CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:34 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:41 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 17, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Maureen Schwab, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #6a CC 2. Lorraine Laurie, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #6a CC 3. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #8.18B CM and item #9g CC 4. Grace Ross, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #8.1B CM 5. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.30A CM 6. Kirsten Puccio, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9e CC and #9f CC 7. Kerri McCallum, no residence given, spoke in favor of items #9e CC and #9f CC 8. Rich Trembowitz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9g CC 9. Malika Parham-Hill, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9e CC and #9f CC 10. Patricia Hobbs, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of item #6a CC 11. Ruth Rodriguez-Fay, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9e CC and #9f CC 12. Donna Wood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9e CC and #9f CC 13. Rosetta West, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9e CC and #9f CC 14. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9e CC and #9f CC and in opposition of item #8.18B CM 15. Erica Gurger, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9e CC and #9f CC 16. Tasia Cerezo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14g CC 17. Brian Dutremble, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8.4A CM and #8.9A CM 18. Mara Inangelo, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9g CC 19. Maureen Uryasz, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13a CC 20. Rob Lowe, no residence given, spoke in favor of item #13a CC

Donald J. O'Neil request Zoning Map be amended to include the property located at 10 Grosvenor St. within the Commercial Corridors Overlay Canal District Subarea.

Stephen Madaus request Zoning Map be amended by changing the zoning designation of 4 Brandt Ln., which is currently zoned partially BG-2.0, RL-7 and BL-1.0, and 0 Grafton St., which is currently zoned partially BL-1.0 and RL-7, such that both parcels will be zoned BG-2.0.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request sidewalk resurfacing on Green Farms Rd.

Peter Normandin request water and sewer extension to the last remaining lots on New York St.

Patrick Travaglio-Romeo request relocation of light pole in front of 15 Mars St.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Prince Gyau request installation of streetlights on the existing, wooden poles on El Caney Rd.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj request installation of “Not A Through Street” signage at the top of Third St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Cornelia Coley request installation of a weight restriction/truck ban and/or signage depicting “Not A Truck Route” due to lack of turning radius for said vehicles at the bottom of Whipple St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Pamela Russell request installation of green arrow turn signals on Route 20 at its intersection with Sunderland Rd., facing both directions.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a stop sign on Wall St. at its intersection with Chrome St., facing northbound traffic.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. request the bus stop in front of Spectrum Health Systems on the Pasadena Parkway side of Lincoln St. be moved to a different location.

Robert Prytko request installation of Left Turn signal at the intersection of Salisbury St. and Grove St.

Monica Silva request installation of handicap parking space in front of 15 Alsada Dr.

Manuel Orellana and Lisa DeTorra request installation of crosswalk on Caroline St.

Manuel Orellana and Lisa DeTora request Caroline St. be made one-way during school hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Manuel Orellana and Lisa DeTorra request installation of No Parking Anytime signage on Caroline St. in front of 355 Grafton St.

Manuel Orellana and Lisa DeTora request installation of No Parking Anytime on one side of Caroline St.

Manuel Orellana and Lisa DeTora request installation of school signs on Grafton St. in the vicinity of Caroline St.

Roxas Joshua Angell-Clune request the reconfiguration of traffic lines at Main St. and Hammond St., going northbound on Main St., to better assist traffic turning onto Hammond St.

Sandra Johnson et al. request redirection of #7 buses to stop the buses from traveling up First St. to Coes Pond Village and using said property for the purpose of turning around to other directions.

Alkeia Conerly et al. request residential permit parking on the even side of Eden St. be extended to include three (3) additional parking spaces.

Henry Martin et al request installation of stop sign at the intersection of Northboro St. and Pierpont St.

Henry Martin et al. request installation of stop sign at the intersection of Northboro St. and Palfrey St.

Henry Martin et al. request installation of speed humps on Northboro St.

Joseph Corazzini request traffic study be conducted for the purposes of developing speed reducing strategies for the area in the vicinity of the Burgess Rd. and Salisbury St. intersection and the Forest St. and Salisbury St. intersection.

Kaska Yawo request removal of No Parking Anytime signage on Eastern Ave. from 51 Gage St. to 39 Eastern Ave.

Sharon Carreras request handicap parking signs in front of 196 Pilgrim Ave. be relocated three (3) feet from the driveway.

Star Holland request installation of new bus stops on Park Ave. at the bottom corner of Drury Ln. and on the opposite side of the street.

Leftheria Johnson request installation of handicap parking space in front of 11 Blossom St.

Jermoh Kamara on behalf of African Community Education (ACE) request removal of bus stop signage at 51 Gage St. and 39 Eastern Ave.

CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC. for a conduit location on: CHESTNUT ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a solely-owned pole location on: MODRED CT.

NATIONAL GRID for a solely-owned pole location on: STAFFORD ST.

Juana Pena and Patricia Hobbs request installation of temporary barriers at the Lamartine St. entrances of the parking lot located at 25 Meade St. during the night time.

Transmitting informational communication relative to reappointments to the Elder Affairs Commission.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Jeffrey J. Cammuso as a Constable.

Recommend the appointment of Pablo Santiago to the Advisory Committee on Latino Affairs.

Recommend adoption of a proposed salary ordinance amendments that will regrade the position of “Chief of Staff to City Council” from pay grade 45 (NU) to 45M (NU), and create the new job classification of “Aide to City Council” at pay grade 40 (NU),Refer to CCM Item 8.36B

Transmitting informational Communication Relative to the Worcester Now | Next Plan.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Construction Progress Report.Refer to CCM Item 8.10A

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Urban Forestry Master Plan.

Transmitting informational communication relative to pavement management and selection of streets and sidewalks for resurfacing or reconstruction.Refer to CCM Item 8.8A

Transmitting informational communication relative to the number of confiscated Off Highway Vehicles (OHV's).

Transmitting informational communication relative to the different types of homelessness experienced by individuals in the City of Worcester.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update concerning data and statistics collected relative to the locations of where overdoses associated with opiates are occurring in the City.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a report of all grant funds and associated activities at the Division of Public Health.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 financial update, as of September 30, 2023.

Recommend adoption of an order transferring the care, custody, management and control of a tax title property located at 26 Claridge Drive, Assessor's Map 24, Block 042, Lot 00041, to the Executive Office of the City Manager for disposition purposes and authorizing the sale of the Property.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a donation in the amount of Thirteen Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventeen Dollars and Four Cents ($13,717.04) from the Worcester Public Library Foundation for the 2023 Summer Reading program.

Recommend a resolution to apply for, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Two Hundred Sixty Four Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($264,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance addictions services, passed through Advocates for Human Potential for the Access to Recovery program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($2,500.00) from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Office of Grants and Research under the FY24 AED Equipment Program program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to apply for, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($300,000.00) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Program.

Recommend a resolution to apply for, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Fifty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Two Dollars And Sixty Eight Cents ($59,772.68) from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Highway Safety Division, under the Municipal Safety Grant Program.

Recommend an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Table of Organization for the Worcester Public Library.

Recommend the Fiscal Year 2024 Table of Organization for the Office of the City Council be amended by adding two (2) Aide to the City Council positions, Pay Grade 40, eliminating one (1) Chief of Staff, City Council position, Pay Grade 45, and adding one (1) Chief of Staff, City Council position, Pay Grade 45M.Refer to CCM Item 8.3A

Recommend that Four Thousand Three Hundred Five Dollars And Eighty One Cents ($4,305.81) be authorized from FY2024 Cost Center #CC1007, Public Facilities Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that Five Hundred Twenty Three Dollars And Eighty Nine Cents ($523.89) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2024 City Clerk Cost Center #CC1006 & Elections Cost Center #CC1010, for the payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that Four Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Seven Dollars And Sixty Seven Cents ($4,427.67) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1038, Police Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that Three Hundred Two Dollars And Forty Nine Cents ($302.49) be authorized fro Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1008, Department of Sustainability and Resilience Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of eight prior year utility invoices.

Recommend that Four Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty One Dollars and Thirty Two Cents ($4,761.32) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1001, City Council Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of one prior year invoice associated with Telegram & Gazette legal advertisements.

Recommend that Three Hundred Sixty One Dollars And Ninety Five Cents ($361.95) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2023 Cost Center #CC1044, Fire Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of a prior year employee travel reimbursement.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility to survey the city’s East-West Trail at Plantation St. to design and implement a safe crossing path for hikers and pedestrians. Said survey should include reviewing the feasibility of installing flashing pedestrian crosswalk signals at the intersection. (Petty)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repair the five (5) gates for the tennis courts at Greenwood Park. (King)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby amend its meeting schedule to cancel its agenda on November 28, 2023 and make its agenda on December 5, 2023 a combined City Council and City Manager agenda. (Petty)

Request City Manager explore the feasibility of creating a Local Historic District for the Hammond Heights neighborhood. Said exploration should include discussions with area residents to determine how receptive they are to such a district being created. (King)

Request City Manager support the formation of an emergency task force for the purpose of aiding the community to develop a plan that covers the gaps in service stemming from the closing of three (3) crucial substance use programs, offered by Community Healthlink. Said emergency task force should include multiple substance use providers, who can potentially offer their assistance, and also consumer leaders from the Parents and Recovery Action Group, Every Day Miracles and Central MA MOAR members. (Rivera)

Request City Manager organize discussions between the city, various health providers, and consumer leaders from the Parents in Substance Use Recovery Action group, Every Day Miracles, Central MA MOAR members and others, for the purpose of gaining insight into how best to spend additional monies relative to Opioid Remedial Funds. (Rivera)

Request City Manager investigate programs and funding that would assist small businesses, restaurants and bars by reducing the cost of installing mandatory sprinkler systems. (Toomey, Mero-Carlson)

Transmitting an informational communication regarding the filling of two (2) vacancies on the Library Board of Directors.

That the sum of One Million Six Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,666,000.00) be rescinded from Loan Order #LO-1324, Sewer Infiltration/Inflow, which was originally authorized on March 10, 2015. Further, that the sum of One Million Six Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,666,000.00) be authorized for the purpose of the upcoming Commonwealth of Massachusetts Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).

That the sum of One Million Six Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,666,000.00) is appropriated to Project #PRJ-100124, Sewer Control Plan, to pay costs to perform a Citywide Flow Metering Program, including without limitation, the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow said amount and issue bonds or notes of the City therefore under Chapter 44 and/or Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust (the "Trust"); and in connection therewith to enter into a financing agreement and/or a security agreement with the Trust and otherwise to contract with the Trust and the Department of Environmental Protection ('DEP") with respect to such loan and for any federal or state aid available for the project or for the financing thereof; that the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks is authorized to enter into a project regulatory agreement with DEP, to expend all funds available for the project and to take any other action necessary or convenient to carry out the project.

Amending Article Ten of the Revised Ordinance of 2015, Part Two, to Establish the Advisory Commission on African American and Black Affairs. Amending Article Ten of the Revised Ordinances of 2015, Part Two, to Establish the Advisory Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs.

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 and October 24, 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 and October 24, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 24, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson and Councilor Sean M. Rose - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 24, 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 consider setting the end-of-season date for street vendor licenses back to December 31. – Item #17a 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 what considerations are made relative to the Rectangular Shaped Sports Fields Master Plan when the city creates new parks and/or updates existing parks. – Item #17b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #17c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – 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. – Item #17d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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. – Item #17e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – 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. – Item #17f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager review the feasibility of including income and age-based caps on individuals’ rents in the city. – Item #17g 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 there has been an increase in the number of unhoused elderly individuals and families in the city. – Item #17h 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 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. – Item #17i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager review notification policies relative to changes on streets to ensure notices are received by both residents and owners of the street. – Item #17j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Toomey @ #8.18A CM – Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a report concerning how much interested has been garnered from city programs associated with using vacant housing to provide living quarters for homeless individuals. Further, request City Manager request Chief Development Officer make an effort to reach out to the city’s landlord community to educate them on opportunities to house the city’s homeless population.

Motion King @ #8.18A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to establishing a Homeless Strategic Plan.

Motion Nguyen @ #8.18B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing how much money was received by the city relative to Opioid Settlement Funds, as well as how said funds were allocated and what percentage of funds received were connected to supporting the opioid crisis.

Motion King @ #8.18B CM – Request City Manager begin the process of working with the city’s regional partners and resources to address concerns relative to ensuring other communities provide services for individuals who have opioid-related overdoses.

Motion King @ #8.18B CM – Request City Manager develop a strategic plan relative to addressing hotspot locations where overdoses associated with opiates are occurring in the city.

Motion King @ #8.18B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining whether it is possible to measure the impact that the closing and/or reduction of services at Community Healthlink will have on the community.

Motion Russell @ #8.30A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning strategies the city can implore to generate revenues from its excess properties, including properties received through tax title.

Motion King @ #8.30A CM – Request City Manager include affordable housing elements and language in any Request for Proposals (RFP) for the property at 26 Claridge Dr.

Motion King @ #13d CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of positions in the city dedicated to oversight and compliance with the city’s TIF’s and TIE’s.

Motion Nguyen – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager work with the Human Rights Commission and join their next meeting to share and collaborate his vision, while also honoring the Commission’s priorities and help fulfill their mission, as it relates to public records of police misconduct, hate crimes and settlements regarding civil rights violations.

Motion Russell – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager work with Worcester Knitty Council to determine a location where the group can make mittens and hats available to individuals in need of such goods.