CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, July 22, 2020 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 6:10 P.M. | Adjourned: 8:42 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli | Committee Members | | Chairperson Donna M Colorio | | Vice Chairperson Sean M Rose | | Councilor Morris A Bergman |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Donna M Colorio
Councilor Sean M Rose
Councilor Morris A Bergman | | | | | Also: | DPWP Assistant Director of Engineering Ali Khorasani
WPD Lieutenant Timothy Walsh
Deputy City Clerk Stephen A.J. Pottle, clerk | | | |
| 1. | Approval of the Minutes | |
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| | | 1a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of June 17, 2020. | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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. | |
| 2. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 2a. | Keysha Delgado request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 33 Orient St.
# 9g CC June 16, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 2b. | Xheudet Vath Bacova request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 181 Beacon St.
# 9c CC March 24, 2020
In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3a. | Joseph Chabot request installation of at least two stop signs at the intersection of Wescott Ave. and Paris Ave. on the public portions of the intersection.
# 9h CC June 16, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Joseph Chabot, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who explained a previous petition for this had been filed.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who explained the possibility that the item was automatically filed at the end of the previous City Council term.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Clerk include in the backup of Joseph Chabot’s petition regarding Wescott Ave. and Paris Ave. any previous petitions filed with similar intent.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 Clerk include in the backup of Joseph Chabot’s petition regarding Wescott Ave. and Paris Ave. any previous petitions filed with similar intent. | |
| 4. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petition | |
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| | | 4a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a pedestrian flashing light at the crosswalk in vicinity of the Canal Lofts at 48 Water St.
# 7c CC January 14, 2020
In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke in favor of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed what may warrant the installation of a flashing pedestrian crosswalk signal with the Assistant Director of Engineering, as well as the timeline for any construction in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who stated he would be in favor of holding the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 4b. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a flashing pedestrian crosswalk signal at the crosswalk in the vicinity of 715 West Boylston St. that connects to Roycroft Rd.
# 7aa CC March 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 4c. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Juliet Feibel request installation of a flashing pedestrian crosswalk light at the existing crosswalk at the intersection of Myrtle St. and Portland St.
# 7cc CC March 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Ryan Hacker, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Juliet Feibel, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke in favor of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as there were utility conflicts at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the process for moving utilities with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the difficulties associated with installing the crosswalk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the difficulties associated with moving utilities with the Committee.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who 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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| | | 5a. | Evan Corrigan request the installation of a "Private Street Dangerous" sign for Oden Ave.
# 8k CC September 24, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the location of the signage with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 5b. | John Cole request a large "Right Turn Only" arrow be painted in the right lane of Francis J. McGrath Blvd. travelling northeast at Green St.
# 7b CC February 4, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as the intersection is under construction that will improve the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5c. | Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of William Sullivan request installation of warning signage at corner of Catalpa St. and Holland Rd. for cars traveling down Catalpa St.
# 7q CC March 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the installation of a “T” sign on Catalpa St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval to install a “T” sign on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5d. | Kristin Servant request installation of an "Icy" or "Dangerous" sign at the top of Alexander Rd.
# 9w CC July 23, 2019
In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Kristin Servant, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with an update concerning a previously requested legal opinion relative to city’s liability concerning installing “Icy” or “Dangerous” signage on city roads.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 request City Solicitor provide City Council with an update concerning a previously requested legal opinion relative to city’s liability concerning installing “Icy” or “Dangerous” signage on city roads. | |
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| | | 5e. | Christina Tomaiolo-Giedraitis request installation of "Deaf Child" signage at the corner of Othello Rd. and Lake Ave.
# 9c CC September 3, 2019
In Committee May 13, 2020 - Held
In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with an update concerning a previously requested legal opinion relative to city’s liability concerning installing “Deaf Child” signage on city roads.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 request City Solicitor provide City Council with an update concerning a previously requested legal opinion relative to city’s liability concerning installing “Deaf Child” signage on city roads. | |
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| | | 5f. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a "Blind Driveway" sign at 10 Natural History Rd.
# 7g CC October 22, 2019
In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke in favor of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as there were no sight distance deficiencies in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who could not recall sightline issues at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the cost for installing such a sign as requested with the Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5g. | Councilor Khrystian E. King on behalf of Alex Zequeira request installation of a “Blind Driveway” sign in the vicinity of the driveway for 531 Salisbury St.
# 7j CC October 22, 2019
In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 5h. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a “No Left Turn” sign on the corner of Forest St. and Otsego Rd., from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
# 9e CC June 16, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 5i. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of "Sharp Curve Ahead” and children advisory signage at the beginning of Lynwood Ln. heading north towards Dick Dr. and heading south on Lynwood Ln. between Dick Dr. heading towards Salisbury St.
# 9f CC June 16, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the installation of curve warning signs only.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the likelihood of both signage helping the quality of life in the area and help minimize speeding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether the signage would be better on the same pole or on separate poles with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend approval to install curve warning and child advisory signage on Lynwood Ln. headed towards Dick Dr.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5j. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Gordon Duncan request the speed limit on Beechmont St. and Salisbury St. be reduced to 20 mph.
# 8d CC April 21, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Gordon Duncan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as the prima facie speed limit in the location was 30 mph.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide City Council with a legal opinion as to the process for decreasing the prima facie speed limit on certain streets to 20 or 25 mph, instead of the blanket 30 mph in the city.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 Resolutions | | | | Request City Manager provide City Council with a legal opinion as to the process for decreasing the prima facie speed limit on certain streets to 20 or 25 mph, instead of the blanket 30 mph in the city. | |
| 6. | Turn Prohibition Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | John J. Nadolink request installation of a "No Left Turn 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. School Days" sign facing northbound traffic on Grafton St. at its intersection with Palm St.
# 7i CC April 7, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as the area was under construction and the new traffic pattern should resolve the issue.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 6b. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Sue O’Brien request installation of a No Left Turn sign onto Clover St. coming from the direction of Auburn.
# 7w CC March 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 7a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request removal of the “No Parking Anytime” zone in the vicinity of Harding Tire, located at 180 Harding St., with a Loading Zone being installed in its place.
# 9h CC June 2, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Debbie Finegold, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke in favor of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as the location is under construction and potential new signage will allow for a commercial loading zone that will accommodate the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks reach out to the owners of Harding Tire, 180 Harding St., to ensure any new plans for commercial loading zones after construction in the area are completed will accommodate the company’s needs.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 | |
| 8. | Parking and Parking Meter Petitions | |
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| | | 8a. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Abby's House, located at 52 High St., request the fifteen (15) minute parking signage be changed to two (2) hour parking parking signage.
# 7e CC June 23, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 8b. | Kenneth Harling request installation of a "No Parking After Park Hours" sign on the east side of Russell St., from Elm St. to Park Ave.
# 8x CC September 3, 2019
In Committee June 17, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file and provide for WPD enforcement of the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether signage would help enforcement with the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 | |
| 9. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
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| | | 9a. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio request traffic calming measures be implemented from 375-269 Franklin St., which include a blinking yellow light.
# 7v CC March 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speaker:
1. John Krikorian, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke in favor of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the installation of curve warning signage in the area and not to install a blinking light at intersection, as one was already there.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the possibility of improving upon signage and lighting to help with the enforcement of the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who concurred with the recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the possibility of speed humps being installed in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager install curve warning signage in the approach to 375-269 Franklin St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 install curve warning signage in the approach to 375-269 Franklin St. | |
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| | | 9b. | Damaris Acevedo request installation of a green left arrow on the traffic light at the intersection of Mill St. and Chandler St.
# 6e CC February 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to recommend the item be held.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 9c. | Damaris Acevedo request installation of a green left arrow on the traffic light at the intersection of May St. and June St.
# 6f CC February 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to recommend the item be held.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 10a. | Anne Rysell et al. request Tyson Rd. be restricted to commercial vehicles that do not exceed a maximum of 5,000 lbs.
# 7i CC February 25, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Anne Rysell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Shawn Seymour Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Carl Gentile, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Dave Ford, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
5. Maureen Preston, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
6. Francis Hennigan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the history of the issues around truck traffic associated with Tyson Rd.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who discussed whether weight restrictions are under MassDOT control.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed quality of life concerns associated with the area and stressed need for Tyson Rd.’s traffic issues to be studied.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning whether a traffic study needs to be completed with MassDOT prior to the installation of a weight restriction on a street.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning whether a traffic study needs to be completed with MassDOT prior to the installation of a weight restriction on a street. | |
| 11. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Petitions | |
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| | | 11a. | Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Brenda Davin request the traffic engineers recommend ways to stop motorists from driving down the one-way Enfield St. into Park Ave.
# 7g CC June 23, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item to improve “Do Not Enter One Way” signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval to improve “Do Not Enter One Way” signage entering Enfield St. on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 12a. | Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Gordon Duncan request that speed cameras that automatically record traffic transgressions be looked into as a means of reducing speed throughout the city.
# 8e CC April 21, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Speakers:
1. Gordon Duncan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Assistant Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to place the item on file, as WPD cannot enforce traffic regulations on cameras per State law.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed pending legislation regarding the issue.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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