City Council

CITY OF WORCESTER AGENDA OF THE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Esther Howland (South) Chamber 6:00 P.M. MAYOR Joseph M. Petty AT-LARGE COUNCILORS DISTRICT COUNCILORS Morris A. Bergman Jenny Pacillo - District 1 Donna M. Colorio Candy Mero-Carlson - District 2 Khrystian E. King George J. Russell - District 3 Thu Nguyen Luis A. Ojeda - District 4 Kathleen M. Toomey Etel Haxhiaj - District 5 www.worcesterma.gov CITY CLERK CITY MANAGER CITY AUDITOR Nikolin Vangjeli Eric D. Batista Robert V. Stearns City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts Virtual Attendee Call-In Information: City Council Zoom Link: https://worcesterma.zoomgov.com/j/1613631913 City Council Zoom Phone Number: +1 646 828 7666 City Council Zoom Access Code: 161 363 1913 _________________________________________________________________ To request a reasonable accommodation or interpretation or to submit written comments or questions in advance of the meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s office by email at clerk@worcesterma.gov. Please note that interpretation requests must be received no later than 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Para solicitar una interpretación razonable, o enviar comentarios o preguntas por escrito antes de las reuniones municipales, por favor comuníquese con la oficina del Secretario Municipal por correo electrónico a clerk@worcesterma.gov. Por favor note que las solicitudes de interpretación deberán ser enviadas 48 horas antes de la reunión. 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. STAR SPANGLED BANNER August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 1 of 25  3. ROLL CALL 4. PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE 5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 5a Adopt 5a. Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 24, 2025. 6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - a person may speak for no more than two (2) minutes on any items appearing on the agenda 6a. 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 "Public Participation" section of 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. City Council Zoom Link: https://worcesterma.zoomgov.com/j/1613631913 City Council Zoom Phone Number: +1 646 828 7666 City Council Zoom Access Code: 161 363 1913 7. HEARINGS AND ORDERS - 6:00 P.M. 7a and 7b Hold Hearings and Adopt 7a. Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BEVERLY RD. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BEVERLY RD. 7b. Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: HARRISON ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: HARRISON ST. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 2 of 25  8. SUSPENSION OF RULES TO TAKE UP A COMMITTEE REPORT AND OTHER RELATED ITEMS 8a Adopt on a roll call 8a. ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - As Chair of the City Council Standing Committee on Economic Development and in accordance with Rule 33 (e) of the Rules of City Council, request City Council suspend its rules at its August 19, 2025 meeting to take up the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Joshua Lee Smith on behalf of Wolfe Farms LLC request to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Worcester, as referenced in Article III, Section 2 of the City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance, by changing the zoning designation of the Properties identified below from the current zoning designation of Residence, Single Family (RS-7) to Residence, Limited (RL-7), as shown on the map attached hereto. The Properties include the properties known and numbered as 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 40, 42, and 44 Malden Street, 1-6 Malden Terrace, 1-3, 5-7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 Reynolds Street, and 885, 915, 919, 921 and 923 West Boylston Street, as presented by the Petitioner and referred to the Standing Committee on Economic Development as Item #15a on the June 10, 2025 City Council agenda, along with related items pending before the Committee. 8b. ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty - In accordance with Rule 33 (c) of the Rules of City Council, request City Council suspend its rules at its August 19, 2025, meeting to take up an item not reasonably anticipated: That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby convene in Executive Session at its August 19, 2025, meeting, for the purpose of discussing litigation strategy with respect to the case of Town of Holden vs. Department of Conservation and Recreation & another, pending in the Superior Court for the County of Worcester, Case No. 23-P-794, as having such a discussion in Open Session would be detrimental to the city’s negotiating position. The City Council will not reconvene in Open Session. 9. PETITIONS - PART I - a Petitioner may speak up to three (3) minutes the first time their petition appears on an agenda 9a Refer to the Department of Public Works and Parks 9a. Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of city shade trees on Duxbury Rd. 9b - 9p Refer to Public Works Committee 9b. Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Jenny Savage request Manor St. be resurfaced. 9c. Councilor Jenny Pacillo request sidewalk resurfacing on Neptune Rd. 9d. Councilor Jenny Pacillo and Councilor Morris A. Bergman on behalf of Paula Rosenbaum et al. request sidewalk resurfacing on Haviland St. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 3 of 25  9e. Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of the Worcester Black History Project request Winfield St. from Park Ave. to Mason St. be given the Honorary Street Name designation of Bethany Veney Way. 9f. Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of an additional streetlight in the vicinity of 6 and 8 Emily St. 9g. Clayton A. Norling request installation of curb in front of 586 Salisbury St. 9h. Andrew Ngo request installation of guardrail along Bittersweet Blvd. adjacent to 58 Sophia Dr. 9i. Cora Butler-Jones request installation of street light on Tatman St. 9j. Cora Butler-Jones request installation of street light at the end of Stockholm St. 9k. Steven Caligaris II request the sidewalk on Colonial Rd. be reviewed and assessed for repair. 9l. Donald J. O'Neil, on behalf of Suhan Thapa, request extension of sanitary and surface sewer mains in Marmion Ave. from their current terminus northerly a distance of approximately 127 feet for the sanitary main and 117 feet for the surface sewer main to the service the property located at 0 Marmion Ave. at the expense of the owner of said property. 9m. Megan Young request the installation of guardrails in front of 19 Westminster St. 9n. James Hachey request Morgan St. be resurfaced. 9o. Paul Belton request the end of the two (2) driveways at 471 and 473 Mill St. be repaired. 9p. Angelo Dagnello request sidewalk repair in front of 159 King Philip Rd. 9q - 9z Refer to Traffic and Parking Committee 9q. Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Paul and Aurora Brule request installation of a truck ban/weight restriction on North Pkwy. 9r. Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Marielis Colon request installation of four-way stop signage at the intersection of Pilgrim Ave. and Cohasset St. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 4 of 25  9s. Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of speed humps on Frothingham Rd. 9t. Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Miguel and Jose Rivera request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 58 Providence St. 9u. Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed humps on Flagg St. between Pleasant St. and Audubon Rd. 9v. Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed humps on Rexhame Rd. 9w. Councilor Jenny Pacillo on behalf of Tim Faron request installation of a crosswalk across Holden St. at its intersection with Saratoga Rd. 9x. Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of speed humps in the vicinity of 21 Ellsworth St. 9y. Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a yield sign on Marconi Rd. at Indian Hill Rd. 9z. Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of “No Parking Here to Corner” signage on Merrick St. at its intersection with Shawmut St. 10. PETITIONS - PART II 10a - 10z Refer to Traffic and Parking Committee 10a. Councilor Khrystian E. King request installation of speed humps on Forsberg St. 10b. Councilor Khrystian E. King request installation of speed humps on Victoria Ave. 10c. Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request install of curb extensions on both corners of the intersection between Mason St. and Chandler St. 10d. Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Westbrook Rd. and Kinnicutt Rd. 10e. Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of a left turn arrow at the intersection of Dalton St. and Grafton St. 10f. Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Erin Morell request installation of “Dead End Street” signage on Winchester Ave. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 5 of 25  10g. Christine Rodriguez et al. request removal of "No Parking Anytime" signage on Glennie St. 10h. Traci Talamini request installation of speed hump between 148 and 156 Orient St. 10i. John Wadsworth and Ann McCrea request installation of speed hump on Grand View Ave. between Main St. and Abington St. 10j. Daniel F. Deedy request installation of speed humps on June St. between the intersection of June St. and May St. to the vicinity of 341 June St. 10k. Dave Tayyeh request removal of handicap signage in front of 45 Ledgecrest Dr. 10l. Ethan Bates request review of the intersection of Franklin St., Norfolk St. and Suffolk St. for traffic calming measures to address dangerous conditions for both pedestrians and motorists. 10m. Eduard Shehu and Laorent Miha request removal of residential permit parking on Wamsutta Ave. 10n. Jose L. Otero request installation of speed hump on Eastern Ave. 10o. Joseph Cummings request installation of additional handicap parking space in front of 53 Raymond St. 10p. Laurie Ghiz request installation of flashing traffic lights at 11 Lake Ave. 10q. Brian Thamel request installation of crosswalk between 335/337 and 338 Park Ave. 10r. Cynthia Turncliff request installation of speed humps on Pine Tree Dr. 10s. Sabrina Desy request the placement of traffic signage on the sidewalk in front of 84 Blackstone River Rd. be reviewed to ensure vehicles can safely traverse the area. 10t. Alyssa Benefit request removal of resident permit parking on South Flagg St. 10u. Nathalie Gibson request solid white line be repainted on Mill St. from Gates Ln. to 169 Mill St. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 6 of 25  10v. Nathalie Gibson request center solid yellow line be painted on Coes St. 10w. Patricia Tricomi request parking be prohibited on both sides of Thorndyke Rd. from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on school days. 10x. Patricia Tricomi request installation of speed humps on Thorndyke Rd. 10y. Patricia Tricomi request installation of signage at the entrance and exit of Thorndyke Road School driveway to inform drivers that the street is a one-way street, such as "No Left Turn - One Way" and "Right Turn Only - One Way" signage. 10z. Alondra Pichardo Rosario request installation of a pedestrian crossing light at the intersection of Vernon St. and Richard St. 11. PETITIONS - PART III 11a Refer to Traffic and Parking Committee 11a. Debra Army request installation of speed humps on Parsons Hill Dr. 11b Refer to Law Department to Prepare an Answer and Respond 11b. David Webb filing an Open Meeting Law Complaint Form. 11c - 11e Set Hearings for September 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. 11c. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: HERMON ST. 11d. NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: HARRISON ST. 11e. NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WINFIELD ST. 12. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS Recommend Appointment – Place Communication on File 12a. Recommending the appointment of Shepard Allen to the Trust Funds Commission. Recommend Appointment – Place Communication On File 12b. Recommending appointment of Michael Murphy to the Worcester Ballpark Commission. Recommend Appointment – Place Communication on File 12c. Recommending the appointment of Christian Roberts to the Elder Affairs Commission. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 7 of 25  Recommend Appointment – Place Communication on File 12d. Recommending the appointment of Erin Michelotti and amending the term expirations of Cassandra Tortorici, Chris Michelotti, and Angelique Webster to the Worcester Arts Council. Recommend Appointment – Place Communication on File 12e. Recommending the appointment of Daniel McAuliffe to the Commission for the Preservation of Historic Artifacts, Relics and Military Memorials. Recommend Appointment – City Council Vote Required 12f. Recommending the appointments of Kelly J. Brochu and Sarah Gerace to the Citizen Advisory Council. Recommend Appointment – City Council Vote Required 12g. Recommending the appointment of Joseph McEvoy to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees. Recommend Advertise Proposed Ordinance 12h. Recommending adoption of proposed Fiscal Year 26 Salary Ordinance Amendment. Recommend Advertise Proposed Ordinance 12i. Recommending adoption of a corrected Zoning Map Amendment for 18 Mountain Street East. Informational Communication 12j. Transmitting informational communication relative to a Quarterly Report on Keep Worcester Clean and Clean City Initiatives. Recommend Adoption on a Roll Call 12k. Requesting adoption of a Green Hill Golf Course Maintenance Contract in excess of three years with an option to renew the said contract for up to three one-year extensions. Informational Communication 12l. Transmitting informational communication relative to a request to provide City Council with a report concerning outreach done by the Green Hill Golf Course staff to invite and encourage Worcester Public Schools Students to learn and play golf at the course. Informational Communication 12m. Transmitting informational communication relative to Street and Sidewalk Construction Progress Report for July 2025. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 8 of 25  Informational Communication 12n. Transmitting informational communication relative to PFAS-free gear acquired by the Fire Department. Informational Communication 12o. Transmitting informational communication relative to Council request on the impact of adopting M.G.L Chapter 148, Section 26I. Informational Communication 12p. Transmitting informational communication relative to a Police Body Camera Report. Refer to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee 12q. Requesting review and approval of an amendment to the Municipality’s Organizational Ordinances, modifying the Department of Public Works & Parks; creating the Parks, Cemetery and Recreation Department; relocating the Designer Selection Board to the Department of Administration & Finance; and restructuring the Fire Department. Refer to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee 12r. Requesting review and approval of enclosed reorganizational ordinance amendment regarding the Law Department. Informational Communication 12s. Transmitting informational communication relative to the conflict-of-interest law and councilor participation in housing and rent control matters. Informational Communication 12t. Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2025 financial update, as of May 31, 2025. Informational Communication 12u. Transmitting informational communication relative to the financial update as of period ending June 30, 2025. Informational Communication 12v. Transmitting informational communication relative to DCU Special Tax District Borrowing. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Grants and Donations) 12w. Recommending adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Seventy Eight Thousand Six Hundred Forty Two Dollars and Thirty One Cents ($178,642.31) from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, DPH Offices for the Massachusetts Large Cities Health Coalition Entities. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 9 of 25  Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Grants and Donations) 12x. Recommending adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a donation in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($25,000.00) from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Grants and Donations) 12y. Recommending adoption of a resolution to accept a donation of Twenty Five Dollars and No Cents ($25.00) from Christine’s Auto Sales. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Grants and Donations) 12z. Recommending adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a grant in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) from the United Way of Central Massachusetts. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Grants and Donations) 12aa. Recommending adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Six Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($685,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the implementation of the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI) grant program. Recommend Transfer (Finance Items – Operational Transfers) 12bb. Recommending that One Hundred Eighty Six Thousand Two Hundred Forty Eight Dollars and Five Cents ($186,248.05) be transferred from Fund #FD311-PG10069, Cable Educational Access, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC5203-PG50098, GMC Educational Cable Access Fund, which represents the Fiscal Year 2026 Cable PEG program allocation. Recommend Transfer (Finance Items – Operational Transfers) 12cc. Recommending that Eighty Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty Eight Dollars and No Cents be transferred from various sources and be appropriated to CC1017-699399, Communications Capital Outlay, to fund the purchase of a replacement vehicle that was damaged in a no-fault accident. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Operational Transfers) 12dd. Recommending operating transfers to make adjustments to municipal accounts to balance the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. Recommend Transfer (Finance Items – Operational Transfers) 12ee. Recommending that Four Hundred Seventy Seven Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($477,000.00) be transferred from FD311 Program PG10070, Cable Administration, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1031 Program PG10480-610100, Innovation and Technology Operations, for the allocation of the FY26 Cable PEG program for INET. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 10 of 25  Recommend Transfer (Finance Items – Operational Transfers) 12ff. Recommending City Council's authorization of the Zero Waste Revolving fund for Green Worcester's Plan for Fiscal Year 2026, at the limits of Twelve Thousand Dollars And Zero Cents per M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53 1/2. The Zero Waste Revolving Fund was created so that revenue from the Professional Service Agreement with Casella is allowed to be used for associated program costs. These require annual Authorization from City Council. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Prior Year) 12gg. Recommending that Eight Thousand Six Hundred One Dollars and Fifty Seven Cents ($8,601.57) be authorized from Fiscal year 2025 Cost Center #CC1048, Health & Human Services Veterans Services Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Prior Year) 12hh. Recommending that a total of Six Thousand Two Hundred Seventy Three Dollars and Fifty Five Cents ($6,273.55) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2026 Cost Center #CC1004, Economic Development Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Prior Year) 12ii. Recommending authorization of Twenty Two Thousand Five Hundred Forty Four Dollars and Fifteen Cents ($22,544.15) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1038, Police Department Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Prior Year) 12jj. Recommending that One Thousand Three Hundred Sixty-One Dollars and Nineteen Cents ($1,361.19) be authorized from various Fiscal Year FY25 Department of Public Works and Parks cost centers, for the payment of prior year invoices. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Prior Year) 12kk. Recommending that Four Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty-Five Dollars and Fourteen Cents ($4,765.14) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 from Cost Center #CC1046, Division of Public Health Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices. Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Prior Year) 12ll. Recommending that One Thousand Four Hundred Fifteen Dollars and Forty Cents ($1,415.40) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2026 Cost Center #CC1081, Transportation & Mobility Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 11 of 25  Recommend Adoption (Finance Items – Prior Year) 12mm.Recommending that Twelve Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Five Dollars and Fifty Six Cents ($12,465.56) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2026 Cost Center #CC1061, Budget Office Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of a prior year invoice. 13. CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS 13a and 13b Adopt 13a. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update relative to three (3) previously requested Chairman’s Orders relative to 1) the creation of a taskforce to explore the feasibility of drafting an ordinance for residents to keep and raise chickens; 2) the processes used by other municipalities who allow for residents to keep and raise chickens; and 3) any challenges faced by other municipalities who allow for residents to keep and raise chickens. 13b. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing supportive data provided in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) program relative to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Street Outreach. 14. ORDERS - PART I 14a. Request City Manager conduct a review of the mail services used by the city to ensure the amount of time it takes for mail to arrive to a destination is reduced. (Toomey) 14b. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Parks and Recreation review the Beaver Brook softball field permit holder’s usage of sound systems and all complaints by Park Ave.’s residents related to sound pollution. (Haxhiaj) 14c. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Parks and Recreation provide City Council with a report concerning whether any steps have been taken to create a Master Plan for Burncoat Park. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Parks and Recreation begin the process of creating a Master Plan for Burncoat Park if such a plan does not yet exist. (Mero-Carlson) 14d. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Parks and Recreation provide City Council with a report concerning whether any steps have been taken to create a Master Plan for Poet Hill. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Parks and Recreation begin the process of creating a Master Plan for Poet Hill if such a plan does not yet exist. (Mero-Carlson) August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 12 of 25  14e. Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning efforts made to rename Holland Rink Park to Jack “The Shot” Foley Park, in honor of basketball legend Jack Foley. (Bergman) 14f. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the planning and implementation schedule for the sidewalks on the upper portion of Burncoat St. (King) 14g. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study in the vicinity of 21 Ellsworth St. to determine ways the city can curb dangerous speeding concerns in the area. (Ojeda) 14h. Request City Manager provide City Council with a cost analysis of chemical treatments needed in Indian Lake that targets the excessive growth of Elodea, the native plant species. (King) 14i. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the treatment schedule for Indian Lake and all other lakes under lakes and ponds management throughout the city. (King) 14j. Request City Manager provide City Council with a study that determines the best treatments for the lakes and ponds across the city. (King) 14k. Request Standing Committee on Urban Technologies, Innovation and Technology invite representatives from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to attend a meeting to discuss best practices for treating the city’s lakes and ponds. (King) 14l. Request City Manager provide City Council with a study determining the environmental impact of fertilizer being washed down into Indian Lake. (King) 14m. Request City Manager request Chief Information Officer provide City Council with a report concerning functions and services that were gained and lost on the city’s website because of transitioning the website to a new system. (Pacillo) 14n. Request City Manager explore the feasibility of incorporating environmental reclamation efforts for American Chestnut Trees at Indian Lake Park, located at 149 West Boylston Dr. (Mero-Carlson) 14o. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repaint the yellow line on Rexhame Rd. (Pacillo) August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 13 of 25  14p. Request City Manager install additional trash receptacles on Lincoln St. and Boylston St. between Pasadena Pkwy. and Tacoma St. (Pacillo) 14q. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the sidewalks on Neptune Rd. to make any immediately necessary safety repairs. (Pacillo) 14r. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the sidewalks on Haviland St. to make any immediately necessary safety repairs. (Pacillo) 14s. Request City Manager organize a public meeting in the vicinity of Elm Park to discuss the challenges, solutions, timelines and funding sources to fully restore the water bodies at Elm Park. (Bergman) 14t. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing efforts to utilize naming opportunities at Beaver Brook Park for Douglas J. Hannam, Jr., to honor him for his lifetime commitment to Little League in Worcester. (Bergman) 14u. Request City Manager request Police Chief and Fire Chief provide City Council with a report detailing the plans that the Worcester Police Department (WPD) and Worcester Fire Department (WFD) have regarding retention and recruitment. (Toomey) 14v. Request City Manager consider creating and installing a “Welcome to Worcester – Home of State Champions” sign, listing the years and names of local youth sports teams that have won state championships over the past ten years (see attached for example). (Ojeda) 14w. Request City Manager and Mayor work with the Governor’s Office and State Delegation to reduce private utility costs, in anticipation of potential fall rate hikes. (Pacillo) 14x. Request City Manager work with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a report concerning any improvements made to the Worcester Regional Transit Authority in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), as well as plans for future improvements. (Pacillo) 14y. Request City Auditor provide City Council with a report detailing all data from the past eighteen (18) months between Dispatch and the Worcester Police Department (WPD) concerning the Main South area, in response to resident concerns. Said report should include any relevant communications aimed at improving operations while highlighting areas of consistent and timely responses. The audit should also include levels of response to calls as documented by WPD. (King) August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 14 of 25  14z. Request City Manager request Police Chief conduct an internal audit of all Main South 911 and non-emergency police calls from the past eighteen (18) months. (King) 15. ORDERS - PART II 15a. Request City Manager provide City Council with a quarterly report concerning the quality of the city’s blue spaces management. Said report should outline treatment planning, timelines, and options that are defined for each blue space. (King) 15b. Request City Manager provide City Council with a quarterly report specifically detailing a review of the 2024/2025 Indian Lake Management. Said report should include information concerning nutrient loading and lake aging strategies, lake conditions, related adjustments, and the health of the ecosystem. (King) 15c. Request City Manager review the feasibility of enhancing the capacity of the Department of Health and Human Services as it relates to the city’s responsiveness to the challenges of the unsheltered population in the city. Said strategy should include increased social workers/clinical and outreach staffing and consider a reorganization plan versus a budget increase. (King) 15d. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s ability to require landscape/green space plans for underdeveloped lots under ordinances and regulations associated with anti-blight. Further, request City Manager contact owners of the former Notre Dame Church property, as well as other Polar Park district properties, regarding any implementation of such a plan. (Petty) 15e. Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning tiny home projects in the city, including such a project on Claremont St. (Petty) 15f. Request City Manager create a contingency fund up to $500,000.00 to assist Community Preservation Act (CPA) recipients who can demonstrate hardship, to assist in cost reimbursement payments. (Petty) 15g. Due to August’s “‘Free’ Bulk Waste Drop Off” incentive program being filled for all of August on or about August 13, 2025, request City Manager extend this “free” program to all appointments made in August so that they are honored in September and moving forward. (Russell) 15h. Request City Manager once again consider accommodating bulk waste drop off open all weekdays and one weekend day each week, free of charge, for city residents with no appointments necessary. (Russell) August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 15 of 25  15i. Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic and speed enforcement at the Newton Square Rotary. (Petty) 15j. Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning draft language to implement an institutional zoning ordinance, which would require institutions such as colleges, universities, and hospitals to file ten (10) year institutional master plans with the city. (Mero-Carlson) 15k. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the installation of sidewalks at the beach near Shore Park, as the sidewalks are currently incomplete and posing a safety hazard. (Mero-Carlson) 15l. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct an updated traffic study regarding the number of accidents that have occurred at the intersection of St. Nicholas Ave. and Clark St. Further, request said traffic study include information concerning the implementation of a vulnerable road user safety strategy plan. (King) 15m. Request City Manager initiate a public service response (PSR) regarding dog waste, including but limited to creating an advisory discouraging dog waste disposal in the city’s storm drains. Further, request said response also include the installation of earth friendly locations with compostable waste bags at all standard parks and dog parks in the city. (King) 15n. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review the installation of all stop signs and speed humps in the city since January 1, 2022, to ensure all locations comply with all Commonwealth of Massachusetts and federal regulations associated with their placement and installation. (Toomey) 15o. Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the drafting of ordinances relative to the advancement of two (2) Worcester Now|Next recommendations concerning: A) eliminating or reducing minimum parking requirements; and B) reforming tree protection requirements for all developments. (Haxhiaj) 16. COMMUNICATION OF THE CITY AUDITOR 16a Refer to Public Works Committee 16a. Transmitting an informational communication auditing construction progress reports completed or not completed, information related to street selections, as well as completed streets over the past five (5) years with funding considerations and realizations. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 16 of 25  17. COMMUNICATIONS 17a Refer to Public Service and Transportation Committee 17a. Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, " Express for Whom?: Ridership, Recovery, and the Importance of the Worcester/Framingham Line.” 18. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 18a Accept and Adopt on a roll call 18a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommend adoption of the FY2026 – FY2030 Housing Production Plan: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution. 18b - 18d Accept 18b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Fiscal Year 25 Worcester Arts Council Grantmaking: recommend Communication be placed on file. 18c. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to MBTA Communities Compliance and Economic Feasibility Analysis for Inclusionary Zoning: recommend Communication be placed on file. 18d. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request the creation of a permitting process to allow for resident to have chicken hens: recommend Petition be placed on file. 19. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 19a Accept and Adopt on a roll call 19a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption for U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Entitlement Programs – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) - City of Worcester Fiscal Year 2026/Program Year 51: recommend adoption of the four (4) accompanying Resolutions. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 17 of 25  19b Accept 19b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Order of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the impact a gas leak in the vicinity of Wawecus Road School, 20 Wawecus Rd., had on the community: recommend Order be placed on file. 20. TO BE ORDAINED 20a - 20z Ordain on a roll call 20a. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking Across From #6 Pattison Street. 20b. Amending Section 47 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances Of 2008 to Remove School Parking Prohibitions on Portions of Gage Street and Eastern Avenue. 20c. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking Across From #118 Tower Street. 20d. Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Establish Resident Permit Parking on a Portion of Dominion Road. 20e. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide 15-Minute Parking on a Portion of Meade Street Near #39 Lamartine Street. 20f. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide 15 Minute Parking on a Portion of Grosvenor Street. 20g. Amending Section 43 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Modify the Winter Parking Ban on Vernon Street. 20h. Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a Stop Sign Facing Franklin Street Traffic Turning Right at Plantation Street. 20i. Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a Stop Sign Facing Pratt Street at Whitman Road. 20j. Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a Stop Sign Facing Stoneland Road at Freeland Street. 20k. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #64 Ward Street. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 18 of 25  20l. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #1 Belvidere Avenue. 20m. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Remove Handicap Parking in the vicinity of #35 Columbia Street. 20n. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #49 Cutler Street. 20o. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Establish 30-Minute Metered Parking on a Portion of Green Island Blvd. 20p. Amending Section 78 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a 20 MPH Safety Zone In The Vicinity Of 337 Mill Street. 20q. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #51 Pilgrim Avenue. 20r. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #16 Alpine Street. 20s. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #27 Vernon Street. 20t. Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #59 Windsor Street. 20u. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #26A Marjorie Street. 20v. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #16 Elizabeth Street. 20w. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #75 Norfolk Street. 20x. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of #58 Haven Lane. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 19 of 25  20y. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Catharine Street. 20z. Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Henrietta Street. 21. TO BE ORDAINED - PART II 21a - 21k Ordain on a roll call 21a. Amending Section 37(Q) of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Establish a Tow Zone on a Portion of Sutton Lane. 21b. Amending Sections 40 and 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide 15 Minute Parking on a portion of Schussler Road. 21c. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide 15 Minute Parking on a portion of Washington Street. 21d. Amending Section 46 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Establish a Commercial Loading Zone on a portion of Theodore Tonna Street. 21e. Amending Sections 42 and 46 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Establish a Commercial Loading Zone and 2-Hour Metered Parking on a portion of Pearl Street. 21f. Amending Sections 45 and 46 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Establish Passenger and Commercial Loading Zones on a portion of Main Street. 21g. Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Establish Resident Permit Parking on a portion of the west side of Scott Street and Prohibit Parking on the east side of Scott Street. 21h. Amending Section 79 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a 20 MPH School Zone on Plantation Street. 21i. Amending Section 79 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a 20 MPH School Zone on Chrome Street. 21j. Amending Section 79 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a 20 MPH School Zone on Caroline Street. August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 20 of 25  21k. Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a Stop Sign Facing Nelson Park Drive at Nelson Place. 22. HELD UNDER PRIVILEGE 22a. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager consider providing City Council with a report concerning the expansion of the Shannon CSI funding parameters. Said report should include information that identifies how the changes in funding parameters may impact Youth Crisis Responsiveness, as well as an update concerning the related selection committee member planning and selection process. (Held Under Privilege - King June 10, 2025 and July 15, 2025) 23. TABLED ITEMS 23a. 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. (Held Under Privilege - Lukes September 17, 2019 and September 24, 2019 and Tabled - Lukes October 15, 2019) 23b. 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. (Held Under Privilege - Bergman February 9, 2021 and Tabled - Bergman February 23, 2021) 23c. 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. (Held Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021 and Held Under Privilege - Petty November 9, 2021 and Tabled - Rivera November 16, 2021) 23d. 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. (Held Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Held Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023) August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 21 of 25  23e. 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. (Held Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Held Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023) 23f. 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. (Held Under Privilege - Haxhiaj July 18, 2023 and Tabled - Haxhiaj August 22, 2023) 23g. PETITION of Gordon Davis request City Council request Standing Committee on Public Safety investigate the issue of systemic racism and public safety with public hearings included. (Tabled - Toomey May 14, 2024) 23h. ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager install metal detector safety equipment at City Hall whenever open, similar to the equipment used at Polar Park, the Worcester District Court and other public places, on or before December 31, 2024. (Held Under Privilege - Russell September 24, 2024 and October 1, 2024 and Tabled - Russell October 8, 2024) 23i. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager conduct an equity audit of all city departments every five (5) years. (Held Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson December 10, 2024 and Held Under Privilege - Toomey December 17, 2024 and Tabled - Nguyen January 7, 2025) 23j. COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to how the U.S. Department of Justice's report on the Worcester Police Department differs from the account of the municipality. (Held Under Privilege - King April 29, 2025 and May 6, 2025 and Tabled - King May 13, 2025) 24. BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting. 24a. ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report detailing the amount of money spent on Mill St.’s traffic safety redesign project. - Item #23a CC Order adopted August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 22 of 25  24b. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report that outlines strategic mapping, planning and timelines associated with the installation of additional crosswalks on Mill St. - Item #23b CC Order adopted 24c. ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of funding required to repave Massasoit Rd. - Item #23c CC Order adopted 24d. RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the allocation of monies for the purpose of installing School Zone safety signage. - Item #23d CC Resolution adopted 24e. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to the difference between a motion to place an item on file and a motion to adopt an item. - Item #23e CC Order adopted 24f. ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report breaking down the cost of losing human life, should the city fail to adopt Mass. General Law Ch. 148, Section 26I. Said report should include the costs associated with the risk of injury to civilians and firefighters, as well as costs associated with health and psychological harms, long term health issues and any estimations on additional strains the failure to adopt the measure could have on emergency services. - Item #23f CC Order adopted 24g. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the reason hundreds of fish died in Indian Lake. - Item #23g CC Order adopted 24h. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the timeline and treatment plan associated with remedying water quality concerns at Indian Lake. - Item #23h CC Order adopted 24i. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing whether Indian Lake is considered property of the city or property of the State of Massachusetts. - Item #23i CC Order adopted August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 23 of 25  24j. ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how instituting a program in the city relative to M.G.L. Ch. 59, Sec. 50, which provides property tax relief to landlords that rent their units at a federally determined affordable rate, would impact the city. Said report should include information concerning: 1) Will these properties, if not registered in the rental registry, be required to register?; 2) How will Inspectional Services be engaged to provide information concerning property owners who have multiple code and sanitary violations?; 3) How will the city enforce rent and code violations, as well as what guardrails will there be to protect tenants?; 4) How does it affect the abatement overlay?; 5) What is the overlay amount that the city puts aside to manage tax abatements?; 6) What process would the city and City Council follow if the amount required to manage tax abatements would need to be increased?; 7) If a landlord who rents property potentially asks for an abatement based on the tax policy provision the Governor signed into law in 2023, does the Assessor’s Office know whether a property owner is an LCC? Further, does the Assessor’s Office know where the principal of the LLC resides or whether there are investors of such an LLC that live in Worcester or elsewhere?; and 8) How many staff currently work on abatements in the Assessor’s Office currently? - Item #23j CC Order adopted 24k. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 50. - Item #23k CC Order adopted 24l. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a prospective draft ordinance within any report from the city that recommends the implementation of a program stemming from the adoption of M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 50. - Item #23l CC Order adopted 24m. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning efforts to bring additional grocery stores to the city. - Item #23m CC Order adopted on a roll call of 8 Yeas and 2 Nays 24n. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report defining food deserts. - Item #23n CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 2 Nays 24o. ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request City Manager work with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a report detailing the feasibility of providing a bus route that takes residents of Lincoln St. to Market 32, located at 72 Pullman St. - Item #23o CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 2 Nays August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 24 of 25  24p. ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request City Manager ensure any actions associated with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) installing fencing around railroad crossings and train tracks for public safety include CSX, where applicable. - Item #23p CC Order adopted 24q. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a detailed report outlining the pros and cons of discontinuing the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance. - Item #23q CC Order adopted 24r. RESOLUTION of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj - That the City Council does hereby reaffirm its support to preserve residents’ right of to petition the City Council using the same process currently in place in the city. - Item #23r CC Resolution denied on a roll call vote of 4 Yeas and 6 Nays 24s. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager rule out whether or not the city plans to lease out the property located at 51 and 61 Sever St. - Item #23s CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 7 Yeas and 3 Nays Scheduled Meetings of the Standing Committees Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 Economic Development Committee Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber 04:00 PM Chairperson Candy Mero-Carlson, Jenny Pacillo, Kathleen M. Toomey Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025 Traffic and Parking Committee Esther Howland (South) Chamber 05:00 PM Chairperson Donna M. Colorio, Thu Nguyen, Khrystian E. King Contact Info: Worcester City Clerk City Hall Room 206 455 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: 508-799-1124 clerk@worcesterma.gov August 19, 2025 Agenda of the City Council Page 25 of 25