CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:08 P.M.

Adjourned: 11:06 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 Harris Wolobah, who was a sophomore student at Dohert Memorial High School and passed away at the age of 14. Harris will be remembered as an intelligent and talented young man who loved playing video games and basketball.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of July 18, 2023.

1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #11.36A CM, item #12a CC and #13e CC 2. Andrew Marsh, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 3. Dominica Perrone, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 4. Najia Lloyd, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 5. Neil Rosenbloom, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11.4A CM 6. Brian Dutremble, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11.3A CM 7. Mary Sacksteder, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 8. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 9. Geoffrey Killebrew, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11.4D CM 10. Christopher Sims, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 11. Molly Beau, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 12. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #12a CC and #12b CC 13. Joe Godic, Auburn resident, spoke in opposition to items #19a CC through #19d CC 14. Dan Mulcahey, Ware resident, spoke in favor of item #12b CC 15. Louise Fiola, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #19a CC through #19d CC 16. Anna Siminini, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a through #19d CC 17. James Arthur, No residence given, spoke in favor of items #12a CC and #12b CC 18. Carrie Baker, Northampton resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 19. Pavlina Tollkuci, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #19f CC 20. Julie Hull, Mashpee resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 21. Michael King, No residence given, spoke in opposition to items #19a CC through #19d CC 22. Gregory Magazu, Hubbardston resident, spoke in opposition to items #19a CC through #19d CC 23. Dan McNulty, No residence given, spoke in favor of item #12b CC 24. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 25. Laurie Veninger, No residence given, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 26. Melissa Taro, Chicopee resident, spoke in opposition to items #19a CC through #19d CC 27. Francesca Bartholomew, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #19a CC through #19d CC 28. Alexandra Gonzalez, Westford resident, spoke in opposition to items #19a CC through #19d CC 29. Grace Ross, Worcester resident, spoke concerning an item not listed on the agenda 30. Betty Panagian, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #19a CC through #19d CC 31. Paul Matthews, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14a CC

That the City Council convene in Executive Session at its September 12, 2023 meeting for the purpose of discussing litigation strategy with respect to the case of Carmen N. Rodriguez v. Timothy J. McGourthy, City Treasurer of the City of Worcester, the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, and Tallage-Davis, LLC United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Massachusetts, Chapter 13 Case No. 23-40040-EDK; Adversary Proceeding No. 23-04017-EDK. The City Council will not reconvene in Open Session.

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

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for a joint pole location on: TACOMA ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for a joint pole location on: TACOMA ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: JAQUES AVE. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: JAQUES AVE.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: MAY ST. and JUNE ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: MAY ST. and JUNE ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for a joint pole location on: UNCATENA AVE. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for a joint pole location on: UNCATENA AVE.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: NEWTON AVE. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: NEWTON AVE.

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

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

Rodney Moore request tree removal in front of 117 Farrar Ave.

Gordon Dick request Lazelle St. be made public.

Fausto Bonetti request Sherer Trail be made public.

Jim Chacharone request Southgate Pl. from Southgate St. to railroad property be discontinued as a public way and removed from the official map.

Ahsan Aadil Shaikh request the street from 1 Jonathan Cir. to 15 Jonathan Cir. be resurfaced.

Rodney Moore request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 117 Farrar Ave.

Jacob Tanoglu request sidewalk resurfacing in the vicinity of 487 Salisbury St.

Stephanie Velez request Johnson St. be resurfaced.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Catherine DeCaire request installation of pedestrian crossing advisory signage on Goddard Memorial Dr. at its intersection with Parsons Hill Dr.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Carol Grigas request installation of two (2) to three (3) speed humps on Trahan Ave.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Wendy Mancini request installation of an additional bus stop on Blithewood Ave. at the end of Weatherstone Dr., coming from both directions.

Aidan Henbest et al. request installation of crosswalk on Institute Rd. at the intersection of Institute Rd. and Einhorn Rd.

Amber Dixon request installation of crosswalk with crosswalk light on Apricot St., across from Dr. Arthur Sullivan Middle School (140 Apricot St.)

Amber Dixon request installation of crosswalk at the intersection of Main St. and Ludlow St.

Kelly Penrod request installation of resident permit parking for the entire length of Scott St.

Yvonne Miller request installation of a speed hump on Dominion Rd.

Susan Hunt, on behalf of the College of the Holy Cross, request installation of 20-minute parking zone in front of 1 and 7 City View St. to provide temporary parking to load/unload vehicles at the new Holy Cross Town House apartment residences.

David Lindberg request installation of No Parking From Here to Corner on Boynton St. at the intersection of Boynton St. and Salisbury St.

Henry Walley request installation of handicap parking space in front of 3 Richmond Ave.

Donald R. Rugg request extension of resident permit parking on Astrid Ave. to 9 Astrid Ave.

Pedro B. Toro request handicap parking space in front of 12 Wyman St. be relocated to across from 12 Wyman St.

Edward Frimpong request installation of No Parking signage in front of 246 Fairmont Ave.

Arthur D. Sutton request installation of stop signs on Houghton St. at the intersection of Houghton St. and Palm St.

John Sampson request installation of No Parking Anytime in front of 19 Goldthwaite Rd.

Em Quiles request traffic review at the intersection of Fairmont St. and Hamilton St.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Josue Rosa request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage in front of 574 Pleasant St.

Steven Gellati request installation of resident permit parking on both sides of Shelby St.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the restructuring of the Comprehensive Leave Benefits in Lieu of adoption of PFML

Recommend Approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment Relative to Accessory Dwelling Units

Informational Communication Relative to an Update on Economic Development Initiatives

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on housing and neighborhood development.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the special event permit application process.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the semi-annual TIF/TIE reporting for period ending on June 30, 2023.

Recommend adoption of a resolution relative to decertification of TIF Plan for 1 Mercantile Street (Unum)

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the Harrington Field Master Plan.

Transmitting Informational communication relative to a report for the potential for the city to recoup legal and/or operational costs from monies spent on issues stemming from negligent landlords or property owners.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation in in the amount of Six Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($600.00) from the Central Mass Athletic Directors Association to support the City's sports fields.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Fifty Dollars And No Cents ($550.00) from the UMass Chan Medical School - New England Newborn Screening Program to support a memorial tree planting at Cristoforo Colombo (East) Park.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Fifty Dollars And No Cents ($550.00) from the Worcester Historical Museum to support a memorial tree planting at Green Hill Park in memory of trustee and friend Mr. Derrick Leto.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($25,000.00) from the Commonwealth Corporation under the Behavioral Health HUB Grant Program.

Recommend adoption of the attached resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant up to an amount of Four Hundred Nine Thousand Four Hundred Sixty One Dollars And No Cents ($409,461.00) through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs under their Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program.

Recommend that Four Million Seventy Seven Thousand Two Hundred Forty One Dollars And No Cents ($4,077,241.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Year XLIX Community Development Block Grant program, and Seventy Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($75,000.00) in anticipated Year XLIX Program Income, be appropriated, when and as received, to provide financing for eligible projects and programs.

Recommend that Forty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($40,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1009-600100, Law Department Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1009-610100, Law Department Ordinary Maintenance, to provide additional funding for outside counsel expenses.

Recommend that Four Hundred Sixty Nine Dollars And Sixty Eight Center ($469.68) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1004, Economic Development Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of a prior year invoice.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with an updated TIF/TIE policy, including any recent amendments to same. Further, request City Manager request Chief Development Officer create a draft ordinance relative to registered apprenticeship requirements for future projects.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer work with the City Solicitor to provide City Council with a report reviewing potential legal concerns associated with a registered apprenticeship program draft ordinance, as well as a recommendation relative to increasing requirements associated with apprenticeship programs, in an effort to accommodate more trades and/or trade exceptions.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report highlighting the workflow of the added compliance officer, as well as how said position will be funded.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks clear overgrowth in culvert on Goddard Memorial Dr., from the corner of the road down past the guardrail. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review all crosswalks on Goddard Memorial Dr. in the vicinity of the approach to South High School for the purpose of repainting any crosswalks that are in need of being repainted in said area. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report reviewing the feasibility of reducing the number of lanes on the sidewalk side of Goddard Memorial Dr. to one lane, with “Right Turn Only” lanes at Parsons Hill Dr. and Beatrice Dr. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report as to any changes made to the traffic light timing/sequencing at Lincoln Square, which would have been initiated around June 1, 2023. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility include in said report the rationale behind any changes if such changes did occur. (Bergman)

Request City Manager complete a safety audit for the following issues: 1) Safety of the areas where children get dropped off and picked up during school hours – at all schools; 2) Safety of municipal streets where schools are located and children must access when arriving or departing the school building; 3) Which schools have crosswalks; 4) Which schools have blinking light crosswalk signs; and 5) Which schools have 20 MPH signs posted. (King)

Request City Manager review schools in the Main South area for the purpose of determining the feasibility of installing “20 MPH” signage at said schools. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an updated report concerning the electrification of parking facilities, including adding the ability for people to charge their vehicles while parked in a city parking facility. Further, request City Manager include in said report a variety of options and the cost for topping off chargers and rapid chargers, which could be used as a potential revenue source to cover the cost of charging equipment. (Toomey)

Request City Manager coordinate with the Worcester Red Sox, Chamber of Commerce and Boston College to discuss using Polar Park to host the ACC Baseball Championship, which typically takes place in May. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request Acting Police Chief provide City Council with a comprehensive report regarding the number and types of weapons that have been confiscated over the past year. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request Acting Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning personnel allocations per sector/route, based on call volume. Further, request City Manager include in said report updated census figures relative to the increased number of apartments to date, and add future projected apartments that have been proposed since the last census numbers. (Toomey)

Request City Manager obtain and provide City Council with at least two (2) additional legal opinions associated with the two (2) draft ordinances received for the purpose of prohibiting deceptive advertising of limited pregnancy centers. Said legal opinions should be provided by reproductive justice experts, such as the Lawyering Project. (Nguyen)

Request City Manager work with the Director of Youth Opportunities and community partners to develop measures for reducing gun violence amongst the youth in the city. (Petty)

Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, "Reinventing Worcester: Changes in the community and the economy over the decades through Decennial Census data."

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Amended Petition of Brendan Gove and John D. Barry request to amend the city's zoning map by extending the BG-3.0 zoning district and the CCOD-E to wholly encompass the property at 0 Grafton St.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of proposed zoning map amendment extends the Business, General 2.0 (BG-2.0) zone from Park Avenue to remove the legacy Manufacturing, Limited 1.0 (ML-1.0) zone that reflected the former use of Coes Knife, which is now Coes Park and Playground.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Historical Commission Upon the Final Study Report for the Proposed Elm Park Neighborhood Local Historic District, to recommend the establishment of the Elm Park Neighborhood Local Historic District: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to an updated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Policy: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to semi-annual TIF/TIE reporting: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to semi annual TIF/TIE reporting: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of One (1) Hour Parking signage in front of 269 Lincoln St. (Amended from Fifteen (15) Minute Parking on June 22, 2022): recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maria Correa request installation of handicap parking space in front of 39 Perry Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Timothy Gill request installation of handicap parking space on Claremont St. adjacent to 866 Main St. (Amended March 22, 2023): recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Samuel Duah request removal of handicap parking space in front of 55 Plantation St. (Amended May 17, 2023): recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Holly Wilder-Raposa request installation of handicap parking space in front of 13 Greendale Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Francisco Rivera request installation of handicap parking space in front of 15 Jacques Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mohammed El-Refaei request installation of two (2) additional handicap parking spaces in front of 57 Laurel St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Justin Nugent request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 25 Arlington St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Joanne Troiano request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on Short St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Isaac Chassman request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of New England Chiropractic Health Clinic (192 Lincoln St.): recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the winter parking ban on Harmon St. be reversed to No Parking on the Odd Side of the street, when declared: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Alexandra Welch et al. request assessment of the intersection of Beaver Brook Pkwy and Maywood St. for the installation of a four-way stop sign, or whichever traffic control intervention is deemed appropriate: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance to install a stop sign on Beaver Brook Pkwy facing southbound traffic.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Karla Garcia, on behalf of Worcester Manufacturing, request installation of additional 5 ton truck weight limit restriction signage on Gilman St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group R – Laborer and Craftsman and Occupational Group P – Foreman and Supervisor for the Water Filtration Laboratory Supervisor.

Amending the Organizational Ordinance of the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.

A Reorganization Ordinance Moving The Cultural Development Division And The Arts Council From The Executive Office Of The City Manager To The Executive Office Of Economic Development, And Moving The License Commission From The Executive Office Of Economic Development To The Department Of Inspectional Services.

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – That the City Council Order, item #11t CC, by Councilor Thu Nguyen on the July 18, 2023 Agenda be amended to read as follows: “Request City Manager work with the City Solicitor to review ordinance language in Somerville, Cambridge and Easthampton to provide City Council with two (2) separate draft ordinances regarding deceptive advertising practices of limited pregnancy centers and prohibiting such activities from being permitted in the city. One said ordinance should ensure that any such establishment operating within city limits with a primary purpose of providing services to people who are or have reason to believe they may be pregnant, including mobile facilities, must either directly provide or provide referrals for abortions or emergency contraception, and the second ordinance should not. Said draft ordinance should be provided to the City Council and the public by City Council’s meeting in August of 2023.” (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 18, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – That the City Council Order, item #11t CC, by Councilor Thu Nguyen on the July 18, 2023 Agenda be amended to read as follows: “Request City Manager work with the City Solicitor to review ordinance language in Somerville, Cambridge and Easthampton in an effort to draft an ordinance in the city concerning deceptive advertising practices of limited pregnancy centers and prohibiting such activities from being permitted in the city.” (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 18, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – That the City Council Order, item #11t CC, by Councilor Thu Nguyen on the July 18, 2023 Agenda be amended to read as follows: “Request City Manager work with the City Solicitor to review ordinance language in Somerville, Cambridge and Easthampton in an effort to draft an ordinance in the city concerning deceptive advertising practices of any healthcare provider.” (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 18, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted Order from July 29, 2022 that read as follows: "Request City Manager work with the City Solicitor to review ordinance language in Somerville, Cambridge and Easthampton in an effort to draft a similar, parallel ordinance in the city concerning deceptive advertising practices of limited pregnancy centers and prohibiting such activities from being permitted in the city. Worcester should join Somerville and Cambridge in ensuring that any such establishment operating within city limits with a primary purpose of providing services to people who are or have reason to believe they may be pregnant, including mobile facilities, must either directly provide or provide referrals for abortions or emergency contraception. Said draft ordinances should be provided to the City Council and the public." (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 18, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager request Police Chief review the “Walking While Black: L.O.V.E. is the Answer” documentary and consider hosting a community viewing of said documentary with a discussion panel to follow. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rivera July 18, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - King August 22, 2023)

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for a joint pole location on TRAHAN AVE. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for a joint pole location on TRAHAN AVE. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell August 22, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report outlining the City administration’s research into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty August 22, 2023

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund screening process. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson August 22, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to draft ordinances related to pregnancy service centers. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio August 22, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of City Manager transmitting informational communication a report concerning the income ranges associated with the Elderly Abatement Tax Exemption, as well as any ranges associated with any other exemptions, including but not limited to abatements for widows and veterans. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty August 22, 2023)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk work with the City Solicitor to provide City Council with a report relative to language required to provide City Council with its own legal support, as well as salary parameters and a job description for said position(s). (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the city’s current social media policy. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj - Request Standing Committee on Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment hold a public hearing relative to receiving feedback as to ways the city’s social media policy can be updated and/or more properly enforced. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with MassDOT to provide the city with recommendations and plans for addressing vehicular safety concerns on Grove St. at its intersections with Drummond Ave. and with Chester St. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct a study to determine the number of accidents occurring at said intersections to aid in any discussions with MassDOT. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement of speed and dirt bikes on Clark St. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility assess the intersection of Saint Nicholas Ave. and Clark St. for safety improvements. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning all of the vehicle accidents that have occurred at said intersection over the last two (2) years. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of creating an indoor, municipally operated sports, arts and cultural center comparable to center in the Town of Barnstable. Said report should include the viability of having this become a public/private partnership. https://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/departments/Recreation/ (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty August 22, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk recommend adoption of the accompanying proposed amendment to Appendix B of the Rules of City Council, in an effort to ensure all city boards, commissions, divisions, and departments receive oversight from a City Council Standing Committee. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio August 22, 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)

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Councilor Thu Nguyen - Request City Manager work with appropriate departments and stakeholders to establish an Office of Housing Stability in an effort to prevent the involuntary displacement of city residents who are in the process of being evicted or at the risk of losing their housing, as well as to enact policies to combat displacement, homelessness and enhance tenants’ rights. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj July 18, 2023 and Tabled - Haxhiaj August 22, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update relative to the reopening of UMass Memorial Health – Community Healthlink (CHL). – Item #23a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any programs existing in the city relative to seniors abating their taxes through a work-off program. – Item #23b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the State’s increased Cost-Of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) rates are reflected in the city’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Budget and asset limits. – Item #23c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning number of individuals who are utilizing the various tax exemption and abatement programs offered within the city. – Item #23d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager establish or re-establish a Senior Tax Work-Off Program. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the fiscal impact of such a program, as well as projected costs associated with such a program at varying levels of its capacity – Item #23e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning Worcester Ballpark Commission meetings, including information as to its schedule and the outcomes associated with their meetings. – Item #23f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning work shifts associated with adopting the Building Stretch Code and Municipal Opt-In Specialized Code. – Item #23g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any options available to residents relative to a repayment plan for tax title liens. – Item #23h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager review other municipalities on a national level to determine whether any repayment plans can be set up relative to tax title liens. – Item #23i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the basketball court at Crompton Park to make sure any necessary repairs are done to curb bubbling of the surface at the court. – Item #23j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager conduct a staffing analysis for the Department of Public Works and Parks – Parks and Recreation Division. – Item #23k CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays

RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King – That City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support additional monies being provided to the City Clerk’s Office for the purpose of funding a mailing to educate voters, as well as for designing and printing ballots for the Municipal Election in November 2023. – Item #23l CC Resolution adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby amend its meeting schedule to begin the September 12, 2023 City Council meeting at 6 p.m. – Item #23m CC Order adopted

Motion Russell @ #11.4A CM – Request Standing Committee on Economic Development consider the feasibility of amending the proposed zoning ordinance amendment relative to accessory dwelling units to allow for said units to be built through special permit only in single family zones.

Motion Russell @ #11.4A CM – Request Standing Committee on Economic Development consider the feasibility of amending the proposed zoning ordinance amendment relative to accessory dwelling units to eliminate the proposed thresholds for dimensional requirements.

Motion King @ #11.4B CM – Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with an example of a feasibility study, as they relate to inclusionary zoning. Further, request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a report of feasibility studies on inclusionary zoning that have occurred in other cities and towns.

Motion King @ #11.4D CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the timeline for when the Peddlers and Hawkers licensing period ends.

Motion Petty @ #11.4D CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning special events that have occurred at Green Hill Park during Summer 2023 that includes information as to the number of people expected at each event.

Motion King @ #11.3A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a side-by-side comparison of the city’s proposed benefits package and the benefits provided to individuals and organizations that opt into Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).

Motion Haxhiaj @ #11.14A CM – Request City Manager look into the feasibility of enacting an ordinance to institute an escalation fee on owners of unused properties, such as the “Big D” property on Mill St., who hinder the ability of the city to move forward with neighborhood development projects. Said fee should increase every year it is in place on such a property and/or property owner.

Motion Toomey @ #13k CC – Request City Manager work with the State Legislature to address issues associated with oversight and potential legislation prohibiting deceptive advertising practices of pregnancy service centers.

Motion King @ #13k CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor to reach out to the city’s State Delegation to explore ways the State Legislature can draft legislation that protects individuals from deceptive advertising of limited pregnancy centers.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #19h CC – Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer review ways the city can strengthen its Affordable Housing Trust Fund screening process to ensure recipients of funds are not associated with any problem properties in the city or elsewhere.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #19j CC – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report concerning the number of individuals receiving money back on their taxes through abatements such as the widows and veterans’ exemptions. Further, request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer include in said report the State averages and utilizations associated with said abatements, in an effort to ensure the city is in line with the rest of the Commonwealth.