City Council 07/21/2026

Okay, good evening everyone. Welcome to the Worcester City Council meeting. If you can please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner

Thank you.

Say, can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hailed At the twilight's last gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright stars Through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air They proved through the night that our flag was still there.

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home

and the home of the brave.

Roll call. Councilor Bergman? Here. Council Bilotta? Here Councilor Economou? Here Councilor King? Here. Councilor Mitra? Here, Councilor Ojeda? Here Councilor Rivera? Here! Councilor Rosen? Here councilor Toomey? Here and Mayor Petty

Here. First is approval of the minutes, 5A and 5B collectively. All those in favor? Opposed, so ordered. First of all I'd like to announce that Rob Bilotta is going to hold items 10A through 10C under privilege and we have public participation. The person may speak for no more than two minutes, I am appearing on the agenda. Mr.

Clerk? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Rule 39, items of public interest at every meeting of the city council under public participation portion of the agenda. The chair shall recognize any person seeking such recognition for the purpose of addressing on any eligible item on the agenda for both the meeting in person and remotely. Any person who wishes to speak more than one agenda item shall combine their testimony on all items to one appearance at the microphone The time for speaking shall not exceed two minutes for any one speaker or 30 minutes for all speakers. Rule 40 petitions, on the first occasion any petition appears before the City Council agenda the primary petitioner may address the City Council for no more than three minutes on the subject of their petition.

Thank you, okay. Is this your name and city residence and item number?

She needs to speak in the microphone.

Might want to use the other microphone, maybe.

Mary Sackstetter, City of Worcester. I'd like to comment on the long history of police corruption in Worcestere and reference to agenda item 10.5. Citizens have been asking for a civilian review board since the 1970s Every time I see a police cruiser with its blue lights on, I wonder if the officer driving is one of the police officers who had sex with prostitutes in their cruiser wearing their uniform and gun. Credible Reports, according to the Department of Justice. Or is this the courageous police officer who hit a mentally ill man in the head while he was strapped to a gurney with his hands zip-tied? Or is this the canine officer who ordered his dog to attack a man on the ground surrounded by several police officers and let the dog gnash the man's leg for several seconds without calling it off, which he failed to include in his report on the incident? The officer was allowed to change his report four months later when video surfaced showing his lies.

This incident cost Worcester $375,000 in settlement fees plus legal fees plus City of Worcestershire employees' wages. and this was the second six-figure settlement the city had paid out in recent years to a man bitten by a police dog. In November of 22, Worcester paid $275,000 to settle a lawsuit by a man who uncovered video that again exposed false statements in an officer's narrative of his arrest. Then there is the current settlement from the lawsuit from the 2020 Floyd protests where in a July 8th, 2026 TNG article city spokesman Tom Matthews said the two sides were still working to finalize paperwork on this settlement, which won't be official until signed. Add whatever the settlement is to the 10 million paid out by the city of Worcester to settle lawsuits against the WPD over the past ten years. Again, the $10 million doesn't include legal fees and city employees' wages.

Having a civilian review board would not cost as much as the legal actions taken against the City. This completely negates Batista's opinion in last week's TNG article saying a CRB would be too costly.

Thank you.

Fred, Nathan, Worcester. The mostly finance items 10.35 basically A through whatever it is here. You're always filing and accepting these different grants I didn't add them all up, but I just looked quickly. There's probably about $12 million. I would like to see more background information on are the specifics as what the money is going to. I mean, there's an item in here of like $100 million which was not part of the one that I just mentioned. It's totally independent. At some point in time the city is gonna run out of availability to get these different grants. And then I wanna see what's gonna happen with the police, the fire, the public works, the teachers. I shall go on and on and one and on but I think you get the hint.

Thank you. She names the residents.

Hi, Tom Marino, Celia Worcester on this report. This report is not just a rejection of civilian review boards. It is a manifesto on centralized government control What we were told in this report is, you'll know what we let you know unless lawsuits are filed. Or you can file for public records which will inevitably be jerked around forever on. You know, I found it an interesting comment by the current president of the Petroleum Union who said that this was a ploy. to, quote, defund the police. Of course it is. And to gin up controversy. It's interesting that the controversy doesn't come from the actions that lead to the lawsuits but by talking about it Some members of this council have a really interesting relationship with this union. You essentially advocate for no oversight whatsoever, no independent oversight.

just an administration or a city manager that's in the chain of command, so that is not oversight. That is management. But you basically advocate for no limits, no limits whatsoever. Complete impunity. When things are well, you're happy to introduce resolutions praising the police department. And when things aren't well, your happy to shut up and not say a word. And some of you won't even engage with the evidence related to some of these issues. And then you go out there and when people ask you about it, you say I've never seen anything about that. Well yeah because you refuse to read it. So in exchange for that, you get election support But when the inevitable lawsuits come from your actions of enabling this impunity, who pays for that? What a wonderfully corrupt way to finance your campaign support. maybe, just maybe do something besides behold into a special interest group.

Hello, my name's Gary. I think you know me. I've been here for weeks talking about Civil Review Board and don't think we got anywhere. Now to the chair and to the city manager, you have these commissions set up to involve and look into them. And then when they come back from their recommendation, and they say yes, you just say no. Why do you have these commissions? You're not listening to them. This is not about whether the police are bad or good. There are so many good policemen out there. It is about accountability. If I was a police officer on your force and you were not reading out the bad ones, and makes them all look bad. And this is ridiculous. You gotta remember that you work for us, all of you here. We elected you to work for US not the other way around.

We have a bunch of people here and you've heard from them in the past that said we should have a civilian review board even the post commission says, we had a meeting with them and they say please have a we can't handle everything, we need a civil review board. Why don't you start listening to some of the people? What is happening in this current city council as your cutting off peoples comments it's almost ridiculous. It's almost like Mr. Trump, because you don't care what we say. I think maybe there's somebody here that keeps saying that they don't listen to the people here. Tell these people you don't listened to them, you only listen to people in the grocery store. Well maybe we should start holding our meetings in the Grocery Store so we can get through to you. Thank you.

Well said. Idella Hazard, City of Worcester. It seems we'll hear about every five to eight years asking for a citizen review board. for the last 30 or 40 years. Every single city manager we've had when there was a police brutality case in the newspaper categorically defended the police officer or officers and the city was still sued. And what happens? We the taxpayers pay for it. with a city review board. It takes the heat off the police department, it takes the hit of the city manager

takes the heat off the city council, off the City and you don't pay out as a rule. all the other cities, Boston and the other city's are sized. And all these people will tell you the names of the cities because they're in the newspaper who have them. and they have them across the nation. Worcester does not. What's wrong with Worcestershire? They're working across the there's something wrong that Worcester is turning them down. There's something with all our city managers categorically defending guilty police officers, thank you.

Hello, I am Felicia Campanelli. This is the first time I've done anything like this so I'm a little nervous. I believe I live in District 3, but that's actually one of the reasons I'm here today. I recently moved back to Worcester after purchasing a three-decker home in my old neighborhood. I struggled with housing insecurity when I was a child, so this is one of my goals coming back here to Worcester. After listening to the meeting a couple weeks ago, I called the Worcestershire community Action Council, and I was looking for assistance in replacing my old oil heat system. My approach to keeping housing affordable is to lower my tenants utility costs whenever I can and as an owner occupied landlord, I turned to the city because I believed you guys wanted to help me do that. Instead, I was told there's no funding available and I should call back in October They didn't even take my name or email to see what the needs were from the residents of Worcester.

Over the past few months, I've learned about many incredible programs that our city has to offer its residents. I even visited a family resource center on the other side of the city and discovered resources that many of my friends and family had no idea about The problem isn't necessarily that these resources don't exist, it's that the people don't know where to find them. Access to these resources should not depend on luck and right now it feels like people who receive help are only those who happen to meet the right person. That is not fair, it's not a fair system. People are working full time raising children helping with homework we're just simply trying to make ends meet We should not also have to spend hours making phone calls just to figure out what kind of help exists. Funding means nothing, the hundreds of millions of dollars you guys keep talking about means nothing if people can't access it.

So my question is this, why isn't there a place where Worcester residents can go to find the help they need? One website. One resource. one searchable system that helps residents find city, state nonprofit utility and other assistant programs that are available to us. I'd be happy to work with anybody thank you

The names of your residents and item number?

Abby Mortillero, Worcester resident District 4. I'm speaking on item 10.5A and the importance of a civilian review board. The importance of Accountability. Police need to be held accountable. And Batista wants to grip the force, have more totalitarian rule and a top-down system from the top down with no accountability No civilian oversight, and there's excessive use of force, racial bias. Violation of human rights.

It's affecting minorities and we need this accountability, we need independence Access to data, subpoena power in this Subpoena and Remove Fuel Board. We need accountability you know we need So let me ask you, what side of history are you on now? Mr. Batista is on the wrong side of history, and I know someone only wants to listen to people they happen to encounter on an everyday basis and not the people that come to city council. Well, let me tell you something. We, the people that come to the council are the people who are paying attention. The people that pay attention come here Who are you listening to? People who are not even paying attention? What do they have to say? Something about the WUSOCs or something? Come on, we need accountability.

We need accountability now. Accountability now. Salute and reward now. Thank you.

Thank you.

Hi, my name is Chiara Munz. I'm from District 2. I will be speaking on item 11a very briefly. It is about reducing parking minimums within the city. A parking spot in a parking garage costs $30,000 and that cost is put onto the affordable housing that we want to build in the city so just a quick note please pass that one before the night is up Thank you.

What's your name, see residence item number?

Good evening, William Gardner, City of Worcester. And I'm speaking in response to item 10-5A, I believe. Are there great police officers in Worcestere? Undoubtedly. I have worked with and met quite a few but we are not here to talk about them tonight. Two and a half years ago, I stood in this very chamber and talked about my experiences as a Worcester police officer on and off the job. And I was physically assaulted by three different police officers on my way out that door. I reported this behavior in City Council months later and no one raised an eyebrow or bothered to reach out to me. Stand up, do right! I ask the question, why doesn't this and past administrations act on this issue? And all I can come up with is either you support this kind of oppressive behavior or you are afraid of standing up to the police department and its unions. I spent 10 years in this department, and with the exception of the sexual assaults, I witnessed everything described in the recent DOJ report.

To say the least it was a hostile work environment. I was bullied and verbally assaulted on a regular basis all because it was clear, even during the police academy that I followed the law and would treat the public with humanity and respect. Traits not appreciated by a good portion of the Police Department To this day, I suffer from severe hyper-anxiety and post traumatic stress as a result and am forced to live on 25% of my salary. I was treated so poorly that I had to leave the job, stand up, do right. The police union would have you believe that the entire WPD is above reproach and that couldn't be farther from the truth. What is it that you are afraid of? there are civilian review boards across the country as well as departments that have their academy classes interact with members of the community before they're allowed to graduate and the relationship between the department and those communities in those cases is so much better.

In closing, the conversation about a Civilian Review Board should not be summarily dismissed and deserves to be examined by this administration as well as the public Stand up, do right. Thank you. And I hope I don't get assaulted leaving the chamber tonight! Gang gang!

Good evening, my name is Ellen Chemitz. I'm a Worcester resident and former chair of the HRC and I'm speaking on item 10-5A an objection to the city manager's decision not to establish an independent civilian oversight body for the WPD that decision ignores years of consistent recommendations from the Worcester Research Bureau, the Racial Equity Audit, the Board of Health and the HRC as well as the investigation of the USDOJ which found reasonable cause to believe that WPD engaged in a pattern of excessive force, officers engaged in outrageous sexual misconduct and raised serious concerns about gender bias and discriminatory policing. The City Manager highlights recent internal systems change to support his decision, but such changes fail to address the fundamental problem. Without independent oversight there is no meaningful accountability. consider three examples. First, despite a public commitment made by the city manager more than a year ago, the HRC still has not received police misconduct investigation records as initially requested more than three years ago No access to records, no accountability.

Second the DOJ found that inadequate data collection prevented it from fully evaluating bias and discrimination The WPD still does not collect all recommended traffic stop data and it's refused to adopt a written policy on the collection and reporting of comprehensive disaggregated use-of-force data. No mandate, no accountability. Third, DOJ called for mandatory annual crisis intervention training for all officers. Current policy makes that training voluntary. No mandate means less accountability, less protection for officers and residents. There are many other examples. With limited time, I'll end instead with a call to adopt best practice protocols as seen in most major cities in the US and create an independent civilian oversight body that's adequately funded representative of our community empowered to access records, review policies, investigate complaints and ensure compliance. Current practice falls far short of those standards. Worcester residents deserve transparency accountability, and public trust.

I urge this council to support truly independent and empowered civilian oversight

Is your name and residence number?

Good evening. My name is Elizabeth O'Callaghan, I'm a resident of Worcester. I am the former vice chair of the Worcestershire Human Rights Commission. I'm mental health professional and advocate for individuals with disabilities. I'd like to speak tonight on item 10.5A in opposition to the City Manager's decision not to support the creation of an independent, empowered and well-trained civilian oversight entity My colleague Ellen Chemitz has outlined the outside expert's findings as to the need for independent oversight based on deep dives into WP data, policy and practice. I want to focus on two other points. First, the DOJ and Race Equity Audit raised concerns about WPD treatment of individuals with language, mental health or environmental limitations of other kinds.

WPD to my knowledge has not implemented nor responded to HRC's recommendations on policies regarding items such as use of force, mental health emergency response policy canine policy sexual assault investigations juvenile arrests Police Overtime, and others which were reviewed at the request of WPD. Moreover it is refused to consider the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission that it develop and implement a new policy that specifically issues guidelines for treatment of individuals with behavioral health challenges. Second, I want to address the assertion that the existence of the post commission obviates the need for a civilian review board This overlooks the limitations of POST as outlined by representatives from POST itself when it spoke before our commission in 2024. Post relies on WPD to first submit and review investigations. Post does not review cases where the officer in question retires, there are many other examples of this.

Finally, residents lack protections that could be provided by the Model C COPS ordinance first brought before the Council and HRC back in 2018. This gap underscores an even greater need for an independent civilian review board. I implore members of council to join me in demanding that our city authorize the creation of an independent, fully staffed, well trained funded civilian review board that has unfettered access to records and personnel together with the authority and impose sanctions on noncompliance. Thank you.

Good evening. My name is Aretha Karashka, Worcester resident. I'm here to speak on 10.5A. I am from District 3, Mr. Fresolo. So I don't work for any commission or anything. I'm just a Worcester resident. I drive school bus, you guys have seen me before. I always take my job and compare it to a lot of things that other people are doing in our community. So I've followed this. What I'm going to say is that I see and I have read about the DOJ report, I have red about the Worcester Regional Research Commission I heard about the meeting with Post as well as other things. And I look at these organizations, one who Mr. Batista actually ordered that research item

But after all of these agencies who specialize in protecting our communities and holding our police accountable, For one person, Mr. Batista to say no, we don't have to listen to that. We have diversity equity, we have police cameras, we I'm going to quote Shakespeare, she doth complain too much or refuse too much. You know? I think that's how it goes. Something like that. What are you hiding behind? What's to be afraid of for the community to actually look into the actions of our police? As a bus driver, I have a camera in my face and I'm held accountable to the parents of the children that I carry. Now, I'm sure all of you guys have children.

Can you imagine your child coming to you and saying the bus drivers abused me and the system saying, but you can't see what they're doing. They should be proud to be looked at if they were doing their job right. He gets paid too much to just protect the police union. He's supposed to protect us.

Janet Davis, Worcester resident in District 1. I'm reading a portion of the letter that community organizations have drafted We, the undersigned representing neighborhoods and communities across Worcester stand in solidarity with the Worcestershire NAACP and black families together and join their call for a civilian review board with subpoena powers to hold the Worchester Police Department accountable. On Friday, July 17th, 2026 City Manager Batista issued recommendations to the city council including a recommendation that the city not create a civilian review board on police accountability. This recommendation completely ignores years of civilian complaints against the police, lawsuits against the Police for misconduct which have cost millions of taxpayer dollars to settle A YEARS LONG INVESTIGATION OF WPD BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THOSE DOJ FINDINGS BY THE WOOSTER REGIONAL RESEARCH BUREAU WHICH THE CITY MANAGER COMMISSIONED HIMSELF. We call on the City Council to reject the City Manager's recommendation and create a Civilian Review Board with full subpoena powers.

My name is Giselle Rivera Flores, and I am a resident of District 5 in the support of Attell. In 2020, in the wake of the police murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the NAACP and the Black Families Together call for Civilian Review Board to evaluate civilian complaints against the WPD. In 2021, former City Manager Ed Augustus acknowledged structural racism in Worcester as a public health crisis and outlined several corrective actions to be taken in order via executive order. One of these, a racial equity audit completed in 2024 under City Manager Eric Batista found that the Black and Latino residents were respectfully 2.17 and 1.84 times more likely to be arrested than their white counterparts, and that those same populations were grossly underrepresented among the Worcester police officers.

Also in 2020, a public records request revealed that we the city of Worcester was found to have paid $4 million dollars to settle 27 police lawsuits from the years 2010-2020. In the next six years since then, we have paid out over $2.6 million in additional taxpayer funds to settle lawsuits due to police misconduct. What a waste of money!

Roberto Diaz, I am the Executive Director of Worcester Interfaith and resident of District 5. On December 9th, 2024 the Department of Justice released a report indicating that the Worcester Police Department lacks adequate internal mechanisms for handling misconduct. In that report, the DOJ found that the WPD had engaged in a years-long pattern of civil rights violations including but not limited to excessive force Serious concerns of sexual assault of women arrested in custody and other outrageous abuses of power. In response, the Worcester City Manager engaged the Worchester Regional Research Bureau to conduct research on policing specifically regarding civilian review boards. On October 14th, 2025 the WRRB presented a report advocating for a civilian review board. An essential step toward ensuring accountability and transparency.

and this year the city's Human Rights Commission independent body advising the manager on issues of human rights voted in support of resolution that Worcester City Council pursue the CRB with full subpoena powers. Our demand for Civilian Review Board is based on years of evidence. The recommendations of the DOJ, the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, the Wooster Human Rights Commission and the millions of dollars in taxpayer money lost because the Worchester Police Departments had repeatedly proven incapable of holding itself accountable. Worcester is also an outlier among cities and review boards, and it's time for Worcestere to catch up. The only other avenue to accountability, the statewide post commission is understaffed and can only investigate 3-4% of the complaints they receive. And if WPD was capable of holding itself accountable it would have done so. Millions of locked tax dollars and several investigations prove that Worcester Police Department needs independent oversight to be truly accountable to the people they are supported to serve. Thank you.

Good evening. My name is and I am from District 4, and also a member of Neighbor to Neighbor. And I'm here to express that the city manager's decision ignores the mountains of advice and evidence, as well as the lived reality of his constituents. His suggestion that body-worn cameras and a diversity officer can solve the deeply rooted problems identified by the DOG and the report himself commissioned is void of all reason. By ignoring the evidence and refusing to recommend a civilian review board, the city manager has effectively said that he's willing to shield a small minority of bad cops from accountability In doing so, he has made a clear choice to perpetuate and exacerbate the growing mistrust between the community and the majority of Worcester Police who wear the badge with honor and deserve our trust. The misdeeds of a handful of officers should not taint the honorable service of the majority, but preventing a few bad apples from real accountability does just that.

We need real police accountability in Worcester. We continue to demand a civilian review board with subpoena powers so the bad cops can be held accountable for violating the rights of Worcestershire residents so that good cops can do the good job we entrust them to do and so that the community knows their trust in being placed in officers who understand and uphold their duty due to the people. the duty due to be, to the people. Thank you.

Thank You Is this your name and residence number?

Echo Louisant Collins, City of Worcester Massachusetts and I'm speaking on the CRB. My name is Echo Louissant Collins and I'm the founder and executive director of 508 Cheers, a Worcester youth organization that serves young people throughout our city. Every day I teach our youth about leadership, accountability, advocacy and civic engagement. We tell them that good leaders welcome feedback, that strong organizations are transparent and that accountability is not something to fear, it is something to value. That lesson shouldn't stop when our children become adults and it certainly should not stop at City Hall. The greatest systems in our country all have checks and balances. Our courts have appeals, our businesses have independent auditors, our hospitals have accreditation reviews Schools undergo external evaluations, nonprofits have board of directors and even elected officials answer to voters.

None of these systems exist because we assume people are failing. They exist because recognize that no individual and no institution is above accountability. Independent oversight is not a punishment. It is a best practice. It protects the public, but it also protects the integrity of the institution being reviewed by increasing transparency strengthening public confidence and ensuring concerns are evaluated fairly. Our city commissioned experts to study this issue, Community members shared their lived experiences. Organizations, advocates, residents and leaders participated in that process. When we ask experts and the community for guidance, we should be willing to consider what they recommend seriously Whether every recommendation is adopted or not, the voices of the people who invested their time deserve more to just be brushed off. Tonight I simply ask you to choose transparency.

Choose partnership with your community choose accountability and strength. And tonight, I ask you what type of leadership are we modeling for them? Thank you. If we expect our leaders to lead with integrity tomorrow, then we must be willing- Thank you. To show our youth what integrity looks like today.

Good evening, my name is Amy Ebbeson. I live in Rutland, Massachusetts. I'm here in my capacity as Worcester addresses childhood trauma I'm here to speak about the mental health impact of citizen review. I think you can see from this room, people don't trust the WPD They don't trust the WPD. Today, I hosted a national expert on gender-based police violence and she said who do you call when the people you're supposed to call are the ones doing the harm? That's how we're feeling right now. The victims of police brutality, of racism, of sexual assault the mental health impacts on them as individuals are enormous. The mental health individuals honor community to not feel safe has a huge impact that can't be underestimated. I am asking that you kind of throw us the bone of citizen review and prioritize the safety,

These officers have shown and we've heard they're not holding each other to account. they're absolutely not holding each other to account. They're colluding and if you vote against the Civilian Review Board, you are colluding as well I implore you to consider the mental health of Worcester residents and knock down this idea that we can't have a civilian review board. We need civilian review, please.

Before we go on, I'm just going to suspend the rules and allow people to speak. We need a roll call. An hour? An hour anyways. Roll call.

Councilor Bergman? Yes. Council Bilotta? Yes! Councilor Economou? Yes Councilor Fresolo?

Yes, Councilor King? Just real quick. So the motion is to suspend the rules, period. Yeah for one hour. Yes. See what I'm saying?

For one hour then we can revisit it and see where we are. And I think we'll get through this but

Yes, Councilor Mitra? Yes. Councilor Ojeda? Yes! Councilor Rivera? Yes!! Councilor Rosen? Yes!!! Councilor Toomey? Yes Amir Petty? Yes What's your name and residence number?

Good evening, my name is Margot Barnett. I've been a resident of Worcester for 36 years, I think. When the agenda for this meeting came out along with the attachments I read the fairly extensive report that the city manager is using as a basis for not representing a civilian review board. I have some comments based on that report. The report claims there are guardrails, it claims progress has been built over the last three years I think there have been ongoing efforts to improve conditions, but there are some really big gaps and there were some big problems with the report. So first, I've got three points. First the internal system, the report extensively describes an internal system which

from what I read sounded like it was entirely under the auspices of the Diversity and Equity Inclusion Office. I remember when City Manager Augustus called for, wrote his equity, the order about about racial justice, he called for an investigative body within City Hall. I'm assuming this is it but guess what? You've kept it a really big secret This is the first time I heard of this existence. So it looks like you're checking a box, not creating something with transparency that actually works. The second is the Bureau of Professional Standards. This is internal to the police department. It's not an independent. Agency in any way. And third, the most concerning thing is this city manager citing that Human Rights Commission as one of the guardrails so we can count on for oversight but we have ample evidence that the Human Rights commission has been systematically ignored

disrespected and eventually eviscerated by removing members who asked for accountability. And further evidence of this is the resignation of two members in the last two days from the Human Rights Commission.

Thank you.

because of this. So, this calls into question the sincerity of the whole report. We need to follow the recommendations of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau and move forward implementation of a civilian review board with full subpoena powers.

Thank you.

My name is Sue Mailman, resident school committee and NAACP member. I'm sure many here tonight are shocked, saddened, and now hardened by what has happened in our country since Trump was elected. Congressman McGovern regularly calls out the horrific decisions and impacts of this war against immigrants in black and brown communities. Our federal government is considering taking over elections. At every turn, our freedom as individuals are in jeopardy. It is one of the reasons why I believe that we need to be more vigilant about our local government practices and Responsiveness to Oppression. City Manager, you will remember as I do quite vividly the last meeting of the official DEI subcommittee when Lee Woodruff disbanded the subcommittee because city government under Ed Augustus was keeping the committee in the dark. This meeting was a fiery affair and ironically was somehow never recorded.

This reminds me of the human rights today, they are not allowed to act with full authority You could have chosen to strengthen our government by creating a civilian review board for the next city manager, the next police chief and the next generation of citizens. Your decision does not take into account Mayor Petty, I read with great interest your strong comments about TPS protections for our Haitian and Syrian communities. Where were you when Councilor Haxhiaj and other members of our community showed up on Eureka Street to protect our residents? Where was your empathy Where was your empathy for the horrors of ICE and the very real view from residents that were there that day that our department was working with ICE? Your comments today about concern for immigrant communities ring hollow because you allowed a police department to actively pursue a sitting member of your city council for standing against ICE.

Our policy, our policy Our policy actions as a city matter and they matter in the context of a nation that is allowing itself to be dismantled one rule of law at a time.

Andrew Marsh, 212 May Street in Worcester. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Mr. mayor I rise regarding agenda item 10.5a. Mr Mayor despite what the police unions and some of the members this very council would like us to believe A civilian review board to provide municipal oversight over the WPD is very much needed. When members of law enforcement are given the green light to act irresponsibly without local repercussion, that is exactly what will happen and exactly has happened Members of law enforcement have harassed, assaulted, prosecuted and in the worst cases killed innocent people without fear of reprisal. One need only look at our history of lawsuits to know that it is a reality I cannot ignore while maintaining my integrity. even if none of that were true, I would still be heavily in favor of a civilian review board for one very simple reason. Nobody and I mean nobody should be allowed to police themselves. It's an insane conflict of interest, one that can only be resolved via independent oversight. Let's speak from relative experience.

When I was a teenager, my mother had to redo over 100 hours of internship and her attempts to appeal the decision predictably fell on deaf ears because the faculty who sat on the appeals board were the exact same people who created the problem in the first place. A police department is supposed to be a public service, which means they serve us. We don't serve them! We should not simply take their words as gospel nor should we have blind faith that their actions will always be just We need meaningful local oversight and we cannot simply kick the can down the road and tell the state and federal government to do it. We need to handle the bulk of the work ourselves, and a civilian review board is one of the tools in the toolbox we need to provide it. The City Manager should be ashamed to oppose this, and the City Council should enact a civilian review board with teeth without delay. I yield back the bounds of my time.

Good evening, Council. Ashley Spring, D2. I'm Ashley Spring and I have personally been victimized by the Worcester Police Department. Hi Ashley! I'd like to keep it light here with jokes, but the unfortunate place our city has found itself in really isn't a laughing matter. And I wish I was kidding, but I truly have been victimized personally by the WPD. I'll spare too many of the traumatic details of that day on Eureka Street and of the days that followed because we all know the story that I continue to deal with. But I thought it was important to come here and say an absolute confirmation as a victim of police misconduct that I support a civilian review board as a culturally appropriate response to the abusive situation the community has found itself in with its Police Department.

Not only did the police arrest me as I responded to the needs of a child in crisis being made worse by the WPD, they doubled down and lied about the facts of my arrest so that they could better manipulate the justice system and have their needs met. It's all on video. Go follow the timeline. But I doubt this is the first time you've all heard this, it's not a secret and it certainly hasn't been. The council and this mayor and this city manager have all ignored that uncomfortable fact completely but here's the truth. We have proof, the police lie we have it on video and everybody knows those who choose to ignore this congratulations on your buy-in to this gang behavior I hope it serves you well One last thing, the officer who tackled this child who was in distress Juan Vallejo has an interesting tattoo on his forearm. It says Omerta A quick search of this word says, quote, a strict southern Italian code of honor and silence that demands total non-cooperation with authorities.

That is a terrifying thing for a man in a position of power to have on his body. Thank you.

Good evening. I'm Charles Hopkins, District 1, former Human Rights Commissioner. I was removed because of my support for a civilian review board at the police department I believe that was why my commission was not renewed. To make it a little more personal though, I'm also the oldest member of my family I have four kids. I was a single dad for 15 years. My second wife passed away. It'll be a year ago tomorrow to make this a little more human here. She was a warrior for justice and positive change, and that's one of the reasons I'm here. Had my own experiences with the police that I won't get into. Let me give you some quick statistics. Worcester is the second largest city in the six New England states. We have 215,000 residents were the 114th largest city in the US. Cities with civilian oversight of police, 71% of the 100 largest cities.

We are the 114th largest city in the country. In Massachusetts, there are five cities that have civilian review boards. Boston, Cambridge, Springfield, Pittsfield, and Lowell. Why Worcester is not moving forward with this, no one understands. Let me give you an example of why this is so important One of the policies, we have a wellness check policy here in the city of Worcester where once the wellness check is done no one can get any information on that. A friend who lives out of state, her mother required a wellness check in December of 23. She died because the Worcester police did not do a wellness She laid on her floor for three to four days, a neighbor broke through the front window and took her out.

She didn't want to sue only because she believed that Worcester will do the right thing and put a review board in place. Let's do that tonight. Thank you.

Hi, my name is David Coyne. I live in District 5 here in Worcester. Neighbor of Charlie's, neighbor of Carrie's. People are upset. The manager has made a terrible mistake. The council has the opportunity to either support his error or to recognize this error and stop it. if the city of Worcester makes itself stick out from other large gateway cities in New England as a place where police misconduct will likely go unpunished, in terms of the individual officer. We will attract every bad cop in the country who's looking for a good, safe place to hang out and do their bad deeds. If you guys are serious about this, if you really believe this is the right way to act there's only one way you can prove that. The manager and every member of council votes for this crap tonight should have come out of their payroll

their pay, whatever it costs for the city to pay off the police misconduct civil suits that this city faces all the time. It's not a thin blue line, it's a corrupt blue line because they stand behind each other no matter what. No matter what, no matter what I know my uncle was a cop in New York. I know how this business works They will protect each other to the end of the earth

Good evening, my name is Fianna Jatan Singh. I'm a resident of Worcester. I am a member of the NAACP, I am member of Neighbour to Neighbour, and I'm member of MAWOC. I speak tonight for the same item that everybody else has been speaking about. We need to have a civilian review board. I'm not gonna give you the data and the statistics, the research bureau's already done that, the DOJ's already don't that, you guys don't pay attention So I'm going to give a message that I heard today from one of my good friends. Besides you've already heard about Attell and Ashley's police brutality cases, but one of mine friends told me today 20 years ago, she was pushed down a flight of stairs by a Worcester police officer because she was trying to go back to get her backpack when she was leaving a bar. And then after she got outside he beat her up in the streets was never held accountable. And then he tried to press charges against her after he beat her up and threw down a flight of stairs. This is how the Worcester police officers operate in this city, and you don't want to have a civilian review board so that nobody can hold them accountable? We've already had meetings as a community with the posts.

They said most of the other towns that have civilian reviewers, they weed out the necessary cases before they get to them because they don't have the ability to go through all the cases that get referred to them. So therefore, you cannot say that oh it's already being taken care of because of that post. No, there's over 200 cities in the United States that have a civilian review board or something equivalent. 71% of those are large cities We are the only large city in Massachusetts. He already named the other five cities that are large, that have civilian review boards. There's no reason we don't have one except that we're being run by the mafia. Thank you.

Good evening, my name is Amanda Cronin. I live in District 1. This is not the first time I've been in front of City Council talking about a Civilian Review Board and it's probably not going to be the last. but a civilian review board is the right thing to do, it's the moral thing to and those of you who are considering voting against it should ask yourselves what are you afraid of? What is the Worcester PD afraid of? What are you as city councillors and the mayor afraid of. Give the citizens the right to overview the people who police them and have power over them. Thank you

Hi, my name is Sheila Brenner. I live in Worcester. I've lived here about 12 years now and I'm speaking about 10.5 . I just want to get these points out because everybody said them already, but apparently the council hasn't heard. Key findings of the DOJ document report excessive use of force, racial bias, violation of rights. It's in black and white. You know the first time I came to City Council it was during a discussion of the Shot Spotter Institution. And I found out that the city manager came to get the consent of the City Council for the ShotSpotter after he had signed a contract with the company the week before. I thought, oh welcome to Worcester. I'm from Chicago. I guess they do things a little bit more quietly here. I just want to appeal to all of you, to listen to these people.

Listen to the groups who believe that if you have nothing to hide, you don't have to hide it! People and police officers don't have to be enemies, but the people have to trust them. And they have to their elected officials. Do your jobs. I have a 17-year old senior in high school who might want to be a lawyer. She pays attention. There are a lot of young people who pay attention, who are going to be voters. The tide is changing. The dinosaurs are going to be out. There's a new age and we are gonna win, thank you.

So my name is Misty Green. I was born and raised in Worcester. I have seen a lot here in Woricester, and I'm holding all of you accountable You guys need to listen to the community and you need to drop the police. And you need open up the Civilian Reborn When my sister was 16 years old and she used to wait for the bus at 6.30 in the morning in Maine South, she used get solicited by police officers for sex. Really? When my father was pulling out of his driveway in Maine South, he hit a cop car. Serious damage on that cop car! My father goes over and knocks on the door and says, sorry officer I hit your car is everything okay? Officers in my father's driveway, by the way, getting a blow job. Really? By a prostitute. Get out of here! It's your lucky day, he says to my dad. What the hell? ! Right? So then I call on my father for domestic abuse. My little brother's scared to his life, I'm 24 years old.

I call in a pay phone anonymously to go help my mother Okay? You know what they said to me? Oh, go there and give a testimony so we can arrest your father. What?! I'm not going home! My brother's scared for his life. Go do your job and protect my mom. This is on and on. This is me. Three testimonies, and I got more but I can't share them. The police department is corrupted and you are blinded with your eyes. Fascist bootlickers!

Hi, my name is Gemma Kamara District 3 and I'm a member of the Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants. It's a sad thing that you know, sign up to this thing because nobody should be standing here and advocating for basic things. I want to say shame on all of you. Every one of you, shame on you. It's ridiculous. It is so ridiculous. And I do want to I am speaking in regard to item 10.5a, and the importance of establishing a truly independent Civilian Review Board. In 2018, Ajia was arrested, a Ghanaian man by the way many of you out here parade yourselves in the Ghanaian community, and our African community, our black community thinking that you care when you don't give a damn about these communities. He was violated by an officer. And basically, the officer tried to arrest him and the officer asked him for a password to open his phone. During this encounter, an undercover official

tightened the handcuffs until they caused tight pain around on the wrists of Adjeman, the gunman. And the officer responded is this how you monkeys treat your police officers. This is in the report, by the way. It's on a newspaper and this is not the only case we have an African one of our African leaders in the Liberian community you all know him. Amber was the same thing They sued the city of Worcester and got money from this. How many times are we going to be suing and taking taxpayers' dollars to pay off whatever else you guys are paying off here? It is so saddening. You guys are putting all of our lives in danger. It has to stop right now. And I want to say that this incident highlights the multiple incidents in this report, the DOJ report. And what are you doing about it? What are you people doing about? Shame on all of you again. Shame on ALL of you!

So the city manager's recommendation goes against a best practice expert recommendations and decades of testimony from residents, especially black and brown communities members who have called meaningful police accountability. We need police accountability now what this is But we need it now and I'm asking that you all, city council, do your jobs and get assigned. And one thing when I leave office here because something has happened in the city here where we have community events at the City of Worcester watch parties and the city is flooding money to police and all this barricading things outside and making communities feel unsafe. Stop it, do your jobs.

Good evening Mr. Chairman, members of the City Council My name is Gordon John Davis and I live in Worcester I'm speaking on item 9M I'm here tonight to voice my extreme concern over what appears to be legally flawed code enforcement targeting middle class homeowners by the Department of Public Works. On July 8th, I received an enforcement order from Department of Public Works Engineering Division stating that my property was violating the ordinance Chapter 12, Section 24, Subsection C regarding directing water onto a public street. The letter explicitly orders me to hire and assure that in bond contractor pull a DPW permit and connect to the city common store within 14 days under threat and fines of other legal actions. The problem is that the ordinance applies exclusively and strictly to water coming from roofs, gutters Conductors, or Water Spouts.

My property gutters and structural damage do not flow onto the street. The issue is a sump pump and not rainwater. Dropping a 14-day legal financial On the residents and to serve administrative overreach in boredom sum, it forces working residents to take thousands of dollars in expensive in many hours of lost time just to defend themselves against vaguely worded claims. This causes undue harm and damage I could not find any city ordinance directly regarding sump pumps. The ordinance cited in my letter, chapter 12 is silent on sump pump. The soil division gave me implied permission to my sump set up in 2012 I had no issues with the city for 14 years until early this month. This code enforcement should be voided, thank you.

Gordon Davis, I live in Worcester. I'm talking on item 9M. This is about the mismanagement of a city department, the Department of Public Works which is harassing homeowners. It put out a code enforcement letter which was completely false and unlawful. It cited an ordinance that was not related at all to sump pumps. and the issue there was sump pumps. The letter was bullying! It said, it didn't say come in for an appeal, it said we're gonna sue you That's what it said. We had to go enforce an appeal.

We have a go through this office, we went to the manager's office who has not responded yet. We've done everything We want what we want. is that there be no more of this bullying, that there'll be no of this false code enforcement. That there'd be no moral of this harassment that the Department of Public Works and the Sewer Department get together and talk because the sewer department has allowed sump pumps to drain into The ditches, I forget the one that flows out but not the sewer. You cannot put a sump pump in the sewer but you can put it into the drain catch basin

And that's what's going on, which is entirely legal and what has happened to this homeowner. We want this nonsense to end. We want the mismanagement to end, and we want a manager to put the Department of Public Works on notice.

Thank you

Good evening, my name is Noah Meister. I'm a resident in District 2. I am here to speak in support of the Civilian Review Board. It's embarrassing to me that for as long as I've lived in this city, I feel like people have come to City Council meetings and protested to get some type of oversight of our police department. and the city seems just completely unwilling to do anything in response to what those people are asking for. and the city has really low voter turnout. And I can't help but think that people seeing over and over that their efforts to make even the most obvious changes that have been recommended by the federal government, Worcester Research Bureau, where we spent our own money to advise us on how to plan the city. To see the City Manager just completely ignore those recommendations I feel like must play a big part in why people don't think voting is worth it

and I also do think it's really insulting to the intelligence of the people of this city to have city officials telling us that the Worcester Police Department is just going to oversee themselves. I'm not aware of any other job or profession where people are allowed to just oversee themselves and that's accepted as a normal course of business. and I think it's a fundamental principle of our government that we are a government of the people. And if you're a city councilor who is willing to accept the City Manager's logic that we can just let the police department oversee themselves instead of letting the people, your constituents oversee them, then you don't deserve to be sitting in that seat and you should move. Thanks.

Good evening. My name is Tia Christina Kufor, and I am a resident of 153 Green Street in the Canal District. I'm also here with one of our residents in the building. We're here because the parking situation surrounding Polar Park is forcing residents into current debt. We understand the value of Polar park as well as what it has brought to Worcester But while the neighborhood has transformed into a sports and entertainment district, no meaningful parking solution has been found for people who actually live there. Most nearby parking is limited to two hours as we're all aware, and there are very few legal overnight parking options. The consequences have been severe. One resident in my building has accumulated around 2,000 in parking tickets Another had to come up with $1,400 in a single day because their car got booted and it would have been towed if otherwise provided.

Other residents, including myself had our vehicles towed and many of us continue to receive tickets simply because we have nowhere to park at night. This is not just an inconvenience, it is a financial hardship for the residents of Worcester and I respectfully ask for the council to consider residential parking permits designated parking solutions and any additional long-term parking options that can be available. Worcester's growth should not come at the expense of people who live here every day. Thank you

Good evening, Mayde Morales, City of Worcester resident. I'm here today to talk about the city manager's recommendation regarding a civilian review board. His recommendation goes against best practices, expert guidance and the decades long demands of Worcester residents, especially the black and brown community members who have repeatedly shared their experiences with police misconduct and called for meaningful accountability. By refusing to recommend A civilian review board the city manager is choosing to ignore the evidence and shield a small minority of officers from meaningful accountability. In doing so, he also undermines the many Worcester police officers who serve this community with integrity and deserve the public's trust. The evidence is overwhelming yet instead of embracing meaningful reform

the city managers suggest that body worn cameras and diversity officers, an eight diversity officer are sufficient to address the systematic problems identified by both the DOJ and the Research Bureau, and I am here to tell you they are not sufficient. The Department of Justice found serious concerns including excessive use of force racial bias in policing, violations of constitutional right and yes rape sexual assault because when women say they were raped and sexually assaulted I believe them. These findings point to one clear conclusion. Worcester needs independent oversight. Experts consistently agree that effective civilian oversight requires three essential elements, independence from police department, meaningful access to information and data

all have subpoena power to obtain testimony and evidence when necessary. I urge the City Council to reject the city manager's recommendation, and establish a truly independent civilian review board with full subpoenna power. Thank you.

Hi, my name is Terry Kelly Worcester. I just agree with that we should have a committee Unfortunately, we need to protect our good police officers. The cameras should be on at all times to protect them, to weed out the bad cops We can't afford to have these bad cops. They make more bad cops, we need to keep the good ones. We need to protect our good cops We cannot afford to have this keep on going. And if a person does not have a camera, an officer does not a camera on, that should be automatic termination because they're hiding something. I just walked by a guy that was getting arrested and there's a whole bunch of police officers and not one camcorder was on. There's no bodycam on at all, on any officer Yeah, so how does that happen?

So honestly to protect the police. If I was a police officer, I would want a camera on me at all times to protect me. My word against yours protect our police officers, please. Don't let this go. Would you wanna be a police officer and not have a camera? And my word is against your word and you're bigger person than I am for some reason You want to protect your officers. Thank you.

Hi, good evening. My name is Sarah Bertrand and I live in District 3 in Worcester. And I am also speaking regarding the importance of a civilian review board The recommendation against a civilian review board like folks have already said goes against best practices, expert recommendations. and decades long demands and testimonies from residents, particularly black and brown residents impacted by encounters with police. It also deeply hurts for people who have already been inflicted with the pain by misconduct, by police misconduct. It amplifies the mistrust and it deepens the trauma inflicted by harm upon harm. As a civics educator, I work with young people to practice speaking their truths to power and hopefully to instill in them that their voice matters and that they can promote positive change in their communities.

Too often, however the city seems to dash that hope and instead teach that you couldn't speak your truth and it will be disregarded or ignored. So in this space, I want to amplify and reiterate the testimonies of the woman who shared experiences of sexual assault documented in the DOJ report. I want to center the youth who have been criminalized and harassed by the Worcester Police Department, I wanna recall the testimonies of black and brown people who have been subject to racial bias on behalf of the Worcester Police Department, the people who've been victims of excessive force by the Worsted Police Department. and people who have faced retribution for speaking out or asking for accountability. I envision a Worcester with a healthy democracy that centers the people most impacted by issues at hand,

a city government who listens to their constituents and I ask that the City Council serve in the best interest of the community and push back against the recommendation against the Civilian Review Board. Thank you

Thank you.

Etel Hadjiye, District 5 resident, former District 5 Councilor. Mr. Mayor I'm going to direct these comments to you and to the City Manager I had an ounce of faith that at minimum this administration and the leaders of this city would have picked up the phone and called the leaders NWACP, Black Families Together, and countless others who for decades have called for police accountability, transparency and constitutionality. That would've been a community process that would've invited the chief of police along to have a meaningful discussion on what police transparency, accountability and constitutionality is an obligation to the residents of this city to have proper mechanisms of independent oversight. Instead, we were given a process that was anything but that.

Instead we were told that we need to trust the body cams are equal to transparency accountability and constitutionality. We are told to wait How long do we have to wait? How long does the city residents need to wait for this city to have proper mechanisms like a Civilian Review Board, something that has been backed by data, research and models that this city can implement. How long, Mr. Manager? How long Mr. Mayor? When you all go out in the community, you shake hands, you cut ribbons and you pander to black and brown communities You need to look them in the eye and you need to tell them why, as I predict and as I expect most of the city councilors will vote to recommend the city managers a recommendation. You need to tell them why you think that the post commission, which is not an independent oversight body and a substitute for local oversight is enough.

You need to tell them why the work that needed to happen in the years Black, Brown, Indigenous women and other low income communities have asked for transparency, constitutionality and demanding your honesty. Why you haven't done the meaningful work? And why do you have a police union that targets Councilors and other residents for simply protecting our constituents. We demand better! I'm going to end with this. What you saw tonight is just the beginning of organizing. There will be twice as many more people here on August.

I'm not sure how to follow up that, but I will say. I'm Tom Brenner. I live in Worcester. I have to say that I absolutely support the idea of a civilian review board. It seems like a no-brainer and maybe there's not enough brains in the room, but it needs to be approved. I myself have not had problems with any police officers, but look at me. I'm a white male! What do I got to worry about? and the City Manager to take this up, and not rely on mandates from the shadow government of Worcester consisting of the Police Union, the Chamber of Commerce. and the developers. Thank you.

Hi, Matthew Mulaney, District 1, Monadnock Road. I came today to speak a little bit or actually Listen more about it. I think it's an agenda item relating to traffic on Sagamore Road. I live on Monadnock and I understand there is a proposal to put up I think they're roadblocks on Park Avenue to prevent traffic from going up Sagamore and the abutting streets, maybe Pratt, possibly Wakona. and this is to mitigate, apparently there are maybe as many as 6,000 cars now that travel from Salisbury Street down Sagamore to Park Avenue and possibly also including I understand the proposal would essentially

Close those roads to the residents. I'm a resident, so I like the sound of that but I'm concerned about the consequences. I live on a side of Monadnock that's very quiet, and I'm concern about traffic coming down there to defeat the intention to put up these roadblocks So I'm going to listen and follow it, and keep an eye on it. But that said, I know I've got just a short time. on behalf of the police. I spent a career in the courts, and I worked very closely with the police for 32 years or maybe 28 to 25 years here in the city of Worcester and they do a standout job, fabulous. And I personally believe that the time is not right for any kind of civilian review board I did look at Cambridge and these other cities, Hartford.

They don't have the subpoena power at the moment. The post commission exists and that's an appropriate place where people, the public can make complaints if they have. The public has access to those records as well. Thank you.

Good evening. My name is Dr. Seja Sorezo, I'm the CEO of Merrill Safe Haven. I am a resident in the city of Worcester. I am here to speak on item 8T which is related to the installation of residential parking for the area of 5 May Street. Merrill Safe Haven recently entered a partnership with Kingston Management to bring the life back on that particular street and I think most of us know the history of that building It has now been renovated to provide 13 units in the city and Merrill Safe Haven is looking to provide a resource to families in the community through that partnership. The opportunity for folks to be able to park, to not be towed, to where there is only 15 minute parking outside of the building and the usual hustle and bustle of that particular street would add quality of life

to the area and allow residents to peacefully rest in their homes without worry about having a ticket or being booted or other things that will create financial strains on them. As apartments become occupied, we want to make sure that they are able to rely on street parking and parking permits will allow them to do so. without also clogging up the streets and creating other challenging situations for maybe the fire department or the police as needed to gain access to the area. So I'm asking you to consider parking permits for the residents that will soon reside at 5 May Street, thank you.

Randy Feldman, City of Worcester. I am the Vice Chair and the Acting Chair of the Human Rights Commission. We took a vote for an independent review board of police activity. Is this on? Can it be here? This is not about whether you're pro-police or anti-policy. This is NOT about whether the police department is a good police department, or a bad police department. the post-2023 new police department where the CNA Equity Audit Report and the Department of Justice report, and the assent and now the leadership of our new police chief Paul Saucier are doing a good job. He is. It is different, but it's not about that either.

What this is about is you, the government and us, the governed. When one department and only one department has the ability to surveil you, to follow you, to use violence against you, to detain you and to kill you legally. that department is not the same as the rest of the government. It's not the rest, same as a rest of city government so the hierarchical organization of the Government where there are workers There are supervisors, there are chiefs and department heads. And they all report to the city manager and if we had a strong mayor government, it would be to the Mayor. It doesn't matter the structure.

All those people do their reporting to someone above them who they are in some way or another beholden to

Thank you.

This is different when you have that kind of authority and power, you need that kind accountability that matches the power You need independent ensuring that those people are not abusing the polity.

Hi. I'm Deb Powers, a resident of Worcester for 48 years. I was not going to speak tonight. I intended to just be here to support but have sat here and listened especially in the last half hour to people talking about incidents that happened to them 40 years ago, 30 years ago 20 years ago and I can Tell, I know. I would be sitting here thinking to myself but that was 20 years ago. That was 30 years ago except In 2001, I sat on front porches and backyards all around Worcester and met with the police chief and residents and an aide. And they told these same stories. every single one of them, terrifying stories. I heard the same stories in 2014 on City Hall Common

I heard them again in 2019 and again in 2024, and I'm hearing them again from my friends today. I recognize that there is a lot of change. I recognize steps have been taken I also know that many of the officers who committed those crimes against my friends and the people who have talked to me are still on the force. and they're still doing it. Do you think they stopped doing it? They're doing it to your kids, they're doing into your students And it's up to you to open your eyes, open your ears and take it into your heart to listen and realize that people don't make this stuff up. They're not here to attack you.

They're here asking you to listen and to act, and to provide accountability that protects them and the police. Thank you.

Good evening, Council. Council President, members of the City Council, my city manager Batista, members administration and members of public. My name is Jeffrey Killebrew, president of Fam Jam Event Group And first, I'd like to thank Councilor King for sponsoring item number 13H and everyone who has helped move this conversation forward over the past several years. regarding the Worcester Renaissance Project by Fam Jam. Tonight isn't simply about busking or street vending, it's about creating opportunity. Talent isn't what a Worcesters shortage is, opportunity is. Jam spots are a citywide system of pathways where talent meets opportunity through education, entrepreneurship, workforce development and the arts. As funding for youth employment and continues to become more challenging, we have an opportunity to help young people create work for themselves legally, safely and with support.

Whether they are musicians, artists, dancers, spoken word performers or young entrepreneurs, they'll gain experience in communication, customer service, financial literacy, marketing responsibility and confidence. These aren't just performances or sales, they're life skills. Over the past two years we've worked with Worcester Public Schools, the school committee and administration to develop a memorandum of understanding that would have helped connect interested students with work permits, performing arts opportunities, entrepreneurship outreach and mentorship. That agreement was drafted and I signed it. Unfortunately, it was never executed on behalf of the superintendent and I was never provided an explanation why. So my hope tonight is not to revisit the past, but to move forward. I appreciate that this item makes and I ask that the city manager work with the superintendent to explore this partnership once again. I truly believe that together, the City of Worcester, Worcestershire Public Schools and the community organizations

We can create meaningful pathways that prepare our young people, not just to find jobs but to create them. Every professional was once a beginner and our young people that don't just need jobs, they need a place to try. As often I've said, prepare your gift to share. Tonight I'm asking us to work together. And before we close, I'd like to say this one final thing While I stand here tonight advocating for Worcester's youth, I didn't come here just to ask for something. I also stand in solidarity with the many residents who came tonight because they are cared deeply about this city. I respectfully hope that the City Manager will also reconsider his recommendation regarding the Civilian Review Board.

Thank you, appreciate it.

I am incredibly nervous. I don't ever do this. Good evening, my name is Lynn Key. I'm a current resident of Millville. I work here in the city of Worcester trying to start a non-profit. and I am concerned. I'm speaking on the Civilian Review Board tonight, what I'm about to say is going to sound a bit different because whether you believe it or not your own interests are at stake tonight. I invite you to read The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. The events of the last several years and how they were handled have exposed what matters to you, and apparently it isn't the well-being of the City of Worcester. Most of us don't want to believe that, myself included. but those are the optics based on your own actions. I say this as a relative outsider with a family full of public servants, one who's been to many, many meetings over the last three years watching this all unfold and scratching my head.

You may be representing the interests of your current voters, the police unions and everyone else mentioned here tonight. They know better than me but these are the few and they represent Worcester's old power structure. The Old Guard if you will. The rest of voters have been largely disengaged and understandably. According to Gladwell, history, and my own experience that won't always be the case. Things are changing, this nation is changing and the people are fed up. They may not be able to reach their federal or even their state governments but they can certainly reach you all here and change things with their vote. I say this as a word of genuine caution. The people of this city want codified, measurable and enforceable change. Independent Oversight, and right now they view the CRB as the only available option short of appointing an IG. I agree with them.

I say this because voting against it may well be the vote that ends your political career. Not tonight, obviously, but come next election, the people will remember The tipping point that pushes disengaged voters to become engaged is fast approaching, and it becomes more and more imminent as time goes on. More and more likely with the rejection of truth, transparency, and accountability. When the many show up at the polls, they will outweigh the few. Your current voters will be irrelevant police union support or not I urge you I implore you to consider carefully what your legacy will be tonight. I know many of you are good people. Thank you. do have the city of Worcester at the top of your list of priorities. Thank you, I appreciate it. But I'm telling you the optics are bad. Do something please.

Simpson-Mayor, we're going to go to the online callers. The first calling user I can identify is caller with do the call and then we'll do you next. First name is no, I'm gonna try to meet the resident now please state your full name city of residence and the item you're calling on

Hi, my name is Noah currently in Northampton. Through Mr. Mayor Chairman to Eric. In December of 2022 you told Spectrum News I have a vision of what I want for the city but then it would become only Eric's vision It's not the City of Worcester's vision and the residents of this community's vision. So I want to take time to listen to the residents, to hear from them in terms of what the issues that they're facing are. That will then start to develop the vision. In June 2023 You also told Spectrum News that you were excited to continue listening to residents about their biggest needs. then in a TNG article that you wrote in August 2023, you drew on your experiences of attending listening sessions and how invaluable they were. You said quote I look forward to sustaining community engagement and matching that energy so that we can turn challenges we face as a city into hope and opportunity through innovative people-centered solutions. So I ask you this, do you truly believe your energy matches the idea that Worcester is the community city?

I ask because you have publicly oriented yourself in a way that suggests you believe this city is the Worcester Police Department City. You have a long history of doing positive community youth work, Eric. If the people in this room don't convince you that you can make change happen right now, I hope that you

Hello, I'm Tonka Jahari from Worcester Massachusetts. Hello Timmy, let's go across the street.

Boom boom boom.

Is that a loose tire?

I can't hear. Oh my god, there's a pothole! There's a po-hole! What item number you on?

7G.

7G, okay.

The street we're painting. It's a pot hole! Oh my God, it ain't a lose tire, Toomey!

Ah!

My name is actually not Tonka Johari. I'm Wilson Lamb. Today, I'm going to speak about potholes So far the DPW actually, I do have to commend you guys. Last time I spoke about potholes, about a week or two later they were fixed as shown by this picture. They were actually fixed. After 20 years of my legs being on the street. But the importance of potholes, they could be dangerous as I've just shown you. A mother walking their kid across the street could be hit by a Attire, some sort of object that could dismember them. And to commend and protest DPW on the potholes I will now do acapella.

Today is gonna be the day that we're gonna throw it back to you. By now, you gotta realize somehow it's got to do I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now I forgot the lyrics.

I think I'm done. Oh wait, and this picture. Pothole of Faith, 24 years.

Thank you.

Mr. Mayor, we're gonna go to the calling users again online. The next speaker is Nelly Medina. I'm trying to meet the resident now. Please say your name instead of your residence.

Yep, Nellie Medina District 5. I want to speak on 10-5A. The Department of Justice report shows that the police department does not properly track or analyze enforcement data to identify or address potentially discriminatory practices This makes it harder to protect youth, especially black and brown youth from unfair treatment and overpolicing. Officers have been found to unreasonably use tasers, police dogs and head strikes against teenage children and others experiencing mental health emergencies. These incidents often happen when only minor or no primes are involved, and youth in crisis or with mental health needs are at higher risk of unnecessary aggression and harm. I speak as a co-founder of the Free Worcester Coalition and for every mother of children with special needs or intellectual disabilities who might panic during an unnecessary police encounter. I believe there should be better training, oversight and accountability for officers.

Sadly our city manager has taken a position contrary to the Department of Justice finding to cash big checks and not protect residents from the same community where he grew up. Shame! The findings raise serious concerns about discriminatory policing, so what protections do our youth and vulnerable people have? especially since these issues have not been addressed. And sometimes when we call the police, they don't show up. If the city has nothing to hide, wants to improve street safety, protect our officers and civilians, if the City Councils truly work for their constituents then I expect them to support a civilian review board with subpoena power. Constituents are doing our counselors jobs and risking retaliation for demanding what a detailed report from the Department of Justice and the Worcester Research Bureau says we need the idea that any Councilor may vote against accountability is frightening. I yield my time, thank you.

Next speaker's phone number with the last three digits 1, 2, 3, 8. Let me try to mute the resident now on the phone Can you please state your name and city of residence?

Shawn Manson, Worcester District 1. I'm calling in regards to topic 12A I have already sent emails to multiple council members including Mayor Petty's office, the manager's office and the Worcester PD At this time, I feel it is unnecessary to meet with St. Joan of Arc Church because they have acknowledged the fact that the hall in which they hold events with excessive noise is not able to be soundproofed They have their own security at these events. And with that said, there's no reason to meet with them when they already know they're at fault and becoming a nuisance to all the neighbors that live behind them Infectional Services along with Officer Harrington did an inspection of the property and they acknowledge that the sound that emanates from the inside can be clearly heard on the outside. So there's no need to meet with them

and the city just needs to step up, tell them what they have to do. And basically keep the building closed until everything is brought up to proper soundproofing coding and from what I understand there's like safety issues with that building so i appreciate it being on the agenda but that is my feeling and thank you very much.

Thank you

Samaria, the next speaker is 7111. Try to meet the resident now. Please state your name and city residence.

Hi, my name is Benjamin. You can hear me okay? Yep, go ahead. Okay, my Name is Benjamin I'm a resident of District 2 and I'm here to talk about 10-5 the civilian Review Board. I think a lot of the people that already spoke covered most of what we needed to, but I just wanted to tell everybody a story which is that a few weeks ago my counselor Robert Bilotta and I met up with you, Mayor, and a few other members of the city to walk around the neighborhood near Waverly Street on Vernon Hill. And there was a point where Robert and I split off with Eric going in a different direction, I think with the mayor and a few police. and Robert and I tried to engage with some citizens of the neighborhood, and they were hesitant but they did respond to us. But when we met back up with Eric he told me

that nobody wanted to speak to him because they were all afraid of the police. And he popped up his chest, and he smiled as if he accomplished something. Eric Batista does not care about the people of Worcester, he cares about the police. They are his friends He does not want to create public trust. He wants to support the police union. He does increased its civilian oversight. He wants to diminish it, and I think it's really said, and that's all I have to say. I hope you guys have a good rest of your meeting.

Mr. Mayor, the last call on users is David Webb. Try to meet the resident now. Please state your name, city of residence and the item you're calling on. David, can you hear us?

Can you please state your name and city of residence? Of course the Worcester City Manager is against police accountability. It's consistent with the rest of his Christian conservative values, but also simply the economic decisions Accountability for the racists, rapists and liars of the Worcester Police Department quickly looks like the city paying even more money. and he already had to account for the way they responded to the Black Lives Matter rally six years ago, the way that respond to mental health issues. And no, that's just the tip of the iceberg. I know they're still throwing lawful protesters to the ground and lying in police reports about First Amendment protected behavior. But at least the taxpayer-funded rapists have been fired, right? Right? Oh, yikes. It's obvious the public wants and needs police accountability, but just as apparent that the administration cannot afford it. The law department employees covering up for bad cops should be ashamed of themselves, as should all public employees who only protect and serve themselves. Thanks for nothing. Do your job.

Okay, thank you. Okay, that brings us back to the agenda.

Mr. Chairman? I'm gonna start with petitions just to finish them.

Yeah, can we suspend the rules just to go to 10.58 quickly? Okay, you wanna do that?

Some motions go to 10.5 of A.

You don't have to suspend the rules, I can do that but go ahead. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Just wanted to speak briefly on this matter and something that we've been discussing for quite some time. I just wanted to Speak to this at this point so that folks can go about their way. I'm going to hold under personal privilege this premature recommendation that's intended to undermine city council debate Public Discourse and Civic Participation. Mr. Chairman, I'm holding this item under personal privilege for further review, deliberation, and consideration. Mr Chairman, thank you.

Thank you. So that's held under personal privilege, so we'll go back to the agenda Next item up is, we're doing petitions. 7A to 7E refer to the Department of Public Works. All those in favor propose so audit. 7F refer it to the Planning Board. All those in favor, oppose so ordered. 7G to 7P, refer the Public Works Committee. All those on favor, opposed so ordered, 7Q to 7Z, refer to Traffic and Parking. All of those in favorite, oppose, so ordered Petitions 8A to 8Z refer the traffic and parking. All those in favor, opposed so ordered. 9A to 9B. L referred to traffic and parking. All those in favor, opposed so ordered.

9M, refer to the city manager. All those in favor? Opposed? So ordered. Nine N to nine R. That's their hearing date for August 18th for condo locations on Southbridge Street Foreign Street, Grafton Street, Grove Street and also on West Boylston Street for a jointly owned poll location. All those in favor oppose so ordered. We are on the 10.2, which has been held under privilege. We're going to 10.3.

Which one was that, Mr. Chairman?

10.1. The 10.20 A, B and C's have been held and Councilor Bilotta has held those under privilege. What's that? The 12R2 has been held under privilege, no? 12R? Yeah, that's his order. Okay so we are on to 10.3A. to advertise the proposed ordinance, roll call.

Councilor Bergman? Yes. Council Bilotta? Yes Councilor Economou? Pizzolo, Consul King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey and Mayor Petty

Yes. Recommended adoption of the zoning map amendment relative to 128 Providence Street. Who's those two? Roll call.

Mr. Mayor, I think that is going to Planning Board 10.4a?

I'm sorry, you're right, I missed that. Before the Planning Board all those in favor oppose so ordered B, refer the Economic Development Committee to recognize the resolution of the Tax and Recomment Finance Zone for Greentop Park. All those in favor? Opposed? So ordered. We are on 10.5A for the Public Safety Committee. No, we're gonna settle under privilege. We are at 10.7A, Senate of the Public Works. That's the CLEAN program. B, I'm sorry A all those in favor opposed so ordered. B transferring information communication relevant to the utility restoration warranty periods sent at the Public Works. All those in Transmitting Information Communication of the June 2026 Bulk Waste Facility Pilot. Interesting, send that to Public Works.

Okay, we are on transportation and mobility. Recommend the adoption of the ordinance for establishing a commercial loading zone in the two hour immediate parking on the portion of Main Street for that traffic and parking All those in favor, opposed so ordered. Transmitting information and communication relevant to the Construction Progress Report for the month ending June 30th, 2026. Senator of Public Works?

Mr. Chairman?

Councilor Bilotta? I have a question.

Sure. To the chair, to the manager, I just have a questions about the construction going on for the accessible parking spots on Franklin Street. Just looking for an update.

On what street was that? I'm sorry.

The accessible parking spots on Franklin Street right here.

Franklin Street, okay.

Commissioner?

Yeah, thank you Mr. Chair through you to the councillors so those spaces you may notice if you're out there today they've been marked out now by the contractors so construction is imminent on those Great thank you so much

Okay, so send that to Public Works. Others in favor? Opposed? So ordered. 10.26a, this adoption on the roll call. This is a transfer of funding for the MSBA stabilization fund to new high school fund and closure of the MSPA Stabilization Fund, roll call

Weiner, Mr. Chairman? I lost my space.

Okay we are on 10.26A. Okay thanks. Councilor Hayter has recused himself.

Yeah.

Okay. Who's renaming the fund?

So we'll send that to... We're voting on it? Yeah, I'll get the big salary. Is this A and B?

I'm just doing A right now. Okay. All those in favor, I'm sorry, doctor on the roll call, roll call.

Councilor Bergman?

Yes.

Council Bilotta? Yes Councilor Economou? Yes King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, and Mayor Petty.

Yes. I recommend approval, this is B. Recommend the approval of the expansion for the purpose of the new high school fund to include Pinnacle High and middle schools project. Motion's adopted on a roll call.

Berkman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty. Yes.

Okay, hang on for one second. When was that? What? 10.118? We did send it. We did sent it. Okay.

Okay.

Next is C, transferring information and communication relevant to the extension of the time period for repayment of the private street conversions. We're gonna send that to Public Works Those in favor, oppose so ordered. D, transferring information and communication over to the financial update for the period ending May 31st, 2026. Send a Missile Operations. Those in favorite, oppose, so ordered who want finance items. which is 10.31, I'm sorry, 10.34A, 10 .35A through J, 10 point 36A through F, 10 points 37A through I motions adopted in the roll call.

Brueggemann, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey and Petty.

Yes, we are on Chairman's Orders 11A to 11J. Motion is adopted. All those in favor? Opposed? So ordered. We're on orders. The first one is, I request the manager to organize a neighborhood meeting between the leadership of St. John's Arch Church Entertainment Event Function organizers at the church, the police chief, the commissioner of inspection services, representation from the manager's office and members of the license commission to resolve the outstanding issues associated with chronic neighborhood noise and loud music coming from the function facility. Carr, parking lot of the church. The neighborhood meeting should be conducted prior to the additional functions or events that occur at the church Councilor Economou?

Thank you Mr. Chairman I was just two other items that I had that may relate to this and I just can't find them right now for some, I got everything highlighted here. Anyways, thank you Mr. Chairman. As we all know and as we've all read in our emails, the issues that are being had down in that neighborhood. and it's not so much even that the neighbors are against them enjoying whatever they need to enjoy in their halls. It's just there is a lack of respect that has come from the church as it's in regards to noise, base levels, and just the lack of respect for the neighborhood going into all hours of the morning. And it's just not right.

My feeling as you heard the gentleman speak just a short while ago is to convene a meeting with the church, with the appropriate parties to see if we can get anywhere any action in a friendly way, because if not I'm all in favor for doing what we have to do to preserve the peace in that neighborhood. Because right now it's disrespectful and what's more disrespectful than disrespectful to myself is sitting with members of that church and being given lip service to have this not go as I was told it would go. That's disrespect, not just to me but that entire neighborhood and they've had to deal with it multiple times and I think enough's enough. It's time for us to, if they're not willing to sit down with us and have a conversation to make changes then it's time to take action to preserve that neighborhood. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Thank so we'll send that to the manager. Councilor King?

Thank you Mr. Chairman, just a couple of questions before we move this forward I have been able to engage with some of the stakeholders on both sides of the issue that are less all engaged with the city. And I just wanted, if just for public edification as some of my colleagues say, if you could just, the City Manager can just share that have occurred with respect to responding to this, the multiple departments that have been engaged as well through the chair.

Mr. Manager?

To the Chief of the Council. Yeah, we're definitely aware of this issue. Most recently there was a public meeting process that the Special Services Department The Joan of Arc was actually brought forward because of the enforcement by Inspectional Services. They actually notified them and told them that they had to in some ways vacate from continuing doing those events. There was signage posted on the location prohibiting them from doing so. Upon, I don't remember the timeframe, there was a period of time frame that went right by that actually was the issues were mitigated. The actual church then removed the sign and then the noise continued again. and so we are, the Inspectional Services Commissioner went back to discuss with the church to try to provide a long-term solution.

at this point in time that behavior continues, then we would take further action related to those activities in the building.

Through the Chair, could you give some specifics on the mitigation success that you referenced?

Yeah, so what we asked them to do is we basically ask them to prohibit the use of that space for a period of time. if they were not going to be able to lower their actual sound, the actual sound. We put a signage and notice on the door that notice came down I want to say probably a couple weeks ago, and then that's when we started to hear the noise again. And so that's one of the inspectional services re-engaged with the church to try to bring a long term solution to the issue. and if in one of the long term solutions, we don't want to get to that place. But it will have to take us having them do a cease-and-desist on actual utilization of that property or renting it out for that purpose.

Could you give some more specifics on the mitigation? So, it's my understanding that some of those efforts were taken, the signage was posted and then you referenced that there were additional events after the fact. What are they in violation of since the mitigation? Where is that documented, what is the ordinance or the code that they violated post that mitigation?

What I have, I don't have all the details with me now but the Commissioner of Inspectional Services can prepare information that we can bring to the council, that outlines all the notices that we've received Complaints that we received related to noise in the area. And so when those noises or those complaints come forward, that's when the city tries to take some action and we have tried to engage the church in terms of trying to mitigate the actual issue to provide a path forward in which allows the church to still rent the facility and the users to continue to use it, but also keep the levels down for the sake of the neighborhood.

Thank you. Two chairs are representative on a line from that department that's making those efforts to a chair?

No.

No, okay. The other question I have, Mr. Chairman is there was a reference that Lipservice occurring from church folks. And I just want to understand through the chair if you could sort of characterize what that back and forth engagement has been from the city perspective with the church and the folks making decisions over there. and also with regards to day permits or event permits, has there been a pause on those through the chair?

Mr. Mayor?

There was multiple times where the father has come and spoken to inspectional services. We did have the actual premises shut down from conducting those services there because of the loud noises. July 10th is when the actual notices came down because the church in conversation with the city relayed that they would be able to control the organization utilizing this space and try to control their actual noise levels. When we heard that the noise levels have continued or came back, the commissioner then reengaged. And right now we're in that re-engagement and I don't have the results in front of me in terms of what that re-engagement has happened since the notices came down and the activity began once again. And that happens after July 10th.

Thank you. And as an at-large counselor, I'm not a district counselor, not as closely engaged but I do want to understand sort of the city responsiveness from some of the emails and some of communication and folks I have spoken so you know there's a perception of a lack of responsiveness on the city side for oversight of what's been described as excessive noise. and I just want to kind of get as the manager your perspective on the quality and consistency of responsiveness to this matter through a chair.

To the Chair, to the Council. We're doing everything we can based on our jurisdiction to try to not only work with the church but also adhere to some of the residents concerns related to the noise where there is police trying to ask them to lower the sound. There has been time when police have engaged, asked him to lower their sound and they leave An hour or so later, the sound is back up again. So it causes, again, a repetitive process. That's when the inspectional services office has reengaged in terms of trying to mitigate this sound as best as possible by providing more enforcement, a mechanism of enforcement and that's when we then temporarily shut down the actual utilization of that space because of the constant violation of the sound ordinance. then that's when the church re-engaged the inspectional services department and through that re-engagement

We were then released, we removed the notices in July 10th and then the noises came back again. And now we have reengaged with the church but I don't have the outcomes right now of the most recent re-engagement

Thank you. And to the Chair, was there any real-time shutdowns in the midst of events based on neighborhood concerns or City responses where they felt that the situation was untenable. And secondly, was there any fines associated with that through the chair?

To the Chair, to the Councilor. I don't have those details in front of me so that's where we would have to provide a report on a timeline of the incidences what actions has been and what our steps were to mitigate the issue

Thank you Mr. Chairman, I would like to file a motion that we get said timeline outlining in response to the questions that I put forward I think it's important that we have some qualitative data as relates to this. And you know, some of what I've read and some what I heard that there were concerns once again about responsiveness on the city side. I've also heard and spoken to folks on the church side as well who had a number of questions. So if we could also just get a report, this is something that's been going on for quite some time and I think that documentation and verification will go a long way. And I would like to specifically also Be clear with folks who are getting reached out to and whose interventions are sought what exactly the rules of engagement are.

as it relates to ordinances, how we're measuring noise levels. Are we measuring noise level? and also make sure that we are consistent across the board in these sorts of matters. Mr. Chairman, thank you.

Thank you. Councilor Mitra? Mitchell, what reason do you rise?

Yes. Just for some clarification, Mr. Chair, through you to City Manager. First of all I'd like to thank Councilor Economou for putting this order and I'd because sometime I believe in March or April, I have put a similar order requesting to give us the ordinance of noise ordinance to find out that You know, this complaint has come to us for several times. And I think it's time for us to take some really stern action to really take care of this issue. But I think the reason I want to know that Conamu requested a report on the noise ordinance. I don't think I've received any response to that, but I'm on this with Councilor Economou requesting you to really take care of this issue and close Economou.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If we could take up 13B and 13C collectively along with this as they all relate. And Royce will just have the entire conversation right now. as it stands before us. I'm not here to say, Mr. Chairman that... It's all one-sided one way or the other but I do believe that the residents do have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their property, especially when it's after 11 o'clock at night or midnight or 1 o' clock in the morning. I think it's unreasonable for any organization impede their, or submit their will to the neighborhood. And that's where the problem lies and constantly being told one thing, constantly being Police are called, told that police show up. Police don't show up They don't do anything. They don' t do anything here.

They do something here So there needs to be consistency throughout the entire process In addition to that We need to look at how our noise ordinance reads, how people are able to access our noise ordinances and file complaints. Just doing some research in Boston and Cambridge. They both have different styles, but I believe it's in Boston. You can go to their noise ordinance site and it's specific. Is a construction noise? Is it festival noise? There was one other category as well. where people can log their complaints. Because if it's not gonna get logged when the 911 call gets in, it needs to get logged so we can take the appropriate action that needs to be taken. and I just wanna thank the city clerk too for some guidance on this as well.

But these are the things that need to be addressed, and if we need to tighten up our noise ordinance let's tighten it up because I can tell you this right now, and I'll speak from my behalf with my church. We have our festival 11 o'clock shut down done music's off by midnight everybody's ushered out ushered out, told to leave. You gotta go. Police officers, the security, you've got to go. So if we can do it in some churches, we need to bring this across the board, the entire city. And that's all I'm looking for Mr. Chairman. These people deserve this. People who are ill, who are struggling to get a good night sleep there's families with kids trying to get a good night sleep and that's all we're asking for. There can be harmony, but both parties need to come to the table to have this discussion to make it work. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Thank You Councilor Bilotta

Yeah, I just want to kind of echo what Councilor Economou was saying. I have constituents in my district as well over on Waverly Street that have repeatedly just voiced concerns about just very loud noise late into the evening. I think it's about trying to bring neighborhoods together and making sure everyone is and so on. You know, being good courteous neighbors. So I think that's what this really is about. And just making sure people when there are gatherings We're doing the same thing across the board. So just appreciate it, Councilor Economou bringing this forward, thank you.

Thank you. So we'll take 12A and 13A, we'll send that to the manager. And then 13B, we will send the public safety of Councilor Toomey.

Sure, I just wanted to say that I believe that we've worked very hard to try to come up with solutions here. This has been a longstanding issue that's gone through several pastors, they've gone through and we need to get this tucked away. And I think it's very important, perhaps not all the counselors have gone to these meetings or gotten emails or whatever But I know that it's been talked about for a long time and we really need to move forward on this. Thank you.

Thank You Okay, so 12-8 the 12

When we vote on this, are we voting that this go to public safety? That's the- I'm not clear if this is a- That's 13. This is 13B and not- 13B. Clear that that's a public safety issue. 13B Yeah, 13B That's the noise ordinance. I'm not sure how that's police related.

That's part of inspection services, which goes to public safety.

Okay. All right, thank you.

Okay, 13-12A to the 13A sent to the manager. All those in favor oppose so audit. 13B before the committee. All of those in a favor oppose, so audit with back on

13C, as well to Public Safety. Oh, the manager. Yeah, maybe the manager's a better idea.

A report from the manager?

Mr. Chairman.

Councilor King.

Thank you. I would like to support 13C as well however I do have a couple of questions for the chair to administration.

Let me just read it real quick.

This particular item calls for the process in place currently to report excessive and unreasonable noise in neighborhoods. through the Charity Administration. Is there any place in those processes that's currently occurring that takes into consideration our pocket parks and the like. And I ask that because We've invested a whole lot in our parks across the city. and some of those parks are deeply embedded in neighborhoods, Mr. Toomey. We have places like Elm Park that are somewhat embedded we have a park near my house which is less than the stone's throw

We have Crompton Park embedded in the neighborhood. You know, we have the parks over there behind Foley Stadium et cetera. And I just want to understand when we have concerns, how are contextualizing it through the chair to the administration?

Mr. and Mrs. Manager

To the council, my understanding of the noise ordinance is it's not just applicable to one entity in its own. It's a combination of many different noises all across the city and many different sectors and so we would have to evaluate those including our parks, including the utilization of the parks where there's businesses. I know that the noise ordinance also has a decibel for even vehicles, noise on vehicles or motorcycles etc so we would have to look comprehensively at the actual noise ordinance and see where are there areas that we can make adjustments modifications amendments etc that we will bring back to the council There's also mechanisms and processes in terms of the enforcement. The other end of the ordinance is the enforcement, and those are the areas that currently the inspectional services department has spent some time reviewing

and trying to enhance that process, and engagement in collaboration between the police department and inspectional services as well. and so that's something we would have to look at comprehensively when we come back to the council as part of these orders.

and through the Chair of the Administration, Inspectional Services per the ordinance. Are they the entity that the ordinance identifies for enforcement? Through the chair.

Mr. Mayor,

To the Chair to the Council, they are... I can't 100% answer whether it's only solely them. I know it's a combination of different departments that are involved in that process but I can't do tell right now whether the ordinance states specifically just inspectional services department.

Thank you Mr. Chairman, have we had this through the Charity Administration? Have this particular ordinance come before the Council? Have you brought it in as a report or anything yet? has happened, I don't recall.

Under my administration we have not. I am aware this has been a conversation related to the noise ordinance that has gone on for probably even two administrations before me has been talked about. And I know there was a particular time, that was a big conversation happening on this floor related to Shrewsbury Street and some of the impacts on Shrew- Shrewbury Street relates to the but under my administration we have not brought this ordinance or a report related to the ordinance as of yet.

Thank you Mr. Chairman I certainly wanted to state for the record that the term here, unreasonable noise is subject to interpretation. And it gives me a little bit of pause I'm gonna support this item. I initially stood not sure if I was going to support it, but I certainly want to make sure you know as an at-large counselor that we are also taking a look at the neighborhoods and both sides of the equation. We've had some concerns over at Beaverbrook area with regards to softball and all those folks. I've had folks reach out to me on the softball side in other parks and so I want to make sure that governmental overreach is not part of this.

and that it's we are responding to neighbors, that we're tracking how we respond to these complaints. And with regards the matter and the church would also like to see, again a delineation in a timeline. of concerns and responses that are tracked. So through the Charity Administration, if 311 or if the police are being asked to respond, how is that being tracked? Because we have reports as the district council says sometimes there's a response. Sometimes there's not. How is that tracked?

Mr. Manager.

Our systems track that any time an officer has to be deployed to a particular incident. There's an incident number, there's actually tracked in our CAD system and any 311 log is also tracked in that. So we can do a data dump of all those areas we've received any noise or noise complaints, whether it's to this particular site or even across the city and be able to pull out where we've had. So all of that is tracked in our data and our infrastructure that we currently have.

So it's twofold, 311 and if an officer is asked to respond. Those are the two instances. And if there's a contact at 8606 number and there's not a response that's not 311 how is that tracked?

Oftentimes the department themselves are tracking any engagement with residents. Anytime they're being asked or deployed to attend somewhere, or go somewhere, an inspector, et cetera, they have to document those things. that's part of the reporting that we would bring you back to the council on the timeline in our data that supports that.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Councilor Fezzola?

Mr. Chairman, through you one quick question. Mr. Manager is there a line that a telephone line you can call 799-8606 to get a hold of somebody?

and reports from the police department that's non-emergency? Sorry, through the chair to the council. That is a non emergency line that any resident can call the Police Department for non emergencies to get access to a police officer or issues related to, for example like noise ordinance or things like that. It's a general line that the dispatchers in the police department answer at any hour.

Okay, so that is one route to tell constituents that they can go in case of... For non-emergency calls.

That's correct.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

And those for the outside of 311 requests? They're more public safety related.

Let me send that to the manager. All those in favor, opposed, so ordered. We are on 12B. Request the Manager and request the Police Chief provide increased overnight enforcement of Illicit Activities, including Public Indecency, occurring at Beaverbrook Parkway. Councilor Rivera?

As it reads.

So that's the Manager. Council King?

12B.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would just like a report back regarding public indecency. I'm not aware of the situation. I want to vote in the affirmative but it's tough to read something like that. and not know the details. Mr. Chairman, I'm sure the District Councilor has the information but it was not shared tonight So my initial reaction is one of pause, but I'm going to support it. But I would like a report outlining those concerns regarding public indecency and illicit activities. Thank you

and send that to the administration as amended. All those in favor, opposed, so ordered. Request to be managed, request police chief provide increased speed enforcement on June Street from May Street to Mill Street. Councilor Rivera? As it reads... of the Manager, all those in favor? Opposed, so ordered. 12D, request to see a manager, request public works review on the sidewalk in front of 618 Pleasant Street for the purpose of completing any necessary emergency repairs required at that location, Councilor Rivera. As it reads. So that's a manager. All those in favor? Opposed? So ordered. Okay, E. Request to see manager request commission emergency communications and management research best practices social providing residents with a 911 follow-up survey post incident King, feedback questionnaire for the purposes of implementing such a program. Councilor King?

I think this gentleman wants to speak. Motion to suspend the rules Mr. Chairman.

Yes, again I'm Charles Hopkins. I live here in Worcester. I'm also a first responder. I was lucky enough to be in Colorado about a month ago Someone was having a medical emergency in the park. I was driving down the street, and I noticed someone fallen in an awkward position. And I turned around and responded and found out that they recognized they were having an overdose. of treating that person or trying to, I called 911. And to my amazement the next day, the city of Boulder sent me a survey asking me about the 911 operator. asking me about the first responders' response, how the whole process... There's such tight-knit coordination with

and the community around 911 in getting feedback, I thought to myself Worcester could really use something like this. So they asked my name, my age. There were ethnicity questions. The loop that they have in place to make sure the city is doing the right thing for its constituencies blew me away. We don't have that here. Even the questions you were asking a moment ago about the logging of calls, the calls coming in are logged but there's no way for someone to really provide some feedback to those calls. And I mentioned earlier, Sandra Burns passed away three years ago and in December, a few days before Christmas the police officer responded thought that made the assumption that she had gone away for the holidays

did not gain entry even though it was public housing and there was easily a key available for access to that home. His logic, from what I understand, forcing entry would have left that person's valuables vulnerable to theft and vandalism. A neighbor eventually, the family tried calling to get a response, called many times to get feedback on the wellness check call that went in was unable to get that. because our city policies, the police department will not provide any information on wellness checks. That's a huge concern for me as an elder who lives alone and my children live out of state, it's a huge concern for me that if they call the wellness check-in. So having something in place at least to give some feedback around calls would be incredibly valuable to the citizens of this city. And it's a shame that we don't have something like that in place.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is simply an act to improve public health and public safety here in the city in a way that serves both the public servant Rivera, and the public at large Mr. Chairman so I like a roll call on this thank you. Councilor Rivera?

I agree I want to sign onto it.

Okay okay roll call. Bilotta? Yes. Councilor Economou? and Mayor Petty. Yes, at the City Council of Massachussetts John White Chapter 90 Section 18 does hereby

vote to rescind the post of 35 and 30 mile per hour speed regulations for HOPAV and return the public way to statutory speed limit under Massachusetts General Law 90, Section 17C. Rivera.

Yeah, this one's a little more you know it's unfortunate that we are being reactive on certain situations where person passed away a couple months ago I hope have but just trying to We understand enforcement's kind of been hard, so I'm hoping that we can get this just taken care of.

You want to go the 25 miles an hour?

Yeah and that section I hope I have. We've got to slow the traffic down in that area really bad.

Okay, so vote of the City Council to change the speed to 25 miles an hour. Councilor King?

It's a point of clarification. Just clarify through the administration, the 35 and 30 mile per hour Specialist P. Regulation for Hope Ave, if you could just explain that to me given the 25 mile per hour Citywide and what your understanding of is why that's currently in place. In addition to that, the speed factor and the tragic event that occurred through the chair.

Mr. Manager?

Yeah, through you Chairs of the Council. There are certain roles in the city that even though we statutorily voted to reduce the speed limit to 25 mile an hour there are roads in the city that are still under a 30 mile or 35 depending on the state statutory regulations. We have the ability as administration to recommend or the council has the ability to petition, the rescinding of those which would then be converted to a 24-hour mile zone to adhere to the statutory that we voted I mean that you all voted collectively as a body. But we would have to be specific, so we wouldn't be able to do a general rescind of 30 and 35 across the board in terms of the entire city and so the areas that have specific 30 to 35 mile an hour zones, we have to specifically rescind those. So then it will convert to our current statutory 25 mile an hours zones that the council voted on.

And through the Chair, if you could speak to the speed factor in your tragic event that occurred.

Through the shades of council, this is an area that it's highly traveled. One of the biggest challenges as you come off right off the ramp of the highway ramp into Hope Ave. There's big stretches of space in that, it also converts into two lanes and that creates a lot of ability for people to go pretty fast in that area and so right now it's an area that the Department of Transportation Mobility is reviewing in terms of what enhancements we can do whether short-term or long term to kind of reduce the speeds in that area. One of them, my understanding and what the council's trying to do here is this is just one tool is to try to reduce that speed limit to try prevent folks from going 35 or 45 miles an hour in that area.

Mr. Chairman, I've happened to be contacted and familiar with family members of the individual who struck. the deceased, and there's trauma on all sides of this issue. and part of my understanding is that there's lighting issues there, there's a host of matters as you come off of that off ramp or whatever the case might be. and I haven't heard from the city suggestions related to that. Apparently, the district councilor has but I have not have folks that I represent as an at-large counselor there. So, I would like a report back on those efforts. I think enhanced lighting should be an immediate response to that

Tragedy, and I'd like to make a motion to do exactly that. But this is the first I've heard about the reduction in speed and through the Chair, is this for the entirety of HOPE-AV? What section? just want some clarification on this particular thing as you understand it sounds like there was some communication from your department with regards to, I don't know if he's still here. He must have left but if you could speak to that through the chair

Mr. Manager

To the Chair, to the Council. So it would be for the entire Hope Ave. Any areas that there's 30 or 35 from the beginning to the end of Hope Ave that would address this order will address the entirety of that road.

and through the Chair was determined that speed was a factor.

I don't have that answer in front of me in terms of whether that was a determining factor. Again, I don' t have those details in front.

And lastly Mr. Chairman for clarification to reduce that speed limit what has to happen? So for this to happen, what are the exact steps? Is there anything required of the council Moving forward, this particular order says a vote to rescind. Do we have the authority to do so through the Chair? To rescind, does the Council have the right to do

Yeah, through the chair to the council my understanding is you do and then we would then work with the council. We will work as an administration to make sure all the proper signage indicate the 25 mile zone and changes to that

and on the state level, what has to occur through chair? Mr. Mayor.

To the Chair, to the Councilor, I don't know the details of what the next steps for the state would be. The Commissioner of Transportation could probably provide more details to that But I do know that there is an effort of notification to either MassDOT or the state level in these changes. Any changes that we made that are regulatory changes impact our ability to enforce so then we notify the state agencies that are responsible in this matter.

And Mr. Chairman, for further clarification on this particular matter the crossing markings in that area were they at issue as well through chair?

Mr.

Manager? Through the Chair to the Councilor, I don't know if that is one of the issues as part of SPAR. I don' t know if you are asking as part I don't have the full investigative reporting from me to determine what are the areas that impacted that potential accident.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a motion we get that full report so we're not operating in the dark here as a council certainly and I'm gonna support this but would like the additional information just a tragic event I really feel for the family who lost their loved ones and friends, was driving and the folks in that car also has lifelong implications. So we have to do better with regards to our streets and our pedestrians, thank you Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. Councilor Toomey. Mr.

Chair, I rise to either amend or to have a separate order to ensure that when something happens that the signs go up right away as a matter of fact also request that we continue to place the signs out throughout the city because it's really creating a lot of issues thank you

Thank you. So first we'll take a vote on the item, roll call.

Burgman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Mayor Pei.

Yes. And for additional information, those in favor? Opposed? So appointed. Okay next item, request city manager to request the commissioner of public works review the sidewalk in front of Worcester State University located at 486 Chandler Street for the purpose of completing any emergency sidewalk repairs received at that location. Councilor Rivera? As it reads. All those in favor, opposed so ordered. Next item is request to be amended by City Council report detailing potential annual debt service payment schedule should be, should the city undertake a loan order of $20 million annually for each of the next five years for total authorization of $100 million. said the loan, which will be used for the purpose of a capital investment program dedicated to resurfacing and rehabilitation into the city's main street arteries and sidewalks. Councilor Mitra?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I could probably say as it reads but just to kind of my intention here is just to have an idea of if we take that loan about $20 million per year for five years, about a hundred million dollars What would be the cost of payment? I know last time when I requested that city manager had mentioned that it would be going out of the budget. It will be an additional expense to pay the loan with interest I just wanted to find out a report that how much would it be if we take this loan. Not necessarily, I'm requesting the loan but I just want to know What could be the consequences if we do so? And then we can think about it in the future. My main goal is to see that major arteries per year, if we can do even two or three complete arteries can be taken care of with this loan system. And if this is not too much of a burden on us financially, then I'd like to explore that possibility.

But this order is mainly to find out what would be the exact I saw that we still have about $600 million loan approved that we can take from, but that's not what I'm saying. I'm not going after something that we don't have, but there is $600 million available. But I want to know how much the cost would be if we take that loan. That's the request. Thank you.

King.

I do not stand in support of this at this time, Mr. Chairman. I do have some questions for the administration. It was just a statement made that there's $600 million available to access with regards to this particular order. It's like a response from the administration as it relates to that.

Mr. Mayor, Joe?

To do the shit to the council, I don't know what 600 million he's referring to. The only thing that I can assume he may be referring to is the authorizations that we have in the city. We have X amount of millions, almost a billion dollars of authorization that we can borrow against for different projects many of them are either in place now or being contracted, or have been contracted, et cetera. And so there could be a gap of certain amount of monies that are authorized but yet we have not borrowed or scheduled the borrowing because we have to then account for the debt service on an annual basis. And so if we were to borrow $600 million, we would have to factor that debt service in our annual basis and that could be tens of millions of dollars annually be contributing as payments for the potential of $600 million borrowing. And so I don't know if that's what he's alluding to, that's my assumption is but again it's something that the council could probably

and more specific speak about, but that's just my assumption based on the loan authorizations that we currently have as a city.

You want clarification? Sure. Councilor Mitra?

Well, my intention here was to really find out how much it would cost if we get loaned. But at the same time I wanted to kind of give an attestation. I'm not asking for something that's not available. I'm just referring that there is availability of the fund. If I say, I would like to have a $20 million loan order and then you say we don't have any place to get it I'm just saying that we do have an opportunity here, but now that I am requesting that I'll get that. Now mainly I'm looking for what would be the cost to have that $20 million loan order for next five years? Paying back in 30 years loan, what would be the cost of the interest and everything that we pay? So that's the report I want. But this is just a reference that we have availability.

That's the question. What's that from? The question is, what's the $600 million from? That's the question.

This is the loan approved for us. Out of that we have been using every year taking and now 2025, we have about this much.

So the manager was correct.

Does that make it clear? Yeah.

Thank you. Thank you Mr. Chairman, again I'm a bit confused here and I understand the authorization my understanding you know I brought some of these issues forward during budget hearings as relates to Monies borrowed and not used. I know there's a process in place that they're looking at that You know, we have some some budgetary constraints potentially moving forward. In addition to that, there's monies that we have not exercise the option I guess for lack of a better term as well we have you know concerns regarding bond ratings etc. We have a lot of competing priorities, I certainly agree that capital investments improvement. We're talking about 20 million a year, and I'm not sure where that fits in with priorities So for me to kind of vote for this on its face is challenging.

And I would just ask the administration, to the chair, to respond to the $600 million number. average citizens that's watching this may feel as though the city is hiding $600 million. And I'm not sure that's the case, and I'm sure it's not the intention of my colleague but we have the general public that's watching and it needs an explanation before there is some interpretation that we voted for 100 million dollars or 20 million dollars, or 600 million dollars that we're having the ability to access, that we are not being transparent about through the chair. Mr.

Manager?

Yeah, to the Council. The $600 million in terms of availability it means that there's a number of projects that has been presented to the council over a number years where there is most recently on the last three years under my administration or previous administration of projects that are either ongoing, or projects that we're initiating. That you have to authorize the actual loan order for that amount to be able to be contracted. the city then starts to borrow against that authorization, to pay the contractors in the work to be able to be done. There could be an opportunity where at the end of the project there is a gap between what was authorized and what was actually borrowed. and that gap oftentimes remains in the books as a gap, what we as a city can continue to borrow against. However, myself and the CFO

We're very careful on that because there's a certain limit of what we can borrow on an annual basis based on what we could afford. If I try to compare to an individual, a personal individual who has a credit card you have a credit but you don't try to borrow against that entire limit all at once because on the monthly payments, you can't pay those monthly payments. So you borrow against a credit card based on what you can afford on a monthly basis. And so that's kind of how this works, so there is things like for example the fire station we borrowed over 40 million dollars and that work has started to begun, the construction. We did the groundbreaking but we had to authorize the over 40-million dollars for that South Division Fire Station but we haven't borrowed against the full amount yet. Every year, we're gonna be borrowing as the project continues to happen. We will borrow until eventually we would close the books.

This also includes our high schools and any improvements in a high school or any building of new high schools We are authorized a certain amount and we borrow against it year over year based on our ability to pay that debt service annually, year-over-year. and what we have talked about in this council floor. And part of our recommendation is that any times we bring in new authorizations for loan orders outside of the budget process, we will then bring forward are rescinding or an item that will rescind a current authorization to try to keep the authorizations lower. In addition to that, this year as part of our water and sewer budget we had enough of our authorization that I didn't extend that authorization further What I ask the departments to do is to borrow against the current authorization that we have already in the books instead of extending that authorization a little bit further.

So that's typically how we manage the budget and how we managed on an annual basis our spending.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don't want the public to misunderstand. I certainly support a capital investment program dedicated to resurfacing and rehabilitating our streets arteries and sidewalks However, based on what's being explained here I do have some concerns with the numbers that are being associated here. and through the chair to administration, just a quick clarification. When there's the authorization can you go outside of the intent and purpose of said authorization? So if you have authorization for a certain amount, we've used a percentage of that. Can you just apply it willy-nilly through the chair?

Aye Mr. Manager

No, we cannot do that. We have to bring it before the council to reappropriate that authorization for another project or another unless is if unless did we have an authorization for for example, sewer restorations. It's a very blanket sewer restoration that we would borrow based on that for sewer restoration Again, but any utilization of that authorization for any other purposes has to come before the council and any new authorizations that we want to add to the books also has to confirm before the Council for Council approval.

and through the chair to administration, is there a capital investment master plan currently in place as relates to such funding and strategy and priority? Through the Chair.

Council, we do. We actually work with all departments. We have a capital committee as part of our department heads where they also range and rank the capital needs that are submitted on an annual basis, and they all as a collective provide feedback to one another. And then also we receive the feedback from the council and the public in terms of what are some other priorities we understand schools are priority, we understand our roles is a priority and so that's why as part of the discussion that happens with internally with our departments this year we were able to expand and so on. And then the capital committee of all cabinet members evaluate each based on the recommendations from the Council and the administration.

So outside of the budget process, is there communication of that capital investment strategy and risk assessment or not sorry priority assessment?

The only time we communicate those priorities and investments is through the budget process.

Mr. Chairman, I'd like to get a report back to the council that we have exactly that strategy, the priorities of a capital investment program, so that we don't necessarily have to sort of for lack of better term nickel and dime certain projects. We know that you know the main artery sidewalks etc are a major issue but we do have competing priorities so like that see that report back I'm going to abstain from this vote. I'm not clear with the numbers, I'm sure it'll go forward and when it comes back, I am sure we will have some specification that I can vote upon. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Okay Council Rivera?

Just for clarification, he's only asking for a report. Correct. If we was to borrow certain amount of money for five, yeah I'd definitely roll projects absolutely, I'm in.

Councilor Toomey?

So your Mr. Chair is gonna say the same thing, he's only asking for a report on the debt service.

Okay so maybe we could just amend this to say for illustration purposes would that be better? So Councilor Rosen

through the Chair to the Manager. Mr. Manager, if we did have a $20 million loan order over five years each, $100 million, how might that affect our bond rating in the future? Mr. Mayor?

If I take this order by face value and adopt it and the next budget cycle. It would have a significant impact because it will go above and beyond what our current capacity to pay debt service on an annual basis would be. And we would have to explore other avenues to raise that capacity, to be able to have the ability and many more. And so that would impact on an annual basis, our debt service which would have an impact on the actual bond rating. And that's what they evaluate. The two things that the bond rating agencies evaluate is our ability to borrow, what is our how much are we borrowing, what's our capacity there?

And that in the and there's two areas that they're every year. They have concerns one is are borrowing capacity, and two is the wealth of the community overall. And those are the two things that the bond rating agencies often review and provide feedback to us of concern that they have in our ability and the City to manage and keep our stable bond rating numbers.

And if, through the Chair to the Manager, if we did this I assume in the future this would cause us raise residential and business taxes, am I correct?

Mr. Manager.

So through the chair to the council there is possibility we would have to do an analysis but there is a possibility that we would've had to come back to the Council to do two things, one either raise taxes and use some of the tax on unused tax heavy capacity. Use some of those dollars in which then that would raise taxes in a city or second we would have to consider potential layoffs or things like that. Again, it's all related to the financial integrity plan and our ability on an annual basis how much percentage of borrowing can we in terms of based on our limits, can we borrow an annual basis. If we surpass that capacity then we have to look for other revenue sources and the revenue sources right now, the only way for us to increase out of that revenue source would be increasing taxes or impacting operations by having to lay people off.

Okay, Mr. Chairman I know it's only asking for a report here when I look at the ramifications of maybe raising taxes and really harming our bond reading, even with a report, I just couldn't support asking for $20 million loan order for five years, each of five years for a hundred million dollars. Yeah we all want better streets and sidewalks and the reason why some of them are in deplorable condition is because we can't afford to do what we should have been doing for the last few decades, we can't afford it. Borrowing $100 million doesn't necessarily mean we can afford it so I would like to ask for a roll call on this Mr. Chairman thank you.

Mitchell for the second time.

I think my order is just to get a report of payment plan If I order the loan order, I'll come back to the council again and then we can talk about bond rating and all those. I'm just trying to find out What would be the cost? And I am wise enough to know whether that would be a high cause, that we shouldn't go for it or we can think about it. But my request here is not to borrow the money. I'm just asking what would be the payment plan? I don't know why all these questions are coming, because that's not my order. My order is just give me how much could be the that if we do this. And then, if I come back and say, I would like to borrow $20 million, then the council has all these questions to ask and deny or approve or vote against it. So I think right now all I'm looking for, what could be the payment if this happens? And Councilor Bergman. Thank you.

And I say to Councilor Mitra, welcome aboard as far as experiencing mischaracterization of orders. It's your first time. It won't be your last. I can promise you that. I couldn't promise much but I could promise you Let me just say that I don't have any issue with the report. I just want to be clear, voting for the lowest residential tax rate has historically been my vote. I'm not looking to spend more of the taxpayers' money but I am curious that at some point if we keep piecemealing our road improvements, we're never gonna get caught up. So it's a worthwhile question to ask and I don't have any issue, I'll support getting the report. We'll see what the cost is and we'll go from there but I rose because to be clear on two points. One is I'm supporting the report, that's what I view this as asking for and number 2, I don't view this a supporting tax increase for the residents.

I view it as the question of what would be the ramifications to the residents if we were to go ahead and do something like that. And I certainly, and I'm sure others on the council feel the same way are very mindful of the taxpayer's pocketbooks and wallets and I wouldn't move ahead on anything like this unless I was confident it was in the taxpayer's best interest. So, I welcome the report. Thank you Mr Chairman.

Mr Chairman can we move to question?

What's that?

Can we move the question?

Yeah, we're ready to vote right now.

For clarification purposes I just want to know if the city manager can All these questions about deducted services and all that, but in the report I think it answers everybody's question.

Okay, roll call. Councillor Bergman?

Yes.

Councillor Bilotta? No. Economou?

Yes.

Councilor Rosolo? Yes, Councilor King? Abstain. Council Mitra? Yes Councilor Ojeda? No. Council Rivera? Yes! Council Rosen? No Councilor Toomey? Yes. And Mayor Petty?

Yes, okay, we are on 12 I request that the Manager of High Council report detailing the number of... I think I wrote on it are streetlights out of the operation of the city in the length of time, and the lights that have been out of operation for maintenance and repairs to take several months to compete. O'Connor.

Thank you Mr. Chairman, real quick It's not so much, this doesn't have to do so much with what the city side is responsible for because I feel we activate our vendor and get things done. It's moreso keeping a tab on the national grid end of things there are two streets right now Montclair Drive and Devons Road that have Devons Road has all their lights out, streetlights and it's been for months. And Montclair has five of I think seven lights out. and they're all underground national grid issues. And Commissioner Westling was kind enough to let me know where things are with all these, and I appreciate all that but it's just for the... Tells me that we need to keep a closer tab with National Grid on getting these done in a more timely fashion. So, that's what I'm bringing forth Mr Chairman thank you.

Okay, all those in favor? Opposed? So ordered. Next item of request to the manager convene an immediate meeting with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to identify and implement immediate safety solutions to address Connolly, the high number of traffic accidents along Grove Street with a particular focus on the corridor between Truman and Nelson Place. Councilor Economou?

Thank you Mr. Chairman. You're familiar with this as many here on the council are. between Drummond Road and Nelson Place, Chester Street, Parkton, Lansing. Terrible areas. There's always a crash, significant crashes not just fender benders these are significant crashes that are causing injury to people. We need to get the state to the table and come up with plans to further create safety measures along this stretch of corridor. I asked the city manager if he could work to get that together I think it's urgent that it be done sooner rather than later because just, I think was about a week ago there was another crash there where there were injuries. That's where I stand on that and I know the residents of the neighborhood would be very responsive to it. Thank you.

Can we send that to the man? Councilor King I like to sign on? We'll send that out to the manager. All those in favor, opposed so ordered. 12k request amended by council with a report detailing cooling center operations including the resources supplies and staff provided to cooling center sites. Council Bilotta

Yeah, thank you Mr. Chairman with the summer weather it was great there you know the city is rolling out these cooling centers has been done twice so far this season be great to have a better understanding of and so forth. We're also looking at what resources we're putting towards these cooling centers, especially and so on. So I would like to have a better understanding of what and Water, things like that. So I'd like to just do the chair to the manager. Just curious if you could provide us with a short answer What type of resource are we bringing to the cooling centers or are we just providing these spaces?

Mr. Manager

Council, what we do is provide the spaces. Often times we also provide water in those cooling centers. Again it's something that we continue to explore not only adding more spaces but what are the resources we can have there. Depending on what the cooling or warming center may be and depending the longevity of that, we then have to reconsider the resources and add more whether we need to have or other partners involved in that process, whether we need to provide food if people are there for a long period of time. But oftentimes oftentimes the cooling sensors or warming sensors are very short period of time so we just provide the spaces and if it is pretty hot out or whatnot, we try to sometimes provide some water.

Okay. Yeah, it would be great to know and maybe perhaps this order could be an opportunity to explore how we could bolster these areas when they are designated as heating or cooling centers. Thank you.

Senator, Manager. Others in favor? Opposed? So ordered. Of course the manager of my council to report concerning transportation improvement funding and other project scopes for the Bigelow Davis Parkway in Lake Gap intersection Project Council Boulevard

Thank you. Yeah, I have some understanding that the plan for this intersection is going to be a rotator. I want to be clear I'm not against that. My only concern is that the timeline of this and how long this intersection and so forth. So I would like to see how long people in the neighborhood, and frankly across the city have been calling for some type of stoplight here. So to fast track anything in this just to see I know or are we more or less locked in with the TIP funding. So it'd be great to have this as part of a neighborhood meeting so folks can understand what the city's planning to do with this intersection and what type of traffic mitigation we have planned, so thank you.

We'll give some of that to the manager.

Mr. Chairman, what item was that?

12-L.

Okay, thank you.

Okay, Senator Mandrell is in favor of a partial audit. M, requesting the Committee on Public Works meet jointly with Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking for the purpose of reviewing and discussing City's strategic paint Pavement Management Plan, Federal Request to Manager of Public Works and Commissioner of Transportational Ability. Attend a joint meeting relating to the present key cities 2025 payment management prepared by Apex Companies LLC, Councilor Carmel.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We're looking to have this meeting with Chairperson Rivera's committee in traffic and parking hopefully later August. I think it'll just be good information for all of us to have a refresh on some of this information what the plans are, what the options are and how we go about things to get our streets in better condition. So thank you

All those in favor or opposed to audit, request city manager to provide counsel with a report outlining the City's handling of the Town of Holden-Soy News Lawsuits. A report should include a summary of the City process and decision making throughout the case, a timeline of the city's communications with appropriate state officials Economou resolved the matter in explanation of the legal factors that resulted in the city's paying the final settlement. Councilor Economou?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I've heard from a number of residents just asking about this how it all went down if we can get information as to how this transpired, when it started even and why it was left dormant for so long. And then here at the end we're scrambling make restitution, I guess to the town of Holden. Especially when we don't have... When our state partners DCR weren't really part We didn't get much information from them. So how did this all come about? Why it all came about, and what's being done moving forward to rectify the situation because There are two other towns out there, West Boston and Rutland that participate in this.

And it's important for us to stay vigilant and keep the state and DCRs feet to the fire. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Councilor King, what purpose do you rise?

Mr. Chairman, I'd like to support this. However at this particular point I can't until I have some questions answered. To the Chair, to the administration are all legalities as it relates to this matter with the Holden Sewer situation. Not a lawsuit, situation. been resolved. There's a number of matters that have not have been addressed. We have a number of concerns moving forward as relates to the condition of some of the apparatus and the pipes, what have you that are aging. And I just want to know are there any indication that their legalities and potential legalities have been completely resolved?

And the reason I ask, Mr. Chairman is in our executive sessions we took votes and we asked certain things to occur at the direction of directing and advising, advising the city manager. And I'm not sure if those things occurred or not. but I'm wondering if executive session is a place to do this versus a report. I have concerns about moving forward this matter being resolved in a way that's as beneficial as possible to the city. So through the chair of the administration, the first question is where are we at with the consultation or the consultant? in resolving this mess of a matter? And the second question is, are all legalities and potential legalities

a non-factor in this sewer matter overall, not just pertaining to Holden. Mr. Chairman we have a couple other towns involved here I believe it's West Boylston and Rutland maybe. And some of us on the council feel that we may have perhaps been stiffed by those folks zero payments, nothing. Regardless if you think it's fair or not, nothing and until recently a very small Contribution, West Boylston in particular as well. So I just want to make sure that this isn't held up and we don't get this 10 months from now, this request. I think it's important what Councilor Economou is bringing forward

but I'm wondering if those two questions can be answered and then third is an executive session relative to legal strategies in order moving forward through the chair.

Oh, that was a lot there. To the Council, in regards to this situation it's not over. It's not resolved I mean there's ongoing conversations with the state and the other towns on discussing matters related to a new sewer use agreement. And using a consultation not only from the state, consultants and a number of attorneys involved in the process of negotiating for new sewer use agreement for the future. That's all involved right now and that's actually happening in real time right now. With regards to the Holden litigation, that has come to a resolution and there's an agreement in the settlement, and this has come into a resolution. However what you were stating is the issue as a whole we're still working through that Could there be potential for further litigation?

Perhaps, I don't know. I can't speak to that directly but they're still ongoing We have drafted, we have a draft. We've been working on the draft too that we feel as though we could give enough information to the public in terms of providing some background what happened with Seward, a current issue. What was the resolve related to the holding Seward situation? but there's matters there that we cannot disclose at this time because of negotiations for future purposes. But, there is a level of information that we can provide as an historical background in terms of what happened, what was dealt with, what we did and what was the resolve related to the Holden particular only law. So we can do something like that but in regards to the other elements to bring forward a new negotiated agreement that requires further conversation.

And now I'd be a little bit hesitant to provide information and details on that.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, the administration part of this order is related to state officials communications My concern is that we're still in communication with state officials as it relates to moving forward with this particular man. I know we had a city solicitor, a deputy or someone here earlier. I don't know if they're around or not. I'm just wondering, are we gonna get an executive session pertaining to that? Is it going to be a one-off for each particular councilor if you happen to ask? I certainly think this is something that obviously with that, and I wasn't going to support this on its face but with this explanation I'm gonna sign onto it. So I'm going to sign on to this. But I do have some hesitation as it relates to that, if you could just respond through the chair. Mr. Manager?

Yeah, to the Council. Right now there's not enough information that I would be able to provide in executive session to give enough out to the council that's why I haven't requested an executive session to give and updates in terms of where we're at with, to the council. But again, we can as part of our memo try to provide some information Bergeron. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Councilor Bergman?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise just for an amendment or a question of clarification which I don't think I'll be able to get answered through the chair of the city manager. Is the city solicitor unavailable tonight? Yes, she's not available. I just had a question and we can get a report back because this is going to require a report so perhaps we could amend this just to get information back from city solicitor as to whether or not there are any I personally don't think there is. It's not my role to make that decision. I think we may get some sticky points when we're talking about decision making on a case, especially if there's future litigation but I don't think

Any conversations with state officials and other parties politically trying to resolve this case is privileged, but maybe we can get that answer from the city solicitor when you get the report back. Thank you Mr Chairman

So it's not that the manager has amended on reports as requested. All those in favor, opposed, so ordered. Request to be amended and request the Commissioner of Public Works review all street signs on Kennecott and replace any street signs that are not spelled correctly. Councilor Economou?

As it reads, Mr. Chairman.

and the Manager. All those in favor, oppose? So ordered. Request the City Manager to request the Police Chief provide speed in traffic enforcement on Windsor Street Council Rivera.

You missed one.

I missed, I had to skip one. Go ahead, Councilor Rivera, go back there. Azarit. Okay, all those in favor? Opposed? So ordered. Going back to 12P. Of course City Manager requests the Commission of Public Works fill potholes along the entire length of Westbrook Road. Councilor Economou?

Azarite.

Those in favor, opposed so ordered. 12R we're gonna hold under privilege. Okay, 12S I'm sorry what happened with 12R? It's held under privilege By whom? Councilor Bilotta Okay thank you Of course, City of Cork worked with the Board of Health and Division of Public Health Agent to evaluate the city's death certificate process to provide City Councils a report detailing ways to improve efficiency and reduce processing times in establishing said records. Councilor Bilotta?

Thank you. Yeah, I just know it seems like a bit of an obscure order but in conversations with folks in the Lincoln Street corridor had an opportunity to talk with the folks that run Nordgren Funeral Home and they mentioned that just the amount of time it takes compared to other larger municipalities in the state to process this. And I was hoping we could maybe figure out a way to improve efficiency, to make sure basically improving efficiency and reducing processing times to really help families and loved ones in a very challenging time. We all unfortunately know that sometimes after someone's death, there can be legal and financial challenges. So just really hoping we can figure out a way to make this as easy as possible for residents when they're going through very challenging times. Thank you.

Thank you. All those in favor? Opposed, so ordered. Questa City Manager requests the Commission for Transportation and Mobility to install temporary boards to help with illegal parking on Economou Field located at 155 Grove Street and in the vicinity of 173 Grove Street. Councilor Rivera?

At the reach. Yeah, it was accidentally sent to the wrong Public Works and back to Transportation Mobility so yeah.

All those in favor, oppose so ordered. Next item request city manager to provide counsel with a report update concerning the previously adopted order from February 3rd, 2026 which reads requesting manager in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary as a permanent gift to the city's residents consider finding funding sources for this commission of a statue with historic reading or the Declaration of Independence by Isaiah Thomas be placed on the proper location in front of City Hall.

Thank you Mr. Chairman, I'll be relatively brief the The items come around a few times. I think the first time I put it on was maybe three years ago. I stood with a number of my colleagues, many of my an interesting and I thought enjoyable event where we took part in greeting different parts of the Declaration of Independence. And I think many of us felt the pride in knowing that Worcester was one of the first locations to have it read. But I've got to be honest, some of the emotion was mixed with a little bit of embarrassment that The way we represent the historic event is by a plaque that's difficult to find to begin with, never mind in bad weather, snow or ice you would never see it.

But assuming it's good weather, you literally have to kind of walk on it or trip over it so to speak to find it. And this is one of the things in the time I've been on the council and this predates the current city manager I know he's enthusiastic about doing something. But one of the things that frustrates me is, when I look at cities like Boston and they grasp at the opportunity to celebrate their history by basically fighting each other over what monument or statue or way we're going to celebrate this. And in Worcester, we kind of say it's good enough. And that's been I think in a lot of ways not the way we should be handling our history. Those of us that appreciate it, and I think all of us do to a large degree understand that toe-to-toe Worcester history is as significant as Boston's whether we're talking about the American Revolution Civil War

and so on, but we continue not to celebrate it. It should be something that we have to avoid seeing instead of having to find. and it's the nation's 250th anniversary. To me, it's like a simple Project, although there is a cost. And maybe we can get some of our nonprofits excited about this because it does bring students that are in the city downtown. It also makes them proud of, hey go to a college that was in the City where Declaration of Independence was read early on so and so forth but with my opinion we've got to find a way to do better and celebrating our history instead of kind of being nonchalant about it. And this to me is a great way to start. And I just encourage the city manager, by the end of the nation's 250th anniversary which is the end this year, 2026 let's at least have a plan in place so that next year

we can start an annual tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence with a proper statute or monument. I literally had to show people where it was and I couldn't orient myself to find it, usually I can this time I couldn't and to me that's embarrassing. So we can do better, we should do better no pointing fingers I just think that whatever the cost is can be absorbed by some of our nonprofits or some of Tomey, financial business owners that are in the city that also take pride in locating their businesses here. But I think we could do much better and we should. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Here, I just rise to ask. I didn't see this so I'd like to be added on.

Okay, Councilor King?

Thank you Mr. Chairman, just before I support this would like to know about the refurbishing process for such monuments and recognition A couple years ago I had filed that the plaque that's associated with Bob Cousy Court be, and I don't know if the correct word is refurbished but whatever it's called. and updated when we were creating that basketball court dedication. and it's still an outstanding concern. So just through the chair team administration, is there a process by which those sorts of things are are looked at. I'm certainly gonna sign on to this, this is something that's right here in our backyard or front yard and wondering who's responsible

for those things on city property to make sure that we're paying proper homage to folks through the chair.

Mr. Manager?

Yeah, through the chairs of the council. The Parks Department has a maintenance schedule on these things. It's us through the parks commissioner, Robin Tonelli and then again it's all subject to funding so you have you can have a small plaque of republishing from recent, I know few years back we did the Civil War memorial that we refurbished and brought back. So there's There's a schedule that he has, and it is all subject to the availability of funding that year based on our recommendations to the council. That's something that the Parks Department manages and handles on a day-to-day basis.

Thank you. I would just hopefully accept this friendly amendment that in addition to this process, while that's in play or that's in process, for lack of a better word that we take a look at refurbishing that until this right here comes to full realization. Thank you Mr Chairman

Okay, we'll send that to the manager. All those in favor? Opposed, audit. Rosen, and of course the Committee on Public Health and Human Services will be meeting with representatives from the Board of Health, Selected Medical Professionals, and Youth Advocacy agencies to discuss youth exposure and addiction to tobacco, nicotine, and vaping among others. Councilor Rosen?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. chairman prior to serving on the city council this year I served on the Worcester Board of Health for four years and we had a lot of discussions about our tobacco regulations maybe, you know we can protect the public by them and that's our main mission but we also maybe could look at small businesses and help them out too especially those that deal with tech tobacco nicotine products and so on. and recently the Board of Health did meet, the new Board of and they met, and they did relax some of the regulations that were I think overall hurting a few of our small businesses. And I don't wanna go through You know, story again. But I did bring up early in this term the plight of Noah Mesko that entertainment center on lower Pleasant Street right next to Creed.

and Creed, I guess has a smoking bar there. And Noah Mesko owned, minority-owned, female-owned did invest about $60,000 into a ventilation system that they thought would help them also put a smoking bar in there. So we have two next to each other, too close to each another according to the rules of the Board of Health. and the Board of Health in the Department of Public Health soon after told them, sorry you invested all that money but you can't use the equipment. Noem Esco, because you're too close to Creed. But if you move up maybe the most 1 tenth of a mile up the street or down the street, or away from Creed, you can do it. I mean 10th of a Mile isn't very much so We tried a year or two ago to get Noah Mesko the permission from the Board of Health to open a smoking bar. It didn't work, but this latest Board of health just few weeks ago I was at the meeting big crowd there

and they did lessen up on some of the restrictions. And it worked out well for Noemesco, and I'm thrilled too because it's a downtown business it's minority owned, female-owned. It was a very good decision by the Board of Health but what surprised me at that meeting was the number of youth agencies representatives who showed up and also doctors. And they showed up, and they all said, Board of Health, don't ease up on these restrictions because it's going to hurt our youth and we have problems in the city of Worcester with youth getting involved in nicotine, tobacco substances and vaping. And if you allow, say, Creed to open up so close to, I mean, the open so close you're gonna hurt our youth.

And I was listening to this and as the chair of the board, of the Chair of Our Council's Public Health Committee in a former Board of Health member, I just didn't agree with the doctors and the youth organizations that less, you know, easing up on the restrictions would harm our youth. support anything like that. And I don't think anyone in this council would, but then it got me thinking listening to these youth organizations the representatives and the doctors that spoke that maybe our youth in Worcester are threatened by the use of vaping products, nicotine and tobacco. So I think it's a topic that our public health committee chaired by me with Councilor Toomey, Councilor King as the members. We should take a look at this because the doctors are probably right. Our youth are being threatened by these products Noah Mesko and Creed, that's age 21 and up.

So there were two different discussions, but I picked up on the one that I didn't think applied to the easing up on restrictions of tobacco use in Worcester. But I do care about our youth and my whole life has been with youth as far as teaching and so on So I hope we can vote to send this to the committee on public health. And we could have a few hearings with those in the know, some doctors, some of the youth organizations. What can we do as a city keep our youth away from tobacco and nicotine and vaping? I'd like to keep everyone away. If we could, we wish no one would smoke, no one will use tobacco but it's a legal product. But can we do something have our youth avoid these products? Yes, I think we can. If we understand the problem, we know how big the problem is so I think the Public Health Committee sometime by the fall could handle this bring back some good recommendations to our city council. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank who sent that for the committee? Sign on, okay everybody.

Mr. Chair I'd like to speak in opposition to this item. Okay. Doesn't quite make sense to me. This council voted to ease up restrictions for tobacco business, and now we're concerned about Youth, Using Tobacco. We don't think kids have fake IDs that can get in. No offense. But I mean on the one hand we want to make it easier for businesses to sell tobacco. And now on the other hand, we want to explore youth exposure which we all know is a long-term issue and has been in the city and across the country so I just don't understand this order and i'm opposed to it so thank you

Bergman first, and

Thank you Mr. Chairman, I'll support at the moment but I want to be clear that yeah I'm sure if we talk to medical professionals about a lot of habits youth and adults they're gonna have a lot suggestions about things were doing wrong including and I've said this before, my love of chocolate. But I don't want any subcommittee meeting talking about limiting my ability to make my own adult decisions so I'm not opposed to sending it to committee but i am concerned about the slippery slope of trying to manage adult behavior and as far as you know the youth well i just remind everybody the age that we allow people to buy and smoke Marijuana at an age where all medical, legitimate medical professionals tend to say the brain isn't fully developed. So I have some inconsistencies there too where their brain isn' t fully developed until you're 25 and you can buy marijuana at 21.

I think there's a lot of problems with how a lot things are handled, I think unfortunately we don't always do it the medical way, we do it often times the political way King, and I have issues with those inconsistencies. But for the moment, I'll be happy to support it going into committee.

Okay. Councilor King?

Mr. Chairman. I think I just heard a concern about marijuana use, the brain not fully developed at age 25. This is my professional area of expertise as it relates to mental health and brain development, et cetera. And I can certainly understand from whence it comes We also have laws here that allow folks to drink alcohol at age 21, and I'm hoping there's not an implication or inference or anything of the like where folks might be looking to increase that age to 25. I'm not quite sure what the comments were intended for. If it's that, I don't stand by that. That being said Mr. Chairman I will say this. on other matters before this council, this term and in previous terms.

I've asked for the Division of Youth Services or Operations to work through Requestor with young folks regarding vaping. Prior to that, I asked the city administration to do an educational campaign curriculum with respect to vaping and young people in the summertime through Rec Wooster. This administration actually has done that, it has implemented that and you know meeting with folks from Grove Street, sorry Forest Grove a couple years ago the middle school folks they had asked and I brought to this council floor a request for vaping alarms in our middle schools, vaping detectors or sensors. I'm sorry. and there was discussion on the, and that was brought to from this body to the school body where they determined it was too costly.

And I do know for a fact youth vaping and exposures is significant. I'm gonna continue to sign on to this, that's a discussion worth having. And anything we can do as relates to educating young people. We should absolutely do that and that's sort of how I see this, Mr. Chairman so I look forward to the discussion thank you.

Rosen, I'm sorry.

Oh, Councilor Ojeda. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just two questions. One, if it's possible, I think this is a good idea, something that I talked about before but I think it's important to find a way to include in this meeting during these conversations someone from the Western Public Schools personnel because they deal directly with this on a daily basis as well so if we can include them that would be good and through the chair to the city manager when he's available. So is this saying, or maybe Councilor Rosen can answer this. Is this saying that as of right now we don't have um these type of discussions going on or is there something that i'm pretty sure we do have data from the department and if we do, I guess during that meeting can you just make sure it's shared as well?

So the question was to the city manager. We currently aren't having conversations like this at all is that fair to say?

Mr. Manager?

No, through the chair to the council, the Department of Public Health and our youth office are constantly having conversations with partners in providing information and resources to young people in our city with either through the REC Worcester program. We also, as a summit that we do with our young people there's significant amount of work happening by both the public health office and also the youth office in relationship and partnership with the Worcestershire Public Schools in providing conversations and resources around this topic.

OK, thank you.

Okay, Councilor Rosen. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Mr. chairman and my colleagues the restrictions that were eased up by the Board of Health recently, were basically citing restrictions. Citing of businesses retail outlets smoking bars you know vape shops or whatever they're called and that's what the discussion was all about. but the people who were in opposition that night a few weeks ago at the Board of Health meeting, the ones in opposition kept bringing up the youth issue. Why did they do that? I think two were pediatricians, a couple represented youth organizations. Maybe I think someone was from the Worcester Public Schools but they all kept speaking about the problems we have with youth Interest in an addiction of tobacco, nicotine and vaping. And what could we do about that?

But they did associate that issue with the citing these tobacco and nicotine outlets. And I think they're two different things, but I didn't want to walk away from the meeting even though I thought clouding the issue of siting, I didn't want to walk away and say well we don't really know what's going on with the students or the children in the city of Worcester. And maybe we don' care about them? I think we'd be derelict in our duties not to take a look Now, Councilor Ojeda said he basically was asking you know are we doing anything now? He asked the manager what are we do and I have the same question. I'm not sure and he's not sure It would be good, I think on our part to take a look. What are we doing? Are we doing enough? If we are that's wonderful but according to the people who spoke at the sighting of these businesses were not doing enough, and they kept making it clear.

They just were confusing I think two different issues but You know, I walked away even though I was supporting the citing changes. I walked way and said yeah we have a responsibility as a city of Worcester, as a City Council as a committee on public health. We have responsibility to our youth if things are all perfect with them and there's nothing we can do, I'll come back and I'll say that Our committee will discuss it and I'll come back and say, gee, it's too bad. We have so many addicted youth here in the city, addicted to nicotine and tobacco and vaping and the problem is getting worse but there's nothing we can do. you know me, I won't come back and say that. I'm never like that, I never take that attitude so we'd be derelict in our duties if we just say I don't support this. I don t think the Public Health Committee should take a look at this. Are you kidding me? You bet we should take it, and soon!

Thank you, so we'll do a roll call vote on this. Roll call.

Councilor Bregman?

Yes.

Council Bilotta? Yes Councilor Economou? Yes Councillor Rosolo? Yes, Councilor King? Yes. Mr. Mitra? Yes. Ms. Ojeda? Yes Ms. Rivera? Yes Mr. Rosen? Yes Mrs. Toomey? Yes And Mayor Petty

Yes. Call W, request the same manager work with the appropriate parties to create an educational campaign ensuring that city residents are taught how to properly dispose of pet waste So the education campaign could include ensuring residents do not dispose of pet waste in the cities, storm drains, catch basins. Councilor Mitra?

Thank you Mr. Chair, through you to the Manager. Mr. Manager this order is placed because I think constantly a resident from Cardinal Road has been writing to us not only to me but to many other also about the disposal of the Pet West in the storm water and catch basin and the stone drains. And that's kind of illegal. He has been sending us the videos, he's been sending as the photographs so I thought it would be better if we can send some flyers or something to educate people that how really dispose of the pet pests and not really do illegal things that kind of become harmful, and also the residents are disturbed with it. So I request you to take some action to educate our community what should be done to right way to dispose of the pet waste. Thank you.

Okay, so we'll send that to the manager.

Mr. Mayor, if I may add for an amendment? If we can just add on too, if there's any fines, if caught doing so, I think that would be helpful

Thank you. Okay, as amended to the manager are those in favor opposed so ordered request of the manager install a portrait of Esther Howland within the Esther Howand South Chamber and City Hall Councilor Mitra?

Yes, Mr. Chair, thank you so much. I kind of come to the city hall, go on to the third floor and all our hallway is full of so many different portraits which are for those people who have done good job and good deeds I think but this hall, chamber where we meet is named after Esther Howland and she who has been very inspirational if you read back what she has been in 1880s when she started her Business, when the women didn't get much opportunity and had business of the Valentine car. She's known as the American Valentine lady. And I think it is worth having a portrait and where we have her valentine card which I have the picture attached, maybe next to it we can have a portrait of her just to honor her. Just like we have many other portraits in the hallway So that's my request to see it.

We'll just add more to this hall as well.

Okay, send that to the manager. All those in favor or opposed, so ordered. Trustee Minter provided a meeting between appropriate representatives and local business owners on Sulphur Street in the vicinity of Gertens Graphic, located at 134 Sulphure Street to discuss ways to remedy concerns around quesiness in the list of activities occurring in the area, Councilor Mitra.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This also is an order that comes from an email that I received from Gertrude and Graphics. I think I've given the email to everyone. They're a little bit disturbed. Coney Island, Garden Graphics because the new business that started there, the cannabis shop there and they are not following the orders or the laws, the way it should be happening there. So they are a little bit concerned about the way things are going and I would request that city manager if we can meet with those business owners around Gorton Graphics in that area probably you can hear them what they have and they need to see that the order and discipline is maintained and House people are going there, drug addicts are going their and they're not disposing of properly. A lot of illicit activities are going on according to

John Gurdon, Gurdin Graphics and sent a very detailed email. I'll forward you that email so I thought maybe it would be good idea to sit or gather together with all the business owners in that area and see how we can help them to O'Hara. Thank you.

Thank you. Yeah, this was something that I signed on to. And if Dr. Mitra doesn't mind, I think maybe one of the better ways or easier way is for him and I to get together with those business owners and the residents in that area, have our meeting first with them. And then based on those findings we can go to the city manager and tell him these are the things what we're looking for so he can help us versus having meeting after meeting after a meeting. I think this will just, it'll be dragged out too long so I think schedule the meeting together with all the people involved here and then, like I said, come up with an outline and present it to the city manager from there. Either at your meeting or our meeting and we can do it that way. Thank you.

Okay, all set. We'll send that to City Manager. All those in favor or opposed the audit. Z, request City Manager request the Commission of Public Works with the city solicitor to provide counsel for report concerning responsibility available waivers and possible cost-sharing options available when associated with the public shade trees are documented to have repeatedly damaged or contributed to the failure of residential building soar including how it relates to the application of revised ordinances, Councilor Economou.

Mr. Chairman, thank you. Would this go through the chair to the clerk? Is Public Works the right spot for this?

Mr. Clerk

Yeah, I've been through chair to the council. I believe Public Works as well but...

Okay. As it reads Mr. Chairman we can debate this in subcommittee.

Thank you. All those in favor of postal audit? We're on 13D. Request to see you manage request the commission transportation mobility ensure that the crosswalks at the intersection of Huntley Street and Pleasant Street That was not repainted following a recent repairing or location We'll replace as soon as possible in the interest of safety for students crossing to attend Midland Street School, Councilor Rivera.

I would like to say as it reads, but I just wanted to make sure that it's important that we know any of these issues that we have in the school, whether it's sidewalks or stuff like that. I'm hoping that we can take care of it right away and yeah.

Okay, the manager holds in favor of postal audit. Mr. Chairman?

Excuse me, go ahead. Councilor Bilotta? I just had a question. 13A did we already... We already did A, B and C. Yep, we did. Is there any way to revisit A or no? No, we didn't. I don't think so.

No, it went from Z to 13D.

Okay thank you.

So we need 13A, 13B and 13C.

Oh can we do B and C? Thank you. Okay we'll go back to the minute but we're on Council Rivera's.

13D, we did. We just finished it.

13D is the one you just had. We're gonna send that to the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, correct? Correct. All those in favor, opposed, so ordered 13A. I thought we did it but I guess I missed it. Requests Chief Development Officer convene a meeting with the appropriate stakeholders to discuss and create a plan related to the appropriate amount of land being added to conservation land in light of the current housing crisis. Councilor Economou?

Thank you Mr. Chairman, I'm just bringing this forward just excuse me it's great that we're putting all this land into conservation and making connections around the city with all these land masses. I was just looking for an idea if economic development has ever worked on it. Just a report to see how that's balancing out with our need for housing, all types of housing. That's really what I'm looking for Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. I'm going to send that out to the manager. Councilor Bilotta?

Yeah, I appreciate Councilor Economou's like in time with us but concerned about it only because I feel like it kind of pits one need against another I think we're fortunate to have a lot of green space in the city and whether it's Lake Park or Hadwin Park or the Cascades. I think there's worry about kind of pitting two things against each other when, I think we can better resolve the housing crisis not by chipping away at our green space but by you know doing more zoning density in filling down time like we talked about the uh and other initiatives so um i'll be voting in the negative on this but just just it's a concern that I have

Okay, so send that to the manager. All those in favor or opposed so record? We did B, we did C. We did D, Councilor King has held 13 E. and 13F, so we're on 13G. Request Manager, request City Solicitor to provide City Council with a legal opinion relative whether the developers of Fort Blaine Lane will be prohibited from traversing and using Heavy Equipment on Pine Hill Road due to the road's private status. Further request of the legal opinion also in confirmation concerning whether the city can require developers to repave disrupted portions of the private road at the completion of the project, Councilor Fusolo.

Through you, Mr. Chairman and my colleagues I want to know that this development here at 4 Brandt Lane is one that if completed would create hundreds of apartments. And in doing so, if it happens heavy equipment and Usage of a private road that abuts the property, Pine Hill Road would happen and has started to happen. And Pine Hill road is a private road, but it's a private that I would think is unlike many private roads in the city of Worcester whereas

There's only one way in and one way out, and it leads you to four or five other private roads off of Pine Hill. and again, the only way you get into those four or five streets are through Pine Hill Road. So especially I'd like to alert my colleagues that are at large councils, the six at-large councilors that your constituents on these private roads and back are adversely affected if something ever was to happen to Pine Hill Road with this heavy equipment that might You know, use that road if this project ever takes place. Now what has happened is the trees on the lot where the apartments would be developed, has started.

And I'm told there's a respite now there because due to Conservation Commission concerns. So that project is stopped right now, but I wrote this order in... in attempts to help the people that pay a lot of money each and every year, to try to keep Pine Hill Road you know the ability to drive over it with using collecting funds to fill the potholes and do the things that every private street You know, people that live on private streets. Not every but many here in the city do so That's why I have asked the city solicitor to look into

the ability to keep that heavy equipment off their road. And one other factor I'd like to bring to my colleagues' attention, especially these six at-large counselors that represent those people on those streets is that if this project is completed, a good portion of Pine Hill Road is This project would be abutting Pine Hill Road. So if Pine Hill road was ever to be reconstructed or turned into a public road They would have a good portion of Pine Hill Road to have to pay in that instance. That's been the problem for years that

The abutters and the people that live on Pine Hill Road cannot agree all to you know, put out a petition to make it public and pay that expense. So we're having a developer that has been in front of Planning and Zoning Board. And a couple hundred, maybe as much as 400 apartments could be there. Humble opinion, I think we should ask as part of their ability to put those apartments up develop that land that they pay for the the resurfacing of Pine Hill Road as part of that development.

I don't know if we can do it, that's why I'm asking the city solicitor to get involved and give me an opinion, give this council an opinion but Why I again filed the order after being called by many, a dozen residents that live off those side streets and those private roads and back. Again, if anything was to happen to that road whether it be a tree come down and you couldn't get over it or anything to do, the heavy equipment. There's a Brook that runs under there. O'Hara Brook runs under Pine Hill Road. If the weight of the equipment was... I'm just saying and so forth. It's hypothetical, but if the weight of the equipment had ever done any harm to that road and people couldn't pass out it'd be a huge public safety issue where all those streets in

come in and leave by one road, Pine Hill Road. So Mr. Chairman I'll end there but if the City Manager and the City Solicitor could get back to us on this. Sure. I'd appreciate it, thank you.

Thank you. Councilor Bergman, what reason do you rise?

I just want to if I may a friendly amendment on this, I've seen this SITUATION PLAY OUT BEFORE AND THE SITUATION WAS VERY SIMILAR YEARS LATER WHEN THE DEVELOPER HAD LONG LEFT. THERE WERE DEFICIENCIES FOUND ON THE WORK THAT WAS DONE AND IT WAS TOO to go back after the developer, and the residents of Private Street to this day. come before us from time to time wanting the street to be fixed and we no longer have, we never had the authority to fix it. So my friendly amendment if it's accepted by my colleague Councilor Fresolo and I hope it would be, in addition to asking the Law Department's opinion also ask for information from Planning Board on what if any that's acceptable. That's why I rise.

Okay, so we'll send that to the manager as amended. Thank you. All those in favor of a partial audit?

Mr. Chairman, on that particular item is 13G. Yes. Yeah, I wanna abstain from that vote please.

Okay, roll call.

Councilor Bergman? Yes. Councilor Bilotta, Councilor Economou? Yes Councilor Rossello? Yes Councillor King? Abstain Yes. Councilor Mitra? Yes. Councillor Ojeda? Yes, Councillor Rivera? Yes Councillor Rosen? Yes Councilor Toomey? Yes.

And 13H, of course the manager of the Superdome Public Schools is working with Fan Jam to help youth apply to independent contractor work permits that will provide an opportunity for them to participate and Busking in vending that the jam spots created in the city. Councilor King?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Basically as it reads, just a question I have is there a way to get this also to the Education Committee? So can the item go to the committee while we're waiting for the manager to potentially work with these folks?

Is that possible? How about we just send it to your committee and have them come in. Okay, cool. Thank you. Okay. All those in favor, opposed, so ordered. Okay, 14A held by Councilor King. 14B, transferring information and communication to the various options available to make changes in city charter. That will go to MO. All those in favor of postal audit, 14C. Transmitting information and communication relevant to the advertisement for standing committee on municipal legislative operations meeting on Monday August 17th, 2026 related to discussion of the city charter It's just an advertising meeting. Okay. All those in favor, post so ordered. 14D, Transmitting Information Quarterly Report outlining the various City Council Orders and Chairman's Orders adopted over the previous three months for the period of April 1st, 2026 to June 3rd, 2036.

Okay, Senate M.O., all those in favor of postal audit? Communication referred to Economic Development Committee and the Research Bureau report. All those in favorite, postal audit.

What number was that?

That was the... Okay, thank you.

15A.

So on 16B and 16A, Councilor Fezzola?

Mr. Chairman, through you to the manager, Mr. Manager I know no one's here from economic development but do you have any knowledge on this? Do you know what... The zoning change would do. I was told maybe the developer would like to put apartments in there? Are you aware of that? Well, that's what I've heard and I just wanted to clarify that. So, I don't know why we're making the zoning change but... Is this going to go to ED for a hearing? It's going to the committee, I know that.

We'll get you a detailed report on it? You'd like to see a detailed reports, Councilor?

Yeah, I just wanted to see if the manager or someone here could alert me to what it might be. But that's fine now we'll just let it go to committee and get a report. Okay perfect. Thank you.

Okay, 16A and 16B refer to the Economic Development Committee. All those in favor of Postal Audit 17A to 17E is motioned to accept.

Mr. Chairman if we could take out 17C and D separately please?

17C?

And D, separately. Yep. You could take them concurrently if you choose the C and D, if you want.

Okay, so we have 17A to 17... 17a to 17e minus 17c and 17d motions accept all those in favor of postal audit 17c Councilor? No, just opposed. What's that?

Just I wanna be opposed on C&D and I have nothing to say. Are you gonna take a vote? Yeah. Yes, I just want to be marked as opposed. Okay. Not speaking on them at this time. Okay, roll call.

Councilor Bergman?

Yeah?

Councilor Bilotta? Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey and Mayor Petty. De Rocco Brueggemann, Councilor Bilotta. Bilotta, Clerk, Economou, Fresolo, King. 17D opposed. Councilor Mitra? Yes. Councilor Ojeda? Yes, Councilor Rivera? Yes! Councilor Rosen? Yes Councilor Toomey?

Yes Mayor Petty? Yes 18-8, 18-C motions to accept Mr Chairman

I just had a question here, clarification. Just trying to get an understanding through the chair. As to food permits and the like, how that's not a public health issue for the chair because under Public Safety- Which one was that?

It's right in fine.

18A. it's good and fine, I just wanted an explanation as to why that's not a public health matter. I know inspectional services under public health, public safety maybe that's the reason. I'm just trying to understand you know these are public health issues and I'm wondering how it's falling under

That was sent to Public Safety, and I'm pleased to see that Manager Schultz has made any information communication about the transition to risk-based.

I withdraw the question Mr. Chairman, I'm good.

18A to 18C, motion to accept. All those in favor, post so ordered. 19A to 19M, motions to accept, all those in favorite and opposed, so ordered 19N to 19V. Mr. Chairman? Oh, it was you, Councilor. That was Councilor Rivera, okay.

No, if we can omit 19N for now and come back to it. Say that again?

19-0 to 19-V, motions to accept. All those in favor of a postal audit? 19 and Councilor Economou.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This came out of committee with the recommendation to file but since our committee meeting the petitioner brought forward plenty of evidence to support the need for a guardrail. Video evidence, photo evidence, accident reports of cars coming into his property So in speaking with the clerk, we have the ability of this committee, of this council right now to approve this. uh... this item instead of sending it back to committee to go through the process of looking at all the video, looking at pictures, police reports of all the accidents.

So I would make a motion that we move forward on this and accept the guardrail.

Just to accept. All those in favor? Opposed, so ordered. Seconded by Mr. Clerk. Okay, we are on W for the traffic and parking 19W. All those in favor oppose so ordered. 28 to 20M advertise proposed ordinances from traffic and

Bergman, yes. Councilor Bilotta? Yes. Council Economou? Yes Councilor Fezzolo? Yes Councilor Mitra? Yes. Councilor Ojeda? Yes! Councilor Rivera? Yes, Councilor Rosen? Yes Councilor Toomey? Yes and Mayor Petty?

Yes 20N to 20Y most is accepting to adopt all those in favor of the motion recorded 20Z, motions to accept. All those in favor, opposed so ordered. Trafficking and Parking 28-21Z, motion's to accept, all those in favour? Opposed so ordered Okay, report the traffic and parking. We got 22A to H, motions to accept. All those in favor? Opposed? So ordered. Let's see, loan order. Motion is adopted on the roll call. Roll call.

Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King.

Mr. Chairman I just got a clarification here if I may on this item. It indicates that it eliminates the need for the council to vote moving funds from one account to another, is that right? Is that your understanding Mr. Chairman of what I'm holding on?

It's the same one we bought I think every year, is that right Mr. Manager? We're talking about the long order on 23A.

To move funds from one county to another for administrative purposes, it's eliminating the requirement for amendment approval from the council. I just want to make sure that my understanding before I vote on it is accurate. So this vote yes would take away the ability for the council or the necessity of the council to approve an amendment for moving a fund. Mr. Chairman, my vote is no.

Okay. Roll call.

Councillor Bergman? Yes. Councillor Bilotta? Economou, Fresolo, King, Manager, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Yes. Councilor Rosen? Yes. Councillor Toomey? Yes And Mayor Petty?

Yes 24 A to 24 Z, motion is a day on the roll call, roll call

Yes, and Mayor Petty

Yes. 25A to 25C, motion was made on the roll call.

and Mayor Petty.

26A, order of Councilor Jose Rivera request to the auditor provide counsel with a report detailing full financial audit and accounting of both the completed and currently underway work being done at Beaverbrook Dog Park. Rivera.

Yeah, I'm actually going to file this because we're already moving forward with the work on there.

Okay, so motion's adopted.

Motion to file.

Motion to File. I was in favor, opposed so ordered

Mr. Chairman, 26B and C I'm waiting some additional information just like to hold those.

So we need a vote to hold us on the privilege? We need four votes. Roll call.

Councillor Bergman? Yes. Councillor Bilotta? Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, and Mayor Petty.

That was B and C, isn't it? This is the Decommunication of City Correctional Information Communication with Guidance, City Council's Office Task Implementation of a New Employee Mileage Tracking Process after Conducting Official City Business. We've referred that to MO. All set? All those in favor, I'll post an audit. That brings us to the end of the business. Excuse me, what's that? Underprivileged. You want to suspend the rules?

Yeah, I have a question about next meeting that I didn't reasonably answer today.

So suspend the rules, roll call.

Councilor Bergman? Yes. Councilors Bilotta? Yes Councilor Economou?

Yes.

Councilor Visolo? Yes. Councillor King? Yes Councillor Mitra? yes Councillor Ojeda? yes. Councillor Rivera? yes, Councillor Rosen? Yes, Councillor Toomey? Yes and Mayor Petty? Yes

Chairman, I just have a question on the procedure for the next meeting regarding the item that was held today involving the Civilian Review Board. I don't know how many of my colleagues interpreted what occurred tonight as I did. Rule 29, I'm not sure if rule 29 allowed the item to even be held. It was held and that ship has sailed but About an hour into the public testimony, and I think this is important for my colleagues to try to recall. But it seemed like about an hour in two hours of public testimony there was a comment from one of the speakers next time in August I'll bring twice as many people which is fine, it's democracy. But it implied to me that there was a quarter day effort to hold the item are already in place an hour before the item was actually held. And I don't know about my other colleagues, but I think all of us while we appreciate public discourse, we don't wanna hear it twice if it's avoidable, and now we're gonna hear it twice.

So Mr. Chairman I'm just going to suggest you that the next meeting since in my opinion this was a matter that was already held before the public participation event concluded that if you intend to go above the hour, I will likely oppose it because that would be the third hour of hearing the same testimony. So again, I'm going to repeat. An hour or so into the public testimony there was a comment made when I come back in August that be twice as many people perfectly fine comment and don't disrespect the comment. I'd like to see the chambers overflowing, that's democracy in action. What I take issue with is if there was... The only way that person could have made that comment is it had have been accorded an effort with one of the councilors to already have determined the item was gonna be held, then why do we go into an extra hour of discussion just to have that hour repeated in August? I just find that to be pushing the rule to a point of abuse. That's just my opinion, I respect the rules. I'm not saying anything was done wrong.

I am just saying if people want additional time next meeting I'm going to have an issue with it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Councilor Toomey?

Are we still under suspension?

Yes

I don't know if Lieutenant LaRange is here, but I just wanted to state that tonight is the last city council meeting for him. He has spent 40 years and four months as a Worcester police officer. and I would hope that this body could say thank you for his years of service. Is he still here? Yeah.

Officer LaRange, are you out there? He's just retiring after 40. He's retiring after over 41 years of service that's all. He's gone, okay. Good point there, Councilor, so I think he's gone.

Oh, he's going home? Well whatever. So congratulations and yeah. It's on public record now that we're thanking you for your 40 years and four months of service, and hope you have a great retirement.

Thank you. So motion is to adjourn. All those in favor? Opposed? So ordered.