CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:35 P.M.

Adjourned: 11:54 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty provided representatives from Thrive Support and Advocacy with a Mayoral Certificate of Achievement in recognition of your efforts to uphold the city’s welcoming attitude by serving as a welcoming employer to our new Americans. The certificate was received by former City Councilor Sean M. Rose, Stacy Flores, Meg Mulhern and Ellen Murphy.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 14, 2024.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Oliver Chadwick, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23c CC and #23d CC 2. Robert Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #15e CC 3. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #9.13b CM and #23b CC through #23d CC, spoke in favor of #8cc CC, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #10y CC 4. John Dick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #23b CC through #23d CC 5. Pat B., Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #23b CC 6. Michael Milligan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC through #23d CC 7. Naya (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #23b CC and #23c CC 8. Kris Boudreau, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #15e CC, #23b CC, #23c CC, and #23g CC 9. Janis Pigaga Tebo, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 10. David Fayer, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to items #23b CC and #23c CC 11. Sue Swanson, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 12. Ed McKeon, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 13. Holly Montero, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to items #23b CC and #23c CC 14. Bruce Tebo, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 15. Leslie Saffer, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to items #23b CC and #23c CC 16. Walter Bird, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to items #23a CC through #23c CC 17. Rebecca Thal, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 18. Rick Miller, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 19. Gavin D., Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 20. Jim Burns, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 21. Margot Barnett, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to items #23a CC through #23c CC, spoke in opposition to item #8cc CC 22. Gordon Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8cc CC 23. Greg Doerschler, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 24. Grace Ross, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #19b CC 25. Jacob Seidel, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23a CC through #23d CC 26. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13a CC 27. Ruth Rodriguez, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8cc CC 28. Brian Monteverd, Providence, RI resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC through #23d CC, spoke in favor of item #8cc CC 29. Ted Conna, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC through #23d CC 30. Andrew Piazza, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC and #23c CC 31. Emma Narkewicz, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #15e CC and #23b CC through #23d CC, spoke in favor of item #13f CC 32. Karin Valentine Goins, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #15e CC, #23b CC, #23c CC and #23g CC, spoke in favor for items #8cc CC and #13f CC 33. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #10a CC, #13a CC, #13g CC, #15e CC, #23b CC through #23d CC, and #23g CC, spoke in favor of items #8y CC, #8bb CC, #8cc CC, #10b CC, #10c CC, #10h CC, #10l CC, #10m CC, #10r CC, #10t CC, #10u CC, #10x CC, #10y CC, #11d CC, #11h CC, #11j CC, #11n CC, #11s CC, #12a CC, #13e CC, #13f CC, and #23f CC 34. Dale Wickenheiser, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to items #23b CC through #23d CC 35. Alex Salcedo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8cc CC and #13f CC, spoke in opposition to items #15e CC, #23b CC, #23c CC, and #23g CC 36. Lauren Shumate, no residence given, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC through #23c CC 37. Marisol Acosta, Worcester residence, spoke in favor of item #8z CC 38. Eric Stratton, no residence given, spoke in opposition to items #23b CC through #23d CC 39. Sarah Bertrand, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #15e CC, #23b CC, #23c CC, and #23g CC 40. Jeff St. Laurent, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8dd CC 41. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8cc CC and #23f CC, spoke in opposition to item #23g CC 42. Bill Casper, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13k CC 43. John Solly, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13k CC 44. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14f CC and #23b CC through #23d CC, spoke in opposition to items #15e CC 45. Jaime Flores, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #15e CC, #23b CC through #23d CC, and #23g CC

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

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

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of sidewalks on Burncoat St. from Mountain St. East to Tyson Rd.

Carl Almonor and Thalya Cortes request installation of streetlight on Pearson St.

Ilah Cibis and John Neyland request Parker Ct. be renamed to Zakarian Ct. and a street sign be installed in the appropriate location.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Lois Wolobah request Shore Dr. in the vicinity of 75 Shore Dr. be given the honorary street name of Harris Thompson Wolobah Way.

Ed Severance request the existing streetlight at the intersection of Merrick St. and Shawmut St. be removed or relocated.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Eric Brandt request installation of speed bumps on Delmont Ave. between Grafton St. and Bedford Ave.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Ron Hayes, Director of Housing for Open Sky Community Services, request installation of resident permit parking in front of 5 Sturgis St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request Yukon Ave. be reviewed for potential traffic calming measures, including the installation of speed humps.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed humps on Barry Rd.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed humps on St. Nicholas Ave.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of additional and improved signage warning drivers Airlie St. is a one-way street.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of an additional handicap parking space in the vicinity of 342 West Boylston St.

Derek Lundstrom request removal of handicap parking space in front of 61 East Central St.

Michael Stewart request installation of handicap parking space in front of 12 Columbus St.

Klara Bueno request installation of handicap parking space in front of 14 Minthorne St.

Ivette Rosa et al. request installation of No Parking Anytime signage from 22A Milton St. to 19 Milton St.

Kiara Rosado request installation of traffic signage to address speeding in the vicinity of 3 Woodford St.

Neil Kelly request installation of "Do Not Block Intersection" signage at the intersection of Brooks St. and the back entrance to Abby Kelley School.

Tim Conner request installation of No Parking Anytime signage on both sides of Grand St. at the intersection of Grand St. and Hollis St. where Grand St. becomes a one-way street.

Nathalie Gibson request removal of No Left Turn signage in the vicinity of 10 Burncoat St. at the intersection of Burncoat St., Melville St. and Nancy Johnson Way.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: 37 BLACKSTONE RIVER RD. and WHIPPLE ST.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GLENNIE ST. at 70 GOLD STAR BLVD.

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

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

Michael Riggieri request installation of additional trash bins in the downtown area.

Marisol Acosta and Sean Martin request private street betterment on Alden St.

Anthony Petrone request City Council request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the total amount of money spent on outside legal expenses for Police and Fire Department Union Contracts for the last five years and any future contract spendings.

Ana Kagan request installation of communication boards at public areas for the purposes of creating inclusive spaces for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other communication difficulties.

Parlee Jones et al., on be half of Black Families Together, request City Council request City Manager not to expand or renew ShotSpotter and ShotSpotter Connect/Resource Center and to allocate the funding for both programs toward youth development initiatives not led by the Worcester Police Department.

Jeff St. Laurent et al. request City Council request City Manager stablish a clear and focused list of items to be checked during rental inspections under the Rental Dwelling Unit Period Inspections Program, strictly limited to fire safety.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointments of Colleen E. Polletta and Johanna Mawson to the Thomas J. Early Scholarship Fund Board.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Diane Fratoni Mohieldin to the Conservation Commission.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Lowell Alexander to the Worcester Ballpark Commission.

Transmitting informational informational communication relative to the appointment of Nicholas Pepper to the Worcester Redevelopment Authority.

Recommend the appointment of Angela M. Kaufman-Parks to the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.

Recommend adoption of proposed salary ordinance amendments that will bring the ordinance in compliance with the changes enacted in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget.

Recommend adoption of proposed amendments to the Salary Ordinance to bring the ordinance into compliance with the FY25 Budget recommendation.

Recommend approval of an Order authorizing exemptions to two Worcester Public School employees so that they may contract with the Youth Opportunities Office.

Recommend adoption of the FY25 Water and Sewer Rate.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a report on work done at the Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Pavement Restoration.

Recommend approval of the Golf Cart Contract for Green Hill Golf Course.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on Bennett Field.

Recommend adoption of modifications to Chapter 13 Section 68 Schedule III concerning one-way street segments on portions of Ash, Washington, Gold, Harding, Millbury, and Olde Millbury Streets.

Informational communication relative to the federally funded transportation projects.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the quarterly use of the WPD small Unmanned Aircraft System

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the number of Mill Street crashes since its reconfiguration.

Recommend approval of an amendment to the City's organizational ordinances to create a new division within the City Clerk Department, Administration of City Council Office.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the policies for 110 Inspections.

Transmitting informational communication on the status of chronically homeless and unsheltered.

Transmitting informational communication on five year homeless strategic plan.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to apply for, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Three Hundred Seventy Seven Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Four Dollars And No Cents ($377,684.00) from the FY25 Connecting Activities program through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), to support the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board's work-based learning incentive programs.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) from the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, to support a needs assessment for permanent supportive housing with the goal of reducing chronic homelessness.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,750,000.00) through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development, to address infrastructure improvements at the Worcester Memorial Auditorium.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Two Million Dollars And No Cents ($2,000,000.00) through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development, to support the Greendale Revitalization Initiative.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Thirteen Thousand Two Hundred Sixty Six Dollars And Seventy One Cents ($13,266.71) from Department of Fire Services under the FY24 Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Five Hundred Ninety Nine Thousand Three Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($599,300.00) from Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs under the FY’2025 COA Formula Grant program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of up to Forty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($40,000.00) from Friends of Worcester's Senior Center, Inc., for Fiscal Year 2025 support of the Worcester Senior Center.

Recommend City Council's approval of Fiscal Year 2024 year-end transfers to make adjustments to City accounts to balance the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

Recommend that Eight Thousand Six Hundred Ten Dollars And No Cents ($8,610.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1026-610100, Water Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1026-699303, Water Capital Outlay, to appropriately account for the purchase of a water bottle filling station.

Recommend that Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Five Dollars And No Cents ($16,665.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1076-610100, Parks Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1076-699399, Parks Capital Outlay, to appropriately account for the purchase of a new spreader and water bottle filling stations.

Recommend City Council's authorization of the following uses of the Revolving Fund Accounts in Fiscal Year 2025, at the limits in each account per M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53 1/2. These Revolving Fund accounts were established so that revenue from a particular service is allowed to be used for associated program costs. These require annual Authorization from City Council.

Recommend City Council's approval of Fiscal Year 2024 year-end operating transfers to make adjustments to City accounts to balance the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Five Dollars And Twenty Seven Cents ($155.27) be transferred from Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1081, Department of Transportation & Mobility Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that Two Hundred Seventy Nine Dollars and Seventy Five Cents ($279.75) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Center #CC1003, City Manager's Ordinary Maintenance for the payment of prior year invoices.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the launch of a public survey to solicit feedback regarding the FY25-29 Municipal Strategic Plan.

Transmitting informational communication relative to resident billing and the Community Preservation Act surcharge.

Transmitting informational communication relative to my self-evaluation of the work and accomplishments of my administration for Fiscal Year 2024.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager ensure a process that allows third-party companies the ability to complete inspections of rental properties in the city as part of the amended Rental Dwelling Unit Periodic Inspections Program.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with a report one year after the implementation of the Rental Dwelling Unit Periodic Inspections Program evaluating the number of registered rental properties and the number of fines in a categorized list for each City Council District.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning plans to expand the sidewalks on Sunderland Rd. in the vicinity of Roosevelt Elementary School, located at 1006 Grafton St. (Russell)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools to provide City Council with a report concerning how many positions in the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget that were previously being funded through grant monies are now being funded through the department’s general budget. (Colorio)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools to provide City Council with a report concerning how Worcester Public Schools (WPS) funds its snow removal operations, including information relative to what equipment is used during its process. (Bergman)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools to provide City Council with a report detailing anticipated costs associated with fully implementing the recommendations within the School Safety Audit over a seven-to-ten year period. Said report should include information relative to which aspects of the audit will be prioritized each year. (Toomey)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request Superintendent of Public Schools provide City Council with a report detailing the legislative priorities of the Worcester Public Schools department. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report concerning efforts being made to obtain PFAS-free firefighter turn out gear. (Toomey)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report detailing the Fire Department’s staffing levels over a three (3) year period that includes information relative to union and civilian employees, as well as any individuals that may have transferred in or out of the department. (Toomey)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the status of building the new South Division Fire Station. (Toomey)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report detailing the status of implementing the various recommendations associated with the Fire Department Community Risk Assessment Master Plan. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager conduct a survey of the members of the Worcester Police Department to determine ways in which mental health resources can be advanced within the department. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report analyzing data compiled by the ACLU Massachusetts Branch concerning the efficacy of ShotSpotter. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how much money the city spends on internal details. Further, request said report include information concerning how many police details are filled against how many details go unfilled. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning plans the city has relative to ensuring usage of “Community Days,” at Polar Park. (Russell)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the parameters of the agreement between the city and Madison Properties, as it relates to the parking lot in the vicinity of Polar Park. Said report should include information concerning how many parking spaces are dedicated to Madison Properties and how many spaces are dedicated to public use. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report assessing the condition of both the DCU Center and Polar Park. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report determining whether the proposed improvements to the fire alarm system at the DCU Center are necessary. Said report should include how the potential need for such a system was brought to the city’s attention and any actions taken by the Civic Center Commission in its regard. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager review the number of employees Law Departments of similar sized cities have against the city’s to determine whether additional staffing is needed. (Bergman)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the program Nearmap, including costs associated with maintaining the program, which department(s) have access to the technology and whether the data collected from the program, including contact information for property owners, is subject to public records requests. (Russell)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a staffing analysis of the Assessing and Purchasing Divisions of the city. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council a report concerning the cost of installing photos of the city’s elected officials in every high school and in City Hall.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools to receive input related to installing photos of the city’s elected officials in the high schools.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report concerning assessments of state buildings as they relate to real estate taxes and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Auditor, if possible, provide City Council with a full report by December 31, 2024 concerning the revenue received from the Community Preservation Act (CPA).

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a report relative to leasable space at Union Station.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding can be used for portable bathrooms in homeless encampments and/or for wraparound services and other facilities for the city’s homeless population.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning health-related issues associated with the city’s older multi-family home housing stock, including asthma-related issues and elderly trip and fall-related issues. Said report should include any pertinent data collected from the Commonwealth on similar issues.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the process for reducing the number of licenses granted within the city that allow for the sale of tobacco products.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used by other communities to incentivize property owners of uninsured properties to become insured.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library provide City Council a list of all services offered at the Worcester Public Library.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library provide City Council with a report concerning the collaboration between the Major Taylor Museum and the Worcester Public Library.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning pending legislation regarding ghost guns and switches.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief work with Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools to create a contingency plan for gun violence alerts throughout the summer.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with regular reports concerning foot patrols, community policing efforts and findings relative to each City Council district.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report, prior to the end of August 2024, regarding any new Worcester Police Department (WPD) retirees, as well as information concerning new WPD recruits.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Director of Emergency Communications and Management provide City Council a report regarding methods to address emergency solutions in the 311 application, particularly on weekends.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with report concerning parking ordinances relative to box trucks.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct an assessment of Davis St. to determine any potential means of increasing pedestrian safety, such as the installation of crosswalks and/or stop signs.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the department's current processes relative to inclement weather on hills.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install appropriate “Curve" warning signage, as well as an advisory speed plaque (25 mph), in the vicinity of 445 Hamilton St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services contact the owner of 437 Hamilton St. to clear overgrowth on Hamilton St. next to 445 Hamilton St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility prepare and implement a lane marking plan incorporating recommendations from the traffic study of the intersection of Plantation St. and Orient St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct traffic study at the intersection of Newton Ave. North and Salisbury St. for traffic calming measures to accommodate vulnerable road users.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study on Millbrook St. for traffic calming solutions.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed monitoring and enforcement on Millbrook St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning any impact a restraining order can have when granting the installation of a handicap parking space.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility contact the property owner and the business owner at 410 Shrewsbury St. to discuss the size of the curb cut of the property.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide periodic checks on at Indian Lake Beach and Clason Rd.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager trim trees at the intersection of Valmor St. and Sunderland Rd.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide foundation for the street signage at the intersection Vernon St. and Richland St. for additional support.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility follow up with the implementation of No Parking Anytime signage at the intersection of Richland St. and Vernon St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the completion of both a staffing analysis and pay equity analysis for the Law Department. (King)

In accordance with Section 2 of City Manager Eric D. Batista’s Employment Agreement, the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby consider negotiating a subsequent employment agreement beyond his December 31, 2024 term. (Petty, Bergman)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby amend its meeting schedule to reschedule its Joint City Council and City Manager agenda on August 20, 2024 City Council meeting to now take place on August 13, 2024. Further, that the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby amend its meeting schedule to schedule a Joint City Council and City Manager agenda on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 to accommodate a shift in the 2024 State Primary Election Schedule. (Petty)

Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report, at its next meeting, detailing all traffic ordinances ordained by City Council over the last six (6) years, as well as all the items currently awaiting ordinances to be written by the Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM). (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager consider allowing neighborhood residents to park underneath the solar panels in the Worcester Senior Center parking lot during winter weather events. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a summary of all efforts that went into responding to residents at the Washington Heights apartment complex displaced by the June 3, 2024 fire, including: A) all parties involved in the response; B) any gaps in resources that have been identified in the City's response to all fires that have taken place in the last twenty-four (24) months; C) the number of significant fires that have resulted in fatalities; and D) the number of residents displaced as a result of said fires in the last twenty-four (24) months. (Haxhiaj)

In light of recent fires, request City Manager expedite the implementation of the Rental Registry and the Periodic Inspection of Multi-family buildings programs. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer create an online restaurant and dining directory/map that lists restaurants in all five (5) City Council districts. Said directory should include filters based on restaurant location and the type of food options served. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with an update concerning the status of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) relative to the street repaving projects, as selected by the District Councilors for FY25 and FY26. Said report should include a timeline for construction on said repaving projects. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a final list of sidewalks approved for resurfacing by City Council, with updated cost projections, to ensure District Councilors are able to make their backlog of selections, including FY23, FY24, FY25 and FY26. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning various outreach efforts completed by the city to ensure all senior residents are made aware of the Senior Work-Off Abatement Program. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager immediately communicate with Eversource to request the work being done at the rotary intersecting Webster St. and Hope Ave., and the resulting detour(s), be done in a manner that minimizes interference with businesses operating nearby. (Bergman, Haxhiaj)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of 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: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance as amended to include a 25’ setback.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Mark Borenstein, Esq. request Zoning Map be amended by changing the zoning designation of the property located at and known as 342 West Boylston St. from the current zoning designation of Business, Limited (BL-1.0) to Business, Limited (BL-1.0) and Commercial Corridors Overlay District - Elsewhere (CCOD-E) by establishing the Commercial Corridors Overlay District - Elsewhere (CCOD-E) at the property: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the petition of Angel Santos request Zoning Map be amended by changing the zoning designation of the property located at 546 Cambridge St. from RG-5 to MG-2: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Dhimitri Lako request the Zoning Map be amended by changing the zoning designation of 325 Greenwood St. from ML-0.5 to BL-1.0: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of an amendment to the Rental Property Registration Program and Residential Rental Unit Periodic Inspection Program ordinances: recommend passage of the two (2) proposed Ordinances as amended to include the following: 1) Exemption of “newly developed dwellings” (single family, two-family, three-family, and multi-family) that received an occupancy permit on or after September 29, 2022, for a period of 5 years from the date of the occupancy permit; 2) Any change in ownership during the 5-year period requires the new owner register within 30 days of taking ownership); 3) Owner occupied 2 and 3 family dwellings exempt from program; 4) Changes to ordinance from Commissioner of Inspectional Services and City Solicitor (submitted to Committee on 5/1) included Department of Inspectional Services retaining a list of exempted properties and Penalty/Fine section limited to each month constituting a fine (not daily); 5) Exempt from State Sanitary Code inspections – 2 and 3 family owner-occupied; 6) Exemption from inspection for any newly developed single family, two-family, three-family, and multi-family rental units, as identified in Section 18 (c), that received an occupancy permit on or after September 29, 2022, for a period of 5 years from the date of the occupancy permit; 7) Upon change of ownership, inspections must occur; 8) Owner occupied 2 and 3 family dwellings exempt from State Sanitary Code inspections; 9) Addition to 19(g), related to building owners’ responsibility, to obtain consent from tenants/occupants for any inspections; 10) Changes to ordinance from Commissioner of Inspectional Services and City Solicitor (submitted to Committee on 5/1) included DIS retaining a list of exempted properties & Penalty/Fine section limited to each month constituting a fine (not daily); and 11) Editorial and stylistic changes were also made for formatting purposes.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the constitutionality of the Rental Dwelling Unit Periodic Inspections Ordinance: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an overview of the infrastructure and capacity building that was done to prepare for a launch of the Rental Registry: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning how short-term rentals such as Airbnb will be handled in the city’s rental registry program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Petition of Arthur Mooradian and Michael Madulka request City Council request City Manager suspend the Rental Registry and Inspection Program and schedule public hearings relative to said programs: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Budget: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of amendments to the Worcester Financial Integrity Plan: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Petition of Maria Montano request City Council request City Manager display pictures of elected, municipal officials who are currently in office, including the Mayor, Vice Chairman, district and at-large City Council members, as well as all district and at-large School Committee Members in all municipal, school and administrative buildings to bring representation, awareness and engagement in our municipal government and school electoral process: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing a list of properties purchased by colleges and universities from 2019 to the present, whether the college or university kept the property on the tax roll, any signed community benefit agreements associated with new projects on these properties and what changes, if any, were made to PILOT contributions: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting an informational communication relative to the City of Worcester's Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements: 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 the Senior Tax Abatement Volunteer Program: 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 of the Community Preservation Act: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting the financial statements of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 as audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP: recommend Communication be placed on file.