CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:32 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:57 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring November 26, 2024, as Albanian Independence Day in the city. The Proclamation was presented to Gregory Steffon and the Albanian Community.

Mayor Petty recognized Troop 37 from Christ the King Church, who were in attendance at the City Council meeting.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 12, 2024.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Robert Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8m CC 2. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9b CC, #9e CC, #9m CC, #10b CC and #14a CC 3. Oliver Chadwick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b CC 4. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #10c CC and # 16h CC, as well as opposed to items #9h CC, #9I CC and #14a CC 5. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9e CC and in favor of item #10a CC 6. Karen Valentine Goins, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b CC 7. Ronda Hicks a.k.a. Wahya Gutste Wolfpaw, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #20b CC 8. Dani Killay, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of item #14a CC 9. Jacob Siedel, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b CC 10. Josh Boucher, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b CC 11. Bruce Hoffman, Milford, NH resident, spoke in opposition to item #14a CC 12. Nicole Apostola, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #14a CC 13. Deb Cary, Princeton resident, spoke in favor of item #8m CC 14. Susan Mailman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of a balanced residential and commercial, industrial and personal property tax rate and in opposition to item #14a CC 15. Kyle Dahl, Worcester resident spoke in favor of item #10b CC 16. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b CC and in opposition to item #14a CC 17. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8n CC and #8o CC

Hearing: To determine tax rates for residential, commercial, industrial and personal properties for Fiscal Year 2025.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Classification package. (Originally submitted to City Council on November 19, 2024)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to frequently asked questions during the tax rate process. (Originally submitted to City Council on November 19, 2024)

Charles Black, President of Kendall Homes, Inc., request sewer system extension on Myrick Ave. approximately 253 feet from last existing manhole cover.

Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request removal of the handicap parking space located in front of 40 King St.

Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of “No Parking Anytime” in the vicinity of the driveway of 48 Windham St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Susan Lauring request installation of an overnight truck traffic ban on Holden St.

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

Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request the existing winter parking ban provisions on Vernon St. between Winthrop St. and Upsala St. be replaced with a Schedule A (Arterial) – both sides Declared ban.

Paul F. Benoit request installation of "Left Lane Exit Only" pavement markings on I-190 (Southbound) where I-290 intersects.

Paul F. Benoit request installation of "Left Lane Exit Only" pavement markings on West Boylston St./Route 12 (Southbound) where I-190 (Southbound) intersects.

Paul F. Benoit request installation of "Left Lane Exit Only" pavement markings on West Boylston St./Route 12 (Southbound) where Gold Star Blvd. intersects.

Francine Murphy request speed hump installation on Plantation St. in the vicinity of Saint Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 101 Plantation St.

Stephen P. Quist request installation of metered parking in the vicinity of WPI on streets including but not limited to: Faraday St., Salisbury St., Boynton St., Humboldt Ave., Lancaster St., John Wing Rd., Drury Ln., Elbridge St., West St., Dean St., Hackfeld Rd., Dover St., Trowbridge Rd., Schussler Rd., Washburn St., Garden St., Prescott St., Einhorn Rd., Hall St., and Massachusetts Ave.

Nathalie Gibson request establishment of a 20 MPH Safety Zone on Fourth St.

Robert Bilotta et al. request creation of a park master plan concerning the city owned portion of Lake Park to include installation of crosswalks and sidewalks on Nonquit St., Coburn Ave., and Bigelow Davis Pkwy.

Nathalie Gibson request additional methods to ensure public participants who call in via Zoom who "raise their hand" to speak on an item can be heard.

Nathalie Gibson request all Worcester 311 service representatives provide additional information to the requestor when a service request is closed, resolved, or cannot be complete.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning compliance monitoring relative to the Revington Apartments project

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning the city’s policies regarding Tax Increment Exemption and Financing (TIE, TIF) projects being out of compliance.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any updates needed relative to the city’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinances and regulations.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager work with local businesses to explore the feasibility of closing streets for events in the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report concerning a comparison of the different types of organizations that received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and the percentage of ARPA funds allocated to those organizations in other similarly sized and structured municipalities.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning potential meeting spaces that may be appropriate for posting the Rules of the City Council relative to meeting decorum and expectations, to remind elected officials and member of the public to maintain respectful discourse.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief consider new methods of alerting residents about the anonymous crime tip line via ALERT Worcester.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning updating Worcester 311 to include functions related to reporting bodywork spa concerns.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with a report verifying all bodywork spas in the City of Worcester have a business license. Further, request said report include details concerning who owns which business and how many locations have the same owners.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning whether any properties that abut Parker Ct. would have their deeds impacted by a street name change.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - That the City Council shall hereby hold all future honorary street name petitions until such a time that the Standing Committee on Public Works and City Council adopts new ordinance and policies associated with such a process.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review road conditions of Chevy Chase Rd. before construction started and ensure utility company or city utility work restored the street to the same condition it was in or better.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the reasoning as to why pothole filler is not available to residents on private streets through the department.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to evaluate the sidewalks on Hadwen Ln., Hadwen Rd., Amherst St., Intervale Rd., and Dallas St. and perform spot repairs as needed.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to contact the property owner of 82 and 86 Whitmarsh Ave. concerning the curb in front of the properties be replaced.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility expedite the installation of No Parking Anytime signage on Liscomb St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief review and address issues relative to parking on Liscomb St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review Clover St. for traffic calming solutions.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review the feasibility of allowing left turn at the intersection of Burncoat St., Melville St. and Nancy Johnson Way during certain period of time in the day.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review and update the lane markings in the vicinity of 160 Goldstar Blvd.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the passage of the HERO Act may impact veterans’ services in the city, including any information relative to any abatements and/or tax exemptions available to veterans. (Toomey)

Request City Manager begin drafting ordinances relative to advancing two (2) Worcester Now|Next recommendations concerning: A) Eliminating or reducing minimum parking requirements; and B) reforming tree protection requirements for all developments (please see attached for a copy of the Worcester Now|Next Executive Summary report where these two recommendations are listed). (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager consider the feasibility of working with the city’s various department heads to provide for an increased number of presentations on the screens in the Council Chambers to aid officials and residents when discussing certain locations and topics. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review the intersection of Salisbury St. and Flagg St. to determine any improvements that can be made at the location. (Pacillo)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support and recognize November 28th, 2024, as Albanian Independence Day, commemorating the Albanian Declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Empire on November 28, 1912. (Haxhiaj, Colorio)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of the designation of an Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Program Zone and Approval of a UCH-TIF Plan for 34-46 Lakeside Avenue: recommend adoption of the two (2) accompanying Resolutions.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the Community Preservation Program: 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 Semi-Annual TIF/TIE Reporting: 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 Economic Development Initiatives: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Morris A. Bergman - 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: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance and adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to a declaration of a state of emergency: 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 resident billing and the Community Preservation Act surcharge: 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 internal police detail spending in fiscal years 2023 and 2024.: 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 a quarterly report on the use of WPD's SUAS/Drone.: 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 internal police detail spending.: 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 ShotSpotter and Resource Router programs. recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting an informational communication relative to bodywork spas in the city.: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend approval of an increase in rates of privately owned equipment for snow and ice operations: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the 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.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Library Ln. be renamed Edward M. Augustus, Jr. Way.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Ilah Cibis and John Neyland request Parker Ct. be renamed to Zakarian Ct. and a street sign be installed in the appropriate location.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Patricia Smith Murphy request Main St. from Southbridge St. to Federal St. be given honorary street name Eddie Mekka Way.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of 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.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Khrystian E. King on behalf of Demarr Langford request Dewey St. from Parker St. to Chandler St. be given the honorary street name designation of Joyner Lucas Boulevard.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of 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.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request Chester St. from Parkton Ave. to the Holden town line be resurfaced.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj request Mayfield St. be resurfaced.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Austin Tepsic request street resurfacing on Hadwen Ln.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request Dorothy Ave. from Hillcroft Ave, to Granville Ave. be resurfaced.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Austin Tepsic request sidewalk resurfacing on Amherst St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Austin Tepsic request sidewalk resurfacing on Intervale Rd.: recommend apdotion of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Miriam Generazio request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 5 Dallas St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Alexandria Lainey request curb cut repair on Shattuck St. near the intersection of Uxbridge St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Patricia Smith Murphy request a street be named Eddie Mekka Way, in honor of Worcester native actor Eddie Mekka, who passed away on November 27, 2021.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Jaime Florez request Benefit St. or Oread Pl. be given the honorary street name title of Jaime Florez Way.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Matthew Shattuck request the public portion of Glezen St. be repaved.: recommend Petitioner be granted Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Austin Tepsic request sidewalk resurfacing on Hadwen Ln.: recommend Petitioner be granted Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Austin Tepsic request sidewalk resurfacing on Hadwen Rd.: recommend Petitioner be granted Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request curb repair at 10 Hockanum Way.: recommend Petitioner be granted Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Samuel Trigiano request installation of curb on the left side of Dewar Dr. at the intersection of Roy St.: recommend Petitioner be granted Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of a crosswalk on Jaques Ave. in the vicinity of Chandler Elementary Community School: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj request installation of a crosswalk at Binienda Beach to facilitate pedestrian crossing along Mill St., if feasible: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of additional and improved signage warning drivers Airlie St. is a one-way street: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Neil Kelly request installation of "Do Not Block Intersection" signage at the intersection of Brooks St. and the back entrance to Abby Kelley School: recommend adoption of accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a “Dead End” sign at the entrance to Knollwood Dr.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a “Dead End” sign at the entrance to Rollingwood Dr.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of William Butler request installation of speed humps on Vesper St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a crosswalk at or near 1122 Pleasant St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Josue Rosa request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage in front of 574 Pleasant St.: Recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Upon the Petition of Janell Maisonet et al. request removal of "No Parking Anytime" signage in the vicinity of 61 Vernon St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance: recommend Report be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Richard Wiggin request installation of a Tow Zone on Liscomb St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of a three way stop on Jaques Ave. at its intersection with Dale St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Julie Goering request installation of flashing red stop signs at all intersections on Clover St. including the intersection of Clover St. and Heard St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Dutremble request installation of left turn arrows at the intersection of Chandler St. and Park Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Dutremble request installation of left turn arrows at the intersection of Salisbury St. and Park Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking Upon the Petition of Matthew Morse et al. request traffic exiting Chandler Magnet Elementary School (525 Chandler St.) be made right-turn only between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. for all vehicles with the exception of school buses: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kiara Rosado request installation of traffic signage to address speeding in the vicinity of 3 Woodford St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager Informational communication relative to the federally funded transportation projects: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to roles and responsibilities of the Department of Transportation & Mobility: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Laurie Colwell request installation of signage in the vicinity of the driveway at 160 Goldstar Blvd. for the purposes of informing drivers that the driveway is not part of Gold Star Blvd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the feasibility of using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to advance environmental sustainability goals. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj November 12, 2024 and Tabled Under Privilege - King November 19, 2024)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of an order to transfer City-owned 51 and 61 Sever St. from the Department of Public Facilities to the Office of the City Manager for disposition purposes and authorizing the conveyance of properties. (Tabled Under Privilege - King November 12, 2024 and November 19, 2024)

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: JACKSON ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: JACKSON ST. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell November 19, 2024)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend approval to make necessary adjustments to finalize the Fiscal Year 2025 City Budget. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 19, 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 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 and Tabled - Russell October 8, 2024)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing around homeless individuals being sheltered at 611 Main St., the former RMV property. – Item #13a 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 detailing the timeline and efforts being made to secure a day center and general public facilities for the city’s homeless population. – Item #13b 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 concerning the timeline and process relative to implementing rapid response actions relative to Belmont Street traffic safety. – Item #13c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager consider all options relative to recouping monies associated with the Left Field Building at 50 Washington St. owned by Madison Properties, including but not limited to eminent domain. – Item #13d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager provide City Council with updates concerning any responses and communications between the city and Madison Properties pertinent to their termination of their Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement for the Left Field Building at 50 Washington St. – Item #13e 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 the minutes of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) over the last four (4) years. – Item #13f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support any and all legal remedies around anything determined to be a breach of contract or breaking of a covenant as it relates to municipal disposition law by Madison Properties. – Item #13g 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 detailed report relative to the slab of concrete adjacent to the Left Field Building at 50 Washington St., including who built slab, who owns the slab, who owns the ground underneath the slab, and any agreements associated with the slab. – Item #13h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager include information on the city’s website relative to the list of properties purchased by colleges and universities from 2019 to present. – Item #13i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager provide City Council with a yearly report that monitors the purchases of properties by colleges and universities and details quantifiable data around the impact said purchases and expansion have on neighborhood residents. – Item #13j 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 identifying and describing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) relative to allowing city departments to utilize an assessment center. – Item #13k 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 detailing Personnel Administration Rule 10 (PAR 10). – Item #13l CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager use Personnel Administration Rule 10 (PAR 10) or any other means to increase a more diverse employment of larger rank and file individuals in the Worcester Police Department (WPD). – Item #13m CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning efforts being made within the Worcester Police Department (WPD) to recruit more minority officers. – Item #13n 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 the assessed value of the concrete slab adjacent to the Left Field Building at 50 Washington St. Said report should also include the last time the City Assessor reviewed the property. – Item #13o CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Petty @ #14a CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester shall hereby convene in Executive Session at its December 10, 2024, meeting for the purpose of conducting contract negotiations associated with the reappointment of Eric D. Batista as City Manager, as well as all terms recommended by the Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations. The City Council will reconvene in Open Session.

Motion Russell @ #10b CC – Request City Manager include in any report regarding removing minimum parking requirements the various options available to the city concerning moving forward with such an action.

Motion King @ #10b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing what is being done regarding affordable housing, as well as addressing resident parking concerns, in the vicinity of Polar Park and the Green Island neighborhood.

Motion King @ #10d CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the feasibility of installing a rotary at the intersection of Flagg St. and Salisbury St.

Motion King @ #13a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing any safeguards around Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIFs) that go beyond what the city traditionally does for safeguards. Further, request said report including the city’s oversight plan for the UCH-TIF for 34-46 Lakeside Ave.

Motion Haxhiaj – Suspension of Rules – Request Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services hold a meeting with leaders from the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA), Catholic Charities, and other entities that provide non-Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter to homeless individuals to discuss their plans and preparations around persons potentially being kicked out of housing due to restrictions around the family shelter system.

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s plans to address any changes to State policy relative to providing housing to homeless individuals.

Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services provide City Council with recent data on the homeless population the city is servicing, as well as any systemic barriers currently needing to be addressed.

Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager reach out to members of Congress, including Congressmen Jim McGovern, to advocate for federal support to provide the city’s homeless population.

Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning all grants secured by the city to address issues around the city’s homeless population.