city's turnout gear to request an updated confirmation that there are no PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the gear. (Toomey)

Request City Manager consider reviewing M.G.L. Chapter 111 Section 150A relative to solid waste disposal facilities; maintenance and operation; applications for site assignment as a means of curbing illegal dumping. (Toomey)

Request City Manager explore updates to the handball courts at Green Hill Park. (Rose)

Request City Manager work with the appropriate Commonwealth of Massachusetts department to install a lighted crosswalk system on Route 20, near the Auburn town line, in the vicinity of multiple pedestrian deaths, including the most recent death that occurred one week ago. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the construction of additional parking at Roosevelt School, since the pick-up line now extends past South Plaza. (Russell)

Request City Manager ensure all trash removal from dumpsters that are in the vicinity of the city’s schools comply with the city’s noise ordinance. (Toomey)

Transmitting an informational communication relative to petitions for the installation of speed humps submitted during the 2020-21 term.

Transmitting an informational communication regarding the filling of three (3) vacancies on the Library Board of Directors.

Transmitting an informational communication relative to an update concerning the 2020 re-districting process.

Transmitting an informational communication concerning split precincts in election operations.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the proposed Affordable Housing Trust Fund: recommend Communication be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to an updated Economic Development Report: recommend Communication be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the Division of Housing & Neighborhood Development Activities: recommend Communication be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Mary Jane Euban request removal of a handicap parking space in the vicinity of 59 Esther St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Katrina Sandi request installation of handicap parking place in front of 11 Allen St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Robert Mayotte request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 35 1/2 Columbia St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Paul Towler request installation of a handicap parking space on the Nonquit St. side of 277 Lake Ave: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Charles Norton Jr. request removal of four (4) parking meters on Mercantile St., with the installation of signage that would provide for a "Passenger Loading Zone" and a "Commercial Loading Zone" to service the new restaurant facilities at Mercantile Center being put in its place: recommend passage of the accompanying two (2) proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ashley Seymour et al. request removal of the second handicap parking place located at 45 Waverly St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Christi Tarallo request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 265 Fairmont Ave: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Rodney Moore request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 117 Farrar Ave: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Troy Tyree, Executive Director of WCUW, request installation of a handicap parking space in front of WCUW, 910 Main St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of William Agyemang request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage at the location between 55 Rodney St. and 57 Rodney St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of John Ferdella request installation of resident permit parking on the even side of DeMarco Terrace from Shrewsbury St. to Lyon Pl: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance as amended.

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group B - General Administrative Relative to the Snow Customer Service Representatives (When Assigned).

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group P - Foreman And Supervisor for the Snow Operations Inspector (When Assigned), Snow Operations Supervisor (When Assigned) and Snow Operations Coordinator (When Assigned).

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Clerk research the feasibility of authorizing legal residents who have not been naturalized yet to vote in elections at the local level. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager consider prioritizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for REC Worcester’s capital project involving the development of the new REC Worcester headquarters and Center for Food Justice and Urban Agriculture (for Worcester and Central Massachusetts), in an effort to support community food security, as well as youth development and employment. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion as to the jurisdiction of office space and facilities within City Hall. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson March 12, 2019; Tabled Under Privilege - Petty March 19, 2019 and Tabled - Petty March 26, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion regarding the process of instituting a residential rent control program and the resulting impact of implementing such a program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes September 17, 2019 and September 24, 2019 and Tabled - Lukes October 15, 2019)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request restoration and relocation of the Sullivan Memorial located in Melrose St. to a location approximately 50 feet north of its current location: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson April 21, 2020 and April 28, 2020 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson May 5, 2020)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Sean M. Rose and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - That the Worcester City Council urges our State Delegation and others to pursue the naming in 2020 of the Worcester District Courthouse the “Sarah E. Wall Courthouse”. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman June 2, 2020 and June 9, 2020 - Petty and Tabled - Russell June 16, 2020)

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Matthew E. Wally, Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Donna M. Colorio, Councilor Gary Rosen and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager support the (re)opening of the City’s licensed cigar and hookah lounges and for the state to amend the classification of these establishments. These establishments can, and should, fit under the guise and parameters set forth as restaurants as they have or will have a common ViC license. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rivera September 8, 2020 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson September 15, 2020 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson September 22, 2020)

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

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

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)

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager dedicate new growth over the budgeted amount to the Fire Department’s Community Risk Assessment Master Plan. (Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey October 12, 2021 and October 19, 2021 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson and Councilor Matthew E. Wally – 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - King October 12, 2021 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 19, 2021 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021)

Motion Rose @ #9.7A CM – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks divide Construction Progress Reports into sections by City Council district.