CITY OF WORCESTER | Public Works Committee Meeting | Wednesday, March 13, 2024 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 5:01 P.M. | Adjourned: 7:10 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli | Committee Members | | Chairperson George J Russell | | Vice Chairperson Candy Mero-Carlson | | Councilor Jenny Pacillo |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor George J. Russell
Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson
Councilor Jenny Pacillo | | | | | Also: | Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rolle
Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Jay Fink
Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Sean Divoll
Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Richard Saltrick
Deputy City Clerk Stephen AJ Pottle, clerk | | | |
| 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.
Public Works Committee Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/98928800472
Public Works Committee Zoom Phone Number: (929) 205 6099
Public Works Committee Zoom Access Code: 989 2880 0472 | Attachments |
| 2. | Approval of the Minutes | |
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| | | 2a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee on Public Works hereby approves the minutes of the Public Works Committee meeting on February 6, 2024. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | |
| 3. | Honorary Street Name Change Petition | |
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| | | 3a. | Councilor Sean M. Rose and Councilor George J. Russell request an honorary street name designation on Chadwick St. from Grove St. to Aspinwall Rd. for State Representative, State Senator and District 1 City Councilor Thomas P. White, in honor of his years of service to the city and its constituents.
# 10a CC December 5, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved. Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 4. | Abatement - Street Assessment Petition | |
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| | | 4a. | Glenn P. Williams and Heather J. Williams request abatement of street assessment #25693, in the amount of $13,500.00 for Toronita Ave.
# 9d CC January 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided the recommendation to deny, as the abatement petition does not meet eligibility for abatement per MGL.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. Glenn Williams, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell discussed whether the petitioner would have been eligible for abatement if the request was made inside the period of eligibility and the possibility of addressing the issue on a state level with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, Councilor Pacillo and Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed whether information concerning the abatement process was sent to the property owner along with the street assessment bill with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of granting an abatement of street assessment #25693 for Toronita Ave. and the legislative process for same.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of granting an abatement of street assessment #25693 for Toronita Ave. and the legislative process for same. | |
| 5. | Sidewalk Repair and Resurfacing Petitions | |
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| | | 5a. | David Dick, Jr. request sidewalks on both sides of Burncoat St. from the intersection of Thorndyke Rd. to Burncoat High School (179 Burncoat St.) be resurfaced.
# 8c CC October 17, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided the recommendation for Leave to Withdraw, as the sidewalk is already under contract for resurfacing project.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. David Dick, Jr., Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw | |
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| | | 5b. | Mary Haroyan request sidewalk on King Philip Rd. from Mellor Ave. to West Boylston St. be resurfaced.
# 8f CC October 24, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Mary Haroyan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Pacillo, who discussed the sidewalk installation program with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then discussed the timeline concerning sidewalk installation program with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the sidewalk on King Philip Rd. from Mellor Ave. to West Boylston St. for temporary repairs.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the sidewalk on King Philip Rd. from Mellor Ave. to West Boylston St. for temporary repairs. | |
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| | | 5c. | Shawn Royal request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 153 Bay State Rd.
# 8e CC October 24, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 5d. | Martin Schultz request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 32 Marland Rd.
# 8d CC October 24, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the sidewalk in front of 32 Marland Rd. for temporary repairs.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the sidewalk in front of 32 Marland Rd. for temporary repairs. | |
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| | | 5e. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request sidewalk resurfacing on Green Farms Rd.
# 6c CC November 14, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks construct handicap ramps on Green Farms Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks construct handicap ramps on Green Farms Rd. | |
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| | | 5f. | David Karam request the sidewalks on Willard Ave. be replaced with cement sidewalks, including installation of granite curbs and loom and hydro seed grass area between sidewalk ands granite curbs.
# 8a CC December 12, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed the process concerning construction of handicap ramps and provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks construct handicap ramps on Willard Ave.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks construct handicap ramps on Willard Ave. | |
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| | | 5g. | Joseph Corazzini, on behalf of Clark University, request sidewalk resurfacing and repairs to the curb-cut ramp on Maywood St. in front of the Lasry Center for BioScience.
# 9c CC January 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided the recommendation for Leave to Withdraw, as the handicap ramps can be constructed separately.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks construct handicap ramps on Maywood St. in front of the Lasry Center for BioScience.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw. | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks construct handicap ramps on Maywood St. in front of the Lasry Center for BioScience. | |
| 6. | Street Repair and Resurfacing Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Francis De Nicola request Progressive St. be resurfaced.
# 8e CC October 17, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed construction notices for Progressive St.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. Harry Albert, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Zoie Jaklitsch, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Francis De Nicola, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review Progressive St. for temporary repairs and the quality of street patchwork relative to gas and sewer connection construction projects.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review Progressive St. for temporary repairs and the quality of street patchwork relative to gas and sewer connection construction projects. | |
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| | | 6b. | Brian Dutremble request Jersey Dr. be resurfaced.
# 9b CC January 9, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 6c. | Justin Anthony Giuliano request Burncoat St. be resurfaced.
# 8g CC January 16, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided the recommendation to approve for Burncoat St. from 292 Lincoln St. to the city line.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval for Burncoat St. from 292 Lincoln St. to the city line. | |
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| | | 6d. | Justin Anthony Giuliano request Randall St. be resurfaced.
# 8f CC January 16, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 6e. | Justin Anthony Giuliano request Dolan St. be resurfaced.
# 8e CC January 16, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 6f. | Shaun Michael Manson request Erie Ave. be resurfaced.
# 8d CC January 16, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized Councilor Pacillo, who discussed the street condition on Erie Ave. with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review Erie Ave. for the potential of completing a long patch.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review Erie Ave. for the potential of completing a long patch. | |
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| | | 6g. | Shaun Michael Manson request White Ave. be resurfaced.
# 8c CC January 16, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 6h. | Shaun Michael Manson request street resurfacing at the intersection of Pasadena Pkwy and Wayside Rd.
# 8b CC January 16, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval for Pasadena Pkwy from Lincoln St. to Tacoma St. | |
| 7. | Suspension of Rules to Take Up a Reasonably Anticipated Item | |
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| | | 7a. | Order of Councilor George J. Russell - As Chair of the City Council Standing Committee on Public Works and in accordance with Rule 33 (e) of the Rules of City Council, request Standing Committee on Public Works suspend its rules at its March 13, 2024 meeting to take up the following item:
Order of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request Standing Committee on Public Works hold a public discussion relative to the leak on a sewer force main that was discovered in the vicinity of 65 Lake Ave. on February 20, 2024 that resulted in an estimated 193,000 gallons of wastewater entering Lake Quinsigamond through the city’s storm drainage system, as presented by Councilor Mero-Carlson at the March 12, 2024 City Council agenda. | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the status concerning the sewer force main, the timeline concerning installation of new air release valve at in the vicinity of 65 Lake Ave., the timeline concerning the overflow of the sewer force main and public notification sent to the abutting residents with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then discussed the dispatching of the pump trucks to the sewer main, details concerning the air release valves in the system and the failure of the air release valve at the sewer force main in the vicinity of 65 Lake Ave. with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks and the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the number of air release valves installed in the city, routine inspection schedule for the air release valves, the timeline concerning the public bid process for the pumping station upgrade, the manufacturers for the different valves with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks and the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the number of air release valves currently being installed in the city.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. Robert Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning valves that are currently installed in the city that are similar to air release valve that failed.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the number of air release valves currently being installed in the city. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning valves that are currently installed in the city that are similar to air release valve that failed. | |
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| | | 8a. | Communication of the City Clerk transmitting two (2) draft petition forms for abutters to use when making requests relative to repairs on a private way.
# 13a CC January 30, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with Item #8b CC.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the process relative to petitioning for repairs on a private way and the policies concerning repairs on private way by a municipal government as provided by MGL.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with report concerning how “abutters” are defined relative to the petition process for repairs on a private way.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed possible funding for private way repairs in the current year’s maintenance budget.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following two Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager consider allocating monies to the Department of Public Works upcoming budget for the purpose of completing private street temporary repairs; and 2) Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning half street measures for private street temporary repairs.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognize the following speaker:
1. Janice DiStefano, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the MGL relative to private street repairs with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed temporary and emergency repairs with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then discussed the costs for private street repairs with Speaker #1 and the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the area in the vicinity of Granite St. and St. Anthony St. for temporary repairs to street damage caused by runoff from public street to private street during the winter.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with report concerning how “abutters” are defined relative to the petition process for repairs on a private way. | | | | Request City Manager consider allocating monies to the Department of Public Works upcoming budget for the purpose of completing private street temporary repairs. | | | | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning half street measures for private street temporary repairs. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the area in the vicinity of Granite St. and St. Anthony St. for temporary repairs to street damage caused by runoff from public street to private street during the winter. | |
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| | | 8b. | Order of Councilor George J. Russell - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a draft petition form for residents to use when specifically requesting the city to conduct short-term repairs to a private street that includes information about how many property owners need to sign the petition.
# 10f CC January 30, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a) | |
| 9. | Communications of the City Manager | |
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| | | 9a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to pavement management and selection of streets and sidewalks for resurfacing or reconstruction.
# 8.10A CM November 14, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the timeline and past practices concerning streets and sidewalks resurfacing programs with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then discussed the process concerning selection of streets for resurfacing program for the new FY25-26 with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the funding process relative streets and sidewalks resurfacing programs with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed the cost of street and sidewalk construction per linear foot, available funding for streets and sidewalks repairs, past additional funding for streets and sidewalks repairs and whether the fewer streets and sidewalks are getting repaired due to rising cost while funding stays the same.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who discussed auditing of the Street Resurfacing List and Sidewalk Repair List.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed funding from previous years for the street and sidewalk repair programs, the needs for communication concerning eligibility of streets for resurfacing projects and when the street and sidewalk resurfacing lists be transmitted to city council agenda with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed the reason for the street resurfacing program to have a two-year cycle and efforts to streamline the process.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Pacillo, who discussed funding relative to the street and sidewalk repair programs if they were operated on an annual basis with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager consider increasing funding provided to each city District for the street and sidewalk repairs programs.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager consider increasing funding provided to each city District for the street and sidewalk repairs programs. | |
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| | | 9b. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the Private Street Update.
# 8.8A CM January 23, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 9c. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the January Snowstorm Recap.
# 8.9B CM January 23, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed the available funding for the Snow Operation program.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager consider allocating unused money from the Snow Operation program for the street and sidewalk repair programs.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager consider allocating unused money from the Snow Operation program for the street and sidewalk repair programs. | |
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| | | 9d. | Transmitting informational communication relative to sidewalk accessibility and ADA self-evaluation.
# 16b CC January 30, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 9e. | Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Treatments.
# 9.11A CM February 6, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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