CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:34 P.M.

Adjourned: 11:25 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty presented Ciara Barber, an eight (8) year old resident of the City of Worcester, with a Certificate of Mayoral Recognition for working towards visiting all 351 city/town halls in Massachusetts.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 26, 2023.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 3, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.35E CM, spoke in favor of item #12c CC 2. Mary Secksteder, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #9.39B CM and spoke in favor of item #17b CC 3. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11k CC 4. Greg Weiner, Holden resident, spoke in favor of item #12c CC 5. Sarah (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.39B CM and #17b CC and spoke in opposition to item #12c CC 6. Karen Riley-McNary, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11w CC 7. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #15i CC, spoke in favor of item #17a CC and item #17b CC; spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #9.39B CM 8. Steven S., Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12c CC 9. John Provost, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #17b CC 10. Tasia Cerezo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11h CC 11. David Coyne, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #12c CC 12. Margot Barnett, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposition to item #12c CC 13. Brian Dutremble, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8y CC 14. Melissa (No last name given), Springfield resident, spoke in opposition to item #17b CC 15. Sam Winding, No resident given, spoke in opposition to item #17b CC 16. Levi Liberow, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12c CC 17. Lara Crawford, No resident given, spoke in favor of item #17b CC 18. Jeffrey Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17b CC 19. Tom Rino, Oxford resident, spoke in opposition to item #12c CC 20. Marianne Mollison, Somerville resident, spoke in favor of item #11b CC 21. Roberto Diaz, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #12c CC 22. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17b CC 23. Osman Acheampong, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #12c CC 24. Dan Margolis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12c CC 25. Mohammad Ali, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #12c CC

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: CANAL ST., GREEN ST. and GODDARD ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: CANAL ST., GREEN ST. and GODDARD ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: INSTITUTE RD. & GROVE ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: INSTITUTE RD. & GROVE ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: MAIN ST. and JACKSON ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: MAIN ST. and JACKSON ST.

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

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: APRICOT ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: APRICOT ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: PULLMAN ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: PULLMAN ST.

Donald J. O'Neil, on behalf of 47 Hermon Realty, LLC., request Zoning Map be amended to include the property situated at 47 Hermon St. within the Adaptive Reuse Overlay District.

Mark Donahue request removal of a portion of Powers Ct. from the intersection of Powers Ct. and Brookfield St. to a point approximately 260 ft. southerly towards North St. from the City of Worcester Official Map.

David Dick, Jr. request sidewalks on both sides of Burncoat St. from the intersection of Thorndyke Rd. to Burncoat High School (179 Burncoat St.) be resurfaced.

Ben Naim and Zac Couture request sewer and drainage extension from Ingleside Ave. to Plantation St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Francis De Nicola request Progressive St. be resurfaced.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a speed hump on Gage St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a speed hump on Sherbrook Ave. in the vicinity of 18 Sherbrook Ave.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Thomas Card request installation of “No Parking Here to Corner” signage on both side of Amanola Ave. where the road intersects with Plantation St. to allow for increased visibility for motorists to safely turn onto Plantation St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of “Do Not Block Intersection” signage at the intersection of Hooper St. and Belmont St.

Tracy Clancy et al. request installation of resident permit parking on Stanton St. from 31 Stanton St. to 38 Stanton St.

Tracy Clancy et al. request removal of handicap parking space in front of 23 Stanton St.

Jose Carrero Quinones request installation of handicap parking space in front of 29 Fifth Ave.

Monica DiPietro request installation of three-way stop signage at the intersection of Piehl Ave. and Abby St.

Yerika Dones request installation of handicap parking space in front of 53 Freeland St.

Patricia Hobbs et al. request installation of No Parking Anytime on Lamartine St. from Lodi St. to Washington St.

Duyen Dinh request removal of No Parking sign in front of 15 Varnum St.

Sarah Williams request a traffic study be conducted in the Rockdale St. and Mount Ave. neighborhood for the purpose of determining the feasibility of installing truck ban/weight restriction signage within the neighborhood.

Joseph Corazzini, on behalf of Clark University, request the installation of "No Parking from Here to Corner" signage on Florence St. at the intersection of Shirley St. and Florence St.

Thomas McCann request removal of "No Parking Anytime 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday" signage in front of 8 Reed St.

Bianca Alves Rangel request installation of handicap parking space in front of 50 Green Hill Pkwy.

Cedric Arno request winter parking ban on Berkeley St. between Gage St. and Shamrock St. be moved to the odd number side.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: GROVE ST.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: WEBSTER ST.

David Dick, Jr. request both sets of doors (outside and foyer) at the Worcester Police Station be retrofitted with automatic door openers for handicapped access.

Brian Dutremble request City Council request City Manager commission an impact study concerning raising the minimum wage for tipped workers to match the minimum wage for other workers.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Leopoldo Negro Cruz to the Board of Health.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Scott A. Derry and Denise Marios-Lecuyer Constable.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a side-by-side comparison of the benefits of the Paid Family Medical Leave Act to the new leave benefits that will be offered by the City, effective January 1, 2024.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a presentation on the City of Worcester’s Housing Programs.

Recommend Adoption of an Order to Accept a Public Art Easement and an Order to Accept a Gift of a Mural from PR II / Mulberry Street LLC.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the weapons confiscated in 2023.

Transmitting Informational Communication relative to a Fitness Court in Main South.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation in the amount of Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars And No Cents ($750.00) from the Roman Catholic Bishop of Worcester (Saint Paul Diocesan Junior/Senior High School) to support sports fields.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation in the amount of Two Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($200.00) from the Worcester County Senior Athletic Association to support sports fields.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation in the amount of One Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,000.00) from Fontaine Brothers Inc. for two picnic tables at Coes Pond Park (Binienda Beach).

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($500.00) from North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Latino Club for two picnic tables at Coes Pond Park (Binienda Beach).

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of One Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,200,000.00) from the Healthcare Hub program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Forty Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($47,500.00) from the MA Blueprint Regional Planning Grant program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation in the amount of Sixty Five Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty Three Dollars And Ninety Nine Cents ($65,763.99) from the Friends of Hope Cemetery to support the Hope Cemetery water system.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation and Recreation, to support the City's tree planting and maintenance program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation and Recreation, to support the renovations at Elm Park.

Recommend the adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Sixty Four Thousand Six Hundred Thirty Seven Dollars And Ninety Cents ($164,637.90) from the Massachusetts State 911 Department under the FY2024 Training Grant program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation of the Tobias Boland and Benjamin Wright Statue.

Recommend the establishment of Fiscal Year 2024 budgets for two Worcester Public Library Revolving Funds.

Recommend that Seven Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($7,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1028-610100, Worcester Public Library Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1028-600100, Worcester Public Library Salaries, to cover the costs of hiring a temporary security guard while the library looks to hire a firm to provide this service.

Recommend that Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) be appropriated within FD321, Wetland Protection Fund, to fund eligible expenses associated with the administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, as requested by the Worcester Conservation Commission.

Recommend that Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1007-600100, Public Facilities Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1007-601100, Public Facilities Overtime, to cover continued overtime costs within the department.

Request Twenty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($20,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center Account #CC1020-600100 Inspectional Services Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center Account #CC1020-601100, Inspectional Services Overtime.

Recommend that Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($5,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1002-600100, Mayor's Office Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1002-610100, Mayor's Office Ordinary Maintenance, to allow for the purchase of additional keys to the city.

Recommend that One Hundred Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Eight Dollars And Thirty Nine Cents ($107,998.39) be authorized from various Fiscal Year 2024 Department of Public Works and Parks cost centers for the payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that Eighteen Thousand One Hundred Eighty Two Dollars And Forty Five Cents ($18,182.45) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1038, Police Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Six Dollars and Thirty Nine Cents ($1,386.39) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1004, Economic Development Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that One Million Six Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,666,000.00) be rescinded from existing Sewer loan order balances.

Recommend the adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of One Million Six Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,666,000.00) be appropriated to Project # PRJ-100124, Sewer Control Plan, to allow the City to obtain financing through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), which includes low interest loans as well as the possibility of loan forgiveness.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the demographic makeup of the City's boards and commissions.

Transmitting informational communication relative to two draft ordinances pertaining to Crisis Pregnancy Centers.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services meet quarterly with the Department of Public Health and the Board of Health to discuss public health issues within the city, including but not limited to tobacco and homelessness.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with updated language relative to a home rule petition seeking legislation to regulate executive and legislative lobbying with consideration to M.G.L.’s and modeled after the existing lobbying legislation at the state level, thus allowing for increased transparency and accountability in the governance of the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning the development process of the online mandatory registration system for lobbyists, including more detailed criteria for people who qualify as lobbyists and people who do not.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Assessor initiate a public education course bi-annually for the purposes of educating the public about the Elderly Abatement Tax Exemption program. Further, request City Manager request City Assessor invite and include neighborhood communities to participate in said events.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager consider including, in some capacity, youth participation in the Advisory Committee on African American and Black Affairs and the Advisory Committee on LGBTQ+ Affairs.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager give full consideration concerning ensuring equity of district representation on the Advisory Committee on African American and Black Affairs and the Advisory Committee on LGBTQ+ Affairs.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with report concerning the number of all-terrain vehicles that have been confiscated by the police department.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the ways in which residents can obtain SmartBurner devices.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Director of Emergency Communications and Emergency Management create a targeted marking campaign for the Alert Worcester program.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning licensing the city’s landlords.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief and Fire Chief consider purchasing a product such as the E.M.I.L.Y. (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard) water safety robot for use during water rescue. (Reference Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3XC7YLPlhI).

Request City Manager review the footbridge in Blackstone Gateway Park to ensure 1) all boards on the footbridge are not detached; 2) any missing top rails on the bridge are replaced and 3) no metal hardware attached to the footbridge is exposed. (King)

Request City Manager consider creating a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Task Force in the city, in an effort to receive funds from the city’s largest private, tax exempt institutions. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether rumble strips can be installed in the city for the purpose of calming traffic. Further, if such a program can be instituted, request City Manager include in said report recommendations concerning streets that can be used as pilot locations for the installation of such rumble strips, which would be used to measure to efficacy of such a program. Further, if such a program can be instituted, request City Manager consider Moreland St., at its intersections with Carter Rd. and Old Brook Dr., as pilot locations. (King)

Request City Manager review a previous Order adopted by City Council on July 18, 2017 that read as follows: “Request City Manager consider creating a taskforce to address speeding, reducing the speed limit in thickly settled areas to 25 MPH and pedestrian safety throughout the city." (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning when groundbreaking will occur for the playground on Richards St. behind Goddard School of Science and Technology. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the light and art designs occurring at the Gardner Bridge near the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester, located at 65 Boys and Girls Club Way. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the street and traffic redesign occurring on Chandler St. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s plans for warming centers and overflow shelters for the upcoming winter season. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a breakdown of the different forms of homelessness that individuals are facing in the city. (Rivera)

In an effort to reprioritize and reduce pedestrian crash potential, request City Manager provide City Council with feedback concerning the feasibility of attaining HAWK signals/flashing beacons, enhanced lighting, and improved pairing at crosswalks. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report verifying the following crosswalk visibility enhancements and the dangers associated with 3D crosswalks, including information gained from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). (References: 1) https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/crosswalk-visibility-enhancements ; and 2) https://ctt2.center/2019/05/23/signal-spotlights-3d-crosswalks-mutcd-update/) (King)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with an update concerning the creation of a draft ordinance, which would allow the city to opt into M. G. L. Chapter 60 Section 62A, which permits municipalities the authority to extend payment options and agreements to homeowners who fall behind on their tax payments as a means to allow for interest relief for eligible home owners, including seniors and first-time homebuyers, with low incomes who are struggling to repay overdue taxes. Further, request City Manager request City Solicitor include in said report a legal summation of Chapter 60 Section 62A. (King)

Request Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations host a public discussion that includes representatives from the Massachusetts State Legislature relative to Massachusetts voters amending the state’s Constitution through the Fair Share Amendment, which may generate about $2 billion dollars to support transportation, public education and tax justice and racial equity. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of funds the city anticipates receiving as a result of the Fair Share Amendment, which focuses its revenues on education and transportation system needs. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an overview of the amount of funds the city will be expected to match in its budget as a result of the Student Opportunity Act. (King)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work closely with representatives from the Holden Department of Public Works to finish the resurfacing of Frederickson Ave. on the Worcester side of the road, as utility work was completed on the street. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work closely with representatives from the Holden Department of Public Works to resurface Southview Rd., which is a Worcester/Holden road. (Rose)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing a comprehensive plan to use bond monies to erase the backlog of streets and sidewalks that have been approved for resurfacing but are awaiting funding. (Petty, Russell)

Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to conduct listening sessions in each city district for residents who live on private streets or for those who own homes on private streets to educate said residents concerning the process for private to public street conversions. (Petty)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report as to what, if any, factors are considered regarding traffic delays when multiple major travel routes (e.g. Highland St. and Pleasant St. at Newton Square) are scheduled for construction in the same general areas. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the tree located in the vicinity of 15 Goucher Ave. to the determine the appropriateness of removing said tree. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the tree located in the vicinity of 87 Trinity Ave. to the determine the appropriateness of removing said tree. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of installing a traffic control signal/light at the intersection of Hooper St. and Belmont St. to allow for better traffic flow in the vicinity of UMass Memorial Medical Center Memorial Campus, located at 119 Belmont St. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning providing City Council with a report as to the oversaturation of rooming houses, shelters and programs in specific city streets, neighborhoods and districts, as well as creating a more equitable process of zoning for such entities. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what evidence-based research shows is successful in decentralizing rooming houses and shelters into multiple locations and demographically diverse areas. (Rivera, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager organize a second meeting for Webster Square, Main South and South Worcester residents, businesses and stakeholders to bring forward questions to Spectrum Health leadership as to the planning and development of their recently purchased property for the purpose of opening a methadone clinic. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning data and statistics collected relative to the location of where overdoses associated with opiates and/or fentanyl are occurring in the city. (Rivera)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support Massachusetts HD 2091 and SD 761, which would amend Chapter 59 of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 59 to make it easier for municipalities to collect a minimum of 25% of tax value from large nonprofits that own property valuing more than 15 million dollars. (King)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the establishment of an Age Friendly Community Strategy as the city’s standard for planning and community development. (Petty, Russell, Rose, Toomey, Mero-Carlson)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby condemn the recent barbaric and inhuman taking of hostages in Israel, including a number of American citizens, and prays for their immediate and safe release and return to their loved ones. (Bergman, Petty, King, Mero-Carlson, Russell, Colorio)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend approval of amendments to the City’s organizational ordinances to create an Advisory Committee on African American and Black Affairs, and an Advisory Committee on LGBTQ+ Affairs: recommend passage of the accompanying two (2) proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the 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: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of John W. Parsons, Executive Director of PERAC (Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission) transmitting communication regarding the amount appropriated for the city's retirement system for Fiscal Year 2024: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a request for the City Solicitor to draft a home rule petition seeking legislation to regulate executive and legislative lobbying with consideration to M.G.L.’s and modeled after the existing lobbying legislation at the state level, thus allowing for increased transparency and accountability in the governance of the City of Worcester. Further, said home rule petition should subsequently be brought forth to City Council and referred to the Standing Committee on Rules and Legislative Affairs for a public hearing before the City Council considers filing this home rule petition with the General Court: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication 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: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Order of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services meet quarterly with the Department of Public Health and the Board of Health in an effort to discuss public health issues within the city, including but not limited to the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Project: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the upcoming launch of the 2021 Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP): recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Worcester Division of Public Health's Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Project: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a quarterly report detailing the deployments of the newly acquired Small Unmanned Aircraft System: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning any impediments the city may be faced with relative to providing elected officials with access to body-worn camera footage: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an analysis of the 2022 Crime Statistics: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a request for a report concerning number of smoke alarms that have been distributed and installed by the Fire Department: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting research report provided by Director of Emergency Communications & Emergency Management relative to communities with Disaster Relief Fund's: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to using reverse 911 technology when tornado watch/warnings are issued by weather services: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report 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 Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a summary of complaints and/or violations for 2 Gage Street, 5 Eastern Ave, 21 John Street and 13 Rena Street: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - Request City Manager request Police Chief consider purchasing a product such as the E.M.I.L.Y. (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard) water safety robot for use during water rescue. (Reference Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3XC7YLPlhI: recommend Order be placed on file.

Amending Sections 42 and 43 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Relocate On-Street Parking From The East Side to the West Side on a Portion of Harding Street Between Arwick Avenue and Endicott Street.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - King September 26, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey October 3, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen - Request City Manager and City Council review documents regarding Crisis Pregnancy Centers (see attached). (Tabled Under Privilege - Nguyen September 26, 2023 and October 3, 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 Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning efforts being made around the composition of the city’s boards and commissions, including information pertaining to district representation, gender of members and racial and ethnic backgrounds of members. – Item #12a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with an analysis of the city’s various boards and commissions over the years, including information breaking down the gender, racial and ethnic backgrounds of the individuals that have served on each board and commission. Further, request City Manager include in said report information concerning which boards and commission vacancies are the most challenging to fill. – Item #12b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing specific improvements to the city’s dog parks, including what has been considered for installations, what has been ruled out and what may need additional approvals. – Item #12c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how many students who went through the Worcester Jobs program were hired into apprenticeship programs. – Item #12d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager determine the feasibility of transferring the individuals who remain as part of Worcester Ballpark Commission to a different advisory group. – Item #12e CC Tabled Under Privilege

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby recommit Item #9f CC on the October 3, 2023 City Council meeting that reads as follows back to the City Manager: 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. – Item #12f CC Tabled Under Privilege

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager work with representatives from Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. to organize a meeting with Main South neighborhood residents, Main South and Webster Square neighborhood groups and stakeholders regarding the purchase of the Main South Post for the purpose of merging Spectrum Health Systems, Inc’s clinics and opening a methadone clinic at the location. – Item #12g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the city’s ability to host revenue generating events at Polar Park ceases after five (5) years. Further, request City Manager give consideration to renegotiating the city’s ability to host revenue generating days at Polar Park in perpetuity. – Item #6a Order denied as amended on a roll call vote of 1 Yea and 7 Nays

Motion King @ #9.4A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning data relative to participation in the city’s housing programs.

Motion King @ #9.4A CM – Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer include the Economic Development Housing Programs presentation on the city’s website.

Motion King @ #9.39A CM – Request City Manager conduct a survey of past, present and prospective board and commission members to gain insight on their experiences. Said survey should include information relative to what their appointment meant to the individual, whether any parts of their service gave them pause, whether timing of meetings was relevant to their participation, as well as what their experience was like with their staff liaisons.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #11b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning which nonprofit organizations in the city own property valuing more than $15 million dollars.

Motion Toomey @ #11b CC – Request City Manager include information as to whether any Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements with the city’s colleges and universities can include any properties owned by the entity that are not used for educational purposes in any new information provided to the City Council relative to PILOT agreements.

Motion Colorio @ #11c CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the progress made relative to providing the intersection of Moreland St., Brigham Rd. and Carter Rd. with traffic calming measures, as well as any new recommendations that should be considered.

Motion Rose #11c CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a presentation relative to the new innovations being worked on and considered in the city relative to traffic and traffic calming measures.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #11d CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with language to adopt a local option which would authorize City Council to create 20 MPH Safety Speed Zones outside of vulnerable areas in the city, including parks, playgrounds, libraries, health care facilities, senior centers and other areas that generate high pedestrian volume. Further, once said local option is in effect, request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with the ability to include Mill Swan Head Start School, located at 337 Mill St. and the University Collaborative Early Education Center, located at 248 Mill St., as locations that would be designated as 20 MPH zones.

Motion Toomey @ #11w CC – Request City Manager work with State Legislature to ensure the city is compensated for other communities’ residents, who come to Worcester for substance abuse services due to their own municipality not offering said services.

Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager coordinate with local community organizations that specialize in trauma support, mental health services, and conflict resolution to develop initiatives and programs aimed at addressing the emotional and psychological well-being of those affected by violence associated with the Israel-Palestinian Conflict. Further, request City Manager also work with said local community organizations, schools and school leadership to ensure said initiatives and programs are publicized.