CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:34 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:29 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 10, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #12b CC, spoke in favor of item #14d CC 2. Geoffrey Killebrew, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC through #10d CC 3. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC through #10d CC 4. Ted Kostas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC through #10d CC 5. Dana Pulda-Acone, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8h CC

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: GROVE ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: GROVE ST.

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

Alfred Scala et al. request a potable supply of water be made available to the property at 425e Salisbury St.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 101 Randolph Rd.

Andrea Joinville request installation of streetlights on Officer Many Familia Way from the intersection of Belmont St. to Worcester Technical High School.

Martin Schultz request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 32 Marland Rd.

Shawn Royal request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 153 Bay State Rd.

Mary Haroyan request sidewalk on King Philip Rd. from Mellor Ave. to West Boylston St. be resurfaced.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request speed humps be installed on Windsor St.

Dana Pulda-Alcone request installation of speed hump in the vicinity of 59-62 Kinnicutt Rd.

Terence Ward request installation of No Parking Anytime signage on one side of Francis St. at the bottom of the street.

Jessica Caron request crosswalk from the end of Quinapoxet Ln. to the northeast/odd-numbered side of Mountain St. East be repainted.

Kebi Kaba request removal of handicap parking space in front of 15 Homer St.

Victoria Hutchful request installation of handicap parking space in front of 47 Grosvenor St.

Lucien Voldiner et al. request installation of speed humps on Mower St. in the vicinity of West Tatnuck Elementary School (300 Mower St.).

James Belazarian request removal of handicap parking space in front of 17 Field Way.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility evaluate and update the signage at the intersection of Southbridge St., Hermon St. and Francis J. McGrath Blvd.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement on Edward St. from Laurel St. to Elliott St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility reevaluate the existing crosswalk on Moreland St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the area in the vicinity of the intersection of Moreland St., Carter Rd. and Brigham Rd. and ensure that there is no overgrowth in said area.

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the 340 Main Street project and whether a TIF/TIE benefit is transferred to a new owner if the project has not been completed. (Mero-Carlson, Rose)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report as to whether or not the Chapter 14, Section 1 (a) of the City of Worcester Revised Ordinances (“ordinances”) definition of “a person” imposes an age minimum for the purposes of receiving a permit as a street vendor. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report as to whether or not any ordinances exist regarding street performers aka “buskers.” (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report as to whether or not any rebates/credits will be forthcoming to licensed street vendors whose season this year was purportedly shortened from December 31 to October 15. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks replace the existing “No Trucks Allowed” signage on Flagg St. at its intersection with Richmond Ave., as the sign is bent and twisted in an improper direction. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with an update as to the status of the Master Plan Initiative for Rectangular Shaped Sports Fields. Further, request City Manager review and realize funding sources, including private partnerships, in the calendar year 2023 for the purpose of creating a number of fields and/or identifying fields in the cue for expansion. Further, request City Manager include in said report information relative to a staffing analysis for the city’s Parks Department and a maintenance plan for said fields. (King)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to lodging houses: 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 a grant to Community Health Link to implement crisis intervention: 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 Youth Violence Prevention Initiative Year One Plan: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gianna Carlson request installation of crosswalk signage on both sides of the street in the vicinity of the crosswalk in front of 157 Mountain St. West: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gianna Carlson request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of the crosswalk in front of 157 Mountain St. West: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Victoria DiMassa request installation of crosswalk signage ahead of the crosswalk at the intersection of Richmond Ave. and Audubon Rd. to alert motorists of the crosswalk: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Robert Prytko request installation of "No U-Turn" signage at the intersection of Salisbury St. and Grove St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request installation of a “Dead End No Warehouse Access” sign on Grafton St. at beginning of Pine Hill Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Christina Graziano, Esq., on behalf of Assumption University, request improvements be made to the two (2) sidewalks on Salisbury St. connecting to Assumption University, including but not limited to the repainting of said crosswalks and installation of pedestrian warning devices: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Star McConnell et al. request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on the right side of Harding St. from Ashmont St. to Canton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Irving Espinosa et al. request various concerns relative to parking in the vicinity of 85-87 Harding St. be reviewed and addressed (see attached for said concerns): recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jimmy Kang et al. request installation of residential permit parking from 35 Pleasant St. to 49 Pleasant St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Manyana Alvarez request installation of residential parking on the east side of Beacon St. from Hermon St. to Sycamore St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Tara Berry et al. request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Dorchester St. and Arthur St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Tara Berry et al. request installation of four-way stop sign at intersection of Dorchester St. and Arthur 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 Leo Hoffman request installation of a traffic light at the intersection of North St. and Grove St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Leo Rossi request installation of "Go Slow" signage in vicinity of 365 Lake Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kristen Milliken request installation of speed limit signage on Moreland St. in the vicinity of Brook Hill Dr.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Roxas Joshua Angell-Clune request installation of advisory signage and repainting of road lines at the intersection of Francis J. McGrath Blvd. and Southbridge St. to correct merging and minor collision issues: recommend Petition be placed on file.

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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj October 17, 2023)

PETITION of 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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/) (Tabled Under Privilege - King October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor George J. Russell - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Candy 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Candy 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 2023)

RESOLUTION of Mayor Joseph M. Petty, Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty October 17, 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 Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning data relative to participation in the city’s housing programs. – Item #20a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer include the Economic Development Housing Programs presentation on the city’s website. – Item #20b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #20c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning which nonprofit organizations in the city own property valuing more than $15 million dollars. – Item #20d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #20e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – 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. – Item #20f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – 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. – Item #20g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Sean M. Rose – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with language to adopt a local option which would authorize City Council to create 25 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 25 MPH zones. – Item #20h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #20i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #20j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion King @ #10b CC – Request City Manager consider setting the end-of-season date for street vendor licenses back to December 31.

Motion King @ #10f CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what considerations are made relative to the Rectangular Shaped Sports Fields Master Plan when the city creates new parks and/or updates existing parks.

Motion King @ #14i CC - Request City Manager work with the Police Chief and Fire Chief to provide City Council with a report detailing specific private streets in the city where the condition of the road has become an impediment to first responders who need access to the road in case of emergencies.

Motion Bergman @ #14i CC - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning what, if any, jurisdiction the city has over private streets in the city as it relates to the condition of the road posing safety issues.

Motion Toomey @ #14i CC - Request City Manager work with the UMass EMTs to gather feedback relative to road conditions of private roads, as well as how said conditions impact their response to emergency situations. Further, request City Manager send notice to private street owners for any listening and/or information sessions the city holds relative to private to public street conversion.

Motion Petty @ #14j CC – Request City Manager coordinate with the City Clerk and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to ensure the city’s polling locations are not blocked by construction on Election Day, November 7, 2023.

Motion King @ #14n CC – Request City Manager review the feasibility of including income and age-based caps on individuals’ rents in the city.

Motion King @ #14n CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether there has been an increase in the number of unhoused elderly individuals and families in the city.

Motion King - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council with all previously requested salary ordinances relative to constituent service positions, including the Deputy City Clerk I, Deputy City Clerk II, Chief of Council and City Council Aide positions, as soon as possible.

Motion Rivera - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager review notification policies relative to changes on streets to ensure notices are received by both residents and owners of the street.