CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:34 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:54 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 24, 2024.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8f CC through #8j CC and #10a CC, as well as neither in favor or opposed to item #15a CC 2. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #8f CC through $8j CC and in favor of item #9c CC 3. Colin Novick, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #10a CC 4. Bruce Hoffner, Milford, NH resident, spoke in favor of item #7c CC 5. Ted Kostas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10a CC and in opposition to item #9d CC 6. Andrea Sullivan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #10a CC 7. Nino Patel, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9d CC 8. Tarik Patel, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #9d CC 9. Yael Magen, no residence given, spoke in opposition to item #9d CC 10. Adrian Falco, no residence given, spoke in opposition to item #9d CC 11. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7v CC

Councilor Etel Haxhaij on behalf of Asha Nyarko-Asare and Simon Yeboah request a memorial be erected in memory of Candice Nyarko Asare-Yeboah in the area of 91 Stafford St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request Chester St. from Parkton Ave. to the Holden town line be resurfaced.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of "No Littering" signage that includes the littering fee costs along Lincoln St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of sidewalks on Chester St.

Joshua Cohen request water main be replaced leading to and on St. Elmo Rd.

John Yanczewski request installation of a light fixture on pole #6 at 83 Richland St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed humps on Tacoma St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed humps on Flagg St. between Audubon Rd. and Flagg St. School.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed humps on Richmond Ave. between Audubon Rd. and Flagg St. School.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of a rapid flashing beacon at the Audubon Rd. and Richmond Ave. intersection crosswalk.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed limit signage on Mountain St. West between Brooks St. and the ramps to I-190.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a crosswalk on Lincoln St. around St. Bernard’s Church.

Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of “Intersection Ahead” signage on Cambridge St. at its approach to Chelsea St.

Arthur Mooradian request installation of speed limit signage on Piedmont St. between Main St. and Chandler St.

Arthur Mooradian request installation of a crosswalk across Piedmont St. at its intersection with Murray Ave.

Arthur Mooradian request installation of a crosswalk across Piedmont St. at its intersection with Davis St.

Arthur Mooradian request installation of a crosswalk across Piedmont St. at its intersection with Jaques Ave.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: ENDICOTT ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BANCROFT TOWER RD. and FARNUM ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: MULBERRY ST. and EASTERN AVE.

James P. Coughlin request City Council hereby support the name Elizabeth L. "Betty" Price be considered for the renaming of Chandler Magnet Elementary School located at 525 Chandler St.

Nathalie Gibson request City Council request City Manager review the attached documentation, questions and processes associated with petitions referred to the City Manager (see attached for full request).

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Clerk provide the appropriate representatives from WPI with a list of questions read into the record at the September 24, 2024 Economic Development Committee meeting, which outline topics including the process the university used when acquiring 65 Prescott St. and 72 Grove St., how many LLCs are registered at the university’s address, their current and projected endowments of the university, the university’s awareness of the impact the purchases of 65 Prescott St. and 72 Grove St. may have on attracting events to the city, and the university’s plans relative to student housing for the purpose of the university answering said questions.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a copy of any legal notices created by Mass Development relative to hearings associated with WPI’s purchase of 65 Prescott St. and 72 Grove St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks hold public meetings for community input concerning adding pickleball lines or pickleball courts to the Crompton Park and Shore Park Master Plans.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager reach out to the Superintendent of Public Schools to determine the feasibility using of school facilities for pickleball activities.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of revising the Newton Square Masterplan to include the painting pickleball lines to the tennis court.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the cost analysis and feasibility of installing a portable wireless security pilot program at all three entrances at Newton Hill.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks explore the potential for grant opportunities and solar-powered options for wireless surveillance cameras for Newton Hill.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with any necessary documentation relative to increasing the fine for illegal dumping. Further, if said fines are already at the maximum amount allowed by the state, request City Manager advocate to the appropriate state legislators as a means of increasing said limit.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of obtaining additional security cameras through grant funding provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Recycling Dividends Program.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request Police Chief explore the feasibility of working with Cornerstone Bank on Park Ave. to install a security camera at the entrance of Newton Hill.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks replace the solar-powered lights on the Newton Hill flagpole.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Clerk send a letter on behalf of the Standing Committee on Veterans’ Memorials, Parks and Recreation to the School Committee and the Superintendent of Public Schools concerning issues relative to illegal dumping and after-hour parties occurring on Newton Hill. Further, request said letter include a request to ensure students are educated about their responsibility to protect the environment and being respectful to the neighbors.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repair the streetlight on James St. in the vicinity of the gas station located at 61 South Ludlow St. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the status of Verizon installing Fios in the city. (Bergman)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s plans for the unsheltered during the winter months. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a feasibility report relative to how other communities in Massachusetts have moved towards eliminating the purchase of cigarettes or nicotine products in their municipalities. Said report should include data concerning any potential health benefits associated with this decision, best practices used in other communities, and any financial impacts associated with making such a decision. (Ojeda)

Request City Council, in accordance with City Council Rule 52, discharge from the Standing Committee on Public Works the item referred to said committee on April 25, 2023 that reads as follows: Jaime Florez request Benefit St. or Oread Pl. be given the honorary street name title of Jaime Florez Way. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a traffic study that reviews how traffic flow on multiple streets in the Green Island Neighborhood impact resident and business safety, including Canton St., Ellsworth St., Endicott St., Harding St., Jackson St., Lafayette St., Lamartine St., Millbury St., Seymour St., Sigel St., and Washington St. Further, request City Manager work to ensure developers purchasing property in the city develop their properties in a way that does not negatively impact parking situations in the city’s neighborhoods. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services consider creating an Instagram account that promotes the education of health and wellness practices for the city’s youth. Said Instagram account should utilize the data kept by the Department of Health and Human Services and cover topics including but not limited to physical activity, mental health, and eating healthy foods. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repaint the crosswalk at the intersection of May St. and Zenith Dr. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility implement interim traffic calming measures at the Newton Square Rotary, such as better signage for pedestrians and other feasible measures. (Haxhiaj, Pacillo)

Request City Manager work with the Mayor to create a small business task force in the city. (Petty, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update relative to the status of exempting the positions of Chief of Police and Deputy Chief of Police in the City of Worcester from the Civil Service law. (Petty, Toomey, Mero-Carlson)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support Bill H. 2963, An Act relative to Payments in Lieu of Taxation by Organizations Exempt from the Property Tax. (Bergman)

That the City Council does hereby recognize Avah Ortiz’s commitment and dedication as a member of the USA Tap Team competing in the 2024 International Dance Organization (IDO) World Tap Dance Championships in Prague, Czechia October 23-27th. A championship that is the experience of a lifetime, bringing the best tap dancers from across the globe together to compete on stage for the world to see. Skillfully balancing her rigorous academic schedule with the demands of competitive dance, Avah has demonstrated resilience and passion. We stand in admiration of Avah’s hard work and the pride she brings to the City of Worcester. (King)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Madeliene Del Toro-Cournoyer request installation of new pickleball courts or reconfigure existing tennis courts to accommodate pickleball courts: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Samantha Tunchez request the closing time for Indian Lake Beach (20 Clason Rd.) be set at dusk: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on Elm Park and the possibility of moving the Rogers-Kennedy Memorial statue: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Modify Parking Prohibitions On A Portion Of Grove Street.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager install metal detector safety equipment at City Hall whenever open, similar to the equipment used at Polar Park, the Worcester District Court and other public places, on or before December 31, 2024. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 24, 2024 and October 1, 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 Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding has been allocated, as well as the impact it has had in the community, once all allocations are completed. – Item #15a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how and in what instances lump sum and upfront payments from the city have been made for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding recipients, organized by groupings of fundings. – Item #15b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report as to best practices the city followed to equitably distribute American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. – Item #15c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager ensure the city does not create any additional barriers relative to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding allocations beyond what is required by the federal government. Further, if such additional requirements are currently being enforced, request City Manager cease and desist said requirements. – Item #15d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager, once the pending contracts are completed, allocate any additional monies associated with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to BIPOC led organizations who directly provide services and resources to those most impacted by the pandemic. – Item #15e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that are currently committed for use but may not or cannot be used for its intended purpose. – Item #15f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning strategies that can be used to ensure American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are made accessible to BIPOC led organizations. Further, request City Manager reconcile challenges associated with BIPOC led organizations receiving said funds, as soon as possible. – Item #15g CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the history of the $196,458.98 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Revenue Recovery Funds in the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) that were allocated for Body Worn Cameras/Contingency. – Item #15h CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report as to the city’s ability to include non-public schools such as private, parochial and charter schools as part of reduced speed limit school zones. – Item #15i CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman –Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the percentage of money gained from police details over the last four (4) years. – Item #15j CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report that identifies the number of internal police details that go unfilled. – Item #15k CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the timeline for when and how the administration will measure the efficacy of non-union positions. – Item #15l CC Order adopted

Motion Petty @ #9c CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing a short-term and long-term plan to address helping the unhoused population in the city.

Motion King @ #9d CC – Request City Manager engage in creating a public service education campaign relative to the use of cigarettes and nicotine products.

Motion King @ #9d CC – Request City Manager reengage in existing curriculum through Recreation Worcester that educates the city’s youth of the dangers of vaping.

Petition Ojeda @ #9e CC – Councilor Luis A. Ojeda on behalf of Jaime Florez request Hawthorne St. from Main St. to Woodland St. be given the honorary street name title of Jaime Florez Way.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #9k CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a timeline and process relative to separating the passage of exempting the Chief of Police and Deputy Chief of Police positions from Civil Service law.

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council convene in Executive Session at the Tuesday, October 15, 2024 meeting for the purpose of discussing the deployment of security personnel or devices, or strategies with respect thereto, as the last item of business of the regular City Council meeting and the City Council will not reconvene in open session.

Motion Bergman – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report detailing any legal action the city can take to ensure solar companies do not take down trees on private properties that are not their own customers.