CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:35 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:52 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

MOMENT OF SILENCE in remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the attacks at Pearl Harbor

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 23, 2021.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Randy Feldman, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to items #11c CC, #12a CC, #12b CC, #14a CC and #15a CC 2. Isabel Gonzalez-Webster, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11c CC, # 12a CC, #12b CC, #14a CC and #15a CC 3. Ruth Rodriguez-Fay, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11c CC, # 12a CC, #12b CC, #14a CC and #15a CC 4. Brian Allen, Sutton resident, spoke in favor of a lower commercial tax rate associated with item #8a CC 5. Alex Guardiola, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of a lower commercial tax rate associated with item #8a CC 6. Christopher Fay, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC 7. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11c CC, # 12a CC, #12b CC, #14a CC and #15a CC 8. Nelly Medina, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10h CC, #11c CC, # 12a CC, #12b CC, #13a CC, #14a CC and #15a CC 9. William S. Coleman, III, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10j CC, #10k CC and #10l CC

ELECTION - To fill three (3) vacancies for two (2) terms ending December 31, 2027 and one (1) term expiring in 2025.

Hearing: To determine tax rates for residential, commercial, industrial and personal properties for Fiscal Year 2022. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 30, 2021)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2022 Tax Classification package. (Submitted to City Council on November 23, 2021 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 30, 2021)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2022 Tax Classification package. (Tabled Under Privilege - November 30, 2021)

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - As Chair of the City Council Standing Committee on Economic Development and in accordance with Rule 33 (e) of the Rules of City Council, request City Council suspend its rules at its December 7, 2021 meeting to take up the Report of the Committee on Economic Development Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of an order releasing deed restrictions on the property located at 51 Gage Street, as presented by the City Manager and referred to the Standing Committee on Economic Development as Item # 9.4A CM on the City Council agenda for November 9, 2021, along with related items pending before the Committee.

Mildred J. Diaz et al. request the trash can in front of 14 Millbury St. be removed.

Irene Negron et al. request installation of a new drainage system on 11 Nixon Ave.

Jose Blanco and Jaqueline Alvarez request installation of handicap parking space in front of 1 Kingsbury St.

Barbara Szydlik and Marek Szymborski request installation of handicap parking space in front of 92 Perry Ave.

Sabaa Zaki request installation of a resident permit parking space on Berwick St. servicing 14 Flagg St.

Michael Letendre request street markings be painted from northwest side of Austin St. into the intersection with Irving St., through the intersection and onto the two lanes of Irving St. for traffic guidance purposes.

Kenneth Welch request installation of resident permit parking in the vicinity of 2 Claridge Dr.

Fakhri Khayoon request the handicap parking space in front of 30 Lakeside Ave. be relocated to be in the vicinity of the tree on the other side of the property on the same street.

CROWN CASTLE NG. EAST, LLC. for a conduit location on: PARK AVE.

William S. Coleman III request City Council declare the year of 2022 as A Year of Kindness in Worcester in which we encourage citizens and guests to be kinder to each other as the City of Worcester leads the way for other cities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

William S. Coleman III request City Council invite Michelle Wu, the newly elected mayor of the City of Boston to the City of Worcester and present her with a key to the City along with a WooSox shirt as we recognize a historical election in the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

William S. Coleman III request City Council invite Yvonne M. Spicer, the current mayor of the City of Framingham to the City of Worcester and present her with a key to the City along with a WooSox shirt as we recognize her accomplishments in the City of Framingham.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning the recommendations and comments concerning the various options for electing School Committee officials provided by public participants at Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee meetings relative to the School Committee election process.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor work with the city’s counsel to provide City Council with a report concerning voting data relative to the southeast Asian community in the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Council duly consider changing the City Council’s method of electing City Council in order to align it with the chosen electoral system for the School Committee.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report exploring comparable ways to recognize veterans who do not qualify for veterans memorials.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support a six district school committee structure.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support a School Committee election process that includes two at-large members and one Mayor.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, as well as any other appropriate agencies, work with UMass Medical and their student Christopher Fay to enact the Practice Safe Skin Program, which is part of IMPACT Melanoma’s national campaign. Further, request City Manager include the Worcester Public Schools sport departments, the city’s colleges, the Worcester Red Sox, the Worcester Bravehearts, public and private golf courses and any other entities that would be appropriate for establishing the program in the city. (Toomey)

Request City Council recognize Angelo LaRose of South High Community School, who has set several state records Including rushing in a season and a single game. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the status of retirees, eligible retirees and number of new recruits needed to fully staff the Worcester Police Department, adjusting to population increase. (Colorio)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the activities scheduled for Worcester’s 300 Year celebration. (Colorio)

Transmitting an informational communication analyzing the proposed options for electing school committee members based on six or seven districts.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication concerning 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: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Bob Bazinet request installation of memorial honoring Bernard R. Bazinet for his service in World War II at the corner of Grafton St. and Warner Ave., in the vicinity of 635 Grafton St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of Marilyn Williams request the installation of a memorial honoring PFC Ronald Williams for his service in the Vietnam War: recommend Petition be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Paul Stankus, Office Manager Paul F. Cantiani Insurance Agency, request the monument at the corner of Plantation St. and Solferino St. be relocated: recommend Petition be filed.

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)

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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 9, 2021 and Tabled - Rivera November 16, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 9, 2021 and Tabled - Rivera November 16, 2021)

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the air quality and drinking water quality at Columbus Park Preparatory School, including information as to whether the installation of air ionization systems at the school have helped said air quality. – Item #14a CC Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the work done in the city’s schools relative to recommendations made to increase the air quality throughout the facilities. – Item #14b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning amending the city’s Financial Integrity Plan to include school facility projects, needs of the fire department and any other changes the administration deems necessary. – Item #14c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – That $196, 458.98 of ARPA Revenue Recovery funds be cut from the FY22 City Budget adjustments, intended to be allocated for the Body Worn Cameras/Contingency. – Item #14d CC Order denied on a roll call vote of 1 Yea and 10 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with an update in six (6) months and one (1) year relative to ShotSpotter Connect that included detailed, quantitative research. – Item #14e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager consider amending Section 3, Subsection D of the Executive Order establishing oversight and control over surveillance technology to replace the word, “may,” with the word, “shall.” – Item #14f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Wally @ #8a CC – That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2022 be set at $15.53 for Residential Property and $32.24 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Motion Rose @ #8a CC – That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2022 be set at $15.22 for Residential Property and $33.29 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Motion Toomey @ #8a CC – That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2022 be set at $15.28 for Residential Property and $33.09 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Motion King @ #8a CC – That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2022 be set at $15.21 for Residential Property and $33.33 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommend adoption of an order releasing deed restrictions on the property located at 51 Gage Street: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Motion Bergman – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with information and guidance concerning any streets that will be revisited for the purpose of picking up leaves as part of the Leaf Pick-Up program.

Motion Rosen – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request City Assessor review the assessments associated with the city’s waterfront properties to ensure the city’s process for assessing said is following all standard rules and regulations.

Motion Rosen – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with an updated report concerning the work being done relative to potentially bringing municipal broadband to the city.