CITY OF WORCESTER | Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting | Tuesday, December 12, 2023 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 4:45 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:34 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli | Committee Members | | Chairperson Candy Mero-Carlson | | Vice Chairperson Sean M Rose | | Councilor Khrystian E King |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Candy Mero-Carlson
Councilor Sean M. Rose, who arrived at 4:48 p.m.
Councilor Khrystian E. King, who arrived at 4:52 p.m.
Councilor Donna M. Colorio, who participated in the meeting until her presence was no longer required for a quorum | | | | | Also: | Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Robert Antonelli
Deputy City Clerk 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.
Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97625068393
Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee Zoom Phone Number: (929) 205 6099
Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee Zoom Access Code: 976 2506 8393 | Attachments |
| 2. | Approval of the Minutes | |
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| | | 2a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee on Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation hereby approves the minutes of the Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee meeting on February 7, 2023. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | |
| 3. | Communications of the City Manager | |
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| | | 3a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to implementing a hybrid spray park/ pool at the Tacoma Street Playground.
# 9.9A CM September 19, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 3b. | Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the special event permit application process.
# 11.4D CM September 12, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 3c. | Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the Harrington Field Master Plan.
# 11.9A CM September 12, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided an overview of the item and discussed the feasible ways in which the project can move forward for the installation of a basketball court and playground at Harrington Field.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the process relative to the Indian Hill project and its applicability to the Harrington Field project.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor King, who discussed the installation, usage and repair of the tennis court with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks prioritize the completion of the Harrington Field Master Plan in two phases, with installations of the basketball court and the playground occurring during the first phase.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks prioritize the completion of the Harrington Field Master Plan in two phases, with installations of the basketball court and the playground occurring during the first phase. | |
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| | | 3d. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the 149 West Boylston Drive Master Plan Meeting.
# 8.9B CM May 23, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the timeline concerning the item with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 3e. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the Lake View Playground Master Plan Meeting.
# 8.9A CM May 23, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with Item #3g.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson then discussed the last major improvement at the Lake View Playground with the Commissioner of Public Work and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 3f. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the Tree City USA Award 2022.
# 8.9C CM May 23, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the awards received by the city from the Arbor Day Foundation with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson discussed the feasibility of providing the Department of Public Works and parks with a recognition for their accomplishments concerning Tree City USA awards.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
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| | | 3g. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for improvements to Lake View Playground.
# 10.9A CM March 21, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Recommend File (See Item #3e) | |
| 4. | Miscellaneous Petitions | |
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| | | 4a. | Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Gordon Duncan request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on Bancroft Tower Rd. before and after the parking area at Bancroft Tower.
# 7j CC May 23, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed the current installation of No Parking Anytime signage on Bancroft Tower Rd. and challenges relative to late night activities in the vicinity of Bancroft Tower.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the impact of banning parking on Bancroft Tower Rd. and the feasibility of obtaining traffic data at the location.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor King, who discussed how the item was referred to the committee, the length of Bancroft Tower Rd., parking patterns on the road and the number of handicap parking spaces available on the road with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the procedural motions concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning recommendations relative how to best alleviate parking challenges approaching Bancroft Tower following a full review of the location.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the following speaker:
1. Gordon Duncan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning recommendations relative how to best alleviate parking challenges approaching Bancroft Tower following a full review of the location. | |
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| | | 4b. | Petition of Natalie Turner request a discussion be held to allow for the exploration of the city’s sound permits rules, regulations, and ordinances in and around parks, in an effort to protect the interest of the residents and homeowners living in the vicinity of the parks.
# 9n CC April 25, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the following speaker:
1. Natalie Turner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson then discussed challenges concerning noise levels in the vicinity of parks and enforcement of the noise ordinance in the city.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who discussed how the DPW alleviate noise situation in the vicinity of a park and challenges concerning addressing noise levels in the vicinity of a park and enforce the noise ordinance and plans concerning purchasing of new equipment to address noise complaints relative to parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson then discussed the feasibility of collaboration between WPD, DPW and Inspectional Services to address noise complaints.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson brought forth the following two (2) Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning updating the city’s noise ordinance to reflect current needs of the community; and; 2) Request City Manager organize a meeting between all appropriate city departments and organizations, including the Department of Public Works and Parks, the Department of Inspectional Services, Worcester Police Department and the Environmental Police to discuss issues relative to noise complaints and the city’s noise ordinance, in an effort to explore the implementation of best practices used in other communities to address noise issues.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the challenges relative to retention of park security with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor King, who discussed the permitting process for usage of parks, details concerning the noise-related issues at Beaver Brook Park relative to permitted and non-permitted usage of the park and the Parks Commission’s assistance concerning issues relative to public parks usage with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson brought forth the following Chairman’s Resolution: That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support an increase in staffing in the Department of Public Works and Parks to allow for additional enforcement of noise ordinance issues.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning updating the city’s noise ordinance to reflect current needs of the community. | | | | Request City Manager organize a meeting between all appropriate city departments and organizations, including the Department of Public Works and Parks, the Department of Inspectional Services, Worcester Police Department and the Environmental Police to discuss issues relative to noise complaints and the city’s noise ordinance, in an effort to explore the implementation of best practices used in other communities to address noise issues. | | | | | | | | Chairman's Resolutions | | | | That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support an increase in staffing in the Department of Public Works and Parks to allow for additional enforcement of noise ordinance issues. | |
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| | | 4c. | Petition of Joseph Johnson request repair or replacement of the wooden bridge over the main drainage ditch at the lower half of Dodge Park (81 Randolph Rd.)
# 7g CC February 7, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson discussed whether the bridge has been closed to the public and plans concerning the future of the bridge with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed masterplan development for Dodge Park with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning a cost analysis and Master Plan relative to major improvements at Dodge Park.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor King, who discussed the timeline for work done at the bridge at Dodge Park with the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning a cost analysis and Master Plan relative to major improvements at Dodge Park. | |
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| | | 4d. | Petition of David Ayoub request installation of signage at Lake View Park that prohibits activities after 7 P.M.
# 8u CC October 12, 2022
In Committee January 9, 2023 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and moved to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold | |
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| | | 4e. | Petition of Edward Radik request Coal Mine Brook Park be renamed Natural History Park.
# 9f CC July 19, 2022 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Recommend Item be Referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission | |
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