CITY OF WORCESTER | Finance Committee Meeting | Tuesday, May 16, 2023 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 4:41 P.M. | Recessed: 6:46 P.M.
Reconvened: 7:37 P.M.
Adjourned: 8:47 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli | Committee Members | | Chairperson Joseph M Petty | | Vice Chairperson Donna M Colorio | | Councilor Morris A Bergman |
| | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj | | Councilor Khrystian E King | | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson | | Councilor Thu Nguyen | | Councilor Sarai Rivera | | Councilor Sean M Rose | | Councilor George J Russell | | Councilor Kathleen M Toomey |
City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | All members present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor King, who arrived at 5:21 p.m.
City Manager Eric D. Batista
Chief Financial Officer Timothy McGourthy
Budget Director Erin Taylor
City Solicitor Michael Traynor
City Clerk Nikolin Vangjeli, clerk | | | | | Also: | Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Jay Fink
Deputy Commissioner of Public Works and Parks William Coyle
Assistant Commissioner of Parks Robert Antonelli
Assistant Commissioner for Administration and Finance Jarrett Conner
Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle
Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn
Assistant Chief Development Officer Michelle Smith
Chief Sustainability Officer John Odell | | | |
| 1. | Virtual Attendee Call-In Information | |
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| | | 1a. | Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 and in order to ensure active, public engagement, the City of Worcester currently allows for both in-person and remote participation at all City Council and Standing Committee meetings. To partake in the meeting, you may attend the meeting in-person within the meeting location, follow the below link to join via Zoom or dial the direct line as indicated.
Finance Committee Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/91727574825
Finance Committee Zoom Phone Number: (929) 205 6099
Finance Committee Zoom Access Code: 917 2757 4825 | View Budget |
| 2. | Approval of the Minutes | |
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| | | 2a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Finance hereby approves the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting on June 14, 2022. | View Budget | | | | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | |
| 3. | FY 2024 Budget Hearings - Department of Public Works and Parks | |
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| | | 3a. | Auditorium - IV-1, pg. 85 | View Budget | | | | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #3a through #3f collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who discussed playground accessibility with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the cost of snow removal with the Assistant Commissioner for Public Works and Parks. Councilor Bergman then inquired with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks about the possibility of assisting elderly and disabled with snow shoveling.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who discussed the 311-customer service call center with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks. Councilor Russell then discussed utility contractors and street resurfacing with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks. Councilor Russell then inquired about the staffing levels with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the number of positions within the Parks Department. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who discussed the staffing levels and efficiency in the Parks Department.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed Capital Budget improvements and the repaving of major streets with the Chief Financial Officer and the Deputy Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who discussed the process for hearing each division’s budget with the Chief Financial Officer. Councilor King then discussed the Parks Department’s staffing levels with the Assistant Commissioner of Parks, along with overtime funding. Councilor King then discussed overall costs for Parks Maintenance with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Work and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning efforts being made to ensure accessibility, safety and playability measures are taken at all city fields. (King)”.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report detailing the Parks Department’s Master Plan, particularly regarding new parks and fields that have been completed. Further, request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks include in said report a staffing analysis for the Parks Department. (King)”.
Councilor King then discussed emergency police responses in parks, the homeless population in parks and diversity hiring practices with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning all city departments’ policies, practices, procedures and orientation relative to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) framework. (King)”.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the number of parks the city has with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks. Councilor Mero-Carlson discussed road conditions due to utility company construction with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks. Councilor Mero-Carlson then discussed trash and the Customer Service Center response time with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who discussed the Municipal Golf Course budget with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, Chief Financial Officer, and Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who discussed the street resurfacing program and bulk item trash with the Commissioner of Public Works.
Councilor Haxhiaj then moved to, “Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks explore translating informational materials into as many languages as possible to better communicate with residents. (Haxhiaj)”.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who discussed the Junior Golf Program and the revenue from the driving range with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Mayor Petty moved to approve the budgets associated with items #3a through #3f. Budget approved. | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Work and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning efforts being made to ensure accessibility, safety and playability measures are taken at all city fields. (King) | | | | Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report detailing the Parks Department’s Master Plan, particularly regarding new parks and fields that have been completed. Further, request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks include in said report a staffing analysis for the Parks Department. (King) | | | | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning all city departments’ policies, practices, procedures and orientation relative to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) framework. (King) | | | | Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks explore translating informational materials into as many languages as possible to better communicate with residents. (Haxhiaj) | |
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| | | 3b. | Administration and Finance - IV-2, pg. 87 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
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| | | 3c. | Engineering - IV-3, pg. 95 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
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| | | 3d. | Streets and Sanitation - IV-4, pg. 99 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
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| | | 3e. | Fleet Management - IV-5, pg. 103 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
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| | | 3f. | Parks, Recreation and Hope Cemetery, IV-6, pg. 105 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
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| | | 3g. | Enterprise: Green Hill Golf Course - IV-7, pg. 109 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
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| | | 3h. | Snow Removal - IV-8, pg. 113 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
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| | | 3i. | Streetlights - IV-9, pg. 115 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
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| | | 3j. | Enterprise: Sewer - IV-10, pg. 117 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
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| | | 3k. | Enterprise: Water - IV-11, pg. 123 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #3a) | |
| 4. | FY 2024 Budget Hearings - Transportation and Mobility | |
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| | | 4a. | Transportation and Mobility - V-1, pg. 129 | View Budget | | | | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #4a and #4b collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Financial Officer, who provided an overview of the funds provided in the Transportation and Mobility budget.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed parking for small business owners, as well as ADA accessibility needs with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Councilor Toomey then moved to, “Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility to explore the possibility of creating business owner placards for the purpose of short-term parking for product and supply delivery. (Toomey)”.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King who discussed ADA compliance and an ADA audit with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) audit of crosswalks, sidewalks and streets. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing a cost analysis to implement the recommendations from said ADA audit. (King)”.
Councilor King then discussed the Parking Control Officer positions, parking enforcement, license plate reader technology, and revenue from parking tickets with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and the Chief Financial Officer. Councilor King also discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and speed humps with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of making all temporary speed humps in the city permanent. Said report should include information relative to the costs associated with completing said action, as well as the feasibility of using speed cushions, which may be used by emergency vehicles, in the city. (King)”.
Councilor King then discussed parking, parking signage, and enforcement in the Canal District area around Polar Park with the Commissioner of the Transportation and Mobility.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of installing game-day specific parking signage around Polar Park, similar to the signage the City of Boston uses around Fenway Park. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to any costs associated with said potential signage. (King)”.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who discussed the efficiency of the Transportation and Mobility Department, traffic studies, temporary parking program for healthcare workers, and new traffic calming measures with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility. Councilor Colorio also inquired about the Worcester Police Department’s role relative to traffic enforcement with the City Manager and Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed potential collaboration between the Department of Transportation and Mobility and the WRTA with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility. Councilor Bergman then discussed synchronized traffic lights, as well as misaligned intersections with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Councilor Bergman then moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility create a synchronized traffic light pilot program. (Bergman)”.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the potential for expanding the scope of the city’s resident parking permit program, specifically in the Canal District, parking surrounding public parks, and the speed hump pilot program, with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who discussed funding for consulting services and speed humps with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and the Chief Financial Officer.
Councilor Russell then moved to, “Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report concerning how much money the Transportation and Mobility department spent on consulting services in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). (Russell)”.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the budgets associated with items #4a and #4b. Budget approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility to explore the possibility of creating business owner placards for the purpose of short-term parking for product and supply delivery. (Toomey) | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) audit of crosswalks, sidewalks and streets. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing a cost analysis to implement the recommendations from said ADA audit. (King) | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of making all temporary speed humps in the city permanent. Said report should include information relative to the costs associated with completing said action, as well as the feasibility of using speed cushions, which may be used by emergency vehicles, in the city. (King) | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of installing game-day specific parking signage around Polar Park, similar to the signage the City of Boston uses around Fenway Park. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to any costs associated with said potential signage. (King) | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility create a synchronized traffic light pilot program. (Bergman) | | | | Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report concerning how much money the Transportation and Mobility department spent on consulting services in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). (Russell) | |
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| | | 4b. | Enterprise: Off Street Parking - V-2, pg. 139 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #4a) | |
| 5. | FY 2024 Budget Hearings - Economic Development | |
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| | | 5a. | Economic Development - VI-1, pg. 141 | View Budget | | | | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #5a through #5d collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Financial Officer, who provided an overview of the funds provided in the Economic Development budget.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the budgets associated with items #5a through #5d. Budget approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5b. | Worcester Redevelopment Authority/Union Station - VI-2, pg. 151 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #5a) | |
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| | | 5c. | MassHire Central Region Workforce Board - VI-3, pg. 153 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #5a) | |
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| | | 5d. | MassHire Central Career Center - VI-4, pg. 157 | View Budget | | | | | | | Budget approved (See Item #5a) | |
| 6. | FY 2024 Budget Hearing - Sustainability and Resilience | |
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| | | 6a. | Sustainability and Resilience - XVIII-1, pg. 287 | View Budget | | | | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the Chief Financial Officer who provided an overview of the funds provided in the Sustainability and Resilience budget.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the budget. Budget approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | |
| 7. | FY 2024 Budget Hearing - Emergency Communications | |
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| | | 7a. | Emergency Communications - III-3, pg. 65 | View Budget | | | | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to hold the budget. Budget held. | |
| 8. | FY 2024 Budget Hearing - Inspectional Services | |
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| | | 8a. | Inspectional Services - III-4, pg. 73 | View Budget | | | | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the Chief Financial Officer, who provided an overview of the funds provided in the Inspectional Services budget.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the budget. Budget approved on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent). | |
| 9. | Fiscal Year 2024 Budget | |
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| | | 9a. | Communication of the City Manager recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets.
# 10.40A CM May 9, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the City Manager, who presented a PowerPoint discussing the FY2024 budget. The City Manager discussed the $848 million budget, which is a 6% increase from FY2023. The City Manager discussed several elements of the FY24 budget, including FY24 Budget Revenue Assumptions, FY24 Expenses, Worcester Public Schools Budget, fixed costs, individual department budgets, notable changes, and key investments.
Mayor Petty moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
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