CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:49 P.M.

Adjourned: 10:47 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

Acting City Manager
Eric D. Batista

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 September 20, 2022.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognzied the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8d CC, spoke in favor of item #8a CC and #15f CC 2. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15f CC 3. Senator Michael Moore, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #15d and #15e 4. Jeff Fredo, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8d CC 5. Luke C., No resident given, spoke in opposition to item #8d CC 6. John Piccolo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15d CC 7. Phil Palmieri, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15a CC and in opposition to item #15d CC 8. Diana Bianchiari, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8d CC 9. Mary Kelley, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8d CC 10. Father Jon Slavinskas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15e CC 11. Vincent Pedone, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15e CC 12. Judy Griffin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8t CC 13. Ted Kostas, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8d CC 14. Mark Wagner, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8d CC 15. Che Anderson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8d CC 16. Valerie Brennan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11f CC 17. Nicole Apostola, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.15A CM 18. Mar Copley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11f CC 19. Emmett Connor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13f CC 20. Kimberly Zimmick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13f CC 21. Madi Morales, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13f CC 22. Louise Brunel, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11f CC

Hearing: CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC for a conduit location on: WATER ST. Granting permission to CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC for a conduit location on: WATER ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: FERDINAND ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: FERDINAND ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: FRANK ST. and WIGWAM AVE. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: FRANK ST. and WIGWAM AVE.

Hearing: VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a conduit location on: CHANDLER ST. and HADWEN RD. Granting permission to VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a conduit location on: CHANDLER ST. and HADWEN RD.

Hearing: VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a conduit location on: SARGENT ST. Granting permission to VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a conduit location on: SARGENT ST.

Philip Palmieri request to amend the Zoning Ordinance to require that any and all municipal parking facilities and/or lots for sixteen (16) or more vehicles be required, reguardless of any municipal exemption otherwise provided under the Zoning Ordinance or by law, to submit a Parking Plan to the Worcester Planning Board for its review and approval, prior to the construction of same, under the procedure specified in Article IV, Section 7 of the Zoning Ordinance and that the Planning Board in its review process examine said plans with respect to access, drainage, capacity, circulation, compatibility, safety to pedestrians and vehicles using the facilities and using abutting streets.

Elizabeth Sullivan and Joe Boynton, Esq. request the portion of Onandaga St. between 95 Pocasset Ave. and 87 Pocasset Ave. be removed from the official map of the City of Worcester.

Frank Zitomersky request the Zoning Map be amended to change the zoning at 9 Castle St., 5 & 7 Castle St., 4 Castle St., 6 Castle St. and 8 Castle St. from BG-3 to RG-5.

Che Anderson, on behalf of UMASS Chan Medical School, request Plantation St., Plantation Pkwy and Plantation Terr. be renamed.

Wiler Filho and Leandro Camargo request water and sewer extension for on Strasburg Rd. for properties located at 7-8 Strasburg Rd.

Julie Goering request sidewalk extension on Clover St. from Mohawk Ave. to Heard St.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a crosswalk across Lansing Ave. at Holden St.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a crosswalk across Chester St. at Holden St.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a crosswalk across Holden St. at either Tuxedo Rd. or Dogwood Rd., or both.

Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request installation of speed humps in the vicinity of 126 Elm St.

Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request installation of speed monitoring equipment in the vicinity of 126 Elm St.

Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request installation of reflective one-way street sign at the intersection of Elm St. and Russell St.

Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request installation of speed limit signage in the vicinity of 126 Elm St.

Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request Slow Down signage in the vicinity of 126 Elm St.

Lisa Noe Higgins request installation of handicap parking space in front of 23 Merrifield St.

Patrice Lyons request installation of blinking signage that monitors the speed of motorists on Grafton St. near the Worcester-Grafton border.

Cassondra Sekula request installation of installation of No Parking Anytime signage in front of 38 King Philip Rd.

Aidan Chabot request installation of rapid flashing beacons for crosswalks on Grove St. in front of Forest Grove Middle School (495 Grove St.)

Julie Goering request installation of flashing red stop signs at all intersections on Clover St. including the intersection of Clover St. and Heard St.

Kathleen Dacri et al. request installation of No Parking Here to Corner signage 30' from stop signs on both sides of Papineau Ave. at the intersection of Papineau Ave. and Heard St.

David Ayoub request installation of signage at Lake View Park that prohibits activities after 7 P.M.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: GAMBIER AVE.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: SHREWSBURY ST. and LYON ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: WYMAN ST.

Philip Palmieri request City Council request City Manager immediately suspend all work on the parking lot construction proposed on public park land accessed off Risso Court pending a legal review of the proposed work and the intended or likely use of said parking lot once constructed to determine if said use complies with the restrictions, imposed by Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, governing land taken or acquired for conservation purposes.

Michael Grandone request City Council request City Manager consider and discuss the feasibility and legality of billing/charging all colleges and non-profit organization on an hourly basis the use of the Fire Department and Police Department when they are called to services needed by aforementioned. Furthermore, said monies should be deposited into the City of Worcester General Fund.

Recommend adoption of a Salary Ordinance Amendment necessary to implement the City’s recently completed collective bargaining agreement with Local 170, Teamsters (DPW Clerks),

Recommend adoption of a Salary Ordinance Amendment necessary to implement the changes enacted for the Worcester Public Library in the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning the causes of flooding that occurred at Beaver Brook Park and the surrounding neighborhood in June of 2021 and recommendations necessary to prevent flooding at said location in the future.

Transmitting informational communication relative to sewer abatements and betterments; including predetermined assessment for Winnipeg Street and St. Louis Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 2022 Fall Leaf Collection Program.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 149 West Boylston Drive master plan.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the forestry master plan public meeting.

Recommend adoption of an Order authorizing acceptance of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority's conveyance of 45 Green Street.

Recommend adoption of an order relative to a Lease Agreement with WPI for a Main Distribution Frame Room with connection to the fiber optic network at 61 Sever Street.

Recommend that Two Hundred Sixty One Thousand One Hundred Twenty Eight Dollars And No Cents ($261,128.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C774, Civic Center Equipment, and be appropriated to Account #75C701, Civic Center Equipment, to pay for current obligations associated with equipment being purchased at the DCU.

Recommend that Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($250,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C71131, Worcester Arts Magnet, and be appropriated to DPF Account #11C70808, Worcester Arts Magnet, to allow for the payment of current obligations associated with the roof replacement at this school which is a Mass School Building Authority project.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($5,000.00) from Digital Federal Credit Union for the purchase of equipment, technology or programs.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Four Thousand Two Hundred Forty Four Dollars And No Cents ($4,244.00) from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for electrical and lighting repairs for the Worcester 6 and Davies memorials.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to to apply, accept, and expend a Municipal Road Safety Grant in the amount of Sixty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($65,000.00) from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Highway Safety Division.

Recommend that Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) be transferred from Account #150-91000, Election Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #150-97000, Election Overtime, to cover continued costs within the department for the upcoming election.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) be transferred from Account #270-91000, Emergency Communications Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #270-97000, Emergency Communications Overtime, to cover continued overtime costs within the department.

Recommend that Two Million Three Hundred Twenty Four Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Two Dollars And No Cents ($2,324,852.00) be transferred from Account #900-92000, City Manager's Contingency, and be appropriated to Account #680-92000, Technical Services Ordinary Maintenance, to provide funding for ERP annual subscription costs.

Recommend that Four Thousand Seven Hundred Eight Dollars And Forty Eight Cents ($4,708.48) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2023 Account #260-92000, Worcester Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning the next steps associated with creating the city’s archive, including costs associated with said project.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report updating City Council as to actions taken concerning the executive order to address and assess institutional racism.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report as to the status of state legislation relative to private street conversion.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the city’s Executive Order to address and assess institutional and structural racism has impacted the city’s Police Department.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s usage of Circa/DiversityJobs.com as part of a diversity recruitment initiative.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning actions taken by the Urban Forestry Tree Commission since its creation.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk work with the Purchasing Agent to review the procured Request for Proposals (RFP) relative to selecting an executive search firm to aid in the selection of a permanent City Manager. Further, request City Clerk provide City Council with a report detailing next steps associated with working with a selected firm for said services, including costs associated with same.

Request City Manager identify the necessary funding to utilize the lot adjacent to Roosevelt Elementary School for parking and pick-up line overflow in an effort to alleviate the traffic problem on Grafton St. that occurs daily from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. from the school to South Plaza. Further, request City Manager complete this immediately, even if the parking lot needs to be built with gravel stones on a temporary basis until funding is available to fully complete the project, as the city purchased the location for $600,000.00 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to utilize it. (Russell, Toomey, King, Bergman, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager work with the appropriate persons at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reopen and utilize the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center. (Russell)

Request City Manager work with the city’s State Legislative Delegation to identify and apply for State American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding geared towards providing healthy air to schools in gateway cities, in an effort to fund the replacement of windows at Worcester East Middle School. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the possibility of creating police precincts in various locations throughout the city, as well as what other municipal services could be provided at those sites. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update relative to the rodent problem within the city. (Colorio)

Request City Manager work with the Director of Emergency Communications provide City Council with a report relative to establishing a municipally-operated emergency relief trust fund for a one-time disbursement directly to City of Worcester emergency and disaster survivors to facilitate their recovery. Said report should outline which communities have established similar municipally-operated trust funds, how said trust funds are structured and how they are operated. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with recommendations addressing concerns around emergency vehicles getting through Fairfield St. and Enfield St. from May St., including the potential installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage where appropriate. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager work with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with the following information: 1) If new fare boxes will accommodate a fare free system; and 2) A copy of the contract that the WRTA has secured regarding fare boxes. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider adapting existing public tennis courts to also accommodate pickle ball use. (Bergman, Toomey, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager recognize C.C. Lowell, located at 455 Pleasant St., for being the oldest art supply and framing store turning 170 years old on October 20, 2022. (Bergman, Toomey, Mero-Carlson)

SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: WINNIPEG STREET

SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: SAINT LOUIS STREET

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil, on behalf of Polar Views, LLC., request the Zoning Map be amended to include the parcel of land situated at 39 Lamartine St. within the Commercial Corridor Overlay - Canal District Parking Subarea (CCOD-C).

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication pertaining to the creation of the City Archive, including the future location of the archive at 61 Sever Street (the old Becker College Library): recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update of an executive order to address and assess institutional and structural racism: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to proposed reforms and an executive order that acknowledges structural changes that will assist with eradicating institutional racism: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to a Diversity Recruitment Initiative – Circa/DiversityJobs.com: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommend adoption of an amendment to the City’s organizational ordinances to create the Urban Forestry Tree Commission: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Council proceed forthwith with the selection of a permanent City Manager by initiating and completing a process for said selection to include the appointment of an Ad Hoc Committee, as outlined in Rule 50 of the Rules of City Council regarding Ad Hoc Committees, including the Mayor selecting the composition of said Ad Hoc Committee; the purpose of the committee being to determine the following: 1) The Ad Hoc Committee will exist until such a time that a permanent City Manager is appointed. 2) The inclusion of the following procedures: A. Review of the prior processes used in the selection of a City Manager in 1993, 2004 and 2013-2014 and report to City Council regarding a timetable for the following steps: i. Provide for an opportunity for community input relative to the search process for a permanent City Manager. ii. Placement of an Request for Proposals (RFP) for a search firm to aid in the search process; iii. Ad Hoc Committee to review of responses for said RFP; selection of a search firm and entering into a contract with said search firm. iv. Ad Hoc Committee to provide the selected search firm with a copy of specifications and a job description for the permanent City Manager, including best practices used in other search processes; v. Ad Hoc Committee to review the list of potential candidates for the permanent City Manager position, provided by the search firm in Executive Session, for interviewing said potential candidates in said Executive Session. vi. Final referral of a recommendation of finalists to be interviewed in Open Session by the entire City Council, followed by a vote to determine the selection for the position of a permanent City Manager: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Joseph Corazzini request installation of two (2) or three (3) handicap parking spaces on Beaver St., starting at streetlight pole #9 until the entrance of 93 Beaver St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Tim Kneeland request removal of a handicap parking sign in front of 15 Dix St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jerimy Warren request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 90 Florence St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Santa Mercado and Jailyne Maldenado request the handicap parking space in front of 1 Spaulding St. be removed: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Andrew Lizotte request installation of handicap parking space in front of 5 New York St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Raymond Jette request removal of the handicap parking space located in front of 24 William St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC. request no parking on school days between 7am and 2:30pm on Richland St. from Ward St. to a point of 400' east of Ward St. on the south side be extended 50' to a point 450' east of Ward St. and be amended to remain in effect until 6pm on school days: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC. request installation of no parking on school days between 7am and 6pm on the north side of Richland St. from Ward St. to a point 220' east of Ward St. and from a point 270' east of Ward St. to a point 400' east of Ward St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gregory Russell, on behalf of Leo Flanagan and Learning First, LLC. request the resident permit parking on the north side of Richland St. from Vernon St. to a point 135' east of Ward St. be reduced by 85' to start at a point 220' east of Ward St. and be eliminated from a point 270' east of Ward St. to a point 410' east of Ward St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Representative Mary S. Keefe and Representative Dan Donahue request South St. from the corner of Chapin St. to Shannon St. be made one-way street to allow for more efficient traffic during arrival and dismissal at Union Hill School: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paula Bushey request installation of stop sign at the corner of Mann St. and Chandler St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

PETITION of Philip Palmieri request City Council request City Manager consider working with the City Solicitor to provide City Council with a legal opinion determining whether City Councilors can engage in activities that would discourage other members of City Council from holding discussions on incomplete municipal projects, such as the Joe DiMaggio Little League Field Master Plan at the twenty (20) percent threshold, resulting in said projects being compromised. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson August 9, 2022 and September 29, 2022 [Reconvened from September 20, 2022])

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager work with the appropriate parties to name the playground at Holmes Field after Gordon Hargrove, longtime director of the Friendly House. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson August 9, 2022 and September 29, 2022 [Reconvened from September 20, 2022])

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication updating City Council as to the status of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process associated with identifying the executive search firm tasked with aiding in the hiring process for a permanent City Manager. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio September 20, 2022 and Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio September 29, 2022)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the East Park Little League Field Renovation Project. (Tabled Under Privilege - King September 20, 2022 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty September 29, 2022)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) for the East Park Renovation program. (Tabled Under Privilege - King September 20, 2022 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty September 29, 2022)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - As Chair of the City Council Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations in accordance with Rule 33 (e) of the Rules of City Council, request City Council suspend its rules at its September 29, 2022 meeting to take up the Report of the Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations Upon the Order of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Council proceed forthwith with the selection of a permanent City Manager by initiating and completing a process for said selection to include the appointment of an Ad Hoc Committee, as outlined in Rule 50 of the Rules of City Council regarding Ad Hoc Committees, including the Mayor selecting the composition of said Ad Hoc Committee; the purpose of the committee being to determine the following: 1) The Ad Hoc Committee will exist until such a time that a permanent City Manager is appointed. 2) The inclusion of the following procedures: A. Review of the prior processes used in the selection of a City Manager in 1993, 2004 and 2013-2014 and report to City Council regarding a timetable for the following steps: i. Provide for an opportunity for community input relative to the search process for a permanent City Manager. ii. Placement of an Request for Proposals (RFP) for a search firm to aid in the search process; iii. Ad Hoc Committee to review of responses for said RFP; selection of a search firm and entering into a contract with said search firm. iv. Ad Hoc Committee to provide the selected search firm with a copy of specifications and a job description for the permanent City Manager, including best practices used in other search processes; v. Ad Hoc Committee to review the list of potential candidates for the permanent City Manager position, provided by the search firm in Executive Session, for interviewing said potential candidates in said Executive Session. vi. Final referral of a recommendation of finalists to be interviewed in Open Session by the entire City Council, followed by a vote to determine the selection for the position of a permanent City Manager, as presented in City Council and referred to the Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations as Item #11a CC on the City Council agenda for April 12, 2022, along with related items pending before the Committee. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio September 29, 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 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)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Council work to ensure City Council and School Committee districts are parallel, so as to ensure public clarity. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson May 24, 2022 and June 7, 2022 and Tabled - Petty June 14, 2022)

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager review the city’s fine structures for violations that have been identified as causes for the fire occurring during the construction of the new Doherty Memorial High School. – Item #28e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report as to the cadence of the oversight process for permits in projects similar to the construction of the new Doherty Memorial High School. – Item #28f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the Youth Violence Prevention data collected by the city, along with assessments associated with same. – Item #28g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager provide City Council with youth violence prevention data on a quarterly basis, that includes information relative to school-related emergency calls. – Item #28h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager request City Assessor review the city’s practices relative to collecting financial statistics associated with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 38D Income and Expense form, including the fines associated with said form. – Item #17a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used in other communities relative to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ 38D Income and Expense form. Further, request said report include a copy of said form. – Item #17b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility and Chief Financial Officer review the city’s Resident Permit Parking Program to ensure property owners are not ticketed when visiting their property/properties. – Item #17c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of veterans within the city who would qualify for housing at the Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds of eighty, sixty and fifty percent. – Item #17d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager ensure Letterman White Consulting, LLC be made available to City Council when their work for the city’s Racial Equity Audit be discussed at future meetings. – Item #17e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager work with the city’s State Delegation to discuss the effect electric rate increases will have on the community and advocate to the Department of Public Utilities regarding same. Further, request City Manager ensure fuel assistance options are listed on the city’s website. – Item #17f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request Standing Committee on Public Works hold a public hearing with the appropriate parties and local service providers to discuss the ramifications of electrical rate increases, as well as how said service providers intend to remove the use of fossil fuels from their practices. – Item #17g CC Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with an updated report concerning advantages the city’s municipal aggregation program provide residents of the city – Item #17h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion King @ #8z CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the quantification of the billing and charges of the city’s colleges and nonprofits for the use of the Worcester Police Department and Worcester Fire Department.

Motion Toomey @ #11d CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the successes of the Municipal Service Center.

Motion Russell @ #11f CC – Request City Manager work to ensure landlords maintain their responsibilities to their tenants, should the city create an emergency relief trust fund. Further, request City Manager work to educate renters on the value of renters insurance.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #11h CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning when the WRTA Administrator’s contract expires.

Motion Russell @ #15c CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report detailing the legal process that should be followed relative to grading Request for Proposal (RFP) responses and the disclosure of costs associated with said RFPs as it relates to a search for a permanent City Manager.

Motion King @ #15d CC – Request City Manager duly consider making upgrades to the basketball court at East Park. Further, request City Manager explore upgrades to the Babe Ruth baseball field at East Park. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning Urban Forestry Tree Commission approvals associated with upgrades to East Park.

Motion Nguyen - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services work with the Quality of Life team to provide City Council with a report concerning the handling of encampment evictions for houseless people during the summer months, as well as how the city plans to deal with handling said encampments during the winter months.

Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request City Clerk work with the Chief of Staff for City Council to provide City Council with a timeline of all aspects of the City Council’s search for a permanent City Manager thus far, including dates of City Council and Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee where items were discussed, dates of contract negotiations and all aspects of the Request for Proposals (RFP).