CITY OF WORCESTER | JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL | Tuesday, January 11, 2022 | Virtual Meeting | Convened: 6:33 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 | | Etel Haxhiaj | Khrystian E. King | | Candy Mero-Carlson | Thu Nguyen | City Clerk
Nikolin Vangjeli | | Sarai Rivera | Sean M. Rose | | George J. Russell | Kathleen M. Toomey |
| | City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| 3. | ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair. The entire City Council participated in the meeting remotely. | |
| 4. | DRAW SEATING - CITY COUNCIL 2022 - 2023 | |
| 5. | ADOPT THE RULES OF CITY COUNCIL 2022 - 2023 - Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the Rules of City Council Council 2022 - 2023. Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | |
| 6. | PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE | |
| | | | | | | | | 6a. | Mayor Petty read a PROCLAMATION declaring the month of January 2022 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the City of Worcester. The Proclamation was presented to Nicole Bell, who virtually accepted the proclamation. | | | |
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| 7. | APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES | |
| | | | | | | | | 7a. | Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of December 14, 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 7b. | Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of December 21, 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8a. | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Sherri Stanley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14f CC
2. Richard Burke, no residence given, spoke in favor of item #11.36B CM
3. Chris Horton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14f CC
4. Jessica Wachoviak, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #16a CC
5. Gary Zimech, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11.1B CM
6. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC
7. Kevin Ksen, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of item #13a CC
8. Robert Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 9a. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: BYRON ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: BYRON ST. | 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 item. 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10a. | Angelo Caputo et al. request Ayrshire Rd. be resurfaced. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #10a CC through #10f CC to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10b. | Chester Morrison request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 39 Bay State Rd. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10c. | Rebecca Sharpe request abatement of street betterment assessment #25727 in the amount $13,500.00 for Pelican Ave. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10d. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Hemans St. be repaved. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10e. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Edgeworth St. be repaved. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10f. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Whittier St. be repaved. | Attachments | | | Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10g. | Thomas Xhupi request installation of "No Parking Here to Corner" signage in front of 325 Pleasant St. on the Merrick St. side. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #10g CC through #10q to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10h. | Carmen Santiago request installation of handicap parking sign in front of 34 Beacon St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10i. | Alex Cruz et al. request installation of residential permit parking on both sides of Rugby St. in the vicinity of 14-16 Leon St. and 27 Rugby St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10j. | Courtney Ordway et al. request installation of resident permit parking on Nebraska St. in the vicinity of 8 Camassa Ter. and 6 Muskeego St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10k. | Richard Baker request installation of No Parking signage on the opposite side of the driveway at 83 Morningside Rd at the corner of Hadwen Ln. and Morningside Rd. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10l. | Franceso and Vittoria Visci request removal of speed humps and signage indicating said speed humps in front of 12 Whitla Dr. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10m. | Robin Paquette request installation of handicap parking space in front of 165 Austin St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10n. | Delma Betancourt request installation of No Parking Within 5 Feet of Driveway signage at 35 Shelby St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10o. | Rain Vanmoll request installation of handicap parking space in front of 7E Shelby St. on the corner of the basement apartment. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10p. | Pamela Francil and Pamela Cannalonga request installation of handicap parking space in front of 7 Dayton St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10q. | Supreet Makkar request increased traffic enforcement of crosswalk regulations in the city, particularly along Holcombe St., Loxwood St. and Providence St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10r. | CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: GROVE ST. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to set hearings for January 18, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. for items #10r CC through #10w CC. Hearing set for January 18, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10s. | CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: HIGHLAND ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for January 18, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10r CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10t. | CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: TACOMA ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for January 18, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10r CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10u. | CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: WEST BOYLSTON ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for January 18, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10r CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10v. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: EDGEWOOD ST.
| Attachments | | | Hearing set for January 18, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10r CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10w. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: DEMARCO ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for January 18, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10r CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10x. | Nathan Sabo et al. request City Council schedule a meeting for the purposes of discussing the successes and lessons learned over the course of the WooSox opening season and public notices for the meeting be sent to the residents of the Canal District. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10y. | Michael Grandone request consideration of a 15% tax reduction for commercial property owners whose buildings have ground level storefronts. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the City Clerk, who provided the petitioners amendment to replace the word "increasing," with the word, "decreasing," in the petition's second sentence.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the City Manager as amended. Referred to the City Manager as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10z. | Michael Grandone request City Council request City Manager contact National Grid, Eversource and Energy Star to ask them to consider Worcester as a "test" city for their energy saving programs and changing all city lights to LED bulbs to enhance lighting in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by the City Manager.
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 | | | | | |
| 11. | COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER | |
| | | | | 11.1 | APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation | |
| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Zachary Washburn to the Committee for the Preservation of Historic Artifacts, Relics and Military Memorials. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Gary Rosen to the Board of Health. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Eric Torkornoo to the Zoning Board of Appeals. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | |
| | | | | 11.2 | APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation | |
| | | | | 11.3 | DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend adoption of a Disclosure of Financial Interest for a Municipal Employee. | 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 | | | | | | |
| | | | | 11.4 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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| | | | | 11.5 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division | |
| | | | | 11.6 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
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| | | | | 11.7 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
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| | | | | | | A. | Recommend Adoption of Revised Street Assessment Order for Street Betterments on Toronita Avenue. Assessment #25708 and #25809. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
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. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 11.8 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
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| | | | | 11.11 | DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS | |
| | | | | 11.14 | DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration | |
| | | | | 11.15 | DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
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| | | | | 11.16 | DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
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| | | | | 11.17 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration | |
| | | | | 11.18 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health | |
| | | | | 11.19 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs | |
| | | | | 11.20 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Human Rights and Accessibility | |
| | | | | 11.21 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services | |
| | | | | 11.22 | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services | |
| | | | | 11.23 | WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend that Jason Homer, Executive Director of the WPL, be allowed to present for approximately 10 minutes. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library, who provided City Council with a presentation concerning the status of the Worcester Public Library.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera and Councilor Haxhiaj, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Haxhiaj.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rose.
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Education Committee. Referred to Education Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | | |
| | | | | 11.24 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANANGER
Cultural Development Division | |
| | | | | 11.25 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division | |
| | | | | 11.26 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Office of Urban Innovation | |
| | | | | 11.27 | PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT | |
| | | | | 11.28 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division | |
| | | | | 11.29 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division | |
| | | | | | | A. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2022 financial update, as of November 30, 2021.
| Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and 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 | | | | | | |
| | | | | 11.30 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division | |
| | | | | 11.31 | DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division | |
| | | | | 11.32 | DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC FACILITIES | |
| | | | | 11.33 | DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE | |
| | | | | 11.34 | DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
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| | | | | 11.35 | FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend that Seven Million One Hundred Ninety Two Thousand Five Hundred Nine Dollars And No Cents ($7,192,509.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7113L, South High School, and be appropriated to Account #41C789, MSBA South High School, to allow for the payment of current obligations associated with the construction and furnishing of the new South High. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt items #11.35A CM through #11.35R CM, #11.36A CM through #11.36F CM, excluding #11.36B CM, #11.37A CM through #11.37F CM and #11.38A CM and #11.38B CM. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend that Six Million One Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Seventy Nine Dollars And No Cents ($6,166,079.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7113T, Doherty High School, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C75904, Doherty High School MSBA, to allow for the payment of current obligations associated with the construction of the new Doherty High. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Recommend that Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($650,000.00) be transferred as follows: $500,000.00 from Loan Account #91C7242B, Street Lights; $50,000.00 from Loan Account #91C724A, Street Light Replacement; and $100,000.00 from Loan Account #91C724B, Street Light Improvements; and all be appropriated to DPW Account #41C712, Street Lighting, to allow for the payments of current obligations associated with various street light work throughout the city. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | D. | Recommend that One Hundred Sixty Five Thousand Three Hundred Sixty Five Dollars And Twenty Three Cents ($165,365.23) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7413A, Streets & Sidewalks, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C792, Grafton St. Improvements, to allow for the payment of current and anticipated obligations associated with this project. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | E. | Recommend that Six Hundred Sixty Three Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Five Dollars And No Cents ($663,775.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745B, Sewer Construction - Interception Inspection, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C751, Sewer Interception Inspection, to allow for the payment of current and anticipated obligations associated with this work throughout the city. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | F. | Recommend that Nine Hundred Eighty Three Thousand Four Hundred Nine Dollars And No Cents ($983,409.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7134, Water Mains, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C721, Water Mains, to allow for the payment of current obligations associated with this work throughout the city. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | G. | Recommend that Two Hundred Forty One Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Two Dollars And Twenty Cents ($241,532.20) be transferred from Account #33091, R/A TNC Ride Share Surcharge, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C741, Resurfacing, for street and sidewalk improvements. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | H. | Recommend that Thirty Five Thousand Eight Hundred Three Dollars And Six Cents ($35,803.06) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7804, Citywide Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to Parks Account #72C701, Parks Equipment, to allow for the purchase and payment of a ball field machine, tractor, mower, and trucks. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | I. | Recommend that Six Hundred One Thousand Three Hundred Forty Three Dollars And No Cents ($601,343.00) be transferred from Account #91C7804, Citywide Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to Account #26C701, Worcester Fire Department Capital Equipment. This transfer is for the purchase of the new 2021 E-ONE Typhoon Pumper, designated as Engine 5. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | J. | Recommend that Six Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($600,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C744B, Off Street Parking Building Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to Account #46C707, Parking Garage Improvements, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with Pearl Elm and Federal Plaza parking garages improvement projects. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | K. | Recommend that Five Hundred Thirty One Thousand Two Hundred Forty Four Dollars And No Cents ($531,244.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7413A, Streets and Sidewalks, and be appropriated to Account #41C741, Resurfacing, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with the Resurfacing Program. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | L. | Recommend that One Million Eight Hundred Forty One Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Four Dollars And No Cents ($1,841,624.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7413A, Streets and Sidewalks, and be appropriated to Account #41C796, Downtown Streets and Sidewalks, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with Downtown improvements. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | M. | Recommend that Three Hundred Twenty Eight Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($328,000.00) be transferred from Account #75C504, DCU Special District, and be appropriated to Account #75C702, Civic Center Rehabilitation, to provide funds for ongoing telephone and CCTV security camera upgrades, refrigeration repairs, and HVAC, signage, and fire alarm improvements. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | N. | Recommend that Three Million Nine Hundred Ninety One Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Nine Dollars And No Cents ($3,991,339.00) be transferred from Revenue Account #33100, Water Retained Earnings, and be appropriated to Loan Account #91C7134, Water Mains, to pay down short term debt and reduce future debt service costs. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | O. | Recommend that Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($750,000.00) be transferred from Revenue Account #33010, Sewer Capacity Fee, and be appropriated to Loan Account #91C745B, Sewer Construction, to pay down short term debt and reduce future debt service costs. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | P. | Recommend that Three Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($300,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745B, Sewer Reconstruction, and be appropriated to Account #44C732, Sewer System Control Plan, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with sewer construction projects. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Q. | Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($100,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745B, Sewer Reconstruction, and be appropriate to Account #44C744, DPW Sewers, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with current sewer construction projects. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | R. | Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($100,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745B, Sewer Reconstruction, and be appropriated to Account #44C764, Sewer Pumping, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with current sewer construction projects. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 11.36 | FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Three Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($300.00) from Our Lady of Vilna Parish for the McKeon Road Fire Station. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) from Fallon Health for Five Years of Fitness at the Worcester Senior Center. | Attachments | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the City Manager and the President and CEO of Fallon Health, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
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| | | | | | | C. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($250,000.00) from the YouthWorks Year Round program - FY22 allocation. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | D. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend grant funding from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($15,000.00) through the Survey and Planning Program, to be used to develop Design Guidelines applicable to historic properties reviewed by the Worcester Historical Commission. | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | E. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office Of Energy And Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services in the amount of One Million Dollars And No Cents ($1,000,000) from the LWFC Grant Program to renovate University Park (Crystal Park). | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | F. | Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend grant funding in the amount of One Million One Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($1,170,000.00) from the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the High School Student Internship in Education Program (HSSIEP). | Attachments | | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 11.37 | FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend that Fifty Six Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Three Dollars And No Cents ($56,233.00) be transferred from Account #900-92000, City Managers Contingency, and be appropriated to Account #180-92000, Diversity and Inclusion Ordinary Maintenance, to provide additional funding for the racial equity audit. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Account #412-92000, Street Lights Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Account #412-93000, Street Lights Capital Outlay, for expenses incurred for needed upgrades and improvements to the existing infrastructure. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C. | Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be transferred from Account #260-91000, Worcester Fire Department Regular Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #260-97000, Worcester Fire Department Overtime, to provide funding for unanticipated separations and end of benefit year time being used which is forcing the department to use greater than anticipated overtime resources. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | D. | Recommend that One Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,000.00) be transferred from Account #650-91000, Auditing Personal Services, and be appropriated to Account #650-97000, Auditing Overtime. These funds are needed to cover estimated departmental operations through the remainder of the fiscal year. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | E. | Recommend that Sixty One Thousand Six Hundred Three Dollars And No Cents ($61,603.00) be transferred from Account #900-92000, City Manager's Contingency, and be appropriated to Account #260-92000, Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance, to provide funding for consultant services related to updating, consolidating and training on Worcester Fire Department policies and procedures, as recommended by the ESCI study. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | F. | Recommend that One Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty Five Dollars And Fifty Cents ($1,885.50) be transferred from #150-91000, Elections Personal Services, and be appropriated to Account #150-97000, Elections Overtime, to provide funding for overtime costs associated with early voting. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 11.38 | FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year | |
| | | | | | | A. | Recommend that Four Thousand Three Hundred Seventeen Dollars And Ninety Cents ($4,317.90) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2022 Account #410101-92000, DPW Administration Ordinary Maintenance, to provide funding for the payment of prior year invoices. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | B. | Recommend that Six Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Dollars and Seventy Five Cents ($6,620.75) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2022 Account #1703-92000, Human Resources Ordinary Maintenance, to cover the cost of an invoice from the prior fiscal year. | Attachments | | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11.35A CM) | | | | | | |
| | | | | 11.40 | MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS | |
| | | | | | | | | 12a. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with report concerning the total number, mean and median of in-person and remote public participants in City Council meetings from 2016 to present. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt items #12a CC through #12g CC. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12b. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor to provide City Council with report concerning how a provision allowing for the public to ask City Council for a point of information would work procedurally, as well as potential language to change the rules of City Council accordingly. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12c. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk consider including contact information of the Clerk’s Office on the City Council agenda. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12d. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning the impact of a charter commission on the consent decree relative to the School Committee redistricting process. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12e. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning a list of municipalities with three-year City Council terms. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12f. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the conditions of the current WPD vehicles and the amount of vehicles needed for efficient operations. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12g. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the body camera policy for the Worcester Police Department. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13a. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support implementing a Body-Worn Camera program for the Worcester Police Department. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14a. | Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the report requested in September of 2021 relative to a rodent eradication plan, including the hot spots of concern. (Colorio) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, Councilor Rose and Councilor Toomey, who moved to add their names as sponsors of the item.
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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14b. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of homeless individuals in the city in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. (Colorio) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item.
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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14c. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services provide City Council with a report concerning the number of deaths in the city in 2020 and 2021 related to drug overdoses, detailing the drug. (Colorio) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item.
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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14d. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider repaving Lake Ave., due to deterioration from numerous street openings. (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to amend the item to include the words, “as well as an increase in truck traffic.”
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to amend: “Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the street for additional traffic calming measures to address pedestrian and public safety concerns.”
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty read the item and 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14e. | Request City Manager consider looking into Boxable Casita as an affordable option to quickly build tiny houses. The link to the Boxable Casita is: boxabl.com. (Toomey) | 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 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14f. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the current rise in COVID-19 cases, including 1) Who and what areas are being mostly impacted; 2) What the data is showing regarding vaccinations and boosters, as well as whether our communities are getting vaccinated and doing the booster; 3) How the rise in cases is impacting our city and communities; 4) How this is affecting city staff; 5) What is being done, including awareness campaigns, vaccination booster clinics and more; and 6) How the City Council can be helpful in the aforementioned processes. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #14g CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14g. | Request City Manager work with the city’s Equity Task Force to provide City Council with an updated, brief presentation concerning COVID-19 related data, including information as to the impact the rise in cases is having on hospital staff, as well as the response to non-COVID-19 illness. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14f CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14h. | Request City Manager consider looking at an ongoing neighborhood cleanup program that will educate, encourage and support monthly neighborhood cleanup. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with items #14i CC and #14j CC.
Mayor Petty recognized 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 Russell, Councilor Toomey, Councilor Haxhiaj and Councilor Colorio who moved to add their names as sponsors of the items.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Nguyen, who moved to amend the item: “Further, request City Manager consider including in any program addressing trash pick-up an economic justice piece, as well as stipends and climate justice.”
Mayor Petty moved to amend the item to include the entire City Council as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty read the item and 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14i. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work with Superintendent of Public Schools to create an anti-litter campaign for students and families. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14j. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning ways the city can best address the issue of residents putting their trash out a day before it is to be picked up. Said action, which may occur the evening before, allows for animals to get into the trash, often creating issues for the trash pickup company, further resulting in citations for residents and trash being left in the streets for days and causing a health hazard. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14k. | Request City Manager consider applying for a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relative to enhancing ambient air monitoring in communities with health outcome disparities from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic (see attached for more details). (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who moved to amend the item: “Further, request City Manager consider including some of the work done by Mothers Out Front relating to measuring gas leaks as part of said grant application.”
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of the item,
Mayor Petty read the item and 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 (Colorio absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14l. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks conduct a traffic study at the intersection of Brattle St., Ararat St. and Holden St., when appropriate given the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on traffic patterns. (Rose) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King and Councilor Toomey, who moved to add their names as sponsors of the item.
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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14m. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the manufacturing standards and inspection of our current city trash bags. Said report should also include what residents should do when they get a bag or bags that are not up to city standards. (Rose) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey and Councilor Rivera, who moved to add their names as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson and Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14n. | Request City Manager explore providing City Council with a data management system and/or software to assist the City Council in managing constituent outreach, casework and follow up. An example of such a program is “Fireside,” which is used on the state and federal level. (Rose) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, Councilor Toomey, Councilor Haxhiaj and Councilor King, 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14o. | Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of creating a business corridor from Brittan Sq. to AdCare Hospital on Lincoln St. that replicates the Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) District. (Mero-Carlson) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14p. | Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer consider working with local independent businesses and the Chamber of Commerce to create a gift card to exclusively benefit participation at local independent businesses. (Bergman, Toomey, Haxhiaj) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15a. | That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support H.B. 3218 - An Act establishing a holiday known as "John F. Kennedy Day" to promote civic engagement and voter participation in the Commonwealth. (Bergman, Toomey, Haxhiaj) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| 16. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS | |
| | | | | | | | | 16a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Jenny Pacillo request City Council vote to remove Rule 39 of its rules in its entirety and replace with a new Rule 39 as follows: "Consistent with the City's Charter, at any meeting of the City Council, the citizens and employees of the City shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard, both in person and remotely, regarding any matter presently under consideration by the City Council. The time for speaking shall not exceed two minutes. This privilege shall not apply to items "held under privilege." This privilege shall also not apply to items listed on the agenda as pending in the Committee on Finance and/or ordinances or to tabled items. At all times members of the public shall be accorded the same respect when making their comments as is required of members when addressing the chair: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order as amended. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege - Petty | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Jo Hart request City of Worcester immediately cease its current practice of allowing item to be brought up under suspension at City Council meetings, with the exception of truly emergency situations, in fairness to the public and in the spirit of having a truly open meeting: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to, “Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning the appropriate reasons for bringing forth an item under suspension.” (See Item #21a CC).
Mayor Petty moved to accept items #16b CC through #16s CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting an information communication relative to the schedule of the city's completed and in-progress school construction projects participating in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) grant programs: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk 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: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication relative to previous City Council items concerning tax exemptions: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2022 financial update, as of October 31, 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16g. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2022 financial update, as of September 30, 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16h. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2022 financial update, as of August 31, 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16i. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of June 30, 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16j. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of May 31, 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16k. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of April 30, 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16l. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of March 31, 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16m. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of February 28, 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16n. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of January 31, 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16o. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of December 31, 2020: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16p. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to professional development trainings and personal learning opportunities for the City's workforce: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16q. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the 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: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16r. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the 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: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16s. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning the processes available to review issues/changes to the functioning of the City Council including but not limited to the length of council terms(s) term limit: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
| 17. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY | |
| | | | | | | | | 17a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning the restructuring of the WPD Operations Division: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Resolution of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the city’s recommendation to ban all facial recognition technology subject to the future adoption of an ordinance: recommend Resolution be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept items #17b CC and #17c CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Resolution of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the city’s recommendation to require a public hearing and approval by the city council prior to the acquisition of any new surveillance technology subject to the future adoption of an ordinance: recommend Resolution be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18a. | Amending Article III, Section 18(C) of the Revised Ordinances of 2015 to Change the Membership of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to ordain items #18a CC through #18d CC. Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18b. | Amending Article III of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance Adopted April 2, 1991 Relative to Extension of the Business Limited-1.0 (Bl-1.0) Zoning District in the Vicinity of Mountain Street East and Collins Street. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18c. | Amending Article III of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance Adopted April 2, 1991 Relative to Extension of the Business General-6.0 (BG-6.0) Zoning District in the Vicinity of Green Street, Ash Street, and Madison Street. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18d. | Amending Article III of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance Adopted April 2, 1991 Relative to Extension of the Adaptive Reuse Overlay Zoning District in the Vicinity of Southbridge Street, Sargent Street And Quinsigamond Avenue. | Attachments | | | Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC) | | | | | |
| 19. | TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE | |
| | | | | | | | | 19a. | ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Donna M. Colorio, Councilor Matthew E. Wally - Request City Manager consider creating a review procedure of the City Charter in 2022. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rose December 21, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, Councilor Russell, Councilor Rose and Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman for a second time, who moved to amend the item to read as follows: “Request City Manager consider creating a review procedure of the City Charter in 2022, pending a legal opinion from the City Solicitor.”
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty read the item and 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Donald O'Neil request to amend the Zoning Map by changing the zoning of the two parcels of land located at 1 Brattle St. and 7 Brattle St. from RS-7 to BL-1.0: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rose December 21, 2021) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to recuse himself from the item and did not participate in the discussion.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to Table the Item Under Privilege for a second time. Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Russell recused).
Tabled Under Privilege - Petty | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 20a. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 20b. | 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 | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take the item off the Table. Taken off the Table 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 place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 20c. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 20d. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 20e. | 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) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| 21. | NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the January 11, 2022 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 21a. | Motion Bergman @ #16b CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning the appropriate reasons for bringing forth an item under suspension. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16b CC) | | | | | |
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