Worcester City Council 10/13/2026

Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Worcester City Council meeting. If you can stand please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and Establishment

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Oh, 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 of the brave and the home of the brave.

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

Here so first I'm a business I'd like to recognize the Worcester Public Library's talking book library during today's council meeting. The work of these five people often go unnoticed, but they are vital to Worcester Public Library and the rest of the city winning a record number of awards over the years. Recently they won the Sub-Regional Library of the Year, and last year they won The Sub-regional Library Of The State. The five members of the team are Lee Ann Hooley, who's the Talking Book Library Head. Provides outstanding leadership as the head of the talking book services guiding the program to statewide excellence and national recognition Cheryl Kahn delivers personalized compassionate advisory service to patrons, ensuring every reader feels supported and understood. Bianca Rulo enhances the reader experience through thoughtful recommendations, attention to individual needs and a strong commitment to accessibility.

Joe Kiesling, Outreach and Programming Librarian. Expands awareness of talking book resources through innovative outreach in programming that strengthens community connections and Karen Wall, Outreach and Programming Liberian. Building impactful partnerships outreach initiatives that broaden access to talking book services across central Massachusetts I'd just like to congratulate you all, and we have certificates that say in recognition of each person for the Talking Book Library's Award of Sub-Regional Library of the Year. Congratulations. You wanna come on down?

Yeah.

Why?

Thank you very much.

All right, everybody over here?

One, two, three. We're all going to take a bunch of them.

Thank you.

First item of business is approval of the minutes of September 29th, 2026 roll call.

Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Mayor Petty.

Yes, public participation. The person may speak for no more than two minutes and I am appearing on the agenda. Mr. Clerk?

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

what's your name, see her residence and item number? Abby Mornolaro. See her, Worcester residence starting with 11B. Moving the meeting starting time to 530 While it works for me, it might not work for other people. I just want to make sure that everyone gets a chance to speak. And I think it is really important that everyone get's a chance Okay. Moving on, 13A and B both are about public bathrooms because we need them and you know Honestly, just we need places to pee and poo. They need to be all over the city, you know? They need it be open 24-7

Also, I want to make sure that trans individuals are allowed to use the bathrooms according Which has been good, you know. I've used the ladies bathroom and haven't had any problems so... That's good. But have more public bathrooms available, not just in Union Station but everywhere. Also the library has them. But yeah, you know like we need public bathrooms everywhere. Like in all the public parks. You know? Yeah, we need something in the common. What's common? Definitely a public bathroom. And just you know... Make sure we have these public bathrooms to be a happy place to pee and poo, you know?

I think that's important. And get done. Just get it done. All right, that's all I have to say. Thank you.

What's your name, city residents? Item number?

Fred Nathan Worcester. There are important reports that are produced by the City Manager and his council We're going to start with 9-7a, the report about the winter. I mean, winter is coming people and it's not that far off. So at some point we need to know if we're ready because we can't get caught short like we have the last couple of winters. At some point in time, the people are going to revolt if the roads are not accountable I know you have no control over the weather, but can't have the kind of fiascos that have occurred. You've got a report on miles of bicycle accommodations

It would be nice when these reports are generated. I know I'm probably boring to you, Mr. Mayor but and Mayor. When the Councilor and the Mayor and the City Manager just sits back and just looks, okay yeah all right whatever Fred I'm not the only one here. also have a report concerning Belmont Street and Lake Ave. At some point in time, people get hurt, people got killed I don't know what you can do, except maybe synchronize the lights at every light in the city is green at the same time or every light the city's red at the thing time. Who knows? You guys are gonna do... and now as far as the other thing about changing the rules, hey maybe that's what it needs is a counselor should have more input

on what the city manager, instead of just voting the whole thing up and down they should have their right to say okay well I don't like this.

Thank you, appreciate it. Do you name, see your residence item numbers?

Gary Hunter. I live in Worcester. First I'd like to start out with 13 A and B. picture this Worcester 2020 we need bathrooms in the city Picture this, 1995. We need bathrooms in the city. Now we'll picture this 2026 and we're still talking about it. They need bathrooms when you have an event behind City Hall, what do you do? You bring party parties in temporarily. If they're doing instructions on houses, what did they do? They bring party of parties in temporarily. I think we need to get off, care about the people that are walking around in this city and get those bathrooms made now. There should not be any distractions except to make sure your people that live in the city are taken care of. It could be a mother, it could be your brother, or it could your daughter that needs them

we need it done now and there shouldn't be much of a delay. And if you can't, put the port apologies up and have some kind of relief Now picture 11B, picture this and city council actually listens to the people that come in here and talk rather than trying to cut off peoples' discussions. this agenda item is trying to cut people off and make them because, and make it convenient. And make it earlier and make harder for people to talk. I'm totally against this. I think we should have more discussions This agenda by Mr. Rivera and followed up by Mr Bergman is just wrong. Mr.Rivera said we needed to get so we can get to the people's business That's a great idea. Get to the people's business.

Look at this agenda, what is on this agenda that's gonna get to the peoples' business? Nothing. Get something on the agenda and vote on it please.

Did you name the city residents?

Idella Hansen, City of Worcester. First I would like to call attention to while the prior speakers were speaking People were busy waiting and not paying attention to the speakers. Yourself and on this side, I've noticed on this site they were paying full attention Also, I'm glad to see that we have at least three Democrats on this city council. with the city being supposedly a democratic city.

Can you open your item numbers please?

Okay, yes.

Let's see who you're here to speak on.

I don't think the City Council should start at 530. People like to have dinner around five o'clock and of course we need bathrooms downtown. That is a body function, what goes in must come out, thank you.

Okay, we'll go on to the agenda. Yep. What's that virtual? Oh, we have someone virtual?

Thank you Mr. Mayor. So we have our first calling user is David Webb. Do you want to meet the resident now?

Can't believe you guys almost forgot about online callers. David Webb, unfortunately Mr. 9.39A was receiving a 3 out of 5 star rating, something the manager seems to be very proud of. It's like a skit from All Sunny in Philadelphia. I've seen the administration being proud of getting three stars, although I guess at least it's out of five. Not 10. Would you take your family to a three-star hotel? Worcester is very much a three star city, which considering its manager has paid more than the governor of New York City and the Governor of Massachusetts You can just as easily move our seats at even a four-star hotel. So why are we proud of getting three stars for our city? Manager Holds are elected officials and employees they hire to a higher standard. With any standard at all, it would be nice to start. It kinda seems like they can do just whatever they want and we keep giving them puzzles.

Are we going to be able to answer those questions? Necessary if the clerk did his job in interest of efficient meetings. These meetings are deliberately drawn out and boring so we all can bury evil self-interest and develop a worshipping within conversations of speed bumps and traffic lights.

You can't hear now. Are you still on?

Yes, I am. Are we allowed to hear me?

Billy, something's not coming in good.

Yeah but I couldn't understand it.

Was any number you want? No? I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, this should have been clear. My bad. necessary if the clerk did her job in all interests of efficient meetings. These things are deliberately drawn out and boring, so we all can bury evil self-interest and developer worshipping within conversations of speed bumps and traffic lights by using buzz phrases about business interests. Y'all have items 12A, B, C, D, E and of course F tabled. Don't waste our time depending on starting his meetings earlier with anything any better. We've just come through with another hour of unnecessary back and forth, poorly moderated by someone at the end of his career. Do better!

Okay. Next speaker?

Mr. Mayor, the last speaker is Natalie Gibson. Join with the resident now.

Good evening, Natalie Gibson Worcester Mass. I am calling about 9.14 See that you guys have things that you can receive for the Worcester Alerts. However, I keep... Telling, at least my Councilor Rivera and Councilor Mitra when he has come to our meetings that they should have road closures, all the road closers coming through the alert system. I am versed on how to use it, how to do my settings and I will tell you wherever I am that I have it set for, I am not getting road closures or construction notices. So I think that someone really needs to look into why some of those alerts are not coming through. Don't just look through, say like the city manager's alerts or one of the councilor's alerts

Look at the alerts that the residents are getting because I can assure you, I am not the only person who is not getting construction updates coming through. and we all know that there's construction going on all over this city. Thank you.

We're going to hearings and orders, the motion is to open a hearing, roll call.

Bergeman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey

Yes. Okay, we have a condo location at Chadwick Street. We have a kind of location on Franklin and Arctic street We have a condo location on Grafton Street and we have a kind of kind of location on Pleasant Street. Also anybody oppose any of these items? Seeing nobody opposed motion is to close the hearing and to adopt roll call.

Yes, Councilor Bergman? Yes. Councilor Bilotta? Yes, yes. Council Economou? Yes Fresolo? Yes Councilor King? Yes That's a Mitra. Yes, that's Ojeda. Yes. That's Rivera. Yes that's Rosen. Yes to me. Yes

Yes, we have petitions. Anybody here for a petition? We have 8A refer to Public Works, 8B and 8E refer the Traffic and Parking Bergman, Yes.

Councilor Bilotta? Yes. Councillor Economou? Yes Councillor Zolo? Yes Yes. Councilor Mitra? Yes. Consul Ojeda? Yes! Consul Rivera? Yes, Consul Rosen? Yes Consul Toomey? Yes Mayor Petty

Yes. 9-1A and B, Transmitting Information and Communication relevant to the appointment of Nayari Veras and Chris Michelotti to the Worcester Arts Council in Transmitting Information and Communications Ashish Dungana to the Conservation Commission. Motion is placed on file, both items roll call.

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

Yes. 9.3 A, recommend adoption of salary ordinance and also recommended adoptions on B is recommended adoption amendment to the Salary Ordinance Rollout to the Public Health Nursing Any questions on those? Seeing none, we'll take those collectively. Roll call.

Councilor Bergman? Yes. Council Bilotta? Yes Council Economou? Yes Councillor Zolo? Yes and Mayor Petty. Yes, we have 9.78. Transmitting information to the winter readiness for the coming 26-27 winter season.

Cuomo, did you want anything?

Thank you Mr. Chairman. about a week or so, week and a half ago where I sat down with Commissioner Wesseling. We went over a lot of things pertaining to our upcoming winter and our readiness for that for that winter to take place. And I gotta say, I'm happy to hear that a lot of things that were talked about on this council floor last winter, last spring maybe even the summer are coming to fruition in this upcoming season. whether it's plows with wingplows on them, whether its added brining equipment mechanics just to make sure our equipment is in place and ready to go. I look forward actually to the I forgot what it was called, but to keep people accountable as to what's been done and what hasn't been done.

I know the procurement process was in place for that. I think these are all positives. I think, these are things that will give our DPW and our residents in our community hopefully the security that they know that our streets will be done all in a quick and proficient manner this upcoming season. So I look forward to it. I don't have many questions. The commissioner outlined everything pretty clearly in his report. and I look forward to seeing the men and women of our city in action. The other thing too, I want to give kudos to as well which I think sometimes gets overlooked is our customer service reps, who probably deal with the bulk of the temperament of our people. So I give them a lot of credit too during these storms in our emergency communications department.

I will say this, I think it's important for people to get on the Alert Worcester program as I think that is a clear directive of how information will get out to the public during our major storms here in the city. So I appreciate the commissioner's report, the city manager's report bringing this forward and I look forward to a smooth winter season.

Thank you. I'll mark as a lot of rain, so it could be ice. Council Bilotta followed by Councilor Fresolo

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate this really thorough report and echo what Councilor Economou said it's great to see some of the additions of new equipment of additional training and staffing that is happening It was great to hear about the additional training that some of the folks went through as they traveled out of town. It says here, two team members attended the American Public Works Association North American Snow Conference in Cleveland Two employees traveled to Colorado and participate in the APWA's National Snow Rodeo. So it's really great to see this happening. And again, a lot of the concerns that the council echoed last season I think are being addressed. I do have a few questions and I'll just go through each one of them, through the chat to the commissioner. But again it's great to see new equipment coming online and new staff for sure because I think it will absolutely be helpful Through the chair of the commission, just had a question. You know we're getting seven new six wheel dump trucks with wing plows.

It also says that we are getting a front end loader mounted snow blower and four and so forth. We also have a couple of items that are scheduled to be delivered through November to February. Is there any So just curious, what might we be getting before like the first of the year?

Through the Chair. The report outlines the anticipated delivery of those items I think that The one that's gonna be the soonest delivery is going to be the new loader. That's expected the week of Thanksgiving, We are still subject to delays in delivery of equipment, but the loader is the most recent. The one that's coming the soonest The four new sidewalk machines, two of them are coming from Canada so unfortunately we're dealing with Tarriff issues there. And the seven new six-wheel dump trucks with the wing plows, those are expected two in November, two in December, two when January and one in February.

Those are all subject to change, but we're looking forward to all these things coming in either before the snow falls or in the early parts of winter.

that's great to hear and again it was exciting to see that there's going to be what minimum of nine pieces of trucks with equipped with the brine, the brining equipment

that's correct through the chair um the brine system was only fully functional as of February of last year so we only had three trucks that we could put out there but we worked all season all summer and to make sure that we're gonna have nine, possibly 10 pieces of equipment to be able to spread the brine.

That's great. Are those on like six wheel dump trucks or are those lighter vehicles?

It's a combination of six-wheel dump trucks, saddle tanks on bigger trucks. But we'll be able to get out and get those roads pretreated with the brine.

Again, this is great. The other last question I had was regarding the the pavement repair equipment. It said that GPW is working on establishing a dedicated materials processing area, how's that coming along or will that be? I'm sure it will be ready to go by pothole season.

Commissioner? Through the Chair, we anticipate according to our supplier that that'll be delivered in January so we're preparing the site now so it'll be ready when that is delivered

that's great i really appreciate uh you know your work in the city manager's work on this and the whole of city administration because we had some challenges last year and I think this new equipment and new strategies and training it will really help um and again Economou said getting on the alert 311 Worcester. I do just want to continue to beat the drum for Indian Lake Neighborhood, Scrimgeour and Merrill and Proctor Proctor Street. We had some real challenges up there, I know it's a challenging terrain but just want to continue to beat the drum for that neighborhood. But really appreciate this report and I think we're going to be in much better shape this coming winter. Thank you.

Thank You Councilor Fezzola

Thank you Mr. Chairman, through you to the Commissioner thank you for the report Mr. Commissioner and the one question I have is on the pavement Recycler. I've been told that it is a game changer and I know last year we were going to East Boston during the winter and trying to pick up asphalt, and by the time I got here Unfortunately, it wasn't as hot as it could have been and issues with that. But if you can just touch upon this so the general public knows will this allow us when a pothole comes up and as reported, we can go and address it right away with this program that you're putting in place. I'm hoping that's the case in the winter months and if you could elaborate, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

Through the chair, we do anticipate that this will be a game changer for the DPW and for the city and provide for better quality of roads through the winter. The city of Newton has such a machine. We went out and we spoke to the folks there, and we asked them how they would evaluate it, and they said for them it is in fact a game changer. As you stated, what we were doing last year was sending trucks to East Boston. By the time they get to Boston and they get back, the material is not as hot as it used could be or should be. We've wasted over two hours of personnel and travel time, so what we're gonna be able to do is on a frequent basis is to take existing stockpile that we already have of recycled milled pavement. We're going to take that, and put it into this batch plant.

Add additives to it, heat it up and then what we're going to receive is something as though we went directly to the asphalt plant. It's gonna be hot, it's going to be the temperature that we need So it's going to allow us to put hot mix into those potholes as opposed to cold patch, which It doesn't do the best job, so we're gonna have hot mix. We're going to save time on the travel to and from Boston, and we're going be able to recycle materials that we've got sitting around.

Thank you Mr. Chairman The next speaker is Councilor Bergman

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm going to try to focus on two very specific parts of the report. One that I'm reading and one that I didn't see through the chair to the commissioner. and I think that's a good thing. I'm assuming you haven't come up with what those and so forth. Do you know what those adjustments are going to be? Or have you come up with them, they just for whatever reason preferably were not put on the

Through the Chair, we have come up with our recommendation. We are positioning ourselves to be competitive with surrounding communities and MassDOT. Those recommendations are currently being reviewed by the Budget Office.

So through the chair, what season or time frame do notices usually go out to the contractors? asking them if they want to sign up to remove snow or use their snow plows for Worcester. Is it this time of year? Is it later in the season through the chair?

Through the Chair, it's a combination of conversations that we've been having with some of our larger contractors through the summer. and we are gearing up to have our radio ad put on the radio. We do have our website ready for those contractors who want to sign up now the challenge that we have is that because insurance rates are so expensive, the contractors typically don't sign up until December 1st. They typically get their insurance for December 1 through April 1 or April 30, so we're not going to see a lot of signups until the first week in December.

and City Council. Mayor Weill? Through the chair, just a comment on another few questions. I've heard from a couple contractors who often plow for and Pay. And I asked them why they need to know now, and that suggested to me they're in the process of making up their mind on whether or not are going to be applying for Worcester or not. So if the timing is until December 1st, then I guess I'm hearing information that maybe it's selective and it's not at the general consensus. So I don't know if you'd have any comments on that through the chair of the commission?

Through the Chair, we anticipate to be back before the City Council with our recommended rates at your next November meeting where it's a combination agenda.

And just a last series of questions on a category that probably is going to come as no surprise, one that has Flustered me, if I can use that word, since I've been a city councilor. And that's the dynamic of the inspectors versus the supervisors and don't see any change in the report. And I'm assuming that's going to be the same system. So my question is, I'm not fighting this system. I've lost that battle and I get that. But my question, and I asked this last year too, is there going to in the process so that there'll be a record keeping some objective way of determining which streets, roads Avenues, however you want to describe the road. It has to be done again because a subcontractor didn't do a good job and the inspector and or supervisor had it come out.

Because it seems to me, I've said this before, that happens because we had a whole list last year and I know through the chairs to the commissioner there are various explanations However, I am sure all those explanations don't account for every excuse possible. I'm sure there are some subcontractors who just don't do a good job. Gratefully or grateful as the city thankfully should say vast majority do a great job But I want to know which ones aren't doing a good job, because I can't believe only in government this could happen that they're going to get paid again to go back to fix the job they did poorly the first time. So I'm just trying to find out what objective measure through the chair, to the commissioner are we going to have if any that's going to let us determine which streets have to be redone again by a subcontractor who didn't do the job properly the first time and if there is going to be an objective measure, what consequences will there be? So I can repeat that. I know it's lengthy but I think you've heard me say it before.

Commissioner. Through the chair, you'll notice that in the report we're talking about a routing software integration essentially a GPS system which will be implemented for all of the city vehicles. And when we bring forward our recommendation for the rates for next season, you'll see two rates for privates One rate is without GPS and the other rate, which is more favorable, is for those contractors that will be implementing GPS in their in their vehicles. So that's going to allow for two things. One, it's gonna give the drivers turn by turn routes and a map that shows the routes and the roads that they're expected to cover. And those roads will be one color at the start of the shift, and there'll be a second color as the roads are completed. So that's the first thing.

The second thing, so the first is that the drivers will know exactly what's expected of them and where they need to go. The second thing is that it's going to give us visibility into the routes so we can either alert the drivers or inspectors which roads were missed It's also going to give us a third benefit of when people call to ask when their road will be plowed or it wasn't plowed, we'll be able to look at the system to determine when it was plowed and when possibly it needs to be plowed again.

So I appreciate the answer, but I go back to my two questions. If you're going to alert the drivers for this new software as to what roads are missed What documentation is it going to be so that those of us that are concerned about constituents calling about the same street storm after storm, are going to know that's the same driver that's not doing their job? How are we gonna know that? Which means how are you gonna know

through the chair. The system will be broken out for all of the different drivers, all the different routes So driver X, we're going to know if they missed a road number one based on the system and number two if a phone call comes in suggesting that it was missed. We're gonna be able to confirm whether it was or not and have a discussion with those contractors

Is that going to be documented through the chair so long? That's my question.

Through the Chair, I'm not sure if the system keeps a record like that but if not It's something that we're going to be able to know based on 311 calls, based on our own inspection of the system and having that conversation.

So lastly, if the system doesn't keep a record of that but you know through the sources just mentioned what are the consequences going to be for repetitive Missed streets where the city has to pay twice, maybe three times for the same contractor to do this job right. The first should have been done right the first time. What's the consequences?

through the chair. The first time it'll be a conversation with the contractor to let them know that that's part of their route and they'll be sent back to cover that route if it's a continued if it's a continued problem with their performance, then the contractor probably won't be working with us for very long.

All right thank you Mr. Chairman and thank you Mister Commissioner.

Thank you Councilor Toomey.

Thank you Mr. Chair, Commissioner thank you kind of going over the Contractor Rates. It's my understanding that, I believe it's DOT already has theirs displayed today. I saw it in .

Through the Chair, that is correct.

So are we going to be competitive with that?

Through the Chair, yes we are.

That was a pretty aggressive amount so...

Through the chair we have taken into consideration the fact that MassDOT has deeper pockets than does the city but also the fact that we need to be competitive and keep the contractors that we have who know the city and enjoy working for the city.

Thank you, let's hope that works. And then regarding the rooting software integration I concur with my colleague that it would be really good to be able to get reports after each storm so if that could be done especially the more difficult storms, that would be helpful. As in that, good job. Thank you.

Thank You. Councilor Mitra?

Thank you Mr. Chair, through you to the Commissioner. Commissioner thank you very much for this detailed report that you have given to us it seems like that based on what winter we had faced last year you have really worked and done a good and so on. We are doing background work and getting ready for probably if we have another wasp winter, we're ready to go A couple of questions that I have. You had mentioned last time that we'd like to have probably more storage for the salts than what we had last year. Is that being thought of?

Through the Chair, thanks to the appropriations that were made in the FY26 budget. The DPW received $3 million. And with that, we are working... We're not gonna have the new salt sheds built before this winter but we're gonna be positioned so that when this winter's over in the springtime, we're going to be able to raise the three salt sheds that we have. The two on Albany Street and one on Clark Street. Be able to race those and replace those with They're actually called stretched fabric tents. We're going to be able to replace those before next winter

To the Chair, to the Commissioner. You mentioned that this winter we will have a minimum of nine trucks available for both pretreatment and de-icing. We had three last year, so we're buying six new.

Scott. Through the Chair, we had the equipment that was delivered throughout last winter was being deployed on the vehicles it wasn't ready there was a lot of A lot of bugs to be worked out in the system, but we've spent all year preparing those trucks. So we're gonna have nine and potentially 10 trucks to spread the brine.

Thank you Mr. Commissioner, to the Chair a couple of other questions I have we said that since then the operation division has hired seven new CDL licensed operators Can you just give me, it's my ignorance probably. What is CDL license for the sake of our residents also to understand?

Through the chair, CDL stands for commercial driver's license and those are special licenses that you need to be able to drive trucks of a larger size, to put it in layman's terms. So we do have seven new licensed operators. And I just want to point something out, one of the greatest victories that we had through this season in working with the Human Resources Department This time last year, the DPW had 54 vacancies and 16 of those were in the Operations Division. As of today we only have 28 vacancies of which 8 of those are in the operations division So I just want to say thank you to the human resources and all the folks at the DPW that have worked very hard to fill those very important positions.

Thank you. So the chair, one more question I'm excited about the routing software integration but we are saying it's still in the procurement process and not quite sure that you'll have it before the winter begins or The software will be available. Everybody will be trained how to use it.

Through the chair, we expect to have that up and operational for the city vehicles at the beginning of the winter. So, the procurement process is gonna take a little more time but we've been working with the vendor. We're setting up they told us what they need for routing So we've been setting up those routes for our trucks so that we're well positioned, so that when the procurement process is complete, we'll be able to implement that right away.

Thank you Mr. Commissioner, through the chair my last question based on last year's winter if I remember many of our residents came and said that the snow was piled up at the corner of the intersection of streets and they were so high that we had difficulty seeing the left and right side about the traffic. I am always of the opinion that we should have a standardized process of how much the height of the snow should be How narrow the roads should be in the winter because some residents are complaining that our roads are so narrow. So I'd like to see do you have a standardized process set up Well, on the corner of the street we will only have two feet of snow gathered or three feet. Something that we can all work together with and not different at different spaces. So I'd like to see that you set up the standard, if we don't have it, I'm okay but I'd suggest that we do so So we know that we are following a particular policy that is required for any city, that we follow this policy.

That will be my suggestion through the Chair to you Commissioner. Thank you Mr. Chair

through the chair, a couple of things. One you'll see on our equipment that's coming we do have a second loader mounted snowblower which is going to be delivered That's going to assist with snow removal from roadways, edge of curb, intersections. That will help us more readily and easily remove the snow from those intersections that you spoke of We've also got the new loader that's coming, which of course on a loader mounted snow blower will have that additional loader. But one of the things that you touched upon was the fact that roadways were narrow last year, and we agree that is a concern. We've done two things. One, we met with the excuse me, the towing contractors early in the summer to lay out the challenges that we had with the program.

And they shared some things that we have implemented into our processes, so we believe that the towing program for those illegally parked cars will be much more efficient and effective this year so that we're able to get our plows and our bigger trucks down those side roads. and the city is going to be embarking on an education program in the next couple of weeks that will include videos that we've created with the DPW in the fire department to show the importance of keeping vehicles off the road during storms and obeying the parking bans. so that we can get emergency vehicles and plows down those roads. We're also gonna be issuing these, they're not tickets but they're informational

pieces that we're going to be putting on cars starting in the next couple of weeks so that folks that are either parked within 20 feet of an intersection or within 12 feet of the opposite side of the road or 10 feet closer to Hydrants. All this information and we're gonna start a public education program so that folks, when winter does come The information will be out there and the residents will be better informed as to what's expected during the winter, and why it's important to follow parking bans.

Okay thank you we have Councilor Rosen

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For those of us who have been around a long time this is probably the best report we've had dealing with winter operations. It's one of many over the years. and the proof will be in the pudding. We hope it works so often, I know you've only been around a couple of years here in Worcester but so often those of us who have been around longer feel like Charlie Brown that they say, here's the football. Now you can run and you can kick that football and it's gonna go a long way. And Charlie Brown believes them all the time and that's what's been happening in Worcester with the City Council over the years. We go for that football, we run up to it. This time it's gonna be different, we know it! It's gonna different because why? this report says it's gonna be different.

So we know what's going to be different and Charlie Brown believes that, even though he's been disappointed and hurt because when When Lucy, Lucy pulls away the football Charlie Brown lands on his behind, his back and he's hurt. and the same thing continues year after year. So I like the report, I like everything you've said in it and I can't wait for the discussion in March I guess when kind of the winter's over Okay, and I'll be the first one to say to you congratulations. This report is good. It did work. It's got a lot of great stuff in it. It' s the best I've seen, the best approach. Things have to be better, I know than last year but... We still have a ways to go in Worcester when it comes to our winter operations. This deals with so much of it. I've always had a question on the brine program,

you know, sometimes I'll look at all these hills and I figure oh the brine program we're gonna treat all of Worcester with seven hills and more. And I don't know if that's the case. And if it is the case, I don' t know which hills are treated and which aren't treated. And sometimes there are Maine drags them driving down Chandler Street looking for that little pattern you can see when you know they brand it and I say, oh, it's not here. Well, I'll look on Pleasant Street, I will look on Park Ave. So I just don't know how we in Worcester, how you folks dealing with the winter operations, you choose the streets to do the brining, and I guess now you'll be able to do more streets like I'm suggesting because you have more equipment. and so on, but how do we choose these streets? When I look at Rentham Road which is near Tatnick Square. It goes like this right? I wonder if that's, to me would be yeah we have to brine that. So how do you choose these through the chair to the commissioner?

And through the Chair. Thank you for your kind words. And with regard to the report, a lot of this comes from the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats assessment that we did with our folks last spring, the SWOT analysis That brought out a lot of the challenges that we had in the DPW with our winter program. So this is geared to addressing many of those issues that we and I want to thank the City Council, the city manager for hearing the needs and for supporting the DPW. With regard to the brine, yes we will have more equipment. We'll have better training. We're actually bringing in the folks from UMass once again this year to train our folks on that brine system and what we're doing now is we're laying out those routes where the brine will be deployed. And the benefit of brine, when you see those lines on the roadway

We can put those down several days in advance. So if we know a storm's coming and the weather conditions are appropriate, we can get out and we can pre-treat those roads well in advance so were not subject to what we were in the recent past where snow was falling, we need to get the salt out. We're able to do a much better job and in advance of those storms so we're putting those roots together now.

Chair, you think the brine does a good job once we do apply it. Weather conditions being favorable, it does a great job. It actually accomplishes I guess lowering the melting point of that snow and getting it to melt.

Through the chair, former chemistry teacher I can tell. When you put it down at that 23.3% salinity it does a fantastic job. It's been proven MassDOT uses it, larger communities use it, smaller communities use it's used as a very effective measure. It's also good for post-storm when we were in last February and March, when we first had this system, we went out to Mill Street which had a lot of pack on the roadway We were able to put that material down and within 15 minutes it turned from hard pack to a mealy substance that we could plow off the road readily. So, it does have its uses and so forth. It's very effective when you put it down under the right conditions.

And through the chair to the commissioner, you just mentioned Mill Street. Is that a difficult street to plow where we have some of those posts still sticking up? I don't want to get into a whole discussion on Provo Con on Mill Street and the traffic patterns there, but for plowing has that been a problem?

Commissioner. through the chair. The cars parked on the side of the road make it no more challenging than other roads in this city that have cars parked from the side. The issue that we had the greatest challenge with is those Vinyl or plastic pylons because those could not be removed. We didn't have much of an ability to remove the snow from around those, This year we will have, as I mentioned, new machines that will help us to be able to get out there but that will still be a challenge for us around those pylons.

Through the Chair, on Mill Street. So if most of those boxes are kind of in the middle of the road where cars park, if they're empty because maybe folks are at work do we plow the parking spots for them or do we just that one lane on each side? that traffic lane.

Commissioner? Through the Chair, if there's a stretch where there are no cars, the plow will go back and it will push the snow from that area but if it's just one gap between multiple cars, we're not likely to go back and be able to push that effectively.

And I threw the chair on Mill Street so am I right that if I was parked Couple of cars are parked in the middle there along Mill Street. The plow might really plow my car even more so than you might expect on other streets

Through the chair, I don't think that it's going to be any more. I didn't witness it last year anymore than any other street that has cars parked along the edge of the travel way The plows go through they can angle potentially to the left. So if cars are parked on the right, they can potentially angle to the Left if they are of a size that can be articulated But a lot of the larger trucks are fixed plows, so they can't articulate left or right. So there's no choice but to move that snow to the right.

I fully understand through the chair that to the commission of that might be kind of dangerous. I mean, I can shovel up my car in front of my house if I'm parked on the road. Parked on Mill Street in the middle and then shoveling out my car. It could be a little dangerous. There's not a lot of space between my parked car, the snow bank that's along there and the travel lane so it just could be dangerous to be shoveling your car. Say on June Street you're on the curb Little safer, that's all I'm saying. Okay this may not be a City of Worcester problem but it's a big problem for the residents in the city of Worsted and that is through the chair to the commissioner. That is the bus stops Now I guess most of the bus stops are under the auspices of the WRTA. but we know that so often since our people are doing the plowing, not the WRTA those bus stops can be really plowed in. They're not accessible So where do you go? I mean, the bus is gonna come.

I can't be a mile down the road at some place where there's no bus stop trying to wave down the bus. I cant make it over the banking Do we as a city, I'll ask the commissioner. I won't ask the city manager and ask the commissioners on this question. Do we have a city have any responsibility to the people who take the bus? And there's a lot of them now. We have free busing and a lot buses are kind of filled now people are kind of seeing that it's advantageous to take the free bus here in Worcester. So do we have a responsibility to try and clear some of those out? I know you've got your hands full here, you've gotta lot to do when you're doing great that way and so on but what about those bus stops? Someone's gonna get hurt in the future through the chair.

Commissioner. Through the Chair, we do have a responsibility to work with WRTA it is their responsibility I know that we have representatives on their board and those conversations can and should occur before winter time so that we can get buy-in from them after week clear. Nearly 500 miles of road. If we have the ability and the folks that are still able to go out, we can assist but that responsibility should rest with the WRTA

Okay, and I think you've already said that through the chair that we're gonna kind of fill potholes as needed this year. We've never been able to do that in the past and they've certainly mounted up. And we couldn't get the right hot patch, and so on. So I'm glad of that. And I know there's one person in the city who is glad you're going to fill those potholes as needed He didn't come down tonight, but you know who I mean. Right? He usually talks about the potholes. Okay so if we can get them all filled as needed he won't have to come down anymore My final question is this. City sidewalks, I mean let's take the one on Pleasant Street along the Newton Square that maybe there's still a stone wall. I don't mean Highland Street, I meant Pleasant street past the tennis courts, past the little house we have for fixing Newton Hill and so on. Dealing with Newton Hill. So that whole long stretch right down to Park Ave, city sidewalk there It seems to me it's not always Plough.

Whose responsibility is that? Is that the DPW in front of Doherty High and guessing it's the school department, and this isn't the only sidewalk, just one I can think of because I go by it all the time. How do we get that plowed all the times? Is that something that we can't always do What's the situation there through the chair?

Commissioner. Through the Chair, as is mentioned in the report under equipment we do have four new sidewalk machines coming Two of those are stand-on, so you stand on the back and it either has an articulating plow or a snow blower. and those machines, they have the benefit of... They're only 34 inches wide so they can squeeze between obstructions and they can go on more narrow sidewalks. We've also got two track machines which are articulating machines with a cabin so we're going to be better positioned to be able to address those sidewalks that are the city's responsibility.

And final question through the Chair, so when a homeowner or even a renter I guess and any resident of Worcester has problem with the plowing on their street, on their hill in front of their house. who should they call? Who is better, 311 or a city councilor.

through the chair. 311 is the best, the best folks. Okay I want to make sure that people watching hear that.

3-1-1 they will get better faster service because a lot of us will wind up calling 3- 1-1

That's right. And the number for 311 is 311.

Oh, that was very good that we chose that.

The reason that that's the better call is that those calls are all logged and the log in the reports go to the DPW. So we have something to go off when we're looking at which areas need to be addressed So there's better accountability there. And credit to Commissioner Goodwin and his team, they're gonna be assisting with the logging of those calls and the closeout of those call. So there'll be much better coordination this year so we have a better understanding of where we need to focus our assets.

That's great news. And Mr. Chairman, just the city manager and the commissioner, a great report. And as I said at the beginning, let's just hope it works. We'll know probably in March but I have a lot of faith in you and the whole team down there so do well, and I'm glad that the budget hearings were helpful to DPW in getting all this work done now. Thank you.

Thank You. We have Councilor Rivera?

I'm definitely gonna be quick because everybody answered all the questions through the chair to Commissioner Westerlin. First of all, reports outstanding. So we're all singing praises on the report and obviously, we want to expect good services. Thank you. One thing I wanna stress because I keep hearing in the neighborhood meetings that the city administration It's not very productive or good on listening to the residents. But I want to say, based on our email conversations but I thank you for taking the time to respond to the emails and also take into consideration the neighbors' concerns on how to deal with certain snow plowing streets on certain streets. And you know what I'm talking about, but that's very important. I appreciate it because I want to specify when the city administration is listening to the residents then I think it's important that they learn that is happening and I'm witness to that.

Thank you.

Another question is to the chair, to the commissioner. I put in an order. I actually don't know which committee is in now and I'm hoping that it's taken care of before the snow and starts. When the residents who are in charge of the fire hydrants are not shoveling the fire hybrids, it's going to be as an enforcement order with some teeth who's responsible to get those tickets out? Would that be part of DPW, DTM, police department?

Through the chair, if you'll forgive me, I missed your question.

Who's responsible for... Who would be the ones responsible for enforcing not shoveling the fire hydrants through the new order that I put in?

Through the Chair, so if hydrant is identified as not being cleared out which is the responsibility of abutters then the enforcement would come from a combination of the inspectional services and DPW but it's important to stress that Not only is it the responsibility of abutters, but it's also in a butter's best interests. Should there be a fire? If the fire department has to show up and either look for another hydrant or shovel out a hydrant, that's valuable time that's lost and can mean the difference between saving a structure and losing a structure.

I agree. That's why I hope that whichever committee this order is in, it gets heard and taken care of before winter starts. Thank you.

Not yet, nope. We get Councilor Ojeda .

Thank you Mr. Chairman. Yes, I agree with the reports. Good report. Just have a quick question to the chair, to the commissioner. I know we talked about data and being able to use the routing software integration. Is there a way or would we be able to notify the current or new drivers some of the unique issues that we have in certain neighborhoods that we've had in the past? How do we let them know now? I don't want this to be a system where we have to update it as we go without giving information in advance. You understand what I'm saying? So is that something that we're looking forward, being able put into the system? If you can't put it in the system, is it able to pull a note like certain streets need to be plowed to left versus to the right. I know that sometimes you had mentioned the vehicles can only plow to the left and if parking is only allowed on the left, it's plowing to the left.

It's plowin' everybody in so are we using last year's information to notify a lot of the drivers that'll be doing the work this year?

Through the Chair, two things. One of the items that we need to update in the report or new since the report was prepared uh you saw in here that we're doing training the training that we've set up to date has been on sweepers and loaders and backhoes but this past weekend we set up plow routes over at the former price chopper on Cambridge Street, yes. So we've got our experienced drivers who are training the new drivers on exactly how to operate a plow safely but that institutional knowledge, I'll give credit to the city as being a good employer because we've got folks who have been with this city for their entire careers

and that institutional knowledge every year is shared with the newer drivers for the first storm or two. Not only have the folks been trained on non-snow routes, but they're also going to be going out with experienced drivers who will show those areas that need special attention.

Thank you lastly to the chair, to the commissioner and I just hope that we also connect with 311. Obviously it was mentioned earlier but 301 will be able to give you some more data on which ones were those problem streets. We had a resident here during the winter storms, during the Winter months saying that their street never got touched and it's been an issue going on for many, many years. So those are the things I want to be able to avoid especially when we hit the ground running. It sounds like we will but These little concerns and issues that may not be in the system when a driver has it up on his list of roads to do does not know how intrinsic some of these streets can be. So thank you.

Thank you.

Council King?

Thank you Mr. Chairman, just have a couple of questions one first through the chair to the administration I know we talked a little bit about increase in staffing or hires people who are onboarded Through the Charity Administration, can you share how many folks we are above the positions that we had last year. So if we had 10 total positions, are we now at 20? What is the exact numbers through chair?

Through the Chair, the number of positions has not changed. As I mentioned, as of this time last year there were 54 vacancies in the DPW. 16 of those are in operations and I mention operations because that's where The primary number of plow drivers and snow fighters come from. As of today, the same number positions. We have we're down to 28 vacancies and eight of those are in the operations team

So we've increased the capacity for operations, which deals with the snow. Is that what you're saying? By eight? That's correct. Okay. And are those numbers been relatively, the vacancies have been relatively consistent over your time here? I don't know how many years you've been here now, two or three?

Through the chair, no. Those numbers, the vacancy rate has been in the 50s for my term here and it's only been we're going on a year and three quarters so it's been in The City Manager's Office and the Human Resources Office and folks at DPW have made a concerted effort to bring that vacancy rate down considerably.

And through the chair, so now we're in our 30s? Is that what it is?

28 vacancies as of this morning.

OK, 30-ish. Thank you very much. Chair, to the administration. If you could explain to me the position? I call it the guy watching the guy. the supervisory position where my understanding is they're in the car with, I don't know. If you could just explain that please through the chair what that position is what exactly that supervisor does. And yes, please.

Through the chair, the DPW we have a number of inspectors that are out on the road. Each team of inspecters what their responsibility is to do two things is to monitor the actual vehicles that are plowing on the routes that they're in charge of, inspecting to make sure that they are doing their job. And secondly when 311 gets calls When the DPW gets calls, those calls are put out to the inspectors so that they can take the resources that they have available to them on their routes and deploy them to those areas that need help.

Mr. Chair to the administration, if you could explain is it a ride along? Is it two people in a car? What does that look like so the public can understand? Commissioner?

Through the chair, each team is essentially a driver and someone who's monitoring both the iPads. In this case they'll also have the GPS with them, and they're also monitoring the radio and the telephone so that they can be in communication while the driver is driving safely in dangerous conditions.

And that position is called what through the chair?

through the chair, those are the inspectors.

And how many do we have?

Through the chair, I'd have to get back to you on that. But we're evaluating that considering the fact that we're going to have a GPS system which is going to make the need Boots on the Ground, and Eyes on the Roots. We're evaluating that to see if we can make adjustments there to reduce that number.

Through Chair T. Administration do we have an idea what that number is of inspectors?

Through the chair, I don't wanna guess. 100? No it's closer to 40.

Mr. Chairman, I would just suggest that given the challenges we have with personnel that we figure out a different way to use those folks. I call it the guy watching the guy or the person watching the person if A woman or someone who identifies differently. It just seems on the face of it that we could do better as it relates to that sort of deployment. Mr. Chairman, through the Chair, the question I do have that sticks with me is one of things I've talked about over time and I appreciate you know purchasing new equipment etc we do that almost yearly for the last 10 years at least and particularly when we have less snow. And I've always questioned our usage. How often are we using these things? So, we are increasing staffing by eight and we have We have a number of vehicles coming in, we have a new equipment.

So my question to the chair and administration is how are evaluating usage of equipment? How does that happen given the staffing?

Commissioner.

Through the Chair, when we have all pieces of equipment that are not broken down either just before the storm or during a storm, we have about a one-to-one ratio when everybody comes to work the storm. And that's one of the things we're working on. To date, overtime is a voluntary process. We cannot do our jobs without those hardworking men and women coming in during storms. So we're working with the union to see how we can further incentivize that this year but when everybody comes in it's nearly a one-to-one ratio for the plow equipment, the brine equipment to the personnel.

Mr. Chairman, I know in the past I'd asked for some information relative to the usage of equipment. I hope to get that back at some time. I'll take another look at that order but You know, I'm sort of along the thought process of Councilor Rosen and really looking forward to seeing this come to fruition. as it relates to all of this and making sure that we're spending our money wisely. To the Charity Administration really quickly, how many additional trucks or vehicles are we looking at?

Through the chair we have seven new six-wheel dump trucks with wing plows, which by the way the city has never had wing plow. A truck with a wing plough one truck and one driver is able to do the work of two trucks and two drivers So we have seven new six-wheel dump trucks with wing plows. We have one loader mounted snowblower, we have one new loader and four new sidewalk machines

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No further questions.

Okay. Councilor Economou? Thank you Mr. chairman. I won't belabor the point but Again, I just want to say thank you to the Commissioner for coming forward with this report. You've obviously heard us the City Manager, you've heard us all in the last few months after last winter and I feel we're set up for success going forward. I know that men and women are dedicated and I would encourage my colleagues on the City Council, those out in the public too when it comes to the pothole repair process with that Small Batch Asphalt Plant, American Paving Solution, American pavement specialists. There's a YouTube video they have one of those down in Danbury Connecticut and they were able to pave a subdivision in, I think it was in December. And they only did it just to make the point that they can, they don't want to

but I think that will be a game changer in our arsenal as well as we go forward. So thank you both.

Commissioner, thank you

Through the chair, I just want to say thank you for the kind words. The report is merely an indication of all the hard work by the men and women that have worked since last winter to bring us to this point where we're in a much better position for this winter.

Thank you, Commissioner. It was a nice report. I look forward to the implementation and see how it goes. And I'd like to say, remember we had over 90 vacancies at one time in DPW? Now we're down... vote 28, yeah. So you did a good job hiring? Good job. Okay. Senator of Public Works, all those in favor oppose so audit. Recommend adoption of Central Square Technology five year contract, roll call.

Councilor Bergman? Yes. Yes. Economou? Yes. Fresolo? Yes, King? Yes Mitra? Yes Ojeda? Yes Rivera? Yes Rosen? Yes Toomey? Yes

Yes, transferring information communication of the DPW fall leaf collection starting next month. Send that to Public Works. If I do so, Councilor Ojeda?

Thank you. I'll try to be quick. I guess Commissioner. Thank you. Do the chair to the commissioner on The fall leaf collection, it says sites will stay open in December until Christmas tree drop off weather permitting. So usually to the chair, to the commissioner, usually this closes in November? Is that correct or has this always been open till? Commissioner. This time of the year, that time of year?

Through the Chair, that's typical of what the schedule is.

Okay and then... I know last year we've had some issues in the district where maybe the snow came right before some of the leaf drop off. before the leaf cleanup came. And it had stayed there for a while and it had gotten real hard, and I guess we just didn't have the tools or the machines to get back to it through the chair, to the commissioners there. Is that gonna be an issue this year? Do you know, especially with the new machines we got coming? I'm not sure.

Through the Chair, last year we did have a snowstorm that came before we were able to complete the routes. I think we had two additional days that we had to go back out but we've got the equipment where if we miss something it's not going to stay there as long as we have a break in the snow removal operations. We've got equipment where we can go out and remove it whether its frozen to the ground or not So I wouldn't be concerned about that.

OK, thank you. And just one last thing quickly reading through the outreach communications I don't see where it says if we're adding this to the Worcester Public Schools, if we are going to send it through there. to the students or to the schools, to share along with their parents.

Through the chair, that's an excellent point. We can share the program overview with the maps and the flyers with the school department so that they can share that and distribute that through their school system. That's an Excellent point

Okay, thank you. That's it. Appreciate it.

So I'll send that to Public Works. All those in favor, oppose so ordered. 9.11A, Transformation of Information and Communication for the miles of bicycle accommodations added in 2026. to Raleigh, doing a good job. So we'll send that to Traffic and Parking. All those in favor oppose so ordered. Cheers for information communication around the traffic safety initiatives on Belmont Street and Lake Avenue. and we get some good initiatives going there. Councilor Bilotta?

Thank you Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this report in all the work that the administration and GTM has done to address the challenges on Lake Gavin Belmont I appreciate the help with getting using some of the CSX neighborhood funding to install some pedestrian flashing not beacons but signs with flashing just to enhance pedestrian safety I had a question. Excuse me, let me go backwards. But again, I appreciate the enforcement too on lake out because we know it's very Lots of speeding there. I just had a question about the DTM is developing study scope for corridor, a study extending from officer Manny Familiway to I-290. The study would identify and evaluate operations and physical changes to this segment of Belmont Street to improve safety. Just appreciate some more information on that.

I know several residents have reached out to me over the last nine, 10 months expressing serious concerns about just pedestrian safety in Belmont and again, appreciate DTM's Work so far with helping us with this.

All set?

I guess my question was, excuse me, it wasn't clear. My question about the last bullet point there about developing a study scope for the corridor of Belmont from Manny Familia Way to 290.

Commissioner?

through the chair. So that stretch of Belmont Street coming down towards I-290 actually experiences a higher crash rate than the six lane section further to the east, which which surprises a lot of people, but it's one where we see recurring problems. And its location where there aren't a lot easily identifiable near-term solutions so that's one where we think it makes sense to look at that entire corridor through a formal study. So, we've been working on putting the scope together for that study for potential funding in 2027

Okay. Thank you. And just bouncing back to Lake Av, I just want to say that I think for next summer it would be great for us to have some seasonal safety additions down by Lake Gavinana, down by the Marine Corps League in Madoka's ice cream. It gets very busy there during the summer from there going all the way up to Hamilton. Bigelow Davis Parkway is really busy lots of Pedestrians Running, we have the Sneak-O-Rama has a run club that's really great and they have I don't know close to 100 people there weekly jogging so we really appreciate us to continue to work on Lake Evan. Of course the TIP funding for the reconfiguration and traffic control down at Lake Ave in Hamilton Street. Could you just provide a little more information on that, Commissioner? Just for the public?

Commissioner.

Through the Chair, so we did receive funding through the Regional Transportation Improvement Program for design work there this is a first That program typically funds construction projects, but not the design element. That's usually the jurisdiction's responsibility. But for the first time they have made design funds available and we applied to study both the intersection as well as that sort of entire frontage nearby extending north and south by the ball fields in the park. that we're negotiating the contract right now with the consultant consultant that was selected. The one downside to TIP funding is that it comes with a little more red tape to get things started but we're close to getting that ready to go. There'll be several public meetings that take place once that project's underway and one of the things we want to do with this project is not just design the intersection improvements there but really lay the groundwork for what Lake Avenue should look like in the future too

It's sort of two different corridors, each with their own distinct issues. The southern section is a narrower cross-section and I think we'll have one approach. sort of more of an open book, I think to the north in district two where you've got that really wide cross section and we need to think about how to utilize that better and in a safer fashion.

Okay, thank you. Again I want to stress the importance of getting this intersection really handled especially if any future development that might be happening at Lake Park or activity field, we really need to make sure that this area can handle it safely. So I just wanted to really stress that to the council and my colleagues but appreciate the information they're really looking forward to work and continue to work with you and the City Administration on these issues, because it's really important for my constituents and obviously to me too. So thank you.

Thank you. Councilman Fussell?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Through you too, Commissioner. We allocated the money for a study to be done Lakehavn, Hamilton Street. Can you give myself the council and the general public a A ballpark of when that might begin and how long it would take to get that study to the Commonwealth of Mass to educate them on it.

Commission. Through the Chair, so that's the truck exclusion or the heavy vehicle exclusion study which is going to look at both Hamilton Street and Lake Ave We have received the scope of work back from the consultants who are putting the contract together to do that work. The first phase will involve collecting the necessary data so traffic counts some of the neighborhood context data and that kind of thing. That'll happen this fall, I would expect we'll likely have a report ready to go into the state for their consideration shortly after the new year It's not a real long process. There is quite a bit of data collection involved, but it should move pretty quickly once that contract gets executed

Thank you. Commissioner Westling left, my question is when will the long patch program begin on Lake Ave? It's now mid-October and it hasn't started yet. So I'd like to have a ballpark of when it's going to stop.

Commissioner?

So I can't answer that question. I'd have to defer to Commissioner Westerling on that. Mr. Manager?

Yeah, through the chairs of the council. I've spoken with a commissioner on this before we are trying to finalize the contract with the contractor This is the area of the city that is the priority. Our hope is to mobilize the contractor hopefully by the end of the month so we can be able to execute on a long patch.

Okay, and through you Mr. Chairman that's something that's going to happen this year right? This calendar year?

Through the chairs of the council absolutely.

Just to add, Mr. Commissioner, I know the commissioner DPW left but I see and so on. And then we have spray paint around the manhole covers does that mean somebody has been out to look at that or you might not be knowledgeable with Orange Spree, paint around manhole covers that hopefully will be worked on when we do lawn patch.

Mr. Chair, I wouldn't want to speculate on what that is but it could be associated with the utilities or it could preliminary identification of utilities for that subsequent long patching work.

Okay finally Mr. Chairman through you In the report, it states and you have elaborated to me and Councilor Bilotta that a public meeting will be held on the intersection of Lake Ave and Bigelow Way, or as people know at Hamilton Street. Is there any idea when that might take place? And I know we talked about a location. spoke to you about maybe having at the failed house at Lake Park. John Tivenet failed that, but could you... Do you have any idea when you might want to have that meeting with the general public?

Commissioner. Through the Chair, so we'll actually have several meetings over the course of that design work. The first one should take place very quickly after the contract's executed. As I was saying earlier, there's a little bit of red tape when you go through the MassDOT funding program. So we're still trying to get that contract executed but I would anticipate that first meeting will happen this winter. So probably looking in the December, at this point in the december time frame and happy to coordinate with both district councilors on the most suitable location for that.

Thank you Mr. Commissioner, thank you Mr Chairman.

Thank You.

So I'll send that to Councilor Rivera

This will be quick. Commissioner Raleigh, to the chair, to commissioner I know that we have a very big important meeting this coming Thursday for May, Double Rotaries, Double Roundabouts, Chandler-May area. But there's some work being done right now at Chandler Street. for the residents of that area, that's just some and all the pipes that need to be fixed and changed. And just kind of want a clarification on what's being done there soon, as opposed to thinking that work is going to be done under double roundabouts?

Through the Chair, yeah to clarify. So the work that is imminent there is related to replacing two water lines that date back to the 19th century actually?

Heya. And again, Commissioner, is that work starting now? Soon? Next week? Do you know when?

Mr. Mayor?

One of the things that they're doing right now is trying to identify the actual location of the digging a little bit to understand the locations of what's underneath the ground. There's no construction work happening this season. Majority of the construction will begin in the spring and the hope is that through the spring and through the summer hopefully by the end of August we would be have completed the project, the restoration or the replacement of these actual pipes in front of Worcester State.

So clarification to the chair, to the administration. The work was supposed to be done though this year or is just something changed?

That work was always scheduled to happen this year. Some of the preliminary works, it's happening now so if you see some activity construction activity now there is preliminary work then again the following work will continue in the spring King, that was always slated to happen this year based on our schedule of replacements.

Thank you. Thank

I'm sorry, just give me a second. I've got to get to my notes here. Thank you Mr. Chairman I was happy to see something I've been pushing for a long time, the pedestrian hybrid beacon lights. Similar to the system over on Route 20, over near Burlington actually for the first time ever we stopped at that this week as a person on their motorcycle hit the button and it is a bit of an adjustment. So I have a couple of questions. If you could just explain for the public what that system is, what it entails? I kind of explained it similar to Railroad Traffic Lights that go over the top. If you could just explain that briefly and the importance in the effectiveness of reducing risk through the chair?

Commissioner. Through the Chair, I'd be happy to and you know one of the things I think I mentioned this at one of our recent meetings as well One of the things that will be important as we implement this first pedestrian hybrid beacon is to have a public information campaign so people understand what this is. It's likely they haven't seen them before unless they've been down on Route 20, That's the only one in the immediate area currently. But basically this is a step up from the rapid flashing beacons that you see all around the city with the yellow flashing lights, those are essentially warning lights that tell people that a pedestrian's present and trying to cross the crosswalk. A pedestrian hybrid beacon is A higher level of traffic control device that actually requires that the vehicle stop with red lights. and the way these things work is that they're typically dark.

There's no lights that are displayed at all most of the time, and then when a pedestrian activates it at the appropriate time, it will go into a phase where the lights will start flashing so that you know something's happening. And then it actually displays a red phase at which point all traffic has to stop to allow pedestrians to cross and then it'll go into a blinking phase after that, which allows vehicles to proceed again if they look in its clear. So what that does and so forth. The other thing that we're seeing relative to just a normal traffic signal is it provides for a shorter recovery time, meaning if the pedestrian has cleared or is no longer present, then traffic can after stopping traffic can proceed again.

And do we have a timeline for that installation to the chair? It says spring of 27.

Through the Chair, so we'll be starting design work on that probably next month and the aim would be to put that out for construction late spring into summer next year. Thank you.

The importance of this is vast. It certainly is good for locations such as Belmont Street, also location where there's multi lanes of traffic One of the things I've been pushing for is for this also over on Lake Ave, on Belmont Street down where we had a fatality. near the Leahy Center as well. So Lincoln Street, Hamilton Street those are some locations where this potentially could be helpful. And other streets where there's sort of a system of stoplights and crossings signals, it may not be as applicable Deuce here to the administration. My research has shown me that the federal higher rate administration shows that there's close to 70% reduction and pedestrian crashes from the system.

And that total roadway crash has decreased by 29%. Severe Injuries by 15%. And I say that to say this is extremely important. and I know it's costly. It's one of the things we spoke about over the last three or four years that have been pushing for this is the cost of it, and I'm just wondering were we able to access any and so forth. We are not using grants for this particular system through the chair.

Commissioner? Through the chair, so for this first implementation we aren't-are As you noted, the statistics are very favorable for these. We had a report I want to say about a year ago where we summarized a lot of these statistics and they are very effective at helping particularly on and other multi-lane roads, and roads with higher travel speeds where a rapid flashing beacon by itself which is off on the side of the road and it's only a warning light doesn't really draw enough attention to

All right, thank you. I look forward to really seeing what this public educational campaign will be. It'll be important include the schools and the folks that are walking and in different parts of the city. So my last question to the chair is as relates to the schools most concerning locations. I know we have a report coming up on the school safety audit, but as it relates to this recent work that's being done on Lake Ave and Belmont Street. What is the communication or what is the work that's being done with the school side to educate the young people and their parents because there's a high number of walkers, at least on the Belmont Street side and possibly Lakeview or what have you. But what work is being done specific to those recent changes

outside of the safety audit through the chair.

Commissioner? through the chair. So the work that's been completed so far is fairly straightforward, such things like signage and pavement markings and those types of things where I think we're going to really need to coordinate with the schools are items like the pedestrian hybrid beacons which are something they're different that people haven't experienced before so it's really and so forth. So that's something we haven't done yet, but we need to have that on our radar as we move closer to implementation

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would just like to make a motion that we do exactly that and that the manager work with his communication team intersect with the schools as it makes sense in order to begin this process. I think it can be impactful, not just for the pedestrian hybrid beacons but just generally speaking and I'm looking forward to again getting into the school safety audit where they're already doing some of that work. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank You so send that to traffic and parking off the motion to the manager those in favor opposed I'm sorry roll call

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

Yes, 9.14A, Transmitting Information and Communication of the Enrollment Numbers that were at Worcester. I'm sending out to Public Safety, Councilor Ojeda.

Thank you. Again, pretty much same question to our commissioner DPW. Again this information if we can get this into the Worcester Public Schools one mainly because it does alert and some of the things that may take place with the schools. So again, if there's ways we can get this to the Worcester Public Schools It would be great to find a way to get this into some of these meetings that people have. I guess my question is to the Chair of the Commission.

Sorry. Mr. Goodwin, I noticed here it said there are more than 7200 who have registered for the LERP. Could you give me through the old system that we used to have before how many residents do we have then?

Commissioner

Through the chair to the commissioner or to the counselor, there's actually... The old system showed the data differently first off. So we had about 33,000 phone numbers in there The way this new system is, it's based off of your user account. So there are people that have multiple phone numbers, multiple email addresses. But within that 33,000 phone numbers there's two caveats one the 7,200 were actually since I submitted this last week we're at seven thousand two hundred and ninety eight so we've got almost another hundred signups and with the old system that 33,000 we implemented that in 2015 so that thirty three thousand was over ten years versus the 7,200 that we've gotten in the last six months. The second thing is that 33,000, we had run a report just before

Code Red shut down last year and almost a quarter of those were old phone numbers that were dead phone numbers, didn't answer. They weren't live anymore but had not been removed from the system because people didn't notify us or alert us that they wanted the phone numbers removed.

Just based on what just kicked off, I know the importance of Delaware Western. And then I've heard in the beginning some complaints but now a lot of people, a lot residents love it Is there a way, some type of educational form or something that we can come up with to get the word out more? Just because there's a lot of people not aware of it. A lot of our Worcester residents, Big city, small city, big city. But I just think that they're not getting to adjust to what you guys are doing and I think it's important if somehow we can get the word out more

Commissioner. Through the Chair to the Councilor, so we have a number of different things planned coming up. We have A-frames that are going up at Union Station down at City Hall, 799 Main Street. We're working with some of the local radio stations to do radio spot, radio ads as well as some stuff with podcasts. to alert people geolocated that are listening in the city. There's also going to be a video that's coming out that we worked with Cable Services on start educating people on that. And we're actually going to be setting up some sign boards soon promoting it for the winter weather.

Good. I think through chair, just so you are aware myself personally I'll do it and I know a lot of the City Council will do it but if you guys share that type of information with us like we always do, in a good social media format we'd be more than happy to share it ourselves just kind of help get the word out. Absolutely, thank you.

Thank you. So that's public safety.

Excuse me, a motion to recuse.

Okay, roll call. Councilor Toomey has recused herself. I'm sorry, Dr. Mitra. I'm Sorry, Councilor Mitra Thank you Mr.

Chair. Through you to the Commission. Thank you very much for the report. I know last time when I had inquired that how many people have signed up There were about 2,500 so now I see 7000 plus and which is a good improvement. But in my opinion we have I was inquiring about how many homes we have that could have been possibly signing in for the Ooster Alert because I think the program is very good, very useful. and so on. It's very informative and it is much needed, and there are some seven items that you have that we are using to inform people as a monologue. You don't get a dialogue from the residents. There will be no leaf collection or things of that nature. But 7,000 plus to the chair, to you. Do you think it is? Are you satisfied with that? We have about 90,000 homes in our city, 200,000 plus people.

I want to see that most of us sign up for this and really use this particular program which i think is so much beneficial

through the chair of the counselor I am very satisfied with seeing the number going up and I expect just as I said from Friday to today we got almost another hundred that's gonna continue to grow as people are informed about it, and we're doing that outreach and engagement. In my experience with an alerting software over the last 15 years I've been in public safety generally they expect a 1% to 3% of the community sign up, which sounds small but that's just across the country. That has been the rate of how many people sign up for these alerting softwares. I think we're going to keep growing and seeing more and more people go in there, especially as they can control which messages they want to receive now. So you know, in prior systems, I noticed that we would get a lot of complaints

that people felt overwhelmed with the amount of messaging going out and they would just unsubscribe. Where, with this, they can choose which lists they want to go on and off of, which I think having the ability to allow the residents to tailor their subscriptions better will improve our enrollment rates and the retention rates.

Yeah, through the Chair to Commissioner. I think for us to assess that the program is successful, we've got to have some kind of smart goal We need to see that at least 70% of the residents or people should sign up for this. If we can have some kind of, that kind of goal then maybe will approach that way and maybe we'll do some more things that could be done I would probably suggest that city has many digital signs in the city. You know, maybe DCU center can we pull roll a sign there that sign up for or call this place? Try to advertise as much as possible. I saw in my tax bill, there was a pamphlet which I had suggested and done it. So I think that there are more things that probably need to be done for people to pay attention to this important You know, provision we have.

Otherwise I think we're not really using the benefit that it has so I'd like to see more things are done and also there's seven items that could be used Any other thing? Is there any criteria which makes the item to be notified like in the past we have had our Standing Committee meeting, which are important meetings. If the meeting is of that importance that the resident should know through the chair to you Could we use your system, Mr. Elder to let the residents know about this meeting is coming up? Please come

through the Chair, the Councilor. First off for your first comment we do have advertising at DCU. We're adding the radio spots, the video spots, The Handouts. We've been pushing it at different meetings and we're in the process of looking at other options as well that, you know, based off what we can fit in the fiscal budget to get the word out to everybody. We're going to keep pushing as time goes on with a number and other possibilities to get the word out to everybody. As far as the alerting groups that we have right now, these are based off of the criteria it's all based off of certain things that are affecting the community with the meetings. In my time in the city, we've never sent anything out to alert people of a meeting. We have for elections but you know a state election or a national election but nothing for local meetings those who have always been posted on the website

and right now we try to keep it to things that are public safety related except for the elections list.

Thank you Mr. Commissioner for coming giving us the report and to the Chair, to you it is a good improvement from 2500 to 7000 plus but I have to say rise up more and maybe set a goal that we got to have at least so much by this month. And that's the smart way of moving forward. Thank you, good luck to you, and appreciate your work.

Okay, Councilor Toomey recused herself. I'll send that to Public Safety. All those in favor? Opposed? So awarded. Everybody say who's gonna vote. She's not voting on it. Okay, next item up is 9.268, Reinformation and Communication of the New Proposed Rules 261, 62, and 63 of the City Council. Motion to send it to MO. Councillor King?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm not gonna vote to send this to MO. Certainly, I'm sure it's gonna go there. and we'll see what comes out of it. What I will say is, we have another item on in a bit where the city clerk has a quarterly report on all the orders that came from the council to the city manager. And as I've stated previously, it's the expectation that the city takes account of these things. I mean, there's all sorts of things that have been brought forward related to police, fire, school, pedestrian safety, the unsheltered homelessness, public bathrooms taxes, development, responsible development, wage theft. opportunities for our youth.

There's all sorts of guidelines here, many of these adopted unanimously 11 to zero and Folks make a lot of comments about too many orders. Ah, we give the manager too many orders. And I'll just state this again for the public that those orders come for a reason. Every week we hear there's orders on sidewalks Potholes, resurfacing. Today we're discussing winter weather responsiveness and effectiveness. Mr. Chairman all those things are outlining for the City Manager what our priorities are, Mr. Chairman and to reinvent the wheel sounds great however That would mean that these orders have been filed by a number of folks, just about everybody on this council.

aren't used to establish priority in the city at the discretion of the manager and not the behest and suggestion of the council, Mr. Chairman so I'm not looking to discuss this any further. Through Chair, to the administration if you could just summarize the response from your department as it relates to these potential rules through chair?

Mr. Manager, Mr. McGarthy.

Through you Chair and the Council what we've tried to outline here in some of the rules suggested is some of current processes that we have in place but also some other regulations and many others around the timing of when budgets needs to be submitted based on state regulations, et cetera. So again, what was sent to me We think that these dates are reasonable, but we wanted to take into consideration all the other complexities that come before the council when we're making these decisions. But also what were required by statute as well.

And to the chair, just for the public. Can you just I don't know if the CFO is one who wrote this? If you could just identify the differentiation between the timelines that you're referencing through the chair

Ms. McGurthy

Through the Chair, so the orders as presented included a few different timelines. One was March 1st Councilor Rosenthal, the recommendation from the various committees as to the recommendation of budget elements. The other was and so forth. So that's the presentation by the administration on the kind of status of The response highlighted that the budget is formulated, as the city manager said, based on the language of the statute and the city charter. Timeline begins as of the beginning, the City Council's first meeting in January. We then have 170 days, the city manager has 170 days to submit a budget to the City

The City Council then has 45 days to review and approve or reduce the budget that was submitted. The challenge with that timeline is the budget has to go into effect by July 1st, If you go the full 170 days, that would preclude a full 45-day review. So we have to back up our submission time. We usually submit the budget at the beginning of May, the first week of May. During the previous months, we're doing meetings with departments. We're reviewing the state budget. We are reviewing the revenues anticipated from the state budgets, the assessments coming out of the state Those are available late January. We're looking at the costs, the city's cost which come from our third quarter results coming out of March We're looking at departmental requests, which we asked for the beginning of January. And so really by April and May, March and April, the city manager is going through department-by-department

to understand what the requests are, kind of lay those requests against the available funding that we see happening and the priorities as you mentioned that the council has indicated throughout the course of the year. The timeline suggested a March 1st City Council Committee recommendation of priorities. That would allow the city manager to consider those priorities as he's getting into the fine-tuning the revenues versus the proposed expenses. The March 15th submission to City Council or presentation to council, at that time we obviously would not yet have the March 31st results, the third quarter results from the city So it would be very preliminary. We'd be looking at expected revenues from the state, expected revenues for property tax but we'd still be looking our local revenues that might be coming forward and calculating what some of the larger expenses might be such as debt service, health insurance and the like.

And so what are your kind of proposals or recommendations through the chair?

Through the chair, we're open to the dates presented March 1st and March 15th recognizing that it is a limited window. The budget process is really a limited when the budget's approved as of July 1st. We then look quarter by quarter to see what the results are, to see with the spending is to see what council is discussing, debating, prioritizing for the next fiscal year. It's just that challenge that those March timelines if they are not met and so on, information will probably come too late for us to really incorporate them into the budget. And even if they are met, I did a quick calculation it's about 2% of the budget is truly available for something new. Everything else, 60%, goes to education, 20% goes to fixed costs. The remaining 20% percent goes to city operations

But within that 20% to city operations, almost all of it is dedicated towards the status quo budget or the annual increase in costs that we have for simply maintaining the operations today.

Thank you. I certainly want to say that our agendas are set on the council floor in committee. Our agendas our monthly meetings, pursuing orders and things that we want to get done you know and that's on an ongoing basis but to create three additional rules where it seems as though the information we're getting is not going to lead us and so on down the path that's gonna be much different than if we didn't have it. So Mr. Chairman, I would just ask or just state for the record you know another thing that this council has done historically and this is a new Councilor Pacillo maybe we'll stop doing it I'm not sure but often the city managers evaluation which is late June early summer

is also where folks set their agendas for the districts. At large, councilors set their agenda when we're talking directly to department heads before they've submitted their budgets and priorities, and kind of laying out for the manager as it moves forward in between evaluations what those priorities are. and we should be holding the manager accountable for many things, including task completion, policy development. operational needs, et cetera. Economic development of course and public safety much more. So Mr. Chairman I'm not quite sure a little bit confused with these three rules and really what the efficacy will be. I'll certainly listen to if anything else is stated about it, and perhaps change my vote.

But right now, I don't see this as effective use of time. And I'll continue to advocate for the things that's important for this city and when it's supported by the council It should be on the agenda of the manager. Thank you. Councilor Mitra?

Thank you Mr. Chair, through you to City Manager. First of all Mr. Manager thank you very much for taking this expeditedly and giving your views on the rules that we had proposed. through the chair to all of our city councilors. I think if you understand what my point here was, to give the city manager An opportunity to listen to the voice of these Worcester residents. And the voice is us, city councilors. As you heard today, one of the residents said that Mr. Rivera and Mr. Mitra come to our meetings. We go to the neighborhood meetings. and we bring the voice of them to the city manager. Budget is an important part of our city's function and Budget is how the appropriation should be done that will impact most of us.

So we're trying to give you an opportunity to see what that Residents are looking for from us, giving us a chance to give you our remarks, our priorities. It's that simple. Before we can do that, I'm just requesting that give us a sort of like where is your performance from each department? I know by January Every department head submits to the budget request. So they have everything. All we want is some salient features, how they have done from July through January so we can have some assessment each Department, each committee can look at that and give you what should be the priority set for the budget. Just an opinion. and you don't have to take it. I'm not taking away, these rules are not to take away anything from the city manager to create the budget but help him so that we can co-work

together co-design the particular budget so that it will be a view you have from the department heads, view you'll have from these city councilors and City Councilor's voice is nothing but good thing for the residents. Residents are telling us what needs to be done, well we need to have some more We need to have shelter for the homeless people. We need more classes for the police force, we need more budget for the potholes, All those things that we think important by looking at the performance result. I don't need the full detail because they are already creating the details by January to present to you, I just need some and some salient features. Give us the performance of these, and then give you the report that we think would be important. So it's a good program. It's a rule Setting up the rule makes it more institutionalized the system. Mr.

Manager, here you have said that in your letter City Manager, it be forwarded to the city manager for consideration and incorporated into an annual budget process going forward rather than become a rule of the city council. You are opening your arms to listen to us, which is very good. You're saying send it to me and I will take that into consideration. I am looking at what is good for the city. I'm looking tomorrow if we have a new manager and he doesn't accept this, he has some other things to think. If there's a rule it's a New manager comes, it's a rule. It is there. If the new city councilor come, it is a rule, it' s there. So it is now institutionalized. It's there for the city and what is wrong with us giving you a view of the residents? We're just trying to give you what we hear from the residents.

So I think you should give us the opportunity right now, it's not the point of discussion here. It should go to the process. It will go to MLO and the committee should discuss this and we can come back with your report and make it work. We're trying to make things work, we are not trying to see that you say it cannot be worked. I think it can be worked I'm flexible with the date. If March 15th is not right, we can do different dates which are workable for you. Maybe April end, you can bring the preliminary report. You sit behind the closed door with two councillors and go through the preliminary report. And nobody can give you because in your own statement here, Mr. Mugurti says anything given to us after early March is not going to be considered. So we're sitting with you at a point where nothing is going to be considered anyway. I'm trying to create a rule so that we can give it to you before you appropriate your budget. just giving you our opinion.

You don't have to take it, but at least we can go and tell our resident that we made your request to the city manager and he will do the best thing that is possible for our city. they should be saying to us that okay at least you gave the message to them. That's all I'm trying to create and I request Chairperson to send it to the MLO, let the MLA committee discuss it Let us come, maybe we'll come up with only one rule that will consolidate the whole thing. Maybe we'll see what can work with these dates that you are giving and the difficulties that we're posing. We have your opinion. which is what we wanted. So I want it to go to the same MLO and make a decision where the residents will come, all city councilors can come. And I think it gives you a very good view about The department heads view and their priorities, the residents. It's good for the residents to know that yes, the system is being set. We're trying to get something done. I was looking

We have in the 80s, we used to have close to 40,000 people come and vote, go to the polling booth. It's now down to 20s. Why? Because we are not able to set things, because they're sending us here to get things done. And if we don't get things down, why would they go to the polling booth? There is no point going and bullying. So I think it's good for us, let's establish some rules so that our city residents can see that yes, I'm sending that council there, I am electing him as getting something done. So, Mr. Manager to you through Chair I request that with your report that you have given we'll consider it very deeply Send it to MLO and let's discuss there. And we'll bring it back, maybe something that will work. So that's my request, Mr. Chair. Send it the MLO committee and hash it over. Thank you.

Councilor Rivera?

I was just thinking instead of making it like, you know, I don't know if it's a friendly amendment or separate orders. Instead of doing Basically, it's going to be the same language. Instead of doing Rule 61, 62, 63, just do one rule you know Senator MLO and they can discuss it there. It's gonna be the same information, just one rule and then between the city manager, MLO, and City Councilors we can figure it out.

Berkman, Yes. Councilor Bilotta?

yes, Councilor Economou?

Yes.

Councilor Fresolo? Yes Councilor King? No. Councilor Mitra?

Yes.

Councilors Ojeda? Yes Councilor Rivera? Yes, Councilor Rosen? Yes! Councilor Toomey? Yes Mayor Petty?

Yes Thank you. We are on 9.31, Transmitting Information and Communication with the Worcester Ballpark Commission. Go to Public Works. Those in favor? Opposed, so ordered. We are going Transmitting Information Communication of the Zero Waste Master Plan. I'll go to Urban Tye. Questions? Okay, we'll go on the right track. Good job out there, so keep it going. We'll send that to Irvin Tai. All those in favor of opposed, so ordered. Next slide, I'm sure there's more information. Communication over to the Department of Sustainability and Resilience Project updates climate resilience in current zero-waste programs. Senator Urban, Councilor Bilotta?

Yeah, I just had one quick question about and Zero Waste Programs. And forgive me, I don't know if this was part of 9.32 , the manager could have clarified but we talked about what was some of the updates that are gonna be coming in the plans eliminating what should and shouldn't be in recycling bins. And there was one part of the report mentioned that if there were items if the recycling bins were contaminated, those bins would not be picked up. I was just curious looking for some more clarification on that. I'm not sure someone might be able to provide that information but can understand the intention. I just really worry about what that would do for trash on our streets because it's already a bit of a challenge.

Mr. O'Dell?

Through the Chair, to the Councilor. So it's an excellent question. The idea is that we're going to be putting doing a robust outreach campaign as part of this upfront. We will also be going TARGETING AREAS THAT SEEM TO HAVE WHERE WE'RE HAVING ISSUES, TO MAKE SURE THAT THE FIRST TIME AND EVEN PERHAPS A SECOND TIME THAT THERE ARE CONTAMINANTS IN IT THEY GET WHAT'S CALLED AN OOPS STICKER. That oops sticker basically will let them know that we notice you put things in your recycle bin that you shouldn't. Here's the things that you should be putting in, will leave the recycle flyer that you may have seen as well, which has been recently updated. That gives a nice overview as to what is acceptable and what isn't and it's only after those repeated failures at that point, it won't get taken. When we did this four years ago

It turns out that most people came under compliance after just the oops sticker, the vast majority. We did have a couple of people occurrences where our vendor Casella did not pick them up. And I can assure you that once they were notified as to why, they became quickly under compliance. It was not, I can say this with confidence, An issue where we had a lot of failures and it created more problems than it solved. In fact, it was the other way around people really want to do the right thing about this they just don't know necessarily what belongs in the recycle bin. And once we give them that information, it seems that most people readily start complying.

No, it's great to know. It was just a concern. We'd love to see this happen or some special attention paid to the top of Hamilton Street. I'm sure Councilor Fresolo will agree with me for Plantation going down all the way to Hamilton and Standish Folks are putting trash out days before they're putting out things that are just bulk items. A few properties are just really bad. and I know it's sometimes wind and things like that, but would hope that we could educate some folks in that area because I don't know if it's tenants just not being aware or homeowners not being where. But it's a frequent problem up in that

Hayter.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just real quickly if you could tell me through the chair to John, Mr O'Dell How many did we want to put out to begin with right now since we installed 146? But I thought the number was higher, maybe I'm wrong when we originally started this.

To the Chair, to the Councilor. I misheard the question. I don't think I heard it. I'm sorry.

To install the wool bins? How many did we originally want to have out?

Through the chair 150 total.

Okay thank you and then Based on information that we received and the data that you've received, is it fair to say these are actually doing the job that we wanted them to do?

COUNSELOR, YES. THE FEEDBACK WE'VE GOTTEN has been predominantly very positive. In fact, the biggest thing that we're hearing from people is we'd like more bins in more places which is We'd love to do. Obviously, financially that becomes more challenging but the need for these things I think was long overdue and they've been Very successful. And I think the volume of recycling and trash that we've been able to take off the streets through these has been very indicative of that success.

Okay, thank you. And so is there going to be a plan in the future for more? What does that look like? I know a lot of residents, like you had mentioned, they really liked this. Some of them in the neighborhood meetings want to help out even more So me going back to some of these meetings, what should I say?

Through the Chair, so what we've been doing to date is essentially been a year-long pilot which will be ending this June with our current contractor. and so forth. At that point, we should have some of the metrics that we're really looking for to understanding where there may be opportunities we deploy some of the existing bins and where there are opportunities for potentially new bins so we could understand more accurately do we need 10 more, 30 more. And then based on that, can we actually do that and maintain the root system that we have already in place? Or is that going to require a whole new route which may increase costs rather significantly? So it's a little premature to say yet what we can and can't do, but I can say that that's exactly what we'll be looking at.

this summer, the summer of 27 and beyond in terms of how we can potentially do that if the numbers back that up.

Okay, and lastly probably through an order to the chair. You said that it's done its job and has picked up we've been able have less trash throughout our city. And so I just want to have an idea of what does that mean? Like, what are the numbers of the amount of trash or bags that have been dumped throughout the city. Again, to show the residents that this program is working not just by saying it but by showing numbers of the amount of trash that's been dumped

I think it's hard to say the exact numbers, but in terms of bags. But if memory serves and I think we had LISTED HERE, SOME 20 TONS OF RECYCLING AND 40 TONS HAVE BEEN COLLECTED THROUGH THE PROGRAM OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS. SO IT IS SUBSTANTIAL.

OKAY.

Thank you. Okay, Councilor Toomey followed by Councilor Rivera?

Thank you Mr. Chair, just a point of order I think the previous two votes that were taken or roll calls I think that they were supposed to have been not roll calls It should have been a roll call. So I would like my vote to be yes on both of them.

Okay.

Thank you.

Council Rivera?

I have a quick question because the Councilor asked some questions and Mr. O'Dell answered them, but I would say that when I'm in neighborhood meetings that we have some complaints. I get pictures even and not even in my district of whoopings that are, you know so 3-0-1 whatever but very successful 40 tons of trash extremely successful I would go with the 30 in. And the 30, I'm telling you real quick, we have no issues with putting 30 throughout the whole city. I got probably five of them right now that are in District 5 but I'm waiting for two just to But thank you for that. And yeah, that was pretty much it because I had to ask the other question. Thank you.

Okay, all set. Thank you Mr. Adele. So we take collectively 9.31A, 9.32A, and 9.3B collectively on a roll call.

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

Yes, we have finance items 9.37 A and B. We adopt on a roll call collectively.

Roll call. Burgman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey and Mayor Petty

Yes, 9.39A, Transformation and Communication of the Worcester three-star certified welcoming designation through Welcoming Worcestershire. Place on file. It's okay with everyone? Good job, Mr. Manager and your team in the community. Good job. So we place on file roll call.

Bregman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey

Yes, Robert Stern, C. Arthur, Transmitting Information and Communication of Detailing Completed School Safety Audit. Councilor King?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First I want to thank the auditor for this particular item. This is an item that's been sitting in committee, in my education committee for some time. and it's related to safety of our schools. Going back to when I first filed this order, in September of 2023, three years ago. We asked for this to begin and around that time we were able to determine through the work I think it's DTM that we had an issue with school zone signage. We had schools that were not identified or properly identified as school zones, we had to file a new ordinance.

And I just wanted through the chair of the administration if they could explain that process please and why it was necessary? Mr. Stearns, or? It's in the back up here. What's that? Chapter, Section 79, Chapter 13. Mr. Arthur?

Can you just repeat the question as it comes up?

I think that's DTM. Oh.

Commissioner. Through the Chair and I apologize, would you mind repeating that question?

Yeah, if you could just explain we had discussions some years ago about the need for the school zones, the ordinance that had to be amended and the reasons why that ordinance had to been amended. This came after I'd met with some folks in the Burko District were concerned that in many of our arterial ways, in those corridors there was a lack of signage. For example, Chandler Street, Main South et cetera. And there was an issue, and it required an ordinance change through the chair if you could just explain for the public why that was necessary?

Through the Chair, certainly. So the school zone speed limits of 20 miles per hour are established by ordinance that means were not able to sign a 20 mile per hour zone around the school unless it's been ordained by the city council. In doing the research at that time, I believe in 2025 we recognized a significant number of schools did not have ordinances establishing school zones around them. I don't want to get the number wrong, but it was a significant share. It was probably somewhere around half so we drafted a new ordinance and established school zones around every public school in Worcester We retained all of the existing private school zones, but we have not at this point established new school zones there. That could be done by a subsequent petition.

Thank you. Mr. Chairman, again three years ago I'd filed this order it's still sitting in my committee. I'm welcome to have this come back to committee as well. And in May of 2026, I asked for an update once again and the reason I asked for that update is because, you know we needed data. We needed data on this stuff in June and July according to this report a month after They commenced with auditing regarding several schools, regarding school zones crosswalk signage etc. through the chair to the administration. I do have a couple of questions as relates to the walkability audits, the arrival dismissal observations and grants that we were seeking. Do we have a number?

I don't know if the CFO is still here. But if we have an actual number, finite number as it relates to how much we're able to apply grants to this endeavor, given the fact that it's outlined here in this report through the chair.

Mr. Stearns or Commissioner?

Through the Chair, so the primary funding programs available for this are through the state's Safe Routes to Schools program. We've been successful every year in obtaining at least one grant through that program. We endeavor to obtain more, but that's kind of the pace you can expect one or two grants a year I know this year we have submitted for an infrastructure grant at Vernon Hill School, and I believe we've been awarded that grant. And I also believe there will be some funding for the Columbus Park School.

and they come in here thank you In this report it outlines, and I'm not sure who wrote this. Is this your report? Who's this? Auditor's Report. If you could just speak to a couple of the items on the second page regarding the school zones and compliance that was observed in June and July, and what's the planned installation of new school zone signs through the chair as you understand it based on the data.

To the Chair, to the Councilor. I watched the committee meeting and got the information on the source of of the ordinance and the schedule that has all the school zones with the streets. And so I use that as the basis actually going to the streets and seeing if they had the start of the school zone with the signage and the end of the schools own in both directions on the streets listed. And marked some of the criteria that was in, in the order. So also whether crosswalks were there signs for crosswalk or the flashing beacon and the so-called blinking crosswalk signs were there as well. So that's the work I did in June and July And if they didn't have it, I marked it.

Or if there was an old sign or if there is coverage by overgrowth of brush, I mark that down as well.

Thank you. And through the chair to the administration, if you could speak a little bit to the gap so there's a number of of Gaps here as it relates to schools with 20 mile per hour signage, schools that have crosswalks. Some have cross walks according to this report. on just some parts of the school. Some have them on the entrances, but not on the sides. Some don't have the updated signs so if you could speak to those as well as the crossing blinking lights at crosswalks and what the plan is given the gaps in some instances we have you know, 25 schools without the rapid flashing beacons that could use them. So with regards to the gaps how are we figuring out how do this?

particularly because DTM reported that the top five public schools had the most severe crashes within a thousand feet are the Adult Learning Center, Chandling Elementary, Worcester East Middle, Belmont Street, Grafton Community, Grafton Elementary. There's so many needs. What is the plan to fill those gaps through the chair? and Commissioner Raleigh.

through the chair. So as noted, there was a significant amount of work that we've realized is necessary to really implement all the safety features that are merited around the schools. So, the focus initially has been on establishing those schools on signs There were a huge number that were necessary, both because of missing signs for previously ordained locations as well as all the newly established locations that were voted last year. Over the summer we did hire a contractor to install 120 school zone signs. As of this morning, 110 of those have been installed and it's been reported that all the remaining ten will be installed this week so that work will be completed as far as crosswalks go we're working with the DPW streets department on that

and submitting work orders on those. So, those can all be addressed. And you know many of these are locations that have never had these signs so for decades they haven't had them. I think an important thing that we're going through this in a very sort of orderly and complete process to get all of the proper signage that should be in place around the schools. In terms of rapid flashing beacons, I think we've done a pretty good job of establishing those at school crossing locations where they're really warranted in terms of streets that have higher traffic volumes or higher observed speeds. The Auditor's Report does list 25 locations that do not have rapid flashing beacons. And this is something we'll want to spend a little bit of time comparing to our data, to determine which of these we think do merit them.

In some locations the fronting streets are very minor streets, so it's not really a good location for an RRFB but we certainly want to make sure there's crosswalk signs there. Other locations, there's future work where it's anticipated that there will be rapid flashing beacons for example. Let's see, I saw one and I missed. Oh, May Street School so that will receive rapid flashing beacons as part of the Chandler Street-May Street project. So that's something we'll go through and identify, and then prioritize those locations that as I said have the traffic data that merits their installation.

Thank you, it indicates that DTM has planned for installing 120 new school signs through an outside contractor. before the end of October. What is the status update on that?

Through the chair, so 110 of those 120 are installed as of this morning and we expect the remaining 10 to be installed this week. And how many schools does that encompass about?

Approximately. probably around 35 to 40 schools. I just wanna give you commendations for that, that's a quick turnaround. I'm sure DPW perhaps has something to do with that as well, city manager. Are there markings that have to also be done as well through the chair? And if you could explain what the markings are for people who don't know.

through the chair. So I presume you're talking about the stenciled school marking, pavement markings? So those are markings that are an optional marking that again we like to apply if it's a higher volume or higher speed street those should be applied at the location where the school zone signs are so now that these signs have been installed we'll have our contractor come back, our payment marking contractor come in and apply the school stencils in the appropriate locations Thank you.

I have two more things, Mr. Chairman. You're in your second five too. Thank you One is one of the things that jumped out to me here is we have a grid that was done. From what I gather, and if I'm wrong, I'm sure the auditor will correct me, I saw two issues in observations that elevated Crossings for kids and families as dangerous. That was Nelson Place, where it indicates that the crossing at this intersection is dangerous. The other one was Rice Square School, where once again the word dangerous was used. Dangerous crossing in a section of Grafton, Massasoit and Plantation Street through the chair to DTM, what is the plan on those locations and are there others that are equally dangerous?

So I don't have that particular table in front of me, but I can say that in terms of Rice Square School, so Massasoit Road is being reconstructed. currently in fact that section has already been redone right in front of the school extending north to Grafton Street So the crosswalks have been improved with curb extensions. There's a rapid flashing beacon that's been put right in front of this school, so I think that's being pretty effectively addressed through the existing work that's taking place there. Nelson Place. I would have to re-familiarize myself with that recommendation we actually did install a rapid flashing beacon down at Grove Street which isn't right at Nelson Place, but I suspect that's what the report was referring to because that's the high volume street in that location. So this previous year we did install rapid flashing beacon there to help children who are walking to school cross the street safely.

Thank you. I'm not sure if the city auditor could speak to this, I don't know if you're prepared but one of the important aspects of this that I'd like to see in committee is the education piece so there's a piece here on bicycle education pedestrian professional development for the health and wellness folks in physical education teachers etc I'm just wondering what you called, if you could kind of qualify that or quantify it from the audit related to education.

It was commented that's an ongoing activity, educating children. walking to school safely, riding bikes to school, getting on the buses safely. My read of the reports and the RTS reports is that that is an ongoing activity

And is it fair to say, it sounds like there's some progress that would be being made at this time by the city? Starnes. Based on the audit?

Other than the education is going on, the effects of it I don't have any data on that

So Mr. Chairman, the only other thing I would add and I would ask Commissioner Raleigh perhaps is in my work as a social worker, I'm at various schools throughout the city in all different districts and what I've found and some of the high schools is the number of scooters and electric bikes that are there. you know, large numbers. You know if you go to some of our schools I mean 20-30 of them sometimes inside so they're safe sometimes locked outside in the bike racks but through the chair, can you speak a little bit to any educational piece that you guys are looking at for our kids as it relates to that? Through the Chair.

Through the Chair, so most of that work is done in coordination with Worcester Public Schools and the Safe Routes to Schools program. One of the things they've done is bike rodeos at various schools where that's typically actually at the elementary school age, where they'll have some activities to teach kids safe bike riding skills and actually demonstrate them. at the school site. So I think that's a good program we have it wasn't too long ago that the Safe Routes to Schools Program in Worcester had basically become stagnant and that's been reactivated which i think has been really valuable Recall off the top of my head exactly how many schools are participating in it now, but it's the majority of them. So that's been a concerted effort from Worcester Public Schools with support from DTM and Worcestershire Police as well to get that program reestablished. We haven't targeted older kids yet, I think it's a good suggestion to do so

One of the things that I noticed when we were at Doherty High doing some work for the Highland Street and Newton Square project that we're working on is tons of kids ride their bikes there, tons. Like the principal was telling us that The bike racks are always full and kids are taking the bikes inside to keep them safe because there's no place to park them outside. it's you know I think it's a good suggestion um oftentimes our department's really focused on the infrastructure piece but the education piece is an important one too certainly

I appreciate the interface with law enforcement in this regard. And I'm not going to say which middle school, there's a couple of them that have 20 or 25 of them there, and I think as important it is to educate folks on using their bicycles and walking. And when they get their permits and licenses that's equally important that we do this education piece as a particular captain. I just want to also give you kudos for what you call was kick-starting or restarting the Safe Routes to School Task Force with the schools, Department of Public Health, Department Of Public Worth, the police, MassDOT et cetera in this two year strategic plan. I don't know that we have that Anywhere, but I would like to make a motion that we get that strategic plan moving forward Mr. Chairman

A lot of work that's happened in a flurry, and I think it'll go a long way for our kids. The only other question I had is this relates to Chandler Street School up there. A lot of construction, as it's mentioned in the report A lot of concerns there. And I've talked to Councilor Hayter about this and Council Rivera before him around approaching element that school coming from Main Street at the Cresp Crest of the hill there, over I think Wellington and Chandler probably. Very difficult when those kids walk right there at the top of that especially in the afternoon with and we've talked time and time again that might be a location for... Can you wrap up now? Yep, for PHB, for Hybrid Breakin' System. We'd like to make a motion that be considered as well. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank You.

Okay, so send that to Councilor Zoll.

Thank you Mr. Chairman through you I'd like to ask a couple questions in this completed school safety audit. Were principals spoken to about their school and the issues around it outside?

By my office, no we did not, no.

Okay, two schools that I would bring up, Roosevelt and Rice Square School. Dismissal and drop off, we know our issues. And I believe if we talk to the principals they need to be involved and they need More understanding of what's going on outside their school during that time. In the case of Roosevelt, we have made a much improved I think it still can be improved by the principle allowing cars onto the property earlier than 2 o'clock. there's an issue now that parents for whatever reason you know want to come early and get

get to the school as early as they can. And what happens is because we have no parking there on Grafton Street, they're parked in the middle of the road now waiting for those cones to be removed and them being allowed onto school property, to get in line to pick up their children. that's an issue and the school principal has dug in and won't allow anybody to access property in the driveway of that school until 2 o'clock. And I'll be honest with you, I think that's an issue that should be spoken you know, the principal should be spoken with and asked to cooperate. Rice Square School

is another one where if the principal hadn't been spoken to, I know through the mayor's office. The mayor has spoken with the superintendent to try get all teachers parked off the street and into our Lady of Loretto Church parking lot where they're allowed to park. and as of this date now, we've been in school well over a month. There's still teachers that are hell bent to stay parked on the side streets around that school I've been very patient with that. Mr. Raleigh, through you, Mr. Chairman, we've gone through traffic and parking to put up some parking restrictions around the school. And I have tried to be patient with the principal there and the teachers there, and my patience are wearing thin because

there's a huge safety issue where they could be parked their car in the parking lot and allow for Those side streets that are narrow and when Teachers are parked on both sides of Indiana Street. Only one width of a vehicle can get down that street and I only bring this up because we're trying to work with both schools to come up the best Plan to alleviate that congestion, you know, that happens there at dismissal and early in the morning drop off. Again, through you Mr. Chairman we've been patient on both ends but I think at some point

either the manager or the mayor who is chairman of the school committee has to speak too. someone in the school department and tell them that in these cases, the principals have to be more cooperative. Thank you Mr. Chairman

Let's make a suggestion, maybe we ask for a report from the superintendent in both of those schools. Bring them forth in front of us. Mr. Raleigh, but anyways the superintendent and as far as Rice Square was concerned there's 80 people that work in their building. The lot only takes 40 to 50 lot cars so we got another 30 cars we gotta find spots for So let's get that in the report so we can figure that out. All those in favor, opposed? I'm sorry, we're gonna do a roll call. Anybody else? Councilor Bul-

I could get my microphone to work. Just quick follow up, are there any plans moving forward to work with the school principals on these issues. Has that been happening? Are there plans in the future to do that, working with individual school principals from the city side to address these challenges

and so on.

Rowe. So typically, that'll occur when there's a specific issue such as Councilor Fresolo just talked about will engage directly with the school administration at or the other avenue are these Safe Routes to Schools programs where they'll take an intensive look at a school make a series of recommendations. And through that process, the various departments who have a role whether it's DTM or police department or public health or whomever will be engaged with the principal and other staff involved in school safety.

OK. Just one other follow up that I have are the schools pursuing any grants to improve things like that? Excuse me, to improve what we're talking about here Is that under their purview? I'm assuming there might be grants they can pursue that the city can't. Are there any options for them to pursue additional funding to improve safety around the schools?

Commissioner? Through the Chair, I'm unsure if there's programs that the schools are eligible for separately than the Safe Routes to Schools grants which this the municipal side actually takes the lead on. there may very well be but we do apply for the Safe Routes to Schools grant funding every year. Okay, thank you.

Thank you. Okay, so we'll take this and send the education piece of the report to Education and Traffic and Parking. There's a number of traffic and parking issues in the traffic and parkin'. and more of the motions we will do roll call, roll call.

Mr. Bergman? Yes. Mr. Bilotta? Yes Mr. Economou? Yes Ms. Fresolo? Yes, Mr. King? yes Mr. Mitra? yes, Mr Ojeda? yes. Mr Rivera? Yes! Mr Rosen? Yes Toomey? Yes

Yes. Recommending approval, Mrs. Stearns recommending an increase in the cost of living adjustment maximum from $16,000 to $17,000 starting July 1st, 2027. So roll call.

and Mayor Petty.

Robert Stearns, the Auditor General Transmitting Information and Communication about how the sale of lots and graves fund can be used at Holmes Cemetery. Refer that to MO. Roll call.

Councilor Bergman? Yes. Councilors Bilotta? Yes, Councilor Economou? Yes Councilor Zolo? Yes Yes. Councilor Mitra? Yes. Yes. Ms. Ojeda? Yes, Ms. Rivera? Yes! Ms. Rosen? Yes Ms. Toomey?

Yes

and City Clerk transmitting information quietly but outlining the various city council orders. Adopted over the previous three months, you can file that roll call. Mr. Chairman, can we send that to Municipal Operations? You could do that, you want the MMO? Okay, roll call.

Councilor Bergman?

and Mayor Petty.

Yes, 11A, Child Communications for a contact location at 135 Canberra Road. Councilor Frizzolo?

Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to file this particular item. Charter Communications and the Residents at 135 Comberma Road have come up with a different plan of action and they will file, Charter Communications will file another order next week. So this order here Mr. Chairman again I'd like to file please.

Okay, so motion is to file roll call.

Councilor Bergman? Yes. Bilotta? Yes Economou? Yes Fresolo? Yes King? Yes. Mr. Mitra? Yes. Ms. Ojeda? Yes, Mr. Rivera? Yes! Mr. Rosen? Yeah. Mr Toomey? Yes and Mayor Petty

Yes, requesting the Committee of Municipal Operations to review the rules of the City Council relative to public participation and discuss the feasibility of amending rules and the Council that have all City Council meetings beginning at 530 with public participation occurring from set times, from 530 to 630 each meeting. And the motion is just from Councilor Jose Rivera and the motions are sent to M.O., Councilor Rivera.

Yeah, so it's pretty sad that I have to come up here and explain the reasoning of my order because there's a lot of misinformation out there. I will say, when we read a text without context, we end up with a pretext for a proof text. And luckily that I have the facts behind me. But just going based on the order that we have right now 30 minutes, 6.30 to 7. We always suspend the rules unanimously. We let residents speak. I have not seen one time and the 10 months that I've been here, that we've never suspended the rules for everybody to speak. They have their two minutes.

What I'm asking is so we can have a balance, because there's been more than a few times where once midnight comes whether we want to stay or not, we have to stop and we can't get the work done. and so I'm asking 5.30 to 6.30, and that in another half an hour for the public participation because I think it's important for the residents to have their time to share all of their issues that they want done. So we're not taking away nobody's time, we're adding. We're not trying to stop anybody from participating in public speaking and I chair traffic in parking, and I start all of my meetings at 5.30 and the room was full. And when I let them speak five, 10 minutes, I don't give them a two minute limit.

and we're here for two and a half hours there's no problem everybody's heard all the work gets done, no issues. Here we have an hour, 530 to 630. We start our public meeting. We started a city council meeting if we're not done with public participation. We suspend the rules right? We give them time The key point is that by midnight, even before midnight, probably 11 or an hour early we're done with the work that residents elected us to get done. I mean to me it's one plus one is equals two here. We're balancing out, we're starting an hour earlier and and we're getting the work done. Nobody's stopping anybody from public speaking, nobody is trying to interfere with anybody's

you know, violating no open meeting laws, stopping the constitutional rights. This is about getting the work done and allowing the residents to have their public speaking time I've heard different, you know. We'll send it to MLO and then we'll see what the council says.

Thank you. The motion is to send them all, Council Keith.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just want to begin my statements by saying that I do not think that public participation prevents us from doing the work. as elected official in the city for over a decade now. we know that it ebbs and flows. In 2025, we had the lowest number of city council meetings in 20 years Mr. Chairman We had a meeting that lasted about 20 something minutes in 2025, Mr. Chairman tonight public participation lasted about 15 minutes Mr. Chairman and so public speaking will be done it really depends on the issue. And when there's hot button issues related to our city, related to economic development, related to health and safety.

We know that there's going to be a turnout. And nothing prevents this council from voting against suspension of rules if they feel that the time isn't valued. Mr. Chairman, I've spoken to a number of constituents that report this would create an hardship for them I spoke briefly with Councilor Rivera before the meeting and said, hey, I'd like to go back to 7 PM. and the reason why is it really hit a sweet spot. From some of the nurses I've talked to over the years that are working 11-7 shifts, folks working 9-5 was a really good balance of folks being able to participate after getting their kids home from school and situated. We know that we as a council have family, friends, kids, grandchildren

that engage in different activities that we would like to attend and that we can't. And, we know this particular form of government requires us to give our time in a way that we would not have to give out personal time if this was a full-time equivalent position, but it's not. Mr. Chairman, we also historically have run into some challenges with our more active committees. Over the years we've had folks, particularly I remember Economic Development for years meeting before the council, Public Health, Traffic and Parking, where you got to the point where when we switched to 630 I might guess that was probably I don't know, 2022? 2020 or so.

That we ran into some challenges there Mr. Chairman. Folks want to get home they want to in for in person Participation because that's where folks feel often. that they're most effective. And sure, we have the other portion that's available and again an hour for public participation isn't always a necessity, sometimes significantly less as we've seen tonight Mr. Chairman I can tell you for myself it creates a challenge as it relates to work My work ends at 5 o'clock. There are times I can get out before, but it requires that I take time if I'm at a flag raise and I gotta take time off my My time, that vacation time and what have you. And it runs out. So you're not always able to do that. We know we have folks in their work day 45 minutes away, an hour away.

To have the opportunity to get back on time to be in chambers is extremely important Mr. Chairman. Through the Chair to the administration, I'm sorry, to the Clerk. If you could just speak to when we changed from 630 to 7 PM? Huh?

Yeah, 7 to 6.30, sorry. Backwards. Through you, Chair, to the council. So it was before my tenure? I can do some research if you like but I don't have that information. Okay. Madam Mayor, do you remember?

It had to be over 10 years ago.

Yeah, it was after Black Lives Matter. Pine Woods was here, I remember that. That was before that? Yeah.

Yeah certainly, I became clerk in 2020 so we've always had 630. I think it was probably maybe 2015 or 2016 there was a revamp of the rules What could have been back then?

Yeah. And 7 o'clock was that way for a long time, and now the public has adjusted to 630. Again, I think the 7 o'clock is a sweet spot. 530 going back to that's not something that I'm willing to consider. I know there's gonna be further discussion on this. I'm sure it'll go to committee, but I'm not going to support it. I think it causes hardship where we don't need to cause hardship and if folks feel like there's too much public discussion that's taken away from the business of the city, part of that feedback is the business or the city. Mr. Chairman I won't be voting for this to go to committee. Berglund.

It's going to go to committee, so I'll try to make my comments brief. But I can speak for myself and I think some of my colleagues in saying that the narrative that trying to change the time somehow is trying to stifle public participation is just false. Now, as Councilor Rivera said, is twice as much as we dedicate now. I'd also say that school committee, as the mayor pointed out last meeting meets at 530. Our committees meet at 5 30. I'm not saying 530 is the right time. We should talk about an MLO, and that's where hopefully it's going to be headed. I will say that I've gotten zero I got one text message last week at the meeting but zero emails, I don't know if my colleagues did about you know this is gonna be an inconsistent time.

Maybe I missed one or two emails but I didn't hear an overriding public pushback for it, but maybe there is and that's what we do in committees. But I will say that and hopefully Councilor Rivera accepts this as a friendly amendment. We need to find more efficient ways to do the public portion of the meeting. We used to, when I started on the council ask the public which we do at committees if you have a spokesperson and you're here in a group and everybody's inclined to say the same thing please consider having your spokespersons speak for a number of you We can't force somebody to do that. Everybody's got a right to be at the microphone, but if everybody's got the same opinion they come as a group maybe they could have a spokesperson speak on behalf of everyone. There are certain communities that require you to have written testimony and you can't speak in public So we welcome people speaking in public. But that doesn't mean we can't be more efficient about it. Lately, we've had what I call

America's Got Talent, not during our public portion of the meeting. It is somewhat of an embarrassment. That's not what we're here for. We're not here for performances. So I know some people appreciate it. I think most of us that want to get the work then don't, So I think there's more efficient ways to get the meeting done without depriving folks of the opportunity to speak. But I'm gonna repeat one thing I said last time, Our charter says a reasonable amount of time. It doesn't say half an hour, it doesn't an hour. Other communities do less, other communities possibly do more. Doesn't say the beginning of the meeting and our charter says something very interesting which has always intrigued me It talks about the public being the citizens and the employees of the City of Worcester. That means to me that somebody out in the Midwest or the West Coast isn't that, but we let everybody speak.

So we're generous and you know this narrative that we're not generous really ticks me off because the charter says a reasonable amount of time it doesn't say that 30 minutes or 60 minutes is not reasonable So, let it go to committee. Let's talk it over. I have my concerns that may not be effective because ultimately even if we limit it to an hour there is always going to be people requesting more time and The nature of this council has been to grant more time consistently. And also, I don't know how we have committee meetings on Tuesdays if we're going to start the council meeting at 530 So there are issues to consider. Again, I'm not saying I support it but don't support it. What I don't is the characterization that somehow those of us that want this to go to MLO for more discussion, to see if a change in time would work or if we can find ways to be more efficient is somehow stifling the public input.

Simply not true, charter doesn't say that and it's just a false narrative in my opinion. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Council Boyle did you have your hand up?

I completely understand where Councilor Rivera is coming from and agree with wanting to do the council's business in a more efficient way. I hope Mr. Chairman doesn't take issue with this, but I think that comes to how where the meetings are being run. I know there was sometimes some pushback against what against folks not being happy with being asked, what purpose do you rise? But I mean that's the whole point of moving the meeting along efficiently. And but I can understand that like it's we're not taking away any time. But I do agree that moving the meetings up to 530 would be challenging for a lot of folks that would want to participate and I don't think it's a very convenient time Bergman, saying that yeah we don't some cities and towns don't allow any public comment or you have to have written testimony.

And I think we are generous with what we're doing but also it's our job to listen to the public. twice, once a month public comment goes for an hour. But I mean we do have you know the right to move to question as councillors we all don't have to go around the horn on every single item that's why I'm speaking in opposition to this and i think it'd be great to continue to enforce what purpose do you rise to whether your to make sure that you're speaking in opposition or you want to provide an amendment so we are, I think respectful of each other's times too. So that's where I'm at but that's why I'll be voting no on this, but I agree with you Thank you. Councilor Mitra?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think Councilor Rivera's order, if we really look at it, does have merit. Not interpreting it properly is giving an option for people to have more than half an hour time that we have at the same time. The intent is good that we will get more time to finish the agenda items that we have generally. Sometimes by having it for starting from 6 30 I mean we go to seven, sometimes goes longer and we are unable to finish our own whole agenda. And I see the merit in it but the point is that Such discussion should be done and then let's review everything, let's look at it. Everything has a pros and cons. Let's have a discussion on it and the best place to have a decision we have a process The process is sent to the standing committee where more people can come, where councillors can come. Where members of the committee can discuss and bring in a healthier solution to it

Maybe it is good. Maybe after we discuss, we find that this is a good solution to make our point that we want to get agenda items done before midnight and not too late. So has merit? must go to MLO. I would suggest, Mr. Chair, to send it to MRO have a better discussion and bring it back to the Council for further discussion if needed. Thank you.

Thank You. Council Rosen?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. chairman, most of our subcommittees meet, I think all of them, oh what 10 of them? They meet between five and 530. I don't think there's any subcommittee that meets after 530 I don't think there's any subcommittee that meets before five o'clock. I know in public health, I always choose 515. I think our Public Works, that's about five but no one goes beyond 530 and people have never complained about those meetings they seem to attend if there's a big issue on there. We talked in MLO about charter review and when people knew about the meeting, they all came down whatever time that was I think it might have been five o'clock even So I don't see a problem in subcommittees with the time we start, and I'm not sure there would be a problem if we make a change in the time that the city council meetings start. And as far as people maybe can't get down here

at 5.30, whenever it is to speak some people can't get down here at 6.30 either but we do have a great opportunity online people can stay home you know watch the kids make the dinner whatever they have to do and call in, they get their same two minutes. And it's just as effective so you know they don't have to appear here necessarily it's probably nicer for them and they feel like maybe we listen a little more if they're right before us, but I think we listen well too when they're calling from at home. So I guess I'm gonna make amendment on this though I'm going to request that we change the 530 or at least, you know this can go maybe both times can go to the MLO committee but make it six o'clock. Six o'clock, I think is a good time for most people since all subcommittees start. 5 to 5.30, this is 6 o'clock. I don't think there'll be any complaints if we start at six o' clock. They'll come down if they have time, they'll go online if they don't have time to come down

it's a reasonable time and as I said every subcommittee no one starts at 6. 5 30 is definitely the latest we start So my amendment would be six o'clock starting the city council meetings and still giving the public the chance to speak, whether it's a half an hour or an hour. We always suspend the rules. We let the people speak. and it's worked out pretty well. Sometimes, it's a couple hours. We've had the homeless issue and other issues that they take a couple of hours because you know, we're their representatives. So that's why they come down and speak to us. It should happen. You shouldn't say well, they already spoke a half an hour. We have to suspend the rules now. Give them a chance to speak I don't mind that they should all have a chance to speak. I'm not talking three or four hours, I'm talking an hour, an hour and a half or so on but my amendment would be six o'clock starting the city council meetings thank you Mr. Chairman

So you're looking at the add 6 p.m., so it'll be 530 or six?

Yeah, 530 is six right, so when we talk about in committee, we can discuss both.

Okay, Councilor King for second time?

Give me 20 seconds.

Mr. Chairman, I'd like to mention- Can you get my hand raised? Oh, Councilor Toomey, I'm sorry for the first time, Councilors Toomeys?

Thank you very much. The important thing is that we do have a discussion, that people have different opinions and that we should be listening to the public and also our concerns. Rosen brought up a point that I was going to bring up too, is that there is the out of compromise and six o'clock may very well be a good point of compromise for folks. So I look forward to seeing this in committee. Thank you.

Thank you Mr. Chairman really quickly if I could make a motion or perhaps yeah motion that rule 5 also be sent to committee. Rule 5 allows for any counselor, if they get five signatures, to request a special meeting if they feel that business of the city is not being done, for example. Mr. Chairman, in addition to that we know that when we have long meetings are a result of joint meetings council agendas as well as budget meetings for budget or if it's a hot topic issue Mr. Chairman so you know one of the things that we could consider is if there's a joint meeting or a cancellation in the joint meeting that we schedule on an off day to make sure we don't miss a meeting that week because a lot of the time is when the manager's coming in and the council's coming with a whole lot of things, even more so than public participation. Thank you.

So it was

Mr.

Clerk, I just want Rule 5 and whether there's a charter or a rule?

Through you Chair to the Mayor so basically I believe there is a charter section on that rule but I don't have the actual section in front of me right now

Yeah, we'll send it to the committee for a report. Okay, is everybody good? As amended? I'm sorry, roll call.

Councillor Bregman?

Yes.

Councillor Bilotta?

No.

Yes. Councilor Economou? Yes. Zolo? Yes Councilor King? No Councilor Mitra? yes Councilor Ojeda? no Councilor Rivera? Yes, Councilor Rosen? Yes

Yes. So it brings us to the end of the meeting. Council Rivera, do you want a suspension? We'll do a roll call. Councilor Rivera wants us to suspend the rules. You need eight votes. Roll call.

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

So basically I just want to let all the Councils know, all my colleagues know that on Thursday we're going to have a very important meeting and a Chandler dual language program at 6 p.m., It's going to do with the double roundabouts on Chandler and Main Street. And I know you guys are gonna get a lot of emails for support or against, so it'll be ideal if you could make it to come to the meeting so you can hear from the residents and you can here from the city administration itself. Thank you.

Councilor Rivera? I'm coming.

Thank you Mr. Chairman, real quick also we are having the Main Street revisiting sorry Main Street visiting meeting tomorrow at the YMCA at 5 PM. All right, that's for Main Street so hopefully residents can attend. It's an opportunity to be able to speak on some of the concerns you have with the revisioning of Main Street. Thank you.

Thank you.

Motion is to adjourn, roll call. and Mayor Petty.