CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:35 P.M.

Adjourned: 10:40 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 Mary C. Healy Vigliotti, who passed away on September 15, 2023 at the age of 74. Ms. Healy Vigliotti was a life-long Worcester resident and worked for the Worcester Housing Authority for over thirty years.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 12, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8f CC and #9d CC and in opposition to item #9i CC 2. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9c CC and #9e CC 3. Jennifer Madson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC 4. Grace Ross, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18g CC 5. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9q CC and #9i CC 6. Jacob Saido, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #10a CC 7. John Weaver, Sturbridge resident, spoke in opposition to item #12a CC 8. Maura Pentlarge, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC 9. Jason Pincomb, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #12a CC 10. Tasia Cerezo, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9j CC 11. Russell Cole, Franklin resident, spoke in opposition to item #12a CC 12. Oliver Chadwick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC 13. Ted Conna, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC 14. Tracy O’Connell Novick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17a CC 15. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9q CC and #17a CC and in opposition of item #10a CC 16. Matthew Noe, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #17a CC and #12a CC 17. Mary Leovich, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC 18. Sarah Bertrand, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC

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.

Todd Binns request removal of handicap parking space in front of 16 Louise St.

Fanny Erazo de Acosta request installation of handicap parking space in front of 17 Jefferson St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Sheila Crotty request installation of a speed bump in the vicinity of 55 Standish St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning short- and long-term plans to utilize Revenue Days and Community Event Days at Polar Park.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager facilitate the transfer of the care and custody control of Polar Park to the Department of Public Facilities. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with report documenting said process.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s contracts with utility companies, including information relative to the policies for street patching and the street patching warranty. Further, request said report include information relative to the staffing level of DPW inspectors and whether the staffing number is sufficient to perform street patching inspections.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the even side of the sidewalk on Goldthwaite Rd.at Pleasant Valley Dr. for any necessary immediate repairs.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the even side of the sidewalk on Richland St. for any necessary immediate repairs.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks notify property owners through a mailing within the city’s next tax bill of the proper procedure for replanting public shade trees that have been removed.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Clerk make efforts to work with petitioners to determine whether items can be done administratively without going to City Council and by providing residents information concerning the city’s 311 program.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the sidewalk in front of 32 Varnum St. for any necessary immediate repairs.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install MUTCD-compliant Pedestrian in Crosswalk signage in the vicinity of Goddard School of Science & Technology, 14 Richards St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility coordinate with the Superintendent of the Public Schools to investigate ways to improve pedestrian safety and access during the arrival and dismissal activities at the Goddard School of Science & Technology.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install MUTCD-compliant Pedestrian in Crosswalk signage in the vicinity of 489 Hamilton St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with City Officials and the Superintendent of Public Schools to organize a neighborhood walk-through at Roosevelt Street School during pick-up time.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install MUTCD-compliant Pedestrian in Crosswalk signage on Sunderland Rd. in the vicinity of Roosevelt Street School.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with the Superintendent of Public Schools and the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program to review and upgrade School Zone signage along Sunderland Rd. in the vicinity of Roosevelt Street School.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with the Department of Public Works and Parks and the Superintendent of Public Schools to develop a plan to address sidewalks and pedestrian accommodations comprehensively along Sunderland Rd. between Dalton St. and Grafton St., with particular emphasis on the section between Perkins Farm Rd. and the westerly driveway of Redwood Hills.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the funding for the approved sidewalk construction along publicly-owned properties and properties abutting public streets.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study for the purposes of prohibiting parking on the easterly side of Gosnold St. for 40 ft. north of the intersection.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks trim the street tree on the northeast corner of the intersection of Gosnold St. and Andover St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install painted stop bars on Andover St. at the intersection of Gosnold St. and Andover St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager request Director of Emergency Communications and Management ensure marketing for the 311 program be made accessible in multiple languages.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager request the Director of Emergency Communications and Management review and resolve issues relative to the 311 app, including anonymous reporting and the solved tickets counter.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning Community Fluency’s archiving mechanism.

Request City Council, in accordance with City Council Rule 52, to discharge from the Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations the item referred to said committee on February 15, 2022 that reads as follows: Order of Councilor George J. Russell - Request City Manager work with the City Clerk to develop an online, mandatory registration system for lobbyists and any other person being compensated to solicit elected or appointed officials concerning policy matters in the City of Worcester’s government. Said information should include who they are and on behalf of who they are contacting officials for. Further, request that this data be public information as soon as it is filed. (Russell)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with an ordinance or policy that mandates all trench work done by utility companies and/or private contractors be permanently repaired within six (6) months and is guaranteed/bonded against sinking for five (5) years. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with information relative to the required amount of staff the Department of Public Works and Parks needs to ensure their ability to inspect such work on a regular, proactive schedule. (Russell, Toomey, Haxhiaj, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update as to the progress of the hiring of the Chief Equity Officer, as well as the ensuring of proper staffing levels within the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. (Toomey)

Request City Manager make immediate efforts to communicate with city's State Delegation and all relevant parties relative to the need to restore the reported elimination of the direct “Heart to Hub” express train service schedule from Worcester to Boston. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer work with the City Solicitor to expand any draft ordinances relative to registered apprenticeship requirements associated with the city’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) policies to include all trades in future projects. (King)

Request City Manager work with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to consider allocating funds in next year's budget for improvements to the Columbus Park. Further, request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of public Works and Parks collaborate with the Columbus Park Neighborhood Association regarding such improvements. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks and the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility to restore the two (2) crosswalks across from Big Y, located at 100 Mayfield St., which were accidentally removed during the repaving of May St. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager apply for tree planting grants and/or encourage the city’s nonprofit partners to do the same through the Greening the Gateway Cities Program. (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/greening-the-gateway-cities-program?_gl=1*1ezfwg4*_ga*MTI3OTQ0NjU0Mi4xNjc5MzU4MTE5*_ga_MCLPEGW7WM*MTY5NTA2OTA1My4xLjAuMTY5NTA2OTA2Ni4wLjAuMA) (Haxhiaj)

In an effort to consider the expansion of the applicant pool associated with the Chief of Police position, request City Manager provide City Council with draft language that would, by Special Act, remove the civil service requirement for the city's Chief of Police position, as well as any other related parameters associated with the position. (King)

Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council, at its next meeting, with a presentation concerning housing initiatives in the city. (Petty)

Request City Manager identify areas within each City Council district where permanent speed humps can be piloted. (Petty)

Request City Manager identify problem crosswalks in each City Council district, as well provide City Council with a plan to address said problem crosswalks through a pilot program to paint “floating crosswalks,” at said locations, which are tools used to increase walkability for pedestrians and promote overall neighborhood safety. (Petty)

Request City Manager collaborate with all appropriate city departments and stakeholders to plant one-thousand (1,000) trees in the city by 2026. (Petty)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a strategic implementation plan to vow the city becomes the cleanest gateway city in Massachusetts. Said strategic plan should include strategies used in other gateway communities to achieve similar goals. (Petty)

Request City Manager review the city’s current recycling bins to determine the feasibility of introducing additional rolling bins and/or other bin options for those residents living on steep hills. (Petty)

Request City Manager install a soundly-constructed escape ramp to prevent swans from being trapped in the spillway at Salisbury Pond in Institute Park, while also assessing other water bodies in the city to ensure such an issue is not occurring elsewhere. (Petty)

Request City Manager and City Council review documents regarding Crisis Pregnancy Centers (see attached). (Nguyen)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a comprehensive report and update concerning how many chosen speed hump locations have been installed in the city, as well as how many chosen locations are still awaiting installation. Said report should be sorted by City Council district. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager work with the Acting Police Chief to provide City Council with a report relative to any trends found in the city associated with increased speeding by motorists. Further, request City Manager request Acting Police Chief include in said report plans to address any such trends. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report relative to all streets and sidewalks that have been added to the approved street resurfacing and sidewalk repair lists to await funding over the last four (4) years. Said report should also include all street and sidewalk resurfacing selections over the past four (4) years, sorted by district, as well as the dates said lists have provided and approved by City Council. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what recommendations and suggested considerations were made and realized relative to the final report issued in July of 2023 by a city commissioned attorney, Michael Gardner. Said report should include any processes or policies that were created, reprioritized and or related trainings, as well as information pertaining to whether the information was shared with the whole of city personnel. (King)

Request City Manager request Chief Human Resources Officer conduct a survey of city employees to accompany any policies and procedures associated with the city’s proposed restructuring of Comprehensive Leave Benefits in Lieu of adoption of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). (King)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support considering the following amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Report, in order to balance the public good of creating ADU’s and to preserve the character of the neighborhoods in which ADU’s are sought to be created in: 1) Section 8A C. (c) of the Report be amended to exclude an owner being temporary absent other than for documented medical reasons; 2) Section 8A C. (f) of the Report be amended to require a family relationship of up to three (3) degrees of kinship; 3) Section 8A C. 4. of the Report be amended to require an ADU to have one (1) additional off-street parking space (for a non-family relationship) in any zones other than RS-10 and RS-7; and 4) Prior to the adoption of any Zoning Ordinance Amendment relating to ADU’s that consideration be given to any suggested restrictions upon ADU’s offered through state legislation. (Bergman)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend City Council's review and adoption of the Building Stretch Energy Code and Municipal Opt-In Specialized Code: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Kathleen Huntington request sidewalk repair on the even side of Goldthwaite Rd., where it intersects with Pleasant Valley Dr.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of John Yanczewski request sidewalk repair on Richland St. from Vernon St. to the fire hydrant on the even side: recommendation adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mark Brennan request sidewalk repair in the vicinity of 17 Barr St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Marsela Qafzezi et al. request sidewalk repair in the vicinity of 145 to 157 South Flagg St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Erika and Eli Rosario request sidewalk repair in front of 19 Ives St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of Maureen McNamara request sidewalk on Bristol St. abutting 497 Burncoat St. be repaved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Jose Cabral request the sidewalk in front of 32 Varnum St. be repaired: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommend adoption of an amendment to the City’s organizational ordinances that deletes the Worcester Ballpark Commission and places 100 Madison Street (Polar Park) under the care, custody, and control of the Department of Public Facilities: recommend proposed Ordinance be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 13, Section 71, Schedule IV-B to relocated on-street parking from the east side of Harding Street to the west side of the street between Arwick Avenue and Endicott Street: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paula and Harian Chaput request installation of Dead End signage on Esper Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a “Dead End” sign at the beginning of Esper Ave. and a “No Outlet” sign at the beginning of Migley Ave.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Charles Divris request removal of handicap parking space in front of 81-83 Whitmarsh Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Rebecca Asibey request installation of handicap parking space in front of 39 Litchfield St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Laima Cespedes request installation of handicap parking space in front of 2 Waller Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Goddard School of Science & Technology, 14 Richards St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sebastian Pawlowicz request installation of crosswalk on Rexhame Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sheila Bilotta et al. request installation of flashing crosswalk light on Hamilton St. at the crosswalk in the vicinity of 489 Hamilton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Irene Montecalvo et al. request installation of speed monitoring devices on Lake Ave. in the vicinity of Belmont St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Peter Maybay request installation of speed monitoring device on Goddard Memorial Dr. in the vicinity of Parsons Hill Dr.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of a four-way stop sign at Southgate St. and Gardner St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Amelia O'Brian request installation of four-way stop signage at the intersection of Gosnold St. and Andover St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of John Yanczewski request traffic enforcement on Richland St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of John Yanczewski request installation of "No Parking Anytime Monday to Friday 6:30a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m." signage on both sides of Richland St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gordon Duncan request Haviland St. be reviewed for installation of speed humps and/or other traffic calming measures: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gordon Duncan request Germain St. be reviewed for installation of speed humps and/or other traffic calming measures: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gordon Duncan request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on Bancroft Tower Rd. in the vicinity of 17 and18 Bancroft Tower Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Worcester 311 service: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Communication of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication relative to the city’s efforts to implement new agenda management software through Rock Solid Technology’s program, PrimeGov: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Communication of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication updating City Council as to the procurement of the constituent data management program Community Fluency: recommend Communication be placed on file.

An Ordinance Amending Section Fourteen of Article Three of Part II of the Revised Ordinances Of 2015 Creating the Elm Park Neighborhood Historic District.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend Metered Parking Zones On A Portion Of Lincoln Street.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #39 Perry Avenue.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking On Claremont Street Near The Intersection With Main Street.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking In Front Of #55 Plantation Street.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #13 Greendale Avenue.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #15 Jaques Avenue.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #57 Laurel Street.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #25 Arlington Street.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On The Northerly Side Of A Portion Of Short Street.

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

Amending Section 43 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Amend the Winter Parking Ban on Harmon Street.

An Ordinance Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For A Stop Sign On Southbound Beaver Brook Parkway At Maywood Street.

PETITION of 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson September 19, 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)

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 and Tabled - Rose September 19, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – 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. – Item #14a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – 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. – Item #14b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – 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. – Item #14c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #14d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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. – Item #14e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #14f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – 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. – Item #14g CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning pursuing the creation of an income-sensitive trash bag purchasing program. – Item #14h CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #14i CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report reviewing how often residents’ plastic recycling bins are breaking. – Item #14j CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager explore multiple ways the city can incentivize residents to recycle. – Item #14k CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager explore the groundbreaking of the hybrid spray park/pool at the Tacoma Street Playground. – Item #14l CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager consider conducting intermittent education campaigns for residents whenever any efforts are made to address illegal parking on sidewalks. – Item #14m Order adopted

Motion Toomey @ #12a CC – Request City Manager request Chief Sustainability Officer provide City Council with a report concerning how the Building Stretch Energy Code and Municipal Opt-In Specialized Code may impact specific types of buildings and their needs, including biotechnical buildings.

Motion Toomey @ #12a CC – Request City Manager request Chief Sustainability Officer provide City Council with a report concerning whether Boston and Cambridge have seen a decrease in the number of biotechnical buildings built since their adoption of the Building Stretch Energy Code and Municipal Opt-In Specialized Code. Further, said report should also include information as to whether any issues or unintended consequences have occurred for said municipalities since the discussed codes were adopted.

Motion King @ #9b CC – Request City Manager review any technology that could be purchased by the city to aid in the inspection trench work done by the city’s utility companies. Further, request City Manager determine the feasibility of fining utility companies whenever a location fails to meet standards associated with repairing the road after trench work.

Motion King @ #9k CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning whether the city can calculate the efficacy of speed humps. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility include in said reports whether any grants are available to provide financial aid in installing speed humps.

Motion Toomey @ #9l CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of installing crosswalk light sensors at crosswalks that blink for both pedestrians and bicyclists.

Motion Russell @ #9o CC – Request City Manager provide outreach to educate residents of the various options available for putting recycling out to be collected, including but not limited to the use of city bins and the use of purchased rolling containers.

Motion Toomey @ #9s CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review technologies that could be pursued by the city to improve flow of vehicles and pedestrian safety, such as IBM Smart Traffic Lights.

Motion Toomey @ #9s CC – Request City Manager reach out to WPI to encourage its students to complete a study of potential traffic engineering innovations that could be completed in the city.

PETITION – Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request removal of parking meters in front of 37 Mechanic St., with a Fifteen (15) Minute Parking zone large enough for two (2) spaces being installed in its place.