CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:31 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:55 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring February 28, 2023, as Rare Disease Day in the city. Mayor Petty provided the Proclamation to Cheryl Gavin, who accepted the Proclamation and spoke concerning the item.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 7, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Charles Luster, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #9.40A CM. 2. Sue Mailman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.4A CM. 3. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed of item #9.4A CM. 4. Nicole Belle, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC. 5. Elena Ludlow, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC. 6. Alexandra Powell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC. 7. Desiree Demose, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC. 8. Audra Doody, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC. 9. Nora DeVitora, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC. 10. Courtney Ross Escobar, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC. 11. Tempe Staples, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC. 12. Adam Thielker, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #18e CC and #18f CC. 13. No name given, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposition of item items #18e CC and #18f CC. 14. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.4A CM.

That the City Council of the City of Worcester convene in Executive Session at its February 28, 2023 meeting immediately following the conclusion of the City Council agenda for the purpose of conducting salary negotiations with City Clerk Nikolin Vangjeli. The City Council will reconvene in Open Session at the end of the Executive Session. (Postponed Per Rule 29 - Single Member Holds Under the City Charter - King February 14, 2023)

Deborah McNamara request additional metal recycling bins for glass, paper, and metal be provided at the DPW facility on Clark St.

M Stacey request installation of catch basin between #5 Manila St. and #7 Manila St.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Linda George request installation of resident permit parking in Piedmont St. from Austin St. to Pleasant St.

Gordon Duncan request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on Bancroft Tower Rd. before and after the parking area at Bancroft Tower.

Kelly Bilinsky, Property Manager of Fremont Lofts Condominium, request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage near the Fremont Lofts parking lot entrances on St. Johns Rd.

Joel Wallen, Associate Executive Director of Pernet Family Health Service, request installation of loading zone in front of 237 Millbury St.

Kenneth Parrrish request removal of "Deaf Child" signage in front of 110 Coolidge Rd.

Robert Prytko request installation of Left Turn Only signal on Salisbury St. at the intersection of Salisbury St. and Grove St.

Robert Prytko request installation of "No U-Turn" signage at the intersection of Salisbury St. and Grove St.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: VINTON ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: PORTLAND ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: WEST BOYLSTON ST.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an updated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Policy.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file an application to designate 274, 284, and 290 Franklin Street; 1, 14, and 23 Hygeia Street; and 25, 33, 38, and 45 Arctic Street as a Certified Project under the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) and approve a Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Plan for the properties.

Recommend adoption of an order to permit the Department of Public Works & Parks (DPW&P) to become a member of the Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition (CMRSWC).

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Spring 2023 Household Hazardous Waste Collection event scheduled for Saturday, June 24, 2023 by appointment only.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the master plan meeting for improvements to 149 West Boylston Drive scheduled for Monday, March 6th at 6pm.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 2022 Worcester Fire Department Annual Report.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2023 financial update, as of January 31, 2023.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the recently completed Heat Risk Assessment.

Recommend that Three Hundred Twenty Three Thousand One Hundred Forty Nine Dollars And Seventy Nine Cents ($323,149.79) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7114, Citywide Building Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to Account #11C70203, Public Facilities-Inspectional Services, to allow for the payment of current obligations associated with renovation work.

Recommend that One Million Forty Six Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy Seven Dollars And Thirty Three Cents ($1,046,977.33) be transferred from various capital project accounts, and be appropriated to Account #41C741, Resurfacing, to provide funding for current fiscal year project costs.

Recommend adoption of the attached resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of One Hundred Twenty Dollars And No Cents ($120.00) from Skyhawks Sports Academy, Inc., to support future youth recreational programs.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Three Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Three Dollars And Eight Cents ($3,693.08) from Worcester Credit Union for the purchase and installation of a Memorial Bench at Elm Park in memory of Ms. Gohar Hagopian.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($120,000.00) from the Mass Save Program though a Community First Partnership Grant and administered by the City's Department of Sustainability & Resilience to fund community outreach activities related to promoting participation in energy efficiency programs, through the “Energy Advocate Program” with a focus on reaching vulnerable populations.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a grant in the amount of Six Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($6,800.00) from Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, Inc., for the purchase of one police dog for the Worcester Police Department's K9 program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a grant in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of State Police, through the COPS Office Anti-Heroin Task Force Program.

Recommend adoption of resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($15,000.00) from Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation for the Fitness in the Parks program.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) be transferred from Account #270-91000, Communications Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #270-97000, Communications Overtime, to cover overtime costs within the Emergency Communications Department through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2023.

Recommend that Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($250,000.00) be transferred from Account #900-92000, City Manager's Contingency, and be appropriated to Account #120-92000, Law Department Ordinary Maintenance, to provide funding for costs associated with the outside legal counsel services.

Recommend that Three Hundred Sixty Two Thousand Five Hundred Forty Eight Dollars And Seventy Five Cents ($362,548.75) be transferred from Account #330-08, Reserve for Appropriation Premium on Loans, and be appropriated to Account #660-92000, Treasury Ordinary Maintenance, to fund costs associated with the issuance of the $84,535,000 Bond dated February 27, 2023.

Recommend that One Hundred Seventy One Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($171,000.00) be transferred as indicated, to provide sufficient funding for the Cable PEG Program for the 3rd Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023.

Recommend that Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($500.00) be transferred from Account #330-91000, Public Health Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #330-97000, Public Health Overtime, to provide sufficient funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2023.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) be transferred from Account #170-91000, Human Resources Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #174-96000, Injured on Duty, to pay for unanticipated claims in Fiscal Year 2023.

Recommend that Two Hundred Forty Five Thousand Ninety Five Dollars And No Cents ($245,095.00) be transferred from Off Street Parking Board Reserve Accounts and be appropriated to Account #04D811, Ballpark City DIF, to account for parking revenues associated with Ballpark activities for the first two quarters of Fiscal Year 2023.

Recommend that Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($900,000.00) be transferred from Account #250-91000, Police Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #250-97000, Police Overtime, to fund projected overtime costs through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2023.

Recommend that Eighteen Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty Dollars And Eighty Cents ($18,960.80) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2023 Account #663-92000, Health Insurance, to allow for the payment of a prior year invoice.

Recommend that Six Hundred Seventy Five Dollars And No Cents ($675.00) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2023 Account #410-92000, DPW Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of prior year invoices.

Transmitting informational communication relative to update on the administration of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement on King Philip Rd.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install additional No Parking Anytime signage on King Philip Rd.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility complete ADA assessment of sidewalks in the vicinity of the intersection of Shattuck St. and Uxbridge St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility make existing stop sign at the intersection of Pineland Ave. and Hara St. more prominent.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install a painted stop bar at the intersection of Pineland Ave. and Hara St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install Dead End signage on Orrison St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility evaluate the placement of advisory speed signs on Lake Ave. and consolidate and update City Council as appropriate.

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the city implementing some of the best practices used in other communities to reduce the amount of litter created from miniature alcohol bottles, or “nips,” such as putting deposits on the bottles. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the multiple forms of homelessness that individuals in the city are facing. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted Order from November 22, 2022 that read as follows: “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services purchase winter outreach items to be provided to the city’s unhoused outreach team and any direct service partner organizations to be distributed as soon as possible this winter. Winter Outreach items include but are not limited to socks, thermal undergarments, sleeping bags, hoodies, sweatpants, hand warmers, menstrual products, and bottled water.” (Nguyen)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby go on record in support of HD.3295/ SD.2050, An Act to Strengthen Justice and Support for Sex Trade Survivors. (Rivera)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lisa Noe Higgins request installation of handicap parking space in front of 23 Merrifield St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kevin Provencher request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage at the driveway and fire hydrant in the vicinity of 7 Greenleaf Terrace: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gerard Dio request installation of No Parking Anytime signage within 40 feet south of the entry and 40 feet north of the exit of the Worcester Fire Department Credit Union parking lot (34 Glennie St.): recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Justice Real request installation of stop sign at the intersection of Chelsea St. and Cambridge St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Bernadette Forget request installation of handicap parking space large enough for two vehicles in front of 10 Merrifield St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dean Fisher request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 227 June St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Majed Anaifas request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 27 Longfellow Rd.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paul Parent request removal of handicap parking space in front of 11 Eureka St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Cindy Messier request removal of handicap parking space in front of 17 Barnard Rd.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Elia Brisita request installation of handicap parking space in front of 209 Constitution Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Antonio de Almeida request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 16 Stanton St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sherri Ford request installation of handicap parking space large enough for two (2) vehicles in front of 56 Windsor St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kenneth Ducharme request installation of handicap parking space in front of 315 Lovell St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jean Gaucher request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on Quinapoxet Ln. from the telephone pole on the right side of 14 Quinapoxet Ln. to 367 Burncoat St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Joshua Lee Smith of Bowditch & Dewey, LLP request the removal of one (1) metered parking space and installation of a 30-minute parking zone on the southerly side of Temple St., beginning west of Grafton St., opposite of 44 Grafton St., and extending for approximately 50 feet to accommodate two (2) standard sized vehicles or one (1) larger delivery vehicle (see attached): recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Antonio Martinez request installation of handicap parking space in front of 1 Woodbine St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sandra Carlson request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 30 Kosta St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Melanie von Bitter request removal of handicap parking space in front of 14 Crown St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Scherley Beauvais request installation of handicap parking space across from 28 Mendon St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

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

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Pamela Valdez request installation of "No Parking Anytime" on the even side of Clement St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Felix Osafo request installation of handicap parking space in front of 18 Plantation St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of a proposed ordinance to reconcile Chapter 13, Section 71, Schedule IV-B with lane markings revisions that have been installed to accommodate the recently constructed Blackstone River Bikeway extension along Francis J. McGrath Boulevard: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Alexandria Lainey request crosswalk be painted on Shattuck St. near the intersection of Uxbridge St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman on behalf of Charlene Guinard request installation of a handicap parking space on the Chestnut St. side of 87 Pleasant St., north of Pleasant St. (Amended from installing in front of the location on June 22, 2022 and Amended from across from the location August 10, 2022): recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Muktar Yusuf request removal of handicap parking space in front of 119 Chino Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Katherine Kenney request the time limitation on zoned parking spaces in the city be increased to four (4) hours: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Cassondra Sekula request installation of installation of No Parking Anytime signage in front of 38 King Philip Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Diana Burns et al. request installation of bus stop at the corner of Chandler St. and Hadwen Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Charles Delannoy request installation of a stop sign, stop line, and “STOP” lettering at the intersection of Pineland Ave. and Hara St., in the vicinity of pole 13: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Damaris Acevedo request installation of a green left arrow on the traffic light at the intersection of Mill St. and Chandler St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of John Fresolo request the timing for cars exiting Wall St. onto Grafton St. at the intersection's traffic signal be shortened to allow for Grafton St. traffic to move quicker: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Steve Begley request installation of Not a Through Street signage on Orrison St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request speed limit signage be posted along Lake Ave. to advise motorists along the entire roadway: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paul Alony request the yield sign for cars making a right turn to Webster St. on Hope Ave. at the rotary at Webster St., Hope Ave. and N. Oxford St. be either replaced with a stop sign or relocated to ensure increased visibility for the drivers: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kyle Cheung request installation of a commercial loading zone in front of 521 Main St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group A - Administrative and Supervisory for Emergency Shift Coverage When Assigned.

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install “Spray Park Coming Soon” signage informing residents of the spray park being installed in University Park (aka Crystal Park). (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty February 14, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager request Director of Emergency Communications and Management work with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to create a proactive plan as it relates to developing warming and cooling centers that includes the advanced preparation of locations, resources and volunteers, in an effort to not be reactive to dangerous weather conditions. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty February 14, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager provide Council with a list detailing how many of the approximately 7,000 apartment units under construction and development the city plans to exempt from the proposed Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty February 14, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report reviewing the proposed inclusionary zoning exemption criteria, in an effort to set a more equitable implementation plan. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty February 14, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager consider increasing the affordability restriction in the draft Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance from thirty (30) years to ninety-nine (99) years, as has been requested by community residents. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty February 14, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication relative to the Chief of Council position, the City Clerk's Office position that supports the Chief of Council position and a comparison of City Council support staffs of similar sized cities in the Commonwealth. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell February 7, 2023 and February 14, 2023)

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)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation Committee hold a public discussion with the WRTA Administrator relative to the removal of a bus route that passes the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Sarai Rivera and Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation meet with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a report concerning the WRTA’s winter weather plan, especially including information as to how snow will be removed at each of the bus stops: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of two (2) salary ordinance amendments related to the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. (Tabled - King February 7, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend that the Fiscal Year 2023 Table of Organization for the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion be amended by increasing the total number of authorized positions from two (2) to nine (9). (Tabled - King February 7, 2023)

Recommend that the Fiscal Year 2023 Table of Organization for the Executive Office of Health & Human Services, Human Rights Division, be amended by eliminating one (1) Executive Director of Human Rights Commission position, Pay Grade 42EM, and one (1) Staff Assistant I position, Pay Grade 32. (Tabled - King February 7, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend that the Fiscal Year 2023 Table of Organization for the Department of Human Resources be amended by eliminating one (1) Lead Investigator position, Pay Grade 45M, and one (1) Coordinator of Training, Development, and Wellness Programs position, Pay Grade 44M. (Tabled - King February 7, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the potential for using a new form of pothole fill, which may hold up better than what is currently used. – Item #20a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider the feasibility of filling nearby, unreported potholes when a reported pothole at the same location is reported. – Item #20b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager review locations throughout the city where wayfinding signage should be installed. – Item #20c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager review locations throughout the city where trees should be planted in tree pits along roadways. – Item #20d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the effect any state laws may have creating a priority for fixing private roads that are impassable for emergency vehicles. – Item #20e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing any recently passed state legislation relative to the cost of maintaining private roads. – Item #20f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – That the City Council of the City of Worcester convene in Executive Session at its February 28, 2023 meeting immediately following the conclusion of the City Council agenda for the purpose of conducting salary negotiations with City Clerk Nikolin Vangjeli. The City Council will reconvene in Open Session at the end of the Executive Session. – Item #20g CC Postponed

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning the appointment of the second Assistant City Clerk, including information as to why the appointment did not come before City Council. – Item #20h CC Order adopted

Motion Rivera @ #9.4A CM – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a draft ordinance to include the city of Worcester’s updated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Policy in the city’s revised ordinances.

Motion Petty @ #9.4A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the pros and cons of drafting an ordinance relative to the city’s updated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Exemption.

Motion King @ #9.11A CM – Request City Manager organize an opportunity for City Council to recognize the Worcester Fire Department (WFD) Diversity Committee and Leadership on the last day of Black History Month, 2023.

Motion Rose @ #9.33A CM – Request City Manager provide the Urban Forestry Tree Commission the city’s recently completed Heat Risk Assessment.

Motion King @ #9.37H CM – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report updating the efforts that are being made to audit Worcester Police Department (WPD)’s overtime.

Motion Rose @ #9.40A CM – Request City Manager explore ways to analyze the city’s current American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) obligations, in an effort to expedite and prioritize funding to meet the current needs and challenges of the city’s residents in real time.

Motion Toomey @ #9.40A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report reviewing the process by which American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding proposals were reviewed and prioritized. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a list of all submitted proposals, including information as to which proposals were sent in by Worcester residents, a women owned enterprise or a BIPOC owned enterprise.

Motion Toomey @ #11b CC – Request City Manager work with the city’s State Delegation to ensure the financial burden from the surrounding communities’ homeless population coming to Worcester is shared by said communities.

Motion Russell @ #17e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether increasing the affordability restriction in the draft Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance from thirty (30) years to ninety-nine (99) years can be separated from the sale of properties.

Motion Colorio – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks ensure proper signage depicting the resident permit parking restriction on Plum St. is updated.

Motion Colorio – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report detailing whether any hazardous products are transported through the city by railway. Further, if said products are transported, include in said report information relative to precautions taken to ensure proper handling.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report detailing actions taken during the snowstorm spanning from February 22, 2023 to February 24, 2023.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby recognize and congratulate North High School’s Boys Basketball Team for winning the Central Massachusetts Athletic Director’s Championship.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby recognize and congratulate South High School’s Girls Basketball Team for winning the Central Massachusetts Athletic Director’s Championship.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council of the City of Worcester convene in Executive Session at its March 14, 2023 agenda to discuss contract negotiations as they relate to Body-Worn Camera usage by the Worcester Police Department (WPD).

Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning whether the procedures relative to pre-treating streets prior to snowstorms has changed in the city. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks include in said report whether any pre-treatments occurred in, “The Village,” area of the city. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks include in said report an updated idea of the prioritizations occurring as it relates to pre-treating roads, include whether there is enough staff to complete the task and how the staffing numbers impact those operations.

Motion Russell – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks include in any report relative to the snowstorm even spanning from February 22, 2023 to February 24, 2023 information as to whether the city has enough contracted vehicles to complete necessary plowing and road treatment.