CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:30 P.M.

Recessed to Executive Session: 9:10 P.M. Reconvened into Open Session: 11:35 P.M. Adjourned: 11:36 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of Derrick Leto, who passed away on March 17, 2023 at the age of 42. Mr. Leto was a Worcester Police Sergeant and diversity officer for the department. He leaves behind a wife, two children and many family members and friends.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 14, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers:1 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9n CC 2. Melissa Cornacchioli, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #14e CC 3. Frank Callahan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11a CC and #11b CC 4. Jennifer Gaskin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9o CC 5. Geoffrey Killebrew, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #14e CC through #14g CC 6. Ruth Rodriguez-Fay, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #14e CC 7. Stanley Choruzek, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14e CC 8. Frank Zdruli, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9b CC 9. Hannah Weinsaft, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #14e CC 10. Greg Stefan, Holden resident, spoke in favor of item #9b CC 11. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #14e CC 12. Ephraim Adjei, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9l CC 13. Ted Kostas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9b CC, neither in favor or opposed to item #14e CC and in favor of item #9p CC 14. (No first name given) Chingamore, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC 15. Danny Diaz, Webster resident, spoke in favor of item #9p CC 16. Jermoh Kamara, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC

That the City Council of the City of Worcester convene in Executive Session at its March 21, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell February 28, 2023)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester convene in Executive Session at its March 21, 2023 agenda to discuss contract negotiations with the following labor unions: N.E.P.B.A. Local 9-1-1 and I.B.P.O. Local 504; as they relate to Body-Worn Camera usage by the Worcester Police Department (WPD). The City Council will not reconvene at the conclusion of Executive Session.

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: VINTON ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: VINTON ST.

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

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

ELECTION - To fill one (1) vacancy for a term ending December 31, 2026.

Dhimitri Lako request the Zoning Map be amended by changing the zoning designation of 325 Greenwood St. from ML-0.5 to BL-1.0.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio and Councilor Etel Haxhiaj request Salisbury St., from Park Ave. to the Holden line, be given the honorary street name title of Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu Way. This request is in honor of the 555 anniversary of the death of the national hero of the Albanian Community.

Prince Mageza request extension of water and sewer line at 60 Wall St.

Asaad Challab request extension of sewer and surface drain lines in Lovell St for a distance of 129 feet +/- for the sewer main and 100 feet +/- for the drain main to service a proposed duplex at 0 Lovell St.

Leo Rossi request street repaving in front of 365 Lake Ave.

Leo Rossi request installation of bus stop in front of 365 Lake Ave.

Martha Dooley request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 59 Spofford Rd.

Irene Montecalvo et al. request installation of speed monitoring devices on Lake Ave. in the vicinity of Belmont St.

Kathleen Toomey, on behalf of Marc Lefebvre, request installation of two (2) "No Parking Anytime" signs on each side of the curb cutout at 14 Portland St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Maloney Properties, Upsala Street Apartments and WPD Officer Sean Lovely request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage within ten (10) feet of the fire hydrant at 40 Upsala St., as well as the parking lot entrance to 36 Upsala St.

Star McConnell et al. request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on the right side of Harding St. from Ashmont St. to Canton St.

Ephraim Adjei et al. request a basketball court be built at Holmes Field, located at 201 Plantation St.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: BURGESS RD.

Michael Grandone request City Council consider contacting state legislatures to draft legislation to remove colleges from non-profit status thusly placing all their real estate holdings on the tax levy properties of the City of Worcester for the payment of said taxes to the City of Worcester.

Geoffrey Killebrew request City Council request City Manager hold an informational session specifically for BIPOC event organizers to clarify any changes in the rules or application process for hosting festivals and to be a vendor in spaces managed by the Parks Department.

Michael Grandone request all residency requirements for all jobs in every department in the city be temporarily suspended to encourage applicants to apply for city jobs regardless of their residential address.

Diane Cotter request City Council request City Manager work to expedite the completion of the Carroll Plaza project of Federal Square.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Paul Foley to the Trust Funds Commission.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Timothy Magliaro to the Conservation Commission.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Maritza Cruz to the License Commission.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Mila Montenegro to the Mayor Thomas J. Early Scholarship Committee.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Elaine Evans to the Worcester Ballpark Commission.

Recommend the appointment of Robin Karoway-Waterhouse and the reappointment of Alexander Elton to the Urban Forestry Tree Commission.

Recommend adoption of an Order revoking the City of Worcester’s acceptance of M.G.L. Chapter 149, Section 33B.

Recommend adoption of an order to authorize the City Manager to execute a deed for the city-owned property located at 0 Aldrich Place, Assessor’s Map 03, Block 20A, Lot 00039.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a copy of the National Park Service’s FY2022 report relative to the federal historic tax credit program.

Recommend adoption of an Order relative to the acquisition of real property at 5 Emerson Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to DPW&P Response to February 22nd to February 24th Ice Storm.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 2023 Spring Sweeping Program.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for improvements to Lake View Playground,

Transmitting informational communication relative to a grant to Community Health Link to implement crisis intervention.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to apply for, accept, and expend a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) STOP grant in the amount of Sixty Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty Dollars And No Cents ($60,760.00).

Recommend that Six Hundred Forty Five Thousand One Hundred Fifty Four Dollars And Five Cents ($645,154.05) be transferred from various CDBG accounts and be appropriated to various CDBG Gardner Kilby Hammond Debt Service accounts

Recommend that One Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy Five Dollars And No Cents ($1,875.00) be transferred from Account #29-33007, Reserve for Appropriation Damage Settlement, and be to Account #260-92000, Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance.

Recommend that Three Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($300,000.00) be transferred from Account #440-91000, Sewer Salaries, and appropriated to Account #440-92000, Sewer Department Ordinary Maintenance, to fund operating expenses through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2023.

Recommend that Four Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($400,000.00) be transferred from Account #450-92000, Water Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #450-92000, Water Department Ordinary Maintenance, to address increased costs for chemical supplies, electricity and equipment maintenance through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2023.

Recommend that One Thousand Four Hundred Seventeen Dollars And Thirty Five Cents ($1,417.35) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2023 Account #120-92000, to allow for the payment of prior year invoices for the Law Department

Recommend that Four Hundred Forty Five Dollars And Twenty Cents ($445.20) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2023 Account #450-92000, Water Ordinary Maintenance, to allow for the payment of a prior year invoice. Further, recommend that Four Thousand Four Hundred Thirty Dollars And Eight Cents ($4,430.08) be approved to allow prior year obligations be met with fiscal year 2023 funds for the Department of Public Works and Parks

Recommend adoption of an order to increase the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for retirees to 5% for FY23, in accordance with a vote of the Worcester Retirement Board, and as authorized under Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager consider allowing the inaugural Community Preservation Committee members to determine their own chairperson.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager consider implementing restrictions relative to not allowing city employees and elected officials to join the Community Preservation Committee.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager reprioritize and expedite, to the extent practicable, the Request for Proposals (RFP) process going out as soon as possible for a Chief Equity Officer position.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager establish a certain date for releasing an annual diversity report.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with bi-monthly reports concerning engagements and updates relative to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work completed in the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning beginning the process of collaborating with the Chief of Staff of City Council to create a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) “road show,” which would include a rotation of City Councilors attending said road shows.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager keep City Council abreast of changes made relative to the transition of Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee members to the Human Rights Commission, given concerns relative to the Human Rights Commission’s workload.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update relative to the establishment of a commission similar to the Commission on Latino Affairs Latino Advisory Commission specific to African American and Black community members.

Request City Manager work with the African community through the Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants (MOAD) to educate and provide access to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support African businesses in the city. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a timeline as to when the city will propose an ordinance concerning accessory dwelling units. (Russell)

In an effort to streamline the development and permitting of accessory dwelling units, request City Manager consider allowing accessory dwelling units by right in any zone that currently allows residential uses for two-family houses. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the invasive insect species known as lanternflies, which was first detected in the city less than a year ago. (Petty)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support and recognize March of 2023 as Women’s History Month in the city of Worcester and that the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby call upon its public officials, community members and residents to observe in the celebration of Women’s History Month by participating in the various happenings that honor the many achievements of women throughout history. (Mero-Carlson)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of an Organizational Ordinance relative to the Community Preservation Act: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of a Reorganizational Ordinance for the Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the Department of Health & Human Services: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the year ended June 30, 2022 audited by the Certified Public Accountant firm of ClifftonLarsonAllen, LLP: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication relative to the notice of acceptance relating to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Election Results, as well as the specific language of the Ballot Question approved by the city's voters: 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 the Fiscal Year 2023 financial update, as of December 31, 2022: 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 the Fiscal Year 2023 financial update, as of November 30, 2022: 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 the Fiscal Year 2023 financial update, as of September 30, 2022: 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 the Fiscal Year 2023 financial update, as of August 31, 2022: 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 Community Preservation Committees: 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 the framework for achieving diversity, equity and inclusion for our City family: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to a report detailing the implementation and structural organization of the Body Worn Camera Program and final policy thereof: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Patricia Tricomi request sidewalk repair in front of 48 and 52 Thorndyke Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Thomas O’Connell request sidewalk repair on New York St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Thomas O’Connell request sidewalk repair on Delaware St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Alexandria Lainey request sidewalk repair on Shattuck St. from Lincoln St. to Uxbridge St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a new street light fixed to wood pole 11, on Westborough St., in the area of Pioneer Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Elizabeth Molinari request installation of a street light on Officer Manny Familia Way between Worcester Technical High School after the school speed hump and the intersection with Belmont St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Kimberly Malta, on behalf of Loxe Builders, request extension of the water and sewer line to Natural History Dr.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Order of Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager host an informational public meeting concerning the process for changing from a private to public street: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request installation of "Welcome to Worcester" signage at the Holden/Worcester border at West Mountain St. and Doyle Road (Holden): recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Lake Avenue Sewer Pumping Station failure and remediation: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager 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: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report on power outage that occurred February 4, 2022 through February 6, 2022 in the area of Lincoln Street and adjacent streets: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 23 Merrifield Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Midland Street Near Greenleaf Terrace.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Glennie Street.

Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For A Stop Sign On Chelsea Street At Cambridge Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 227 June Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 27 Longfellow Road.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking In Front Of #17 Barnard Road.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 209 Constitution Avenue.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 16 Stanton Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 56 Windsor Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 315 Lovell Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Quinapoxet Lane.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide 30-Minute Metered Parking On A Portion Of Temple Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 1 Woodbine Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 30 Kosta Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking Opposite Of #14 Crown Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 28 Mendon Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking Opposite Of 6 Berkeley Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Clement Street.

Amending Section 71 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Designate a Right Turn Lane on Eastbound Francis J. McGrath Blvd onto Hermon Street.

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)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager 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)

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 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 28, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera and Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #20a CC Order adopted and Referred to Economic Development Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the pros and cons of drafting an ordinance relative to the city’s updated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Policy. – Item #20b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. –Item #20c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – Request City Manager provide the Urban Forestry Tree Commission the city’s recently completed Heat Risk Assessment. – Item #20d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #20e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – 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. – Item #20f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #20g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #20h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – 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 (9) years can be separated from the sale of properties. – Item #20i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks ensure proper signage depicting the resident permit parking restriction on Plum St. is updated. – Item #20j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – 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. – Item #20k CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #20l CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

RESOLUTION of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #20m CC Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

RESOLUTION of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #20n CC Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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). – Item #20o CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #20p CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. 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. – Item #20q CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Nguyen @ #9o CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the city is building an equitable process for organizing events and becoming vendors. Further, request City Manager include in said report a list of resources for individuals organizing events, as well as list of individuals for said organizers to contact within the city.

Motion Nguyen @ #9o CC – Request City Manager consider assigning a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion staff person to complete work externally for the community.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #9o CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with an equity audit of the last five (5) years relative to hosting events.

Motion Colorio @ #9o CC – Request City Manager work with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to create a revised handbook relative to organizing events in the city. Further, request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks hold public hearings relative to improving said handbook to allow for community input.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #10.4A CM – Request City Manager consider allocating any funds received from the deed execution for 0 Aldrich Place to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF).

Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager ensure amplification is not used in a way that negatively impacts community during the spring weather.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the passage of the “Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act,” H.R. 645, and calls upon the United States federal government to pass said legislation.

Motion Petty @ #6a CC – That the salary of the City Clerk be an annual salary of $180,000.00, effective March 21, 2023.

Motion Petty @ #6a CC – That upon a successful evaluation of the City Clerk, the salary of the City Clerk be an annual salary of $190,000.00, effective March 17, 2024.

Motion Petty @ #6a CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester will consider negotiating an employee contract with the City Clerk at the end of his current term, which expires on March 17, 2024.