CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:39 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:38 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 Massachusetts State Police recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia, who passed away at the age of 25 after being injured during a training exercise late last week at the Massachusetts State Police Academy.

Mayor Petty provided Katelyn Duncan and George Kalivas with Keys to the City for their work in the community and for receiving the Thomas S. Green Award, which recognizes outstanding public servants for their commitment to making Worcester and nearby communities better places to live and work. Michelle Smith also received the Thomas S. Green Award and a Key to the City but was not in attendance to receive the recognition.

Mayor Petty provided a Certificate of Mayoral Recognition to Tina Zlody and Stacy Lord for their twenty (20) years bringing the StArt on the Street Festival to Worcester. The Mayor also recognized a number of other organizers for the event for their contributions to the city.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of August 27, 2024.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following the speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8q CC, #9.13A CM and #11c CC 2. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8q CC 3. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #8q CC, #9.13A CM, #11a CC and #17h CC 4. Todd Marino, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.39A CM 5. Demar Langford, Sr., Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8c CC 6. Bruce Hoffner, Milford, NH, resident, spoke in favor of item #9.13A CM and #11a CC 7. Ruth Rodriguez-Fay, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to an item not listed on the agenda 8. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC and #8q CC 9. Nathalie Turner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a CC

Rocco Demalia request installation of sidewalk on Mower St.

Daniel Rubino and Jamie Epstein request the resurfacing relative to the damage on Chevy Chase Rd. from construction rerouting be prioritized following completion of the construction on Brattle St.

Councilor Khrystian E. King request Dewey St. from Parker St. to Chandler St. be given the honorary street name designation of Joyner Lucas Boulevard.

Charles Divris request the curb in front of 82 and 86 Whitmarsh Ave. be replaced.

Charles Divris request the length of the handicap parking space in front of 81-83 Whitmarsh St. be reduced.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of left turn light at the corner of Heywood St. and Granite St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request line repainting on Parkton Ave.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request line repainting on the upper portion of Chester St. between Parkton Ave. and Bjorklund Ave.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the winter parking ban along the entire length of Lincoln St. be amended from a permanent ban on both sides of the road to only being in effect on both sides when declared.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request the traffic signal timing plan at the intersection of Lincoln St. and Country Club Blvd. be evaluated and changed to provide better protection for pedestrians crossing the street.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request establishment of a Commercial Loading Zone between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. and a Passenger Loading Zone between 4 p.m. 12 a.m. for the entire Wall St. frontage of 17 Wall St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of speed humps on Alvarado Ave.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: ORNE ST., LINCOLN ST. and PAINE ST.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole at: BEDFORD AVE.

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

James P. Coughlin request City Council request City Manager place a picture of former City Manager Thomas R. Hoover right aside the pictures of other previous City Managers of the City of Worcester that are displayed on the third floor of City Hall.

Nathalie Gibson request the microphone in the City Council Chambers be muted once residents reach the end of their allotted two (2) minutes for testimony on any City Council item(s) appearing on the agenda to ensure the same rules are enforced by the Chairperson for both in-person and virtual attendees.

Recommend the reappointment of James Delage as an associate member to the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Recommend adoption of a salary ordinance necessary to implement the City's recently completed bargaining agreement with Local 1009. IAFF

Recommend adoption of a salary ordinance necessary to recently completed bargaining agreement with Local 504, IBPO.

Recommend Adoption of an Order Authorizing the Reconveyance of Land at 40 Wall Street to Friendly House, Inc.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Semi-Annual TIF/TIE Reporting.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Housing and Neighborhood Activities.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Economic Development Initiatives.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Parking Restrictions for Commercial Vehicles.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a quarterly report on the use of WPD's SUAS/Drone.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the last three 110 Periodic Inspections occurring at Washington Heights, including information relative to when such inspections occurred.

Transmitting informational communication relative the 1st Annual Veterans Health Clinic.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the rollout of National Grid's Advanced Metering Infrastructure.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($2,500.00) from Digital Federal Credit Union to support the WFD's efforts in providing programs and services that make a difference in the community.

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

Recommend the Fiscal Year 2025 Table of Organization for Treasury be amended by deleting one (1) Principal Clerk & Typist Pay Grade 29 and adding one (1) Head Clerk Pay Grade 32.

Recommend that Three Hundred Seventy Three Dollars And Fifty Cents ($373.50) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1063, Health Insurance Fringe Benefits, for the payment of a prior year invoice.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Worcester Polytechnic Institute's purchasing of Hampton Inn & Suites at 65 Prescott St. and Courtyard Marriott at 72 Grove St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools to provide City Council with a report detailing a list of schools in poor condition with high priority projects.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools to provide City Council with a report updating the findings within the 2017 Facility Master Plan.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Manager work with the Superintendent of Public Schools to provide City Council with a report related to the feasibility of expanding libraries in all Worcester Public Schools in the next ten (10) years.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Manager consider library services as a priority during negotiation requests.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether any departments in the city utilizes GPS services, as well as whether any departments plan to implement the usage of GPS services following contract negotiations between the city and the various unions that represent employees who would be monitored.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning potential changes that could be made to the roadways in the vicinity of the South Division Fire Station during construction of the new station to make the area more navigable for public safety vehicles and all road-users.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the Summer Impact program.

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion and any draft documentation required to begin the process of changing the City Charter and City Council Rules, if necessary, to grant City Council the authority to move, edit and/or eliminate any line item/funding listed in the City Budget by a majority vote during the annual budgeting process. (Russell)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility consider placing an electronic speed monitor on Flagg St., while also coordinating a meeting with the Flagg Street neighborhood and district Councilor to discuss traffic concerns in the area. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work with the contractor responsible for the resurfacing of May St. to ensure the two (2) crosswalks on May St. across from Big Y, located at 100 Mayfield St., that were accidentally removed during road resurfacing are replaced. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks clear the Japanese knotweed between Inman Ave. and Grove St. Further, request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work with Assumption College to clear excess overgrowth in the area, including along the lower portion of Chester St. (Pacillo)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with an update concerning any planned improvements to the tennis courts at the Newton Square Rotary. (Haxhiaj, Pacillo)

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Rich Mazzocchi request acceptance of the reconstruction of the proposed city street Theodore Tonna St., formerly known as Spruce St., between Green St. and Washington St.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION Upon the Communication of Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, "Building the Future: Investing in Worcester Public Schools Facilities," and the online visualization, "Understanding Your Neighborhood Schools.": recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Worcester Public Library services available to Worcester Public Schools students.: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the City’s transition from Smart911 to RapidSOS: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the status of building the new South Division Fire Station: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to community policing foot patrols: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Amending Section 17 of Article 3 of the Revised Ordinances of 2015, Part Two relative to the Establishment of the Planning Board.

Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a Stop Sign on Abby Street at Piehl Avenue.

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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 10, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 10, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 10, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 10, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 10, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 10, 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 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 10, 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 the necessary documentation to include Main St., Stafford St. and Park Ave. as part of the 25 MPH Statutory Speed Limit in the city. – Item #22a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – 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. – Item #22b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – 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. – Item #22c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #22d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager work with the State to ensure intersections that include state roads have modern technology and painted crosswalks. – Item #22e 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 a report concerning internal police detail spending during Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) and Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). – Item #22f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any improvements seen in the City of Chicago, IL since their time using ShotSpotter. – Item #22g CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #22h CC Order adopted

Motion King @ #9.3A CM – Request City Manager thoroughly explore external diversity trainings or an external diversity trainer as a real potentiality.

Motion Petty @ #9.39A CM – Request City Manager consider partnerships between WPI and the Worcester Public Schools, future investments WPI can make within the community, the impact the loss of two hotels and their rooms will have in the city, and how the wage theft ordinance could be impacted when conducting negotiations with WPI.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #9.39A CM – Request City Manager work to ensure taxation numbers associated with negotiations between the City of Worcester and WPI reflect the property values after their purchase of 65 Prescott St. and 72 Grove St.

Motion Bergman @ #9.39A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning ways in which the city can guard against more properties being taken off the tax rolls by colleges and universities.

Motion Toomey @ #9.39A CM – Request City Manager review the uses of the Dover Amendment as it relates to residential property.

Motion King @ #9.39A CM – Request City Manager move forward with the implementation and creation of a taskforce to assist in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT)’s.

Motion Petty @ #11a CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report outlining the process relative to establishing a Charter Review Commission.

Motion Haxhiaj – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the Haitian community, and all immigrant communities, in the city, as well as all immigrant communities throughout the country.