CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 7:20 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:19 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring May 18, 2024 through May 24, 2024 as National Safe Boating Week in the City of Worcester. Mayor Petty provided the Proclamation to Michael Sheehan from the United States Coast Guard.

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring May 19, 2024 through May 25, 2024 as National Public Works Week in the City of Worcester. Mayor Petty provided the Proclamation to Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Jay Fink.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of April 9, 2024.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester, spoke in opposition to items #9.36D CM, #9.36E CM and #9.15A CM 2. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of items #9.36D CM and #9.36E CM 3. Bruce Hoffner, no residence given, spoke in opposition to item #9.15A CM 4. Maria Montano, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.15A CM 5. Eleanor Learner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8p CC 6. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8b CC, #8o CC and #8p CC and in opposition to item #9.15A CM 7. Samantha Olney, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8p CC 8. Jennifer Gaskin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8b CC 9. Marc LePain, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8c CC 10. Keith Scott, Worcester resident, spoke concerning an item not listed on the agenda 11. Steve Quist, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.15A CM 12. John Keough, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.15A CM 13. Yenni Desroches, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.15A CM 14. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9.15A CM 15. Mauro Depasquale, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.15A CM

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: EMERSON ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: EMERSON ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole at: DELMONT AVE. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole at: DELMONT AVE.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Kerrie Schofield request installation of a streetlight on utility pole #6-1, in the vicinity of 27 Balis Ave.

Jennifer J. Gaskin request an honorary street name designation on Salisbury St. from West St. to Boynton St. for Daniel L. Gaskin, who co-founded the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association.

Marc LePain request installation of No Parking Anytime signage in the cul-de-sac at the end of Merlin Ct.

Douglas Hamalainen request installation of handicap parking space in front of 15 Whitney St. across from 10 Whitney St.

Philip Mallios request removal of handicap parking space in front of 41 Somerset St.

Kelly Fitzpatrick request installation of No Parking Anytime signage in front of 199 Lake Ave.

Molly Gallagher install No Parking Anytime signage for the odd side of Carlisle St.

James Fenner request installation of handicap parking space in front of 4 Courtland St.

Sheilagh Crotty request installation of speed humps between 55 and 57 Standish St.

Dickson Mensah request installation of parking zones in front of 428, 430 and 432 Harding St.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: MASSASOIT RD. at 500 GRAFTON ST.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: LAURELWOOD DR.

CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC for a conduit location at: NORTHEAST CUTOFF.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: MARS ST.

Gordon Davis request City Council request Standing Committee on Public Safety investigate the issue of systemic racism and public safety with public hearings included.

Samantha Olney request City Council request City Manager enact measures that guarantee public access to information about the Quality of Life Task Force, including its mission, duties, policies and procedures governing its operations, through the city's website and other means.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Taking for the Johnson Property in Holden, Massachusetts.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the air release valves around the City and those currently being installed.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Conveyance of Easement to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the National Public Works Week.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 2024 Paul J. Moosey Employee of the Year Award

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on Elm Park and the possibility of moving the Roger-Kennedy Memorial statue.

Transmitting informational communication relative to 2024 speed hump installations.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the process and governing law for renewal of the cable license.

Transmitting informational communication relative to data around complaints received by the Inspectional Services Department, the percentage of those complaints that have been followed up on, percentages associated with enforcement of violations and any other pertinent information.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Worcester Public Library services available to Worcester Public Schools students.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 financial update, as of March 31, 2024.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 financial update, as of February 29, 2024.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Vendor Check Register and Informing Worcester.

Recommend adoption of the attached resolution to accept with gratitude Five Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($500.00) from the Roman Catholic Bishop of Worcester.

Recommend adoption of the attached resolution to accept with gratitude One Thousand Five Hundred Sixty Dollars and No Cents ($1,560.00) from SiteOne Landscape Supply Company and Turface Athletics, to support the renovation of the softball field at Vernon Hill Park.

Recommend adoption of the attached resolution to accept with gratitude, a donation of Eight Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Dollars and No Cents ($8,350.00) from the Rogers-Kennedy Memorial Fund of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Inc., to support the maintenance of the Rogers-Kennedy Memorial at Elm Park.

Recommend adoption of the attached resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant of up to Fifty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($50,000.00) from the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) through the Community Charitable Giving and Community Relations Program, to support the Parks Stewards Program.

Recommend that Fifty Two Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($52,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1072-699399, City Manager's Contingency, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1001-699399, City Council Capital Outlay, for the purchase of Council Chamber furniture.

Recommend that Seventy Four Thousand Two Hundred Seventy Two Dollars And No Cents ($74,242.00) be transferred from various CDBG accounts, and be appropriated to GRT-100940, CDBG Year 48 Business Development, to provide additional funding for the CDBG Small Business Grant and Façade Program.

Recommend that Eight Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($8,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1001-600101, City Council Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1001-610100, City Council Ordinary Maintenance, to provide sufficient funding for operating expenses through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024.

Recommend that Four Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($400,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1026-600100, Water Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1026-610100, Water Ordinary Maintenance, to address the rising costs associated with chemicals supplies, electricity and equipment maintenance.

Recommend that Three Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($300,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1025-600100, Sewer Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1025-610100, Sewer Ordinary Maintenance, to address the rising costs associated with chemicals supplies, electricity and equipment maintenance.

Recommend that Eighty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($80,000.00) be transferred from Parks Division Cost Center #CC1078-600100, Parks Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1078-601100, Parks Overtime, to cover anticipated overtime costs through the remainder of the Fiscal Year 2024.

Recommend that Thirty Four Thousand Fifty Six and Forty Five Cents ($34,056.45) be transferred from Account #FD313, Damage Settlements, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1020-699399, Inspectional Services Capital Outlay, to allow for the replacement of a fleet vehicle that was involved in an accident in July of 2023.

Recommend that Fifty Seven Dollars and Fifty Nine Cents ($57.59) be authorized from various Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1078, Parks Ordinary Maintenance, to allow for the payment of a prior year invoice.

Recommend that One Thousand Eight Dollars and Thirty Nine Cents ($1,008.39) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1053, DPW Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend the adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of Eighty Six Million Two Hundred Twenty One Thousand Four Hundred Forty Four Dollars and No Cents ($86,221,444.00) to pay for costs associated with projects and equipment, as approved in the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Budget. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson May 7, 2024)

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations review the Rules of the City Council Section titled “Conduct of Council Meetings,” including but not limited to Rules 21, 22 and 35, in an effort to determine whether any amendments to the Rules of City Council would better ensure all speaking portions of City Council meetings are done efficiently and in a procedurally accurate manner. (Tabled Under Privilege - King May 7, 2024)

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 Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of using camera technology on city vehicles to identify locations where potholes need to be filled. – Item #26a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning whether there has been an increase of the number of claims filed with the city relative to damage from potholes since COVID-19. Further, request City Manager request City Solicitor provide in said report information concerning best practices for filing claim forms. Further, request City Manager provide the link to filing claims on the front page of the city’s website. – Item #26b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the consistency of the city’s under-pavement conditions when paving work is completed. Said report should also include a review of sanders that may be helpful when prepping the road for pavement work. – Item #26c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the consistency of the city’s under-pavement conditions when paving work is completed. Said report should also include a review of sanders that may be helpful when prepping the road for pavement work. – Item #26c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the percentage of rental properties owned by limited liability companies (LLCs). – Item #26e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the number of tickets issued for resident permit parking violations has decreased since the process of placing stickers on cars have been removed from the program. – Item #26f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the status of the city’s feasibility study regarding the city’s Inclusionary Zoning ordinance. – Item #26g CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used in other communities regarding performing feasibility studies relative to inclusionary zoning. – Item #26h CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning a projected timeframe for reports brought to City Council concerning inclusionary zoning. –Item #26i CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager coordinate with the resident responsible for Street Assessment #25693 to determine any means the city can aid the resident, as an abatement could not be granted due to the time of filing the request. – Item 26j CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning number of years that have elapsed since each of the city’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements were initiated and/or last negotiated. – Item #26k CC Order adopted

Motion Nguyen @ #9.15A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing a plan and strategy that ensures the city’s boards and commissions can work effectively, while also encouraging public participation in an equitable way.

Motion Nguyen @ #9.15A CM – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report listing all petitions denied over the last two (2) years that includes rationale for said denial(s).