CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:36 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:35 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of Worcester resident Barry Krock, who passed away on August 27, 2024 at the age of 90. Mr. Krock was a fixture in the Central Massachusetts business and banking community for over half a century.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of July 16, 2024.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8y CC and in opposition to item #17a CC 2. Oliver Chadwick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11a CC and #17a CC 3. Melissa Vernier, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC 4. Melinda Martin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC 5. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17a CC 6. Nicole Belanger, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12d CC 7. Jacob Seidel, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11a CC and #17a CC 8. Sarah Stewart, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17a CC 9. Robert Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17a CC 10. Karen Valentine-Goins, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17a CC 11. Patricia Hobbs, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12j CC 12. Matthew Noe, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11a CC and #17a CC, as well as in opposition to item #12f CC 13. Ruth Rodriguez-Fay, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC 14. Hannah Weinsaft, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC 15. Feanna Jattan-Singh, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #13a CC and #17a CC 16. Harold Bersani, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC #17a CC 17. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #8ii CC, #12f CC, #15d CC and #16h CC , as well as in favor of items #8gg CC, #8hh CC, #10b CC, #10g CC, #11a CC, #12a CC, #12d CC, #12k CC, #12s CC, #13a CC and #17a CC and spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #12j CC 18. Dale Wickenheiser, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17a CC 19. Mike Kane, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13a CC 20. Kevin Lynch, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8gg CC and #8hh CC 21. Greg Dorshler, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a CC 22. Darnell Dunn, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15a CC 23. Rhonda Hicks a.k.a. Wahya Wolfpaw, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8gg CC and #8hh CC 24. Bruce Hoffner, Milford, NH resident, spoke in opposition to items #12f CC and #17a CC 25. Sarah Moore, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11a CC and #17a CC 26. Colleen West, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #17a CC and #13a CC 27. Cara Berg-Powers, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC and #17a CC 28. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17a CC 29. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #17a CC, #12d CC, #12h CC, #12m CC, #12n CC, #12q CC and #19b CC, as well as in opposition to item #12f CC and #13a CC 30. Patti Kosar, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #13a CC and #17a CC

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

Miriam Generazio request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 5 Dallas St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Michael Carbonneau request the existing bus stop at the corner of Greenwood St. and Ekman St. be relocated back to its original location in front of 16 Greenwood St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Amanda Cummings request the crosswalks around and near Roosevelt Elementary School, located at 1006 Grafton St., be reviewed to ensure they are visible, in good condition and properly located, especially at the intersection of Sunderland Rd. and Grafton St.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Denise Bilotta request a traffic light or flashing light be installed at the intersection of Williamsburg Dr. and Mill St.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj request installation of a left turn signal at the traffic light at the corner of Park Ave. and Lovell St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed humps on Parkton Ave.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed humps on West Chester St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of “Go Slow Children” signage on Ascadilla Rd.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of a stop sign at Barry Rd. and Dick Dr.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request review and installation of traffic calming measures and safety improvements to the intersection of Whitmarsh Ave. and Leeds St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request removal of the “No Parking Anytime” signage on the south side of Indian Hill Rd. from Hockanum Way to a point 60’ west of Hockanum Way.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request removal of all resident permit parking restrictions on Indian Hill Rd., including the east side of Indian Hill Rd. from Ararat St. to a point 1125’ south of Ararat St. and the west side from Ararat St. to a point 1165’ south of Ararat St.

Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of “No Parking Here to Corner” signage on Freeland St. on both sides of its intersection with Tirrell St.

Staci Wehbe request installation of handicap parking space in front of 28 Ledgecrest Dr.

James Sylvia et al. request installation of four-way stop signage at the intersection of Vassar St. and Cornell St.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of speed humps on Sunny Hill Dr.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of speed humps on Conger Rd.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman request the crosswalks in the vicinity of Park Ave. and Millbrook St. be reviewed for the installation of better lighting.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a flashing solar beacon at the crosswalk at Bailey Rd. and Prouty Lane.

Nikola Duka request installation of a crosswalk on June St. at its intersection with Wetherell St. and Commodore Rd.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a stop sign near the Airport Dr. rotary.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of additional signage alerting motorists entering Pleasant St. from Airport Dr. of right and left hand turns.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a crosswalk at or near Assabet Lane and Bailey Rd.

Richard Wiggin request installation of a Tow Zone on Liscomb St.

Demetra Edwards request installation of Auditory Pedestrian Signals at all existing crosswalks at the intersection of Webster St. and Main St.

Donald Tarallo and Hui En Huang et al. request the existing residential permit parking zone on Somerset St. be amended to remove the 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. limit and instead provide residential permit parking at all times.

Sean Engel request removal of "No Parking 8 A.M. - 3 P.M. School Days" signage outside 51 Gage St. on Gage St. and Eastern Ave.

Nicole Aubin St Germain request installation of flashing crosswalk lights at crosswalks on Plantation St. for Holmes Field.

Sherri Way request removal of handicap parking space across 20 Kosta St.

Madeliene Del Toro-Cournoyer request installation of new pickleball courts or reconfigure existing tennis courts to accommodate pickleball courts.

Michael J. Grandone request City Council request City Manager hold a meeting with all city/town mayors, councilors and state representatives to discuss the laws concerning tax exemptions.

Harold Bersani request City Council request City Manager consider amending the Construction Noise ordinance to prohibit construction noise on Sundays and federal holidays in residential districts.

Rhonda Hicks request City Council request City Manager consider forming a partnership between the Worcester Police Department with homeless veterans and homeless people to assist them in finding employment.

Rhonda Hicks request City Council request City Manager dedicate a water fountain to the homeless veterans to be placed next to the water fountain memorial in the Worcester Common.

Andrew E. Hegedus request City Council request City Manager consider increasing the amount of money allocated to traffic enforcement by the Worcester Police Department in areas that have seen increased traffic fatalities and auto collisions.

Recommend the reappointment of Esther Boama-Myarko to the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.

Recommend the reappointment of Mary Knittle to the Green Worcester Advisory Committee.

Recommend the reappointment of Timothy Magliaro, Odeta Longobardo, and Eric Stratton to the Community Preservation Community.

Recommend the reappointment of Gabriel Rodriguez to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees.

Recommend adoption of an ordinance to repeal the special speed regulation governing Belmont Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Office of New Americans.

Transmitting informational communication relative to assessments of state buildings as they relate to real estate taxes.

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 Greater Worcester Community Foundation under the Creative Intersections Grant program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($300,000.00) from the Workforce Competitive Trust Fund’s EA Shelter Enhancement Grant program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in an amount up to Two Hundred Thirty Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($236,500.00) from the Cultural Arts State Lottery Fund Grant program.

Recommend that Three Thousand Six Hundred Thirty Nine Dollars And Fifty Cents ($3,639.50) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1068, Off Street Parking Ordinary Maintenance, to allow for payment of a prior year invoice.

Recommend that Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Seven Dollars And Ninety Two Cents ($7,707.92) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1044, Fire Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer ensure developers attend Economic Development Committee meetings when their items brought forward for Certified Project hearings.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning new policies that have been adopted by the Department of Public Works and Parks and the Department of Transportation and Mobility. Further, request said policies be made available on the city’s website.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning how many guardrails are installed in the city and how many are intended for pedestrian safety versus vehicle safety.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning the plans relative to Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of monies being collected from Winn Development’s usage of the Ernest H. Johnson tunnel, including information concerning whether the amount of monies could be negotiated for fair market value or if the funding needs to go through a bid process.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the latest work completed by the Green Worcester Advisory Committee.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager identify spaces with cooling strategies, as well as locations where cooling strategies can be applied. Further, request City Manager include in said report mapping the location of tree canopies in the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning amount of trees expected to be planted during Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25).

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager update city’s website with information from the state concerning energy vendors. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with feedback concerning the benefits and challenges relative to listing the information on the city’s website.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request City Manager request Chief Sustainability Officer provide City Council with a quarterly report concerning the Green Worcester ElectriCITY aggregation program.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - Request Standing Committee on Education hold a discussion exploring the expansion of the Urban Forest Academy Program, high school environmental science programs and other educational opportunities concerning trees within Worcester Public Schools.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support instituting a citywide 25 mile per hour statutory speed limit.

Request City Manager work to create and publish a dashboard that tracks appointments to the city’s boards and commissions while also providing reporting as to the demographics for said boards and commissions. (King)

Request City Manager replace the missing “Dead End” signage at the top of Moore Ave., which was not replaced after construction to the area. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager repaint the crosswalk lines at the Quinsigamond Village Community Center, located at 16 Greenwood St. (Russell)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility convey to MassDOT the urgency of holding a public meeting with the Pleasant St./Tatnuck Square Neighborhoods to discuss short-term and long-term road safety changes for the stretch of Route 122 and Pleasant St., including the Airport Dr. Rotary. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility implement interim road safety measures around the Airport Dr. rotary. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager remove the gates from around the water fountain memorial on the Worcester Common. (King)

That the City Council convene in Executive Session at its September 10, 2024 meeting for the purpose of discussing all legal avenues the City of Worcester can take against Worcester Polytechnical Institute (WPI) and their recent proposed acquisition of the Hampton Inn and Courtyard Marriot hotels in Gateway Park. (Mero-Carlson, Petty)

Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of working with community partners to bring a Daily Table to the city. (Pacillo)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the processes in place to hold Public Works Department contractors responsible to a timeline and their quality of work. (Pacillo, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Toomey, Bergman, Colorio)

Request City Manager work with Preservation Worcester to develop a plan to restore all the pillars running along Burncoat St. (Pacillo)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the extent to which the city can be notified when properties are being purchased and for what intent those properties will be used. Further, request City Manager include in said report a review of the process used to educate developers on best practices that should be used when said developers conduct neighborhood meetings, in an effort to respect neighborhood residents and their needs. Said best practices should include holding such hearings prior to the developers purchasing a property and using said property in a way that may impact the makeup of a neighborhood. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager review the crosswalks on Main St. in the vicinity of Clement St. and Marble St. and the McDonalds at 995 Main St. for the purpose of ensuring all ramps are ADA compliant with handicap access ramps. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study in the vicinity of Elm Park on Russell St. between Highland St. and Elm St. in an effort to increase pedestrian safety and for the purpose of installing speed calming measures. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study on Elm St. from Chestnut St. to Park Ave. in an effort to increase pedestrian safety and for the purpose of installing speed calming measures. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager install trash receptacles in the vicinity of Elm Park, including along the sidewalks around the edge of the park and across the street of the park on Elm St. and Russell St. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a draft ordinance for the purpose of establishing and creating a process to establish 20 MPH school zones at all schools. (King)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repaint the crosswalk at Bailey Rd. and Prouty Lane. (Bergman)

Request City Manager remove the overgrown trees and brush along Bailey Rd. for better driver/pedestrian sight. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report determining the ownership of frontage along Bailey Rd. to Fox Meadow and to assess the possibility of adding sidewalks at the location. (Bergman)

Request City Manager work with the Police Chief to initiate the strategic placement of a finite number of roadside, unmanned police cars throughout the city as a potential traffic calming intervention that may prevent speeding. (King)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support passage of Question 2 to replace the MCAS graduation requirement and require instead that districts certify that students have satisfactorily completed coursework demonstrating mastery of the skills and knowledge required by the Commonwealth’s strong, statewide standards in order to graduate. (Petty, Mero-Carlson)

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Kim Vong request Zoning Map be amended by changing the zoning designation of 55 Benefit Street from MG-2 to RG-5.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Joshua Lee Smith, on behalf of Sahil Properties LLC, request Zoning Map be amended by changing the zoning designation of the property located at 66 Southgate St. and 91 Canterbury St. from RG-5 to BL-1.0

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil, on behalf of Norcross Development, LLC request acceptance of the extension of Brookline St. as a public way.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend approval of an amendment to the Tax Increment Exemption Agreement Relative to 340 Main Street: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Semi-annual Tax Increment Financing / Tax Increment Exemption Report for the period ending December 31, 2023: 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 the semi-annual TIF/TIE reporting for period ending on June 30, 2023: 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 Update on Economic Development Initiatives: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request Evergreen Ln. from Massasoit Rd. to a pt. 100’ southwest of Massasoit Rd., or less, be made public, for the purpose of installing a surface drainage system to prohibit water going down Evergreen Ln. from Massasoit Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to convert the first 41 feet of Evergreen Ln. from a private to public street for the purpose of installing a surface drainage system to prohibit water going down Evergreen Ln. from Massasoit Rd.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Maria Montano request resurfacing of sidewalks on both sides of Freeland St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Nicole Panagiotou request street resurfacing in front of 5 Lantern Ln.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Petra Kajla request Ararat St. be resurfaced.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Randall Ormo request Utica Dr. be resurfaced.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mildred Bailey request installation of guardrail in front of 140 May St. at the intersection of May St. and Lovell St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a guardrail or similar hardware at the intersection of May St. and Lovell St., pending funding and the review of an impact study following the installation of a four-way stop control at said intersection.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Daniel Heckman request installation of guardrail in front of 4 Knox St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Maria Montano request installation of a guardrail at the corner of Freeland St. and Cambridge St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a guardrail or appropriate safety barrier on Cambridge St. at the intersection of Cambridge St. and Freeland St.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Carol Degnis et al. request installation of a guardrail at the corner of Penn Ave. and Harrison St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a guardrail at the corner of Penn Ave. and Harrison St., pending funding and the review of an impact study following the installation of a four-way stop control at the intersection.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Ed Severance request the existing streetlight at the intersection of Merrick St. and Shawmut St. be removed or relocated.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of a streetlight on Barry Rd. at its intersection with Lynnwood Ln.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of 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.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a streetlight on utility pole #6-1 in the vicinity of 27 Balis Ave., with an estimated cost of $625 and for the streetlight installation to be prioritized.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report on the utility company pavement guarantees.: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Christian Lewis request Moreland St. be resurfaced.: recommend Petitioner be granted leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request Alexander Rd. between Huntington Ave. and Gifford Rd. be resurfaced.: recommend the Petitioner be granted leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Athena Corbin et al. request Crillon Rd. be made public.: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to adopting a statutory speed limit of 25 mph and the establishment of Safety Zones with 20 mph speed limits: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance and adoption of the accompanying Order to accept the provisions of section 17C of Chapter 90 of the General Laws to establish a 25 miles per hour statutory speed limit city-wide in thickly settled or business districts, accept the provisions of Section 18B of Chapter 90 of the General Laws to authorize establishment a speed limit of 20 miles per hour within areas designated by the City Council as safety zones, and enact revisions to the city’s general revised ordinances to enact the same.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a survey of public opinion on speed limit reduction proposals: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a status update for the Green Worcester ElectriCITY aggregation program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communications relative to a 5-year grant from the USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager consider combining the Major Taylor Museum and the Major Taylor Statue to one (1) location. (Tabled Under Privilege - King July 16, 2024 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty August 27, 2024)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support expediting the adoption of the 25-mile-per-hour citywide statutory speed limit and designation of 20-mph Safety Zones policies as immediate actions to address the safety of all road users; Further, that the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the inclusion of traffic calming and other Complete Streets safety improvements as part of all the city’s roadway projects, to increase the safety and accessibility of the city’s public ways for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio August 27, 2024)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - That the Rules of City Council of the City of Worcester be and are hereby amended to amend Rule 21 to read as follows: Rule 21. No Speaking for More Than Five Minutes. After being recognized by the chair no councilor shall speak for more than five (5) minutes at a time nor more than ten (10) minutes total on any agenda item, or a group of calendar items taken collectively, at any City Council or Standing Committee on Finance meeting. The chair may grant additional time to any councilor if comments made by the city manager or other individuals in response to questions have taken an unusual amount of time. The chair shall make note of the time each member is recognized. Whenever any member substantially exceeds five minutes during their first time speaking on an item, the chair may rule that the member is being allocated his or her second five minutes and the member shall be deemed to have waived his or her right to speak twice on an item. (Tabled Under Privilege - King August 27, 2024)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to MBTA Communities Compliance and Economic Feasibility Analysis for Inclusionary Zoning. (Tabled Under Privilege - King August 27, 2024)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to internal police detail spending. (Tabled Under Privilege - King August 27, 2024)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to ShotSpotter and Resource Router programs. (Tabled Under Privilege - King August 27, 2024)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager consider establishing a “Mid-block Pedestrian Crossing Pilot Program,” (see attached) in locations with high pedestrian traffic and where vulnerable road safety is at an elevated risk. Said pilot program should include collaboration with Mass DOT where appropriate. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning common areas where pedestrian jaywalking occurs. (Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey August 27, 2024)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager consider establishing “Pedestrian Focused Overlay Zones,” (see attached) by changing traffic pattern regulations in a way that focuses on pedestrians and vulnerable road users alike. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing an ordinance that will provide multiple and direct routes in the city by establishing, “Street Connectivity Minimums.” Said projects should include collaboration with Mass DOT where appropriate. (Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey August 27, 2024)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted order from November 14, 2023, which read, “In an effort to reprioritize and reduce pedestrian crash potential, the City Manager be and is hereby requested to 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/). Further, request City Manager review the feasibility of beginning a pilot program to install HAWK signals/flashing beacons, enhanced lighting, and improved pairing at crosswalks within each city district, at locations to be determined by each district City Councilor.” (Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey August 27, 2024)

AN ORDINANCE Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Prohibit Parking on a Portion of Liscomb Street. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty August 27, 2024)

ORDER of Councilor Jenny Pacillo and Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services work to create a Worcester Rodent Action Plan (WRAP), similar the plan created in Boston, which aims to improve the quality of life of the city’s residents through mitigating the rodent population in the city. (Tabled Under Privilege - Pacillo August 27, 2024)

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication detailing all petitions denied for inclusion on the City Council agenda over the last two (2) years that includes rationale for said denial(s). (Tabled Under Privilege - Nguyen August 27, 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)

PETITION of Gordon Davis request City Council request Standing Committee on Public Safety investigate the issue of systemic racism and public safety with public hearings included. (Tabled - Toomey May 14, 2024)

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing how temporary repairs of private streets will be budgeted for in future years. – Item #26a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the history of why the City Council discontinued the practice of approving temporary repairs on private streets, including any concerns around damage to the private roads during weather events. – Item #26b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility to provide City Council with a report detailing a way the city can develop a more robust speed hump program, similar to the program instituted in Boston. – Item #26c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report detailing the various types of speed humps that the city plans to use at part of its future speed calming measures, including the data behind using permanent and/or temporary speed humps. – Item #26d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager ensure all planned speed humps installs are completed by November 1, 2024. – Item #26e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with an action plan for how the city plans to support and prioritize aiding residents experiencing food insecurity. – Item #26f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager prioritize creating funding that ensures the construction of sidewalks near schools can be completed at no cost to the abutters. – Item #26g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously filed Order from May 28, 2024, which read, “Request City Manager request City Solicitor explore the feasibility of filing litigation against Charter Spectrum to create an impetus for the company to ensure eligible seniors are reimbursed on any monies withheld from them relative to their service.” – Item #26h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Jenny Pacillo – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously filed Order from May 28, 2024, which read, “Request City Manager work with the appropriate representatives from Charter Spectrum to provide City Council with information concerning the process used to return/reimburse senior discounts that were illegally withheld from the company. – Item #26i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – Request City Manager create an accessible and transparent complaint process for the purpose of rescinding licenses of constables who violate state statutes. – Item #26i CC Placed on file on a roll call vote of 7 Yeas and 4 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Jenny Pacillo – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s jurisdiction as it relates to the oversight of constables in the city. – Item #26j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Russell @ #17a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with the necessary documentation to include Main St., Stafford St. and Park Ave. as part of the 25 MPH Statutory Speed Limit in the city.

Motion Russell @ #17a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report recommending a list of locations 20 MPH safety zones should be installed, including locations near schools, daycares, the Worcester Senior Center, senior housing facilities, as well as parks and recreation areas.

Motion Russell @ #17a CC – Request City Manager work with the State to create a plan that best addresses safety issues and fatalities on state roads, such as Route 20 and Interstate-290.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #17a CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with documentation relative to subjecting all city streets to the city’s 25 MPH Statutory Speed Limit.

Motion Toomey @ #17a CC – Request City Manager work with the State to ensure intersections that include state roads have modern technology and painted crosswalks.

Motion King @ #19e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning internal police detail spending during Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) and Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23).

Motion Toomey @ #19f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any improvements seen in the City of Chicago, IL since their time using ShotSpotter.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #12f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)’s plans to purchase the Hampton Inn and Suites at 65 Prescott St. and the Courtyard by Marriott at 72 Grove St. as it relates to corporate agreements in Gateway Park, TIF Agreement clauses that would require the property/properties to stay on the tax roll and any other pertinent communication the city has had with WPI in terms of agreements made on Gateway Park properties.