CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 4:04 P.M. | Adjourned: 5:52 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
Vice Chairperson Councilor Sean M Rose
Councilor Morris A Bergman | | | | | Also: | DPWP Director of Engineering Mark Elbag
WPD Liuetenant Timothy Walsh
City Solicitor Michael Traynor
Deputy City Clerk Stephen A.J. Pottle | | | |
| 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 December 2, 2020. | View Agenda | | | | | | | 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 | |
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| | | 2a. | In order to ensure the continuation of active public engagement, the City of Worcester will now use a phone conference line for members of the public to participate in all public meetings. To participate during the public participation phase of City Council, you may call the direct line indicated: Levi Lincoln Chamber - 415-655-0001 (Access Code: 179 953 7883) or enter the below URL into your web browser. If you would like to raise your hand when in the meeting as a call-in user during public participation you may dial *3.
https://cowevents.webex.com/cowevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec441edd7f0fe573751b0a7d9f7673bb9 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Chris Crowley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #4a
2. Jason (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #5a
3. Barbara Esip, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5c
4. Joanne Troiano, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12b
5. Jodi Contonio, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
6. Patricia Standring, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12b
7. Sue Guertin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12b
8. Jennifer Bui, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a
9. Rena Doyle, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5b
10. Anthony Belcher, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
11. Christina Bui, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a
12. Rosemary (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #5a
13. Joseph Forjette, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10a
14. Annabelle Rios Nater, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #3b
15. Ha Lam, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #5b
16. Phuong Lam, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a
17. Gwendolyn Bui, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11a
18. Monroe (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #3e
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| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Rhonda Miller request the handicap parking space in front of 27 Wawecus Rd. be removed.
# 8a CC November 24, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW 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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| | | 3b. | Annabelle Rios Nater request handicap parking space be installed in front of 45 Sigel St.
# 8c CC November 24, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW 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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| | | 3c. | Yvonne Degboe request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 25 Canton St.
# 8f CC November 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW 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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| | | 3d. | Tammy Martin request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 89 Haven Ln.
# 7j CC November 10, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW 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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| | | 3e. | Ramon Guerrero request installation of a handicap parking space across from 8 Strathmore Rd.
# 8e CC October 20, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW 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 | |
| 4. | Resident Permit Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 4a. | Christopher Crowley, Manager of Goodman Property Holdings, LLC., request the existing residential permit parking on East Central St. be amended to occur between 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. and be extended to include 99 East Central St. (Amended in Committee on November 18, 2020 to include time restrictions).
# 10a CC September 8, 2020
In Committee November 18, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW 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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| | | 5a. | Jodi Contonio request installation of a "No Parking from Here to Corner" sign on Willow St. at the intersection of Willow St. and Lovell St.
# 8c CC November 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item and enforcement of no parking on blanket ordinance.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed history of accidents at the intersection with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request the City Manager request the Chief of Police provide City Council with a report containing information relative to an assessment of parking issues at the intersection of Willow St. and Lovell St., as well as an evaluation of the police enforcement concerning on-street parking on Willow St. near said intersection.
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 Police Police provide City Council with a report containing information relative to an assessment of parking issues at the intersection of Willow St. and Lovell St., as well as an evaluation of the police enforcement concerning on-street parking on Willow St. near said intersection. | |
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| | | 5b. | Daniel Voellings request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage five feet from either side of the driveway at 488 Mill St. on poles #86/82.
# 7h CC November 10, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item and enforcement of no parking on blanket ordinance.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the challenges with police enforcement for parking issues at the location, and the needs for a Do Not Park Within 5 Feet signage relative to WPD enforcement and the potential impact of the sign with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the public participants who spoke concerning the item with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who concurred with Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the opposition to the petition.
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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| | | 5c. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage on the south side Nonquit St., from Lake Ave. easterly to the end of the street, directly abutting the parkland at 283 Lake Ave. and opposite of 2 Nonquit St.
# 8g CC October 20, 2020
In Committee November 18, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the recommendation with the DPW 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 | |
| 6. | Children Sign Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | Walter Sharkus request installation of children advisory signage on Gifford Dr.
# 10o CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as the sign is non-standard and it is proven to be ineffective and provides a false sense of security.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the effectiveness of the children advisory signage with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether a testimony has been provided concerning the item with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed WPD enforcement for speeding issues at the location with the WPD Lieutenant.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement on Gifford Dr. Further, request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report relative to the assessment of said enforcement.
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 Police Chief provide traffic enforcement on Gifford Dr. Further, request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report relative to the assessment of said enforcement. | |
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| | | 7a. | Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Casey Starr request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Woodland St. and Oberlin St.
# 7i CC November 10, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as the location does not meet the warrants for multi-way stop, as well as traffic volume, foresight distance or high crash data.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed existing multi-way stops on Woodland St. with the DPW Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who concurred with the provided recommendation.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs to assess individual cases with respect to what the legal opinion concerning multi-way stop dictates.
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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| | | 8a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the sequencing of the existing “Left Turn Only” traffic control signal at the intersection of Plantation St. and Franklin St. coming from Hamilton St. be revised to occur prior to vehicles coming straight in the opposite direction.
# 10m CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as it requires new signal equipment, and will decrease the capacity of the intersection.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the needs for a traffic study at the intersection of Plantation St. and Franklin St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to provide City Council with a report concerning a traffic study at the intersection of Plantation St. and 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 request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to provide City Council with a report concerning a traffic study at the intersection of Plantation St. and Franklin St. | |
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| | | 8b. | Sean Quinlivan request the "No Parking Here to Corner" sign at the intersection of Whipple St. and Blackstone River Rd. be relocated to allow for proper sight distance to make a left hand turn from Whipple St. onto Blackstone River Rd.
# 7n CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor Rose read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as there is existing No Parking Here to Corner signage at the location and WPD enforcement will be provided.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Rose brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to provide City Council with a report concerning a traffic study at the intersection of Whipple St. and Blackstone River Rd.
Vice Chairperson Councilor Rose moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio absent) | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to provide City Council with a report concerning a traffic study at the intersection of Whipple St. and Blackstone River Rd. | |
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| | | 8c. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio request the installation of a "No Left Turn" or delayed left turn sign signal at the intersection of Grove St. and Salisbury St., in both directions.
# 7g CC September 29, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor Rose read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to hold the item, as a full traffic study is needed for the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the traffic issues occurring during peak hours at the location and the rescission of left turn prohibition at the location with the DPW Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Park provide City Council with a report concerning a full traffic study at the intersection of Grove St. and Salisbury St.
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 | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Park provide City Council with a report concerning a full traffic study at the intersection of Grove St. and Salisbury St. | |
| 9. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 9a. | John and Kristina Brand request installation of a crosswalk in the vicinity of Lou Roc's Diner, located at 1074 West Boylston St., or in the vicinity of 1105 West Boylston St.
# 7p CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to approve the item, pending funding.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who concurred with the provided recommendation.
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 | |
| 10. | Speed and Traffic Enforcement Petitions | |
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| | | 10a. | Joseph Forjette request the speed limit of Navasota Ave. be set to 20 mph.
# 8i CC October 20, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to file the item, as a speed study approved by MassDOT is required for a new speed limit, set by the 85th percentile vehicle speed, to be enforceable; and the 85th percentile vehicle speed at the location is likely to be higher than 20mph.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed previous requests for reducing speed limits and pending legal opinion concerning setting speed limit below the prima facie speed limit.
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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| | | 10b. | Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Brenda Davin request traffic enforcement of the one-way direction on Enfield St. into Park Ave.
# 8a Tuesday, August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW 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 | |
| 11. | Parking and Parking Meter Petitions | |
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| | | 11a. | Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Sean M. Rose request the “No Parking Anytime” ordinance on west side of West Boylston St. be amended to include five (5) on-street parking spots for thirty (30) minute parking beginning 5’ south of the curb cut for 609 West Boylston St. continuing southerly in front of 607 West Boylston St.
# 8h CC October 20, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor King, who provided information relative to the restaurant at 609 West Boylston St., Egg Roll Lady, and the remedies needed for the parking in that location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided no recommendation on the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the parking needs of the business due to safety concerns around crossing the street during COVID-19 to keep individuals out of the business and socially distanced.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the standardization of 30-minute parking with the DPW 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 | |
| 12. | One and Two-Way Street Reconfiguration Items | |
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| | | 12a. | Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager request the Department of Public Works and Parks review the “One Way” portion of Walnut St. for safety suggestions.
# 10f CC November 10, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW Director of Engineering, who provided a recommendation to install traffic signage at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed a report with information relative to the options for traffic signage with the DPW Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning a traffic signage recommendation for the "One Way" portion of Walnut 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 request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning a traffic signage recommendation for the "One Way" portion of Walnut St. | |
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| | | 12b. | Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Joanne Troiano request Short St. be made a one-way street going from Massasoit Rd. down towards Sunderland Rd.
# 9e CC September 15, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPW 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 | |
| 13. | Communications of the City Manager | |
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| | | 13a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the dimensions for parking and loading zone spaces.
# 8.13B CM November 10, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the procedure to change the dimensions for loading spaces with the City Solicitor. Councilor Bergman then discussed the standards for on-street parking and future plans concerning on-street parking with the DPW Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 13b. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion concerning the City’s liability for installing, or failing to install signs such as “Icy,” “Dangerous,” or “Deaf Child.”
# 8.13E CM November 10, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and discussed the liability for the City for the installation of Child Advisory signage with the City Solicitor.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the maintenance of traffic signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 13c. | Transmitting informational communication relative to imposing vehicle weight restrictions.
# 8.13H CM November 10, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the City Solicitor, who provided an overview for MGL Chapter 85 Section 2, which concerns vehicle weight restrictions.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed streets with truck restrictions and the procedure for the streets to have truck restrictions with the DPW Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether the MGL is applicable to all public streets with the City Solicitor.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who spoke concerning available data on weight/truck restricted enforcement.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Park provide City Council with a list of streets where vehicle weight restrictions are in place.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Park provide City Council with a list of streets where vehicle weight restrictions are in place. | |
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| | | 13d. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion concerning the terms "residential street" and "institutional effect," as they are utilized in the Residents Permit Parking Program.
# 11.13A CM September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the City Solicitor, who discussed the legal definitions of “residential street” and “institutional effect”.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the usage and legal definition of
“residential street” and “institutional effect” with the DPW Director of Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether the Committee has the ability to define “institutional effect” and establish residential permit parking zones with the City Solicitor.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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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| | | 13e. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a financial breakdown of the municipal lots in the city.
# 10.5A CM September 17, 2019 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning 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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