City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts

Chairperson Councilor Toomey read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey read the item and recognized the Fire Chief, who provided an overview of actions taken in relation to the Worcester Fire Department Master Plan.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey recognized Councilor Colorio, who stated she was in support of the Worcester Fire Department Master Plan, appreciating that the plan was a data driven analysis of the department.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Chairperson Councilor Toomey read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, who provided an overview of the building code effectiveness grading schedule.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey spoke to the effectiveness of the Inspectional Services Department. Chairperson Councilor Toomey then discussed the use of backyard fire pits that run on propane with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and the Fire Chief.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the codes for backyard fire pits that run on propane.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey moved for a roll call to recommend the item be placed on file, and to adopt the Chairman’s Order brought forth during the discussion of the item.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the codes for backyard fire pits that run on propane.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #3a)

Chairperson Councilor Toomey read the item and took the item up collectively with #2c. Chairperson Councilor Toomey then recognized the Police Chief, who provided an overview of the item, including information relative to increases and decreases in various types of illegal activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey recognized Councilor Colorio, who discussed issues relative to youth vehicle break-ins, the potential for an increase in suicides and whether speeding has become an issue during COVID-19 with the Police Chief.

Councilor Colorio then put forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with information relative to whether there have been increases in police activity in the following areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: 1) Youth committing vehicular break-ins; 2) suicide responses; and 3) drivers speeding.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey recognized Councilor Rivera, who briefly spoke on the item.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey moved for a roll call to recommend items #3a and #2c be placed on file, and to adopt the Chairman’s Order brought forth during the discussion of the item.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with information relative to whether there have been increases in police activity in the following areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: 1) Youth committing vehicular break-ins; 2) suicide responses; and 3) drivers speeding.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey read the item and recognized the following speaker, who participated remotely through digital means:
1. Jasper Chin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Toomey recognized the City Solicitor, who spoke to the process for drafting an ordinance accomplishing what the petitioner was requesting. The City Solicitor also stated individuals could put signs up “No Solicitation” signage on their property.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey put forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report relative to implementing a non-solicitation ordinance, including information concerning any costs associated with the ordinance and whether the ordinance would have an effect on individuals collecting signatures for public matters.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey recognized Councilor Colorio and Councilor Rivera, who both were in favor of holding the item until more information became available.

Chairperson Councilor Toomey moved for a roll call to recommend the item be held and to adopt the Chairman’s Order brought forth during the discussion of the item.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report relative to implementing a non-solicitation ordinance, including information concerning any costs associated with the ordinance and whether the ordinance would have an effect on individuals collecting signatures for public matters.