CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:30 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:45 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 March 1, 2022.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC and #18b CC 2. Bernard Reese, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC and #18b CC 3. Adam Thielker, West Boylston resident, spoke in favor of item #10k CC 4. Casey Burns, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #16b CC and #10n CC 5. Kwame Appiah, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #16b CC 6. Leigh Woodruff, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC and #18b CC 7. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC and #18b CC 8. Yaw (last name indiscernible), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #16b CC 9. Jennifer Gaskin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC and #18b CC 10. Janet Alfaro, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #16b CC 11. Margo Barnett, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC and #18b CC 12. Janet Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC 13. Maureen Binienda, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #16b CC 14. Oliver Chadwick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #10n CC and #18b CC 15. Judy Casino, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC 16. David Fort, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC and#18b CC 17. Sheila Brenner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC 18. Dewey Cosgrove, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10n CC 19. Dan Satchell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #16b CC 20. Anne Bureau, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10k CC

Patricia Smith Murphy request Main St. from Southbridge St. and Federal St. be given honorary street name Eddie Mekka Way.

Effie Morgenstern and Robert Wardell request installation of handicap parking space in front of 3 Hawthorne St.

Melissa Harper request installation of handicap parking space in front of 48 Great Brook Valley Ave.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a handicap parking space on Lake View St. across from Lake View School.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a handicap parking space on the even side of Agate Ave. in the vicinity of the large tree abutting Lake View School.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of Worcester residents who are employees in the UNUM Building.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager formally recognize appropriate city staff for receiving the 2020-2021 Robert Wood Johnson Award Cultural of Health Prize for its public health initiatives.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning what work is planned to further deal with weed control at Lake Quinsigamond.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Clerk contact the Fish and Wild Life Division to determine whether the fish in Lake Quinsigamond are safe for consumption following the Lake Ave. Sewer Pump failure.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks conduct a review for any immediate trip hazard at the corner of Mower St. and Olean St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with report concerning any feasible ways to waive public street conversion fees due to drainage issues.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with an update concerning the city requesting independent regulations relative to abatements.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with report concerning the feasibility of installing a directional light in the vicinity of 35 Fairfax Rd.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with a report concerning 16 Germain St. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the causes of flooding that occurred at Beaver Brook Park and the surrounding neighborhood in June of 2021. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks include in said report recommendations as to steps necessary to prevent flooding at said location in the future. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager explore structural improvements to Foley Stadium, such as the locker room, press box, stands and the feasibility of long-term structural additions and opportunities, such as administrative offices and classroom space. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks assess the gap of missing street lights between Vassar St and Fenwick St. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the current winter parking ban(s) on Mill St. and the history of same. (Haxhiaj, Bergman, Colorio)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of new and existing Alcoholic Beverage Licenses, including wine and malt licenses, that are approved in the city. (Petty)

Request City Manager consider developing a Purple Heart monument in the city. (Petty)

Request City Manager contact the appropriate representatives from Eversource to determine the feasibility of the company sending written communication to the residents of Flagg St. detailing the timeline for construction on the street, including ample written notification to residents whose backyards the company need to access, as well as how Eversource plans to assist landscaping in excavated areas. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with an update concerning the abandoned property at 2 Tyson Rd. and 572 Burncoat St., also known as the Burncoat Plains Rest Home. (Rose)

Request City Manager prominently post resources for residents to access fuel assistance on the city website, cable services and through social media. (Rose)

Request City Manager contact the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a report containing the following information: 1) passenger usage from 2019-2022 (March); 2) funding sources available, potentially including ARPA, federal and state grants to offset zero fare; 3) bus routes as they relate to where the city’s top 10 employers are located; and 4) what, if any, public input and/or marketing efforts are occurring to improve ridership. (Bergman, Nguyen, Haxhiaj, Colorio)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review signage, or lack thereof, where no left turn is permitted at the intersection of Summer St. and Major Taylor Blvd. (Bergman)

Request City Manager and Mayor organize for the Irish Flag to be raised from March 16, 2022 through March 18, 2022, in honor of Irish-American Heritage Month. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of acquiring an external report from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consultants with a long reputable history of working experience with Black communities and intersectional racial justice issues in addition to Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and new migrant communities to: 1) Assess the city’s Chief Diversity Officer position to determine the following but not limited to: What the position needs to be successful including metrics, short term and long term goals and growth of the position, potential challenges, what resources they need to be effective, and a power analysis of the position in connection to the jurisdiction/ decision making power and impact it has across departments and financial decisions to ensure progress towards racial justice; 2) Determine how best to lead ongoing, expert-lived experience led, intersectional, DEI, anti-racism training for all full time, part time, and seasonal city employees to ensure a DEI work culture; and 3) Assess and create a report with recommendations of action items and best practices for the city to recruit, create career pathways, and retain BIPOC employees. (Nguyen, King)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support and recognize March of 2022 as Irish-American Heritage Month in the city of Worcester. (Toomey)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to an analysis of the Discover Central Massachusetts initiatives showing support for and promotion of the BIPOC community: recommend Communication be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the topic of design review and the potential roles of a Design Review Commission: 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 concerning improved outcomes when contracting with underrepresented businesses: recommend Communication be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the initiation of a study by the Worcester Historical Commission to consider the potential establishment of a new Local Historic District in the Elm Park neighborhood: recommend Communication be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to a status update on the UNUM TIF agreement: recommend Communication be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Residential Street Resurfacing Program for FY23 and FY24: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Michael Penny request the sidewalk in the vicinity of 275 Massasoit Rd. be repaired: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Sean M. Rose request sidewalk repair on the odd side of Rexhame Rd. from Burncoat St. to Beverly Rd: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Robert Pellegrini request sidewalks be replaced on Mower St. between Olean St. and Tatnuck Sq: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Janet Willey request the sidewalk on Manor St. be replaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Linda Waldron request the sidewalk and curb on the corner of Mower St. and Olean St. be repaired: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Brian Prendergast request sidewalk in front of 13 Algonquin Road be repaired: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wilson Silva request sidewalk repair in the vicinity of 124 May St. be repaired: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Hemans St. be repaved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Edgeworth St. be repaved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Lina Cassandra Vawter and Jose Santana request Sandra Dr. be resurfaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request the public portion of Second St. be repaved, from Mill St. to Center St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of signage at East Park detailing the hours of operation within the park: recommend Petition be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Sharon Mansfield et al. request Edwidge St. be repaved: recommend Petition be given Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Ray Hammerstrom request Northridge St. be resurfaced: recommend Petition be given Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Xiu Lin request sidewalk resurfacing between 323 Grafton St. and 325 Grafton St: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Eugene Bushmelov request Ideal Rd. be repaved: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the First Year Report of the Municipal Electricity Aggregation Program: recommend Communication be filed.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend City Council's authorization to establish a Police Cadet Program by filing special legislation to authorize appointments of police cadets, under special circumstances, to the Worcester police force. (Tabled Under Privilege - King March 8, 2022)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any actions taken relative to the installation of a playground at the Goddard School of Worcester, located at 287 Grove St. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rivera March 1, 2022 and March 8, 2022)

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)

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)

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 Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with an update concerning any inroads made relative to the Worcester Police Department securing water safety equipment. – Item #14a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report back in support of the protocols, procedures and interfacing City Council has with federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety entities in regards to City Council’s endeavors relating to instances where emergency preparedness is necessary in the midst of a national security threat, be it imminent or not so imminent. – Item #14b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager and City Auditor provide City Council with a report concerning whether the city has any investments in Russia or Russian-owned entities. – Item #14c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the cyber security measures in place in the city. – Item #14d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the position of the Chief Diversity Officer, in the interest of position retention. Further, request City Manager include in said report information concerning exit interviews associated with said position and any barriers or concerns identified in said interviews that were or were not addressed. – Item #14e CC Order adopted

Motion Rose @ #10n CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning various diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work undertaken by the city, including but not limited to implementing pronouns in professional signatures, creating an equity cabinet, creating a DEI workforce recruitment sourcing platform, issuing an executive order to address institutional racism, implementing the Worcester Police Department cadet program, conducting three (3) racial equity audits as well as diversity initiatives in WDP and WFD. Further, request City Manage provide City Council with a report concerning Human Resource’s involvement with DEI work in the city.

Motion King @ #10f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of new and existing Alcoholic Beverage Licenses, including wine and malt licenses, as well as marijuana establishments that are approved in the city with an equity lens.

Motion King @ #10j – Request City Manager provide City Council with information pertaining the current challenges residents are facing when attempting to access fuel assistance, as well as how those current challenges are being addressed.