CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:49 P.M.

Recessed to Executive Session: 9:55 P.M. Adjourned from Executive Session: 10:31 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 September 17, 2023 through September 23, 2023 as Constitution Week in the city. The Proclamation was presented to the Daughters of the Revolution and South High School student Owen Cohane, who read the Proclamation.

Mayor Petty read a PROCLAMATION declaring the week of September 25, 2023 through September 30, 2023 as WCCA TV’s Central Mass Jazz Festival Week in the city.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of August 22, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Robert Bureau, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.10A CM 2. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.8A CM and in favor of item #9.10A CM 3. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.10A CM 4. Shelly Cullen, no residence given, spoke in opposition to item #11b CC 5. Megan Paradise, Ashburnham, spoke in opposition to item #11b CC 6. Robin Yancey, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC 7. Kalie Walker, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC 8. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11b CC 9. Matthew Noe, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC and #9.10A CM 10. Giselle Grenier, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC 11. Robin Smith, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC 12. Pavlina Tollkuci, Worcester resident, spoke in favor or item #11a CC 13. Scott Morrisey, Bolton resident, spoke in favor of item #11a CC 14. Leo Turova, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a CC 15. Evan Tollkuci, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a CC 16. Emma Tosh, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8i CC 17. Sarah Beltran, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11b CC 18. Debra Conniff, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC 19. Paul Paladino, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC 20. Nina Callahan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC 21. Tracy O’Connell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8i CC

That the City Council convene in Executive Session at its September 19, 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty September 12, 2023)

Donna Bunker-Swanstrom request street resurfacing on Lovell St. from May St. to Park Ave.

Debra Touw request construction of continuous sidewalks along both sides of May St. from Chandler St. to Pleasant St.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Marion Giacomelli request installation of at least one (1) stop sign on Moreland St. at its intersection with Walter St. to aid motorists turning left from Walter St. onto Moreland St.

Councilor Khrystian E. King on behalf of Titus Miller request installation of One (1) Hour Parking on Murray Ave. from Chandler St. to a point 200’ southeast of Chandler St.

Carolin Cartagena request installation of a handicap parking space along the back parking lot side of 20 Lakeside Ave.

Patricia Tricomi et al. request installation of resident permit parking on both sides of Thorndyke Rd.

Cendya Rodrigues request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage adjacent to the handicap parking space located in front of 7 Dixon Ave.

Janell Maisonet et al. request removal of "No Parking Anytime" signage in the vicinity of 61 Vernon St.

Tracy Novick et al. request City Council request City Manager intervene with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, Keolis Commuter Services and the state government to preserve at least one "Worcester Express" train that arrives in Boston at a time allowing for 8 a.m. arrivals to work and at least one leaving Boston allowing for leaving work at 4 p.m. or later. Further, request City Council advocate that both current and future residents of the city be informed of and better consulted in such changes moving forward.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Taking for the purpose of securing two permanent and one temporary easement on properties along Salisbury Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Sanitation Cost and City Trash Bag Revenue.

Transmitting informational communication relative to implementing a hybrid spray park/ pool at the Tacoma Street Playground.

Transmitting informational communication relative to addressing illegal parking on sidewalks.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a quarterly report detailing the deployments of the newly acquired Small Unmanned Aircraft System.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Fifty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($55,000.00) from Bank of America to support operating costs of the Recreation Worcester Summer Program.

Recommend the adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a donation in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) from Holy Cross for the Recreation Worcester Program.

Recommend that One Hundred Thirty Two Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($132,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1017-600100, Emergency Communications Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1017-601100, Emergency Communications Overtime, to cover continued overtime costs within the department.

Recommend that Twenty Nine Thousand Five Hundred Forty Seven Dollars And No Cents ($29,547.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1044-699303, Fire Capital Outlay, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1044-610100, Fire Ordinary Maintenance, for the purchase of radio batteries, dive equipment, and a defibrillator.

Recommend that Ninety Two Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Eight Dollars And Seventy Eight Cents ($92,528.78) be transferred from Account #FD314-PG10137, Premium on Loans-Bonds, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1062-610100, Treasury Ordinary Maintenance, to fund the costs associated with the issuance of the $75,302,063 BAN dated August 31, 2023.

Recommend City Council's approval of Fiscal Year 2023 year-end operating transfers to make final adjustments to accounts to balance the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget.

Nikolin Vangjeli, City Clerk, recommend adoption of the accompanying amendment to the job description and salary regrade of the Chief of Council position.

Nikolin Vangjeli, City Clerk, recommend adoption of an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Table of Organization for the City Council Office and job description of two (2) City Council Aide positions.

Nikolin Vangjeli, City Clerk, recommend adoption of an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Table of Organization for the Office of the City Clerk.

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 and September 12, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Rose September 12, 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 and September 12, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 12, 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 George J. Russell – 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. – Item #22a CC Referred to Economic Development Committee

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – 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. – Item #22b CC Referred to Economic Development Committee

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #22c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the timeline for when the Peddlers and Hawkers licensing period ends. – Item #22d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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. – Item #22e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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). – Item #22f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – 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. – Item #22g CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #22h CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #22i CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #22j CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #22k CC Order adopted

Motion Russell @ #11a CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning the differences between a conveyance of land and the granting of an easement location as they relate to conduit location approvals.

Motion Nguyen @ #11a CC – Request City Manager reach out to the appropriate organizations, such as National Grid, to ensure their representation at all City Council meetings that include their petitions and hearings to grant permission for conduit locations in the city.

Motion Colorio @ #11a CC – Request City Manager work with National Grid and Verizon New England to determine whether any financial assistance can be given to the property owner of 294 Hamilton St. during any necessary construction on the property to provide the location with an appropriate amount of electricity to operate its business.

Motion Toomey @ #11a CC – Request City Manager reach out to any appropriate State agencies to determine whether any financial assistance can be provided to the property owner of 294 Hamilton St. during any necessary construction on the property to provide the location with an appropriate amount of electricity to operate its business.

Motion Petty @ #11a CC – Request City Manager organize a meeting between city officials, representatives from National Grid and Verizon New England, as well as all appropriate stakeholders to discuss potential solutions to issues around providing electricity to 294 Hamilton St.

Motion King @ #11a CC – Request City Manager work with the property owner of 294 Hamilton St. to identify any loans or grants that can be provided to their business for the purpose of ensuring the business has the appropriate amount of electricity.

Motion Russell @ #9.8A CM – Request City Manager consider allocating monies in the next budget to allow for new options for residents around trash removal, including allowing residents to put their trash out with traditional trash bags, including the model used by the city of Boston.

Motion King @ #9.8A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning pursuing the creation of an income-sensitive trash bag purchasing program.

Motion Toomey @ #9.8A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any increases in taxes that would occur if the city no longer required residents to purchase the yellow, city trash bag.

Motion Toomey @ #9.8A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report reviewing how often residents’ plastic recycling bins are breaking.

Motion King @ #9.8A CM – Request City Manager explore multiple ways the city can incentivize residents to recycle.

Motion King @ #9.9A CM – Request City Manager explore the groundbreaking of the hybrid spray park/pool at the Tacoma Street Playground.

Motion King @ #9.10A CM – Request City Manager consider conducting intermittent education campaigns for residents whenever any efforts are made to address illegal parking on sidewalks.