CITY OF WORCESTER | Public Works Committee Meeting | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 5:06 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:46 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: | Councilor Luis A. Ojeda
Interim Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Robert L. Moylan Jr.
Director of Engineering Jason K. 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 October 23, 2024. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | |
| 3. | Suspension of Rules to Take Up a Reasonably Anticipated Item | |
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| | | 3a. | 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 November 13, 2024 meeting to take up the following item: Communication of the City Manager recommend approval of an increase in rates of privately owned equipment for snow and ice operations, as presented by the City Manager on the November 12, 2024 City Council agenda. | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who spoke concerning 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 | |
| 4. | Street to Make Public - No Priority | |
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| | | 4a. | 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.
# 12a CC September 17, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who spoke concerning the location related to Theodore Tonna St., formerly known as Spruce St.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the number of properties on the street with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then spoke concerning the significance related to who Theodore Tonna was with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
| 5. | Street to Make Public - Priority 3 | |
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| | | 5a. | Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request Pocasset Ave. from Squantum Ave. to Hilda St be made public.
# 10d CC October 1, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Richard Glasberg, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Kevin Hutchins, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
3. Stephen Laramee, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell then discussed the process relative to evaluating priority levels, the estimated cost per linear foot to be billed to the residents and property owners to convert the street, the process relative to deferring payments, and the process relative to making a recommendation when abutter’s ballot votes are split evenly with the Director of Engineering and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Pacillo, who discussed informing the residents on Pocasset Ave. a street conversion plan for each property leading to the item’s second hearing with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
| 6. | Street Name Change Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | 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.
# 7c CC February 1, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #7a.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speakers:
1. Patricia Smith Murphy, Southborough resident, spoke in favor of item #7a
2. Jim Proia, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the items #6a, #7a, #7d, and #7f
Chairperson Councilor Russell then discussed communications with the Hanover Theater regarding the item with the Deputy City Clerk and Speaker #1.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed differentials related to the item and the Francis R. Carroll Plaza located at Federal Square.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Pacillo, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 6b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Library Ln. be renamed Edward M. Augustus, Jr. Way.
# 8b CC March 28, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed the significance related to renaming Library Ln. to Edward M. Augustus, Jr. Way.
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 6c. | Ilah Cibis and John Neyland request Parker Ct. be renamed to Zakarian Ct. and a street sign be installed in the appropriate location.
# 8c CC June 18, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and discussed the process relative to street name changes on a private street with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning past street name changes on private streets.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then recognized the following speaker:
1. Ilah Cibis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who spoke concerning the one (1) of three (3) returned abutters ballots in favor of the item and testimony received neither in favor nor opposed to the item.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: “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.”
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 | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | 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. | |
| 7. | Honorary Street Name Petitions | |
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| | | 7a. | Patricia Smith Murphy request Main St. from Southbridge St. to Federal St. be given honorary street name Eddie Mekka Way.
# 8a CC March 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval (See Item #6a) | |
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| | | 7b. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, in honor and remembrance of Bruce Arnold, request Congress Alley be given an honorary street designation of Orpheus Way.
# 8d CC November 15, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Chris Bettencourt, Jefferson resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 7c. | Jaime Florez request Benefit St. or Oread Pl. be given the honorary street name title of Jaime Florez Way.
# 9d CC April 25, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #7f.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays: 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.”
Chairperson Councilor Russell then spoke concerning the process relative to qualifying criteria related to honorary name petitions.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the positive impact Jaime Florez has on the community and the location related to the honorary street name title of Jaime Florez Way.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speakers:
1. Giselle Rivera-Flores, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7c and #7f
2. Frank Zitomersky, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7f
Chairperson Councilor Russell then recognized Deputy City Clerk, who read testimony letters related the item from Councilor Haxhiaj and Councilor King.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then moved to recommend the item be placed on file.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 7d. | 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.
# 8d CC June 18, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speakers:
1. Aqualla Wolobah, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Lois Wolobah, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Richard Rafferty, no residence given, 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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| | | 7e. | 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.
# 8c CC September 17, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Demarr Langford, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who spoke concerning Councilor King’s testimony related to 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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| | | 7f. | 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.
# 16d CC October 8, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | 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 (See Item #7c) | |
| 8. | Street Repair and Resurfacing Petitions | |
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| | | 8a. | Councilor Jenny Pacillo request Chester St. from Parkton Ave. to the Holden town line be resurfaced.
# 7b CC October 8, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 8b. | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj request Mayfield St. be resurfaced.
# 8a CC October 1, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 8c. | Austin Tepsic request street resurfacing on Hadwen Ln.
# 9e CC September 24, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 8d. | Daniel Rubino and Jamie Epstein request the resurfacing relative to the damage on Chevy Chase Rd. from construction rerouting be prioritized following completion of the construction on Brattle St.
# 8b CC September 17, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided an overview related to DPW’s recommendation to Leave to Withdraw.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: “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.”
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. Daniel Rubino, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed reevaluating damages caused to the street with Speaker #1, the process relative to redirecting traffic during construction, and the policy regarding disposal related to asphalt materials on a private street.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then spoke concerning resources and materials available through the city for residents on private streets 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 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.”
Chairperson Councilor Russell then moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | 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. | | | | 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. | |
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| | | 8e. | Councilor Jenny Pacillo request Dorothy Ave. from Hillcroft Ave, to Granville Ave. be resurfaced.
# 7k CC August 27, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 8f. | Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Matthew Shattuck request the public portion of Glezen St. be repaved.
# 7i CC August 27, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and spoke concerning DPW’s recommendation to Leave to Withdraw with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw | |
| 9. | Sidewalk Repair and Resurfacing Petitions | |
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| | | 9a. | Austin Tepsic request sidewalk resurfacing on Hadwen Ln.
# 9f CC September 24, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with items #9b through #9d.
Chairperson Councilor Russell spoke concerning DPW’s recommendation to Leave to Withdraw with the Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Russell recognized the following speaker:
1. Austin Tepsic, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9a through #9d
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought the following Chairman’s Order: “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.”
Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | 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. | |
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| | | 9b. | Austin Tepsic request sidewalk resurfacing on Hadwen Rd.
# 9g CC September 24, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Leave to Withdraw (See Item #9a) | |
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| | | 9c. | Austin Tepsic request sidewalk resurfacing on Amherst St.
# 9h CC September 24, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (See Item #9a) | |
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| | | 9d. | Austin Tepsic request sidewalk resurfacing on Intervale Rd.
# 9i CC September 24, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend Approval (See Item #9a) | |
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| | | 9e. | Charles Divris request the curb in front of 82 and 86 Whitmarsh Ave. be replaced.
# 8d CC September 17, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Charles Divris, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Russell then recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided an overview related to DPW’s recommendation to Leave to Withdraw.
Chairperson Councilor Russell brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: “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.”
Chairperson Councilor Russell then moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | 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. | |
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| | | 9f. | Miriam Generazio request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 5 Dallas St.
# 8a CC September 10, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
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| | | 9g. | Councilor Jenny Pacillo request curb repair at 10 Hockanum Way.
# 7j CC August 27, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided an overview related to DPW’s recommendation to Leave to Withdraw.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw | |
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| | | 9h. | Samuel Trigiano request installation of curb on the left side of Dewar Dr. at the intersection of Roy St.
# 7h CC August 27, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and recognized the Director of Engineering, who provided an overview related to DPW’s recommendation to Leave to Withdraw.
Chairperson Councilor Russell then moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Leave to Withdraw | |
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| | | 9i. | Alexandria Lainey request curb cut repair on Shattuck St. near the intersection of Uxbridge St.
# 8d CC January 10, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Russell read the item and moved to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval | |
| 1. | 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. | |
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