CITY OF WORCESTER | Public Works Committee Meeting | Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 5:05 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:21 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, who participated in the meeting remotely | | | | | Also: | Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering Richard Saltrick
Director of Engineering Jason Mello
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. If you join a Zoom meeting by dialing in with a phone number, you can raise your hand by dialing *9.
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 June 26, 2024. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell 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 | |
| 3. | Make Public - Priority 1 | |
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| | | 3a. | Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request Evergreen Ln. from Massasoit Rd. to a pt. 100’ southwest of Massasoit Rd., or less, be made public, for the purpose of installing a surface drainage system to prohibit water going down Evergreen Ln. from Massasoit Rd.
# 16d CC February 15, 2022
In Committee March 2, 2022 - Held
In Committee March 1, 2023 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve the conversion of Evergreen Ln. from a private to a public street to provide surface drainage to reduce the stormwater runoff from Massasoit Rd. to Evergreen Ln. with an estimated cost of $71,000 to be borne by the abutting property owners.
Chairperson Councilor Russell discussed the estimated cost of the private street conversion for Evergreen Ln., as well as the length of road that would need to be converted from a private road to a public road to ensure the Department of Public Works and Parks is able to install a sewage drainage system without assessing the abutters with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. David Adams, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved to convert the first 41 feet of Evergreen Ln. from a private to public street.
Recommend Approval to convert the first 41 feet of Evergreen Ln. from a private to public street on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 4. | Make Public - Priority 3 | |
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| | | 4a. | Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Athena Corbin et al. request Crillon Rd. be made public.
# 16c CC May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve the conversion of Crillon Rd. from a private to public street with an estimated cost of $124,000 to be borne by the abutting property owners.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed responses from ballots sent to the abutting property owners on Crillon Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speakers:
1. Patricia Desrosiers, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Daniel Foley, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
3. Athena Corbin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the ballots received from abutting property owners.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed taking into account responses from the abutting property owners with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be denied.
Recommend Deny on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 5. | Sidewalk Repair Petition | |
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| | | 5a. | Maria Montano request resurfacing of sidewalks on both sides of Freeland St.
# 8f CC May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Maria Montano, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve to add both sides of the sidewalk on Freeland St. to the Sidewalk Master List with an estimated cost of $295,000.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then discussed the Sidewalk Master List and funding mechanism for sidewalk resurfacing projects with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 6. | Street Resurfacing Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | Christian Lewis request Moreland St. be resurfaced.
# 8i CC May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation of Leave to Withdraw, as the portion of Moreland St. from Moreland Green Dr. to Pleasant St. is already rescheduled for reconstruction per a previous petition.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6b. | Nicole Panagiotou request street resurfacing in front of 5 Lantern Ln.
# 8j CC May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved to add the resurfacing of the entirety of Lantern Ln. to the Resurfacing List with an estimated cost of $565,00.0.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6c. | Petra Kajla request Ararat St. be resurfaced.
# 8h CC May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided a recommendation to add Ararat St. to the Resurfacing List with an estimated cost of $1,500,000.00.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6d. | Evan Corrigan request Alexander Rd. between Huntington Ave. and Gifford Rd. be resurfaced.
# 8a CC April 2, 2024
In Committee May 7, 2024 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation of grant the petitioner Leave to Withdraw, as Alexander Rd. is already scheduled for resurfacing upon completion of utility work.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6e. | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Randall Ormo request Utica Dr. be resurfaced.
# 8d CC July 16, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve to add the resurfacing of Utica Dr. to the Resurfacing List with an estimated cost of $290,000.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. Randall Ormo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 7. | Catch Basin and Drainage Petition | |
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| | | 7a. | Aaron Sturges request installation of a catch basin or a form of suitable drainage system to accommodate excessive storm water at 43 Creswell Rd.
# 8g CC May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve to add drainage at 43 Creswell Rd. including one catch basin and 180 feet of pipe during the next resurfacing project on Creswell Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed whether Creswell Rd. is on the Resurfacing List.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Pacillo, who discussed outreach to property owner concerning the petition with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Russell 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 | |
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| | | 8a. | Mildred Bailey request installation of guardrail in front of 140 May St. at the intersection of May St. and Lovell St.
# 8d CC October 25, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to deny, as the Department of Transportation and Mobility is installing a four-way stop control at the intersection and data relative to changes to traffic patterns should be collected for evaluation for guardrail.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. Mildred Bailey, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved to install a guardrail or similar hardware at the intersection of May St. and Lovell St., pending funding and the review of an impact study following the installation of a four-way stop control at said intersection.
Recommend Approval to install a guardrail or similar hardware at the intersection of May St. and Lovell St., pending funding and the review of an impact study following the installation of a four-way stop control at said intersection on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 8b. | Daniel Heckman request installation of guardrail in front of 4 Knox St.
# 10a CC December 6, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. Daniel Heckman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 8c. | Maria Montano request installation of a guardrail at the corner of Freeland St. and Cambridge St.
# 8i CC August 22, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who discussed the warrants required to recommend the installation guardrails and provided the recommendation to deny, as the intersection of Freeland St. and Cambridge St. does not meet warrants.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the policy concerning warrants for installing guardrails with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then discussed the requested location for installation of guardrails with Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning new policies that have been adopted by the Department of Public Works and Parks and the Department of Transportation and Mobility. Further, request said policies be made available on the city’s website.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Director of Engineering, who discussed the impact guardrails have on safety for pedestrians and road users, the adoption of city policies concerning warrants for installing guardrails with Councilor Mero-Carlson and the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering
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 how many guardrails are installed in the city and how many are intended for pedestrian safety versus vehicle safety.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved to install a guardrail or appropriate safety barrier on Cambridge St. at the intersection of Cambridge St. and Freeland St.
Recommend Approval to install a guardrail or appropriate safety barrier on Cambridge St. at the intersection of Cambridge St. and Freeland St. on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning new policies that have been adopted by the Department of Public Works and Parks and the Department of Transportation and Mobility. Further, request said policies be made available on the city’s website. | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning how many guardrails are installed in the city and how many are intended for pedestrian safety versus vehicle safety. | |
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| | | 8d. | Carol Degnis et al. request installation of a guardrail at the corner of Penn Ave. and Harrison St.
# 8h CC August 22, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to deny, as the Department of Transportation and Mobility is installing an all-way stop at the intersection and data relative to changes to traffic patterns should be collected prior to evaluating the location for the installation of a guardrail.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved to install a guardrail at the corner of Penn Ave. and Harrison St., pending funding and the review of an impact study following the installation of a four-way stop control at the intersection.
Recommend Approval to install a guardrail at the corner of Penn Ave. and Harrison St., pending funding and the review of an impact study following the installation of a four-way stop control at the intersection on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 9a. | Ed Severance request the existing streetlight at the intersection of Merrick St. and Shawmut St. be removed or relocated.
# 8e CC June 18, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve to relocate the streetlight at the intersection of Merrick St. and Shawmut St. with the estimated cost of $10,200 to be borne by the petitioner.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 9b. | Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of a streetlight on Barry Rd. at its intersection with Lynnwood Ln.
# 8b CC May 28, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve to install a streetlight on Barry Rd. at the intersection of Lynnwood Ln. with an estimated cost of $625.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 9c. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Kerrie Schofield request installation of a streetlight on utility pole #6-1, in the vicinity of 27 Balis Ave.
# 8a CC May 14, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who provided the recommendation to deny, as the existing streetlights are less than 150 feet apart, which is a standard distance in a residential neighborhood; Balis Ave. is a dead-end street with no sidewalks on either side.
Chairperson Councilor Russell discussed the existing streetlights at the requested location, the standard and policy concerning installing streetlights and the cost of installation of a streetlight on an existing street pole with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved to install a streetlight on utility pole #6-1 in the vicinity of 27 Balis Ave., with an estimated cost of $625 and for the streetlight installation to be prioritized.
Recommend Approval to install a streetlight on utility pole #6-1 in the vicinity of 27 Balis Ave., with an estimated cost of $625 and for the streetlight installation to be prioritized on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 10. | Communications of the City Manager | |
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| | | 10a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a report on the utility company pavement guarantees.
# 11.7A CM March 12, 2024
In Committee April 24, 2024 - Held
In Committee May 7, 2024 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 10b. | Transmitting informational communication relative to pothole repairs and litter issues throughout the City.
# 10.7A CM May 7, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and 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 | |
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| | | 10c. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a report on work done at the Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel.
# 9.7B CM June 18, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering, who discussed the work currently being done at the Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel, including the removal, cost of removal of the tiles on the tunnel, usage plans of the tunnel by Winn Development and whether a decision has been made concerning the future plans for the tunnel with Councilor Mero-Carlson.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning the plans relative to Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel.
Chairperson Councilor Russell discussed the reasoning behind the removal of the tiles at the Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks for Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Pacillo, who discussed whether Winn Development is paying to use Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel as a storage location.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of monies being collected from Winn Development’s usage of the Ernest H. Johnson tunnel, including information concerning whether the amount of monies could be negotiated for fair market value or if the funding needs to go through a bid process.
Chairperson Councilor Russell 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 | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning the plans relative to Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel. | | | | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of monies being collected from Winn Development’s usage of the Ernest H. Johnson tunnel, including information concerning whether the amount of monies could be negotiated for fair market value or if the funding needs to go through a bid process. | |
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| | | 11a. | Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request City Manager solicit ideas through crowd sourcing/contests/etc. when determining the future fate and creative re-purposing of the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel. Further, request City Manager explore funding sources for the tunnel such as rental and naming options/rights.
# 10n CC July 16, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and 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 | |
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