CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:33 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:28 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 the week of April 3, 2023 to April 9, 2023 at National Public Health Week in the City of Worcester. Mayor Petty provided the Proclamation to Councilor Sarai Rivera, Chairperson of Public Health and Human Services Committee, who presented the proclamation to Rev. Dr. Thomas Afori from the Good Shepard Ghana Methodist Church. Mayor Petty recognized Rev. Dr. Thomas Afori, who spoke concerning the item.

Mayor Petty provided several healthcare workers who helped distribute 51,000 COVID-19 vaccinations with Special Certificates of Mayoral Recognition. Mayor Petty recognized Commissioner of Health and Human Services Matilde Castiel, who thanked the workers for their help during the pandemic.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 28, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10f CC and #14b CC 2. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10h CC 3. Nicole Apostola, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8b CC 4. Paul Matthews, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: BURGESS RD. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: BURGESS RD.

Cherry Huang request removal of a tree on the sidewalk in front of 58 Windsor St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Library Ln. be renamed Edward M. Augustus, Jr. Way.

Michael Kollios request the sidewalk in front of 360 May St. be paved.

Nathan Cummings request Grafton St. entrance of Roosevelt Elementary be amended to allow full-size school buses to enter from Grafton St. northbound without mounting the curb.

Stephen Campbell request extension of water main on Kenwood Ave.

John and Karen Kurkulonis request sidewalks in the vicinity of 1 Stratton Rd. be repaved.

Victoria DiMassa request installation of crosswalk signage ahead of the crosswalk at the intersection of Richmond Ave. and Audubon Rd. to alert motorists of the crosswalk.

Maria Castillo request installation of residential parking on Chapin St. from Dorchester St. to South St.

Maria Castillo request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage in the vicinity of the driveway of 8 Chapin St.

Manyana Alvarez request installation of residential parking on the east side of Beacon St. from Hermon St. to Sycamore St.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: HENCHMAN ST.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a pole location on: WHITE AVE.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a pole location on: BLITHEWOOD AVE.

VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a conduit location on: BROOK ST.

Maria Castillo request installation of "Pick-Up After Pets" signage in the vicinity of 8 Chapin St.

Kristen Solaras request Mayor consider proclaiming the week of May 7th to May 13th, 2023 "Children's Mental Health Week".

Terry Kelly request City Council request City Manager stop sweeps of homeless encampments and address adequate sanitation concerns such as trash, human waste and used waste.

Terry Kelly request City Council request City Manager provide identification badges with full legal names and titles to be worn by city employees and independent contractors.

Terry Kelly request City Council request City Manager conduct criminal records review for all city employees.

Terry Kelly request City Council request City Manager conduct criminal records review for all independent contractors that work with the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager allocate up to $1,000,000.00 (One Million Dollars) to rental assistance through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager request Police Chief expand parking enforcement and parking oversight in the vicinity of Mayfield St., Parker St., Winfield St., and May St. Further, request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the parking challenges in the vicinity of Mayfield St., Parker St., Winifred and May St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager increase public education campaigns relative to safely crossing the road.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility monitor crash rates at the intersection of June St. and Hadwen Rd. on an ongoing basis.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility discuss moving the southbound bus stop to the far (southerly) side of the intersection of June St. and Hadwen Rd. to improve visibility of traffic and pedestrians with the WRTA.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility investigate the installation of curb extensions on June St. to improve visibility of traffic and pedestrians, moderate traffic speeds and improve safety for pedestrians crossing June St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility work with District 1 Councilor to install speed humps on Kinnicutt Rd.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study at the intersection of Kinnicutt Rd. and Westbrook Rd. for the purposes of reversing the stop signs to be installed on Kinnicutt Rd.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility update pavement markings and signage related to the intersection of Coburn Ave. and Lakeview St. and established school zone.

Request Standing Committee on Public Works meet with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to determine the feasibility of installing storm drains on Granite St., at its intersection with Saint Anthony St. to stop water from running off Granite St. and flooding Saint Anthony St. and other private roads. (Russell)

Request Standing Committee on Public Works meet with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to discuss a plan relative to a previously adopted Order on January 17, 2023 for constructing new sidewalks in the vicinity of Roosevelt Elementary School along Sunderland Rd. from Grafton St. to Massasoit Rd., which would be done at the city’s expense and waive all fee assessments for abutters to said construction. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the Worcester Police Department’s curriculum for their Cadet Program. (Rivera)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks communicate to all the utility companies who pull permits and/or do dig-safe markings to ensure they properly notify business owners of the dates when work is being completed in/around their businesses prior to the work beginning. Said notifications should take place in the form the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks believes is most appropriate. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning how to significantly improve walkability and address traffic safety through traffic calming on Burncoat St. that could be incorporated in conjunction with resurfacing. Said report should include an overview of this analysis and any potential improvements with the Burncoat community for feedback. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider whether creating and implementing traffic signal priority technology for Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) bus services is warranted throughout the city. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report regarding any and all efforts under way to treat weeds and bring up the water tables at Elm Park and to restore same. (Bergman)

Request City Manager make efforts to establish a system to permanently mark locations of historically significant buildings/businesses that have been demolished. (Bergman)

Request City Manager assign a designated contact within his administration to allow for direct communication and access to local issues for the city’s colleges and universities. (Petty)

Request City Manager work with the appropriate representatives from the Departmentt of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to approve a local preference clause for the proposed Inclusionary Zoning ordinance to ensure that Worcester residents are prioritized for Inclusionary Zoning-restricted units. (Haxhiaj)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the 19th Annual “Worcester: The City that Reads Committee” Book Drive in its goal to reach its 1,000,000th collected book. (Bergman, Russell, Colorio, Toomey)

Recommending passage of the accompanying Ordinance relative to amending the salary of the City Clerk.

Transmitting a communication relative to the appointment of the Assistant City Clerk, Election Division.

Eric D. Batista, City Manager, transmitting an edited reorganization ordinance for the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, "All Aboard: Financing a Fare Free WRTA."

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Richard Smalley request the Zoning Map be amended by changing the zoning designation of the property located at 267 Providence St. from RL-7 to BG-2: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Inclusionary Zoning: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance as amended.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager 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 the accompanying Resolution.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to inclusionary zoning; recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Natalie Turner request the city zoning map be amended to rezone the block situated within the borders of Mayfield St., Parker St., Winfield St. and May St. from BG-4 to RL-7: recommend Report be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a crosswalk across Holden St. at either Tuxedo Rd. or Dogwood Rd., or both; recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maria Montano request installation of a crosswalk on Cambridge St. in the vicinity of Freeland St. and Exeter St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request flashing stop signs be installed in place of the existing stop signs at the intersection of Coburn Ave. and Lakeview St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Rand L'Heureux request installation of handicap parking space in front of 3 Jefferson St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mary Sisko request installation of handicap parking space in front of 52 Plantation St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Tamara Torres request Richards St. be made one way street: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Julianie Rodriguez request Portland St. be made one way street: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk light in the vicinity of the Court House (225 Main St.): recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ifrad Islam request installation of four-way stop sign at the intersection of June St. and Hadwen Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lorie Cahill request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Kinnicutt Rd. and Westbrook Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request installation of speed limit signage in the vicinity of 126 Elm St.; recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jacqueline Coppedge et al., on behalf of Grace Christian Centre, request Slow Down signage in the vicinity of 126 Elm St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maria Montano request installation of speed limit signage in the vicinity of the intersection at Cambridge St. and Richards St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Petition of Tina Masiello request pavement markings be painted on Toronita Ave. including double yellow lines and white shoulder lane markings: recommend Petition be placed on file.

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. (Tabled Under Privilege - King March 21, 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)

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)

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – 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. – Item #20a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – Request City Manager consider assigning a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion staff person to complete work externally for the community. – Item #20b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager provide City Council with an equity audit of the last five (5) years relative to hosting events. – Item #20c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – 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. – Item #20d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager consider allocating any funds received from the deed execution for 0 Aldrich Place to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). – Item #20e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager ensure amplification is not used in a way that negatively impacts community during the spring weather. – Item #20f CC Order adopted

RESOLUTION of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #20g CC Resolution adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – That the salary of the City Clerk be an annual salary of $180,000.00, effective March 21, 2023. – Item #20h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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. – Item #20i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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. – Item #20j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Haxhiaj @ #15c CC – Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with an outline of the city’s plans relative to designating 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.

Motion Toomey @ #10c CC – Request City Manager work with the Police Chief and the state delegation to discuss and explore any potential remedial measures to the civil service age restrictions that are impacting recruitment of new police officers in the city.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools and Police Chief to ensure plans are in place to deal with “swatting’ calls, which are phone calls made regarding fake school shootings.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased speed enforcement on Plantation St. from Brown Square to the Saint Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 101 Plantation St.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager contact the appropriate representatives from Massachusetts DOT to ensure the trash on the on-ramp and off-ramp for I-290 in the vicinity of Wawecus Road School/Burncoat St. is cleaned up due to panhandlers leaving their trash in the area.