CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:30 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:34 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of Rosalynn Carter and John Walsh. Rosalynn Carter was a writer and activist who served as the First Lady of the United States with President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. Mrs. Carter passed away on November 19, 2023 at the age of 96. John Walsh was an activist and “godfather” of modern grassroots campaigns in Massachusetts. Mr. Walsh passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023 at the age of 65.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 24, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Roberta Brien, no residence given, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 2. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8i CC and neither in favor or opposed to item #9.14A CM 3. Oliver Chadwick, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC 4. Greg Affsa, Leicester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC 5. John Dick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8i CC 6. David Minasian, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.4A CM 7. Erin Michalatti, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC 8. Chris Michalatti, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC 9. Sue Mailman, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 10. Jason Coppia, West Groton resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 11. Dan Mulcahy, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 12. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.15B CM, neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM and in opposition to item #8i CC 13. Kevin Ksen, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 14. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 15. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 16. Thomas Maloney, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 17. James Arthur, no residence given, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 18. Karin Valentin-Goins, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC 19. Nicole Belanger, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC 20. Jacob Saido, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC and in favor of item #10a CC 21. Yenni Desroches, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC, spoke in favor of item #10a CC and neither in favor or opposed to item #9.4A CM 22. Ted Conna, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC 23. Tasia Cerezo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC 24. Andrew Piazza, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8i CC

Hearing: CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC. for a conduit location on: CHESTNUT ST. Granting permission to CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC. for a conduit location on: CHESTNUT ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a solely-owned pole location on: MODRED CT. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a solely-owned pole location on: MODRED CT.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a solely-owned pole location on: STAFFORD ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a solely-owned pole location on: STAFFORD ST.

Antonion Sanchez request Zoning Map be amended to extend the BL-1.0 zoning district to encompass the properties at 3 Carson Ct. and 4 Carson Ct.

Councilor George J. Russell, Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request honorary street name designation on Hamilton St. from Billings Sq. to Plantation St. for State Senator Daniel J. Foley, in recognition of his years of service as a State Senator, City Councilor and his efforts to bring UMASS Medical School to Worcester.

Federico Ortiz et al. request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Clement St., from Main St. to Beaver St.

Marcos Naranjo et al. request residential permit parking on Catharine St. be extended to encompass the entire street.

Scott Stankus request installation of handicap parking space in the vicinity of 54 Upsala St.

Ray McArthur request installation of yield signs at the intersection of Hope Ave. and Webster St.

Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of John Fresolo request removal of blinking light at the intersection of Providence St. and Waverly St.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: FOX ST.

John Dick request City Council hold discussion concerning the changes to Mill St. and the safety implications of foresaid changes to the road.

Recommend the appointment of Robert Cosenza and the reappointment of Christina Andrianopoulos to the Worcester Airport Advisory Committee.

Recommend Adoption of a Responsible Development Ordinance Relative for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Projects

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Worcester Disaster Relief Fund.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the differences between a conveyance of property and a grant of location for a utility conduit.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the regulation of street performers under the Worcester Revised Ordinances.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Classification package.

Transmitting informational communication relative to frequently asked questions during the tax rate process.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Four Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($4,000.00) from Rockland Trust Bank to support the annual Festival of Lights celebration.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Ninety Two Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty Five Dollars And Fifty Cents ($92,735.50) from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) under the FFY23 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program.

Recommend authorization to increase the Fiscal Year 2024 funding limit of Revolving Fund #FD386, Housing Development & Rehabilitation, to One Hundred Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($105,000.00).

Recommend that Two Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Three Dollars and Twenty Four Cents ($2,523.24) be authorized from various Fiscal Year 2024 Department of Public Works and Parks cost centers for the payment of prior year invoices.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommend Approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment Relative to Accessory Dwelling Units.

PETITION of Donald J. O'Neil request Zoning Map be amended to include the property located at 10 Grosvenor St. within the Commercial Corridors Overlay Canal District Subarea. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rivera November 14, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of a proposed salary ordinance amendments that will regrade the position of “Chief of Staff to City Council” from pay grade 45 (NU) to 45M (NU), and create the new job classification of “Aide to City Council” at pay grade 40 (NU). (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson November 14, 2023)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend the Fiscal Year 2024 Table of Organization for the Office of the City Council be amended by adding two (2) Aide to the City Council positions, Pay Grade 40, eliminating one (1) Chief of Staff, City Council position, Pay Grade 45, and adding one (1) Chief of Staff, City Council position, Pay Grade 45M. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson November 14, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion regarding the process of instituting a residential rent control program and the resulting impact of implementing such a program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes September 17, 2019 and September 24, 2019 and Tabled - Lukes October 15, 2019)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support Representative Rebecca Rauch and Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz’s SD 699 HD 1283, An Act effectuating equity in COVID-19 Vaccination Bill. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 9, 2021 and Tabled - Bergman February 23, 2021)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager consider prioritizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for REC Worcester’s capital project involving the development of the new REC Worcester headquarters and Center for Food Justice and Urban Agriculture (for Worcester and Central Massachusetts), in an effort to support community food security, as well as youth development and employment. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 9, 2021 and Tabled - Rivera November 16, 2021)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Council work to ensure City Council and School Committee districts are parallel, so as to ensure public clarity. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson May 24, 2022 and June 7, 2022 and Tabled - Petty June 14, 2022)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation Committee hold a public discussion with the WRTA Administrator relative to the removal of a bus route that passes the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Sarai Rivera and Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation meet with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a report concerning the WRTA’s winter weather plan, especially including information as to how snow will be removed at each of the bus stops: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Councilor Thu Nguyen - Request City Manager work with appropriate departments and stakeholders to establish an Office of Housing Stability in an effort to prevent the involuntary displacement of city residents who are in the process of being evicted or at the risk of losing their housing, as well as to enact policies to combat displacement, homelessness and enhance tenants’ rights. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj July 18, 2023 and Tabled - Haxhiaj August 22, 2023)

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: APRICOT ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: APRICOT ST. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj October 17, 2023 and October 24, 2023 and Tabled - Petty November 14, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a report concerning how much interested has been garnered from city programs associated with using vacant housing to provide living quarters for homeless individuals. Further, request City Manager request Chief Development Officer make an effort to reach out to the city’s landlord community to educate them on opportunities to house the city’s homeless population. – Item #16a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to establishing a Homeless Strategic Plan. – Item #16b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing how much money was received by the city relative to Opioid Settlement Funds, as well as how said funds were allocated and what percentage of funds received were connected to supporting the opioid crisis. – Item #16c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager begin the process of working with the city’s regional partners and resources to address concerns relative to ensuring other communities provide services for individuals who have opioid-related overdoses. – Item #16d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager develop a strategic plan relative to addressing hotspot locations where overdoses associated with opiates are occurring in the city. – Item #16e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining whether it is possible to measure the impact that the closing and/or reduction of services at Community Healthlink will have on the community. – Item #16f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning strategies the city can implore to generate revenues from its excess properties, including properties received through tax title. – Item #16g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager include affordable housing elements and language in any Request for Proposals (RFP) for the property at 26 Claridge Dr. – Item #16h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of positions in the city dedicated to oversight and compliance with the city’s TIF’s and TIE’s. – Item #16i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – Request City Manager work with the Human Rights Commission and join their next meeting to share and collaborate his vision, while also honoring the Commission’s priorities and help fulfill their mission, as it relates to public records of police misconduct, hate crimes and settlements regarding civil rights violations. – Item #16j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager work with Worcester Knitty Council to determine a location where the group can make mittens and hats available to individuals in need of such goods. – Item #16k CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays