Meeting Minutes of the Worcester City Council
Meeting Title: City Council Meeting Governing Body: Worcester City Council Meeting Date: October 24, 2025 Attendees:
- Mayor Joseph Petty
- Councilor Morris Bergman
- Councilor Donna Colorio
- Councilor Etel Haxhiaj
- Councilor Khrystian King
- Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson
- Councilor Luis Ojeda
- Councilor Jenny Pacillo
- Councilor George Russell
- Councilor Kathleen Toomey
Executive Summary: The City Council approved minutes from a previous meeting and recognized several proclamations, including Dysautonomia Awareness Month, Pharmacy Week, and ADHD Awareness Month. Public participation included significant discussion on the Polar Park funding shortfall and the poor condition of city sidewalks. The Council voted on several financial items, approved a rate increase for plowing and sanding equipment, and referred numerous petitions to various committees. Several orders were introduced and voted upon, addressing issues such as traffic calming, bus shelters, garage repairs, and support for artists.
I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- The meeting was called to order.
- The Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner were recited.
II. Roll Call
- Councilor Bergman: Present
- Councilor Colorio: Present
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Present
- Councilor King: Present
- Councilor Mero-Carlson: Present
- Councilor Ojeda: Present
- Councilor Pacillo: Present
- Councilor Russell: Present
- Councilor Toomey: Present
- Mayor Petty: Present
- Councilor Nguyen: Absent
III. Recognition of William S. Coleman III
- Mayor Petty honored William S. Coleman III, "Councilor for the Day" on October 20, 2025, for his lifelong community advocacy.
- A plaque was displayed, reading: "William S. Coleman III, honorary city council for a day on October 20, 2025, recognition of his lifelong community advocacy as perennial candidate who never stopped showing up for Worcester, the city he loved."
- Family members (Sonny, Paula, and Jenna Coleman) were present and recognized.
- A street sign in Bill Coleman's name has been placed on Gardner Street, off Main Street.
IV. Proclamations
- Dysautonomia Awareness Month (October 2025):
- Mayor Joseph M. Petty proclaimed October 2025 as Dysautonomia Awareness Month in the City of Worcester.
- Kate McGrath, representing the Accessibility Advisory Commission and the Dissolve Dysautonomia Awareness Campaign, accepted the proclamation.
- City Hall will be illuminated in turquoise for one week in recognition.
- Pharmacy Week (October 19-25, 2025):
- Mayor Joseph M. Petty proclaimed October 19-25, 2025, as Pharmacy Week in the City of Worcester.
- Colleen Groeschler from UMass Memorial Health accepted the proclamation, highlighting the vital role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
- ADHD Awareness Month (October 2025):
- Mayor Joseph M. Petty proclaimed October 2025 as ADHD Awareness Month.
- No representatives were present to accept the proclamation.
V. Approval of Minutes
- Motion: To approve the minutes of the City Council meeting of September 16, 2025.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
VI. Items Held Under Privilege
- Councilor Russell held items 10.26A and 14C (involving the ballpark) under privilege.
VII. Public Participation
- Nicole Apostola (Worcester Resident):
- Spoke on item 10.26A regarding the Polar Park funding shortfall.
- Summarized: Questioned the City Manager's repeated projection of $50 million from the DIF reserve by 2048, noting a consistent deficit ($2.1 million over the last three years). Criticized the expansion of the DIF district and the lack of accountability for "horrible contracts" and "misconstruction of the doors at the park." Asked which city services would be cut to subsidize "multimillionaires."
- Gary Hunter (District 5 Resident):
- Spoke on Polar Park funding and city sidewalks.
- Summarized: Echoed concerns about Polar Park's funding and the lack of development around it. Questioned who is responsible for ensuring developers fulfill promises related to tax breaks. Highlighted the "awful condition" of city sidewalks, especially around City Hall, and the danger they pose to people with disabilities. Requested the sidewalk construction progress report (item 10.11a) be made public.
- Grace Ross (10 Oxford Street, Worcester):
- Spoke on item 19R (not explicitly detailed in the transcript but referenced as a sensitive topic).
- Summarized: Expressed concern about historical patterns of targeting Jewish communities and urged the Council to protect all community members equally, recognizing the "dangerous history" and the need to represent the entire city.
- Keith Linares (1 Jumaine Street, District 1):
- Spoke on the Polar Park funding shortfall.
- Summarized: Shared a resident's concern about the broken promise that Polar Park would pay for itself, noting a $761,000 shortfall in FY24 borne by taxpayers. Advocated for the "responsible development pledge" which includes a clawback for the TIE subsidy to the Mankati group, unifying responsible development ordinances, and increased transparency on development projects.
- Fiona Jatan Singh (37 County Street):
- Spoke on item 10.11a (sidewalk construction progress report).
- Summarized: Highlighted a 15-year struggle for a sidewalk on Sunderland Road. Noted that while the parking lot and school-side sidewalk were redone, the sidewalk on the other side of Sunderland Road was not added as agreed upon two years prior.
- Idella Hazard (Worcester Resident):
- Spoke on city sidewalks.
- Summarized: Emphasized the need to prioritize sidewalk repairs around City Hall, stating, "If you're gonna do sidewalks, this is the first place to do them." Stressed the importance of holding city officials accountable for their promises.
- David Webb (Olympia Resident - Remote):
- Spoke on multiple items.
- Summarized: Criticized Councilor Russell for holding the ballpark conversation. Suggested disbanding the "quality of life trash force" and implementing "actual trash solutions" (10.7b). Called the Polar Park situation "embarrassing" (10.26). Criticized the City Law Department for not following public record laws (17c) and suggested filling the civil rights investigator position first. Thanked Councilor Toomey for addressing sidewalks in District 2 (12K, 12L). Suggested that empowering artists requires affordable housing and safety, but acknowledged item 12M as a "nice gesture."
VIII. Hearings and Orders
- 7A-7C: Condo Locations (Canterbury Street, Williamsburg Drive, Dana Ave)
- Motion: To open the hearing.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- No opposition was voiced.
- Motion: To close the hearing.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- Motion: To adopt.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
IX. Petitions
- 8A-8B:
- Motion: To refer 8A to the Planning Board and 8B to Public Works.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 8C-8G:
- Councilor Colorio spoke on a petition for a guardrail at 381 Hamilton Street, noting two prior car crashes into the house.
- Motion: To refer 8C-8G to the Public Works Committee.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 8H-8Z:
- Motion: To refer 8H-8Z to Traffic and Parking.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 9A-9O:
- Councilor Ojeda spoke on 9J, concerning a crosswalk near Woodland Street School and Claymont Academy, highlighting speeding issues and the need for a blinking light and crosswalk for student safety.
- Motion: To refer 9A-9O to Traffic and Parking.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 9P-9R:
- Motion: To set today's hearing for November 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
X. Manager's Calendar
- 10.1A: Transmitting Information on Grocery Store Locations
- Motion: To refer to Economic Development.
- Councilor Pacillo thanked the City Manager, Peter Dunn, Erin Quayle (DPH), and various community partners for their work on grocery store access.
- Councilor King requested a formal mapping structure to identify food deserts in the city.
- Motion (Councilor King): To request the City Manager provide a formal report to the City Council identifying food deserts.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- Outcome (Original Motion): Item 10.1A referred to Economic Development.
- 10.6A: Recommended Adoption Resolution Approval of the UCH TIF Plan and Agreement with Curtis Apartments Phase 2
- Councilor Mero-Carlson recused herself.
- Motion: To recommend adoption.
- Outcome (Roll Call Vote):
- Councilor Bergman: Yes
- Councilor Colorio: Yes
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
- Councilor King: Yes
- Councilor Mero-Carlson: Recused
- Councilor Nguyen: Absent
- Councilor Ojeda: Yes
- Councilor Pacillo: Yes
- Councilor Russell: Yes
- Councilor Toomey: Yes
- Mayor Petty: Yes
- Vote: 10 Yes, 0 No, 1 Recused, 1 Absent. Motion Passed.
- 10.7A: Transmitting Information and Communication Relative to the 2025 Fall Leaf Collection Program
- Motion: To file.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 10.7B: Transmitting Information and Communication Relative to the Update on the Keep Worcester Clean Program
- Motion: To refer to Public Works.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 10.8A: Recommended Adoption Resolution Approving Rate Increase for Certain Categories of Hired Equipment for Plowing and Sanding and Providing an Update on Winter Storm Preparedness
- Councilor Russell questioned if this item typically goes to committee and if there was a timeline constraint.
- City Manager stated that approval was needed to ensure preparedness for early snowstorms but could go to committee for further discussion.
- Motion (Councilor Russell): To approve the rate increase with the understanding that it will be sent to committee for discussion.
- Councilor Bergman inquired about the number of snowplow drivers and equipment. Commissioner Westerling stated they were down six drivers but were in the process of hiring five. He confirmed new equipment had been received and more was expected.
- Councilor Mero-Carlson questioned if the new rates would be competitive with surrounding cities and towns, noting that MassDOT rates were the only published comparison. Commissioner Westerling stated they aimed for a balance between competitiveness and affordability and would seek information on surrounding communities' rates.
- Outcome (Roll Call Vote):
- Councilor Bergman: Yes
- Councilor Colorio: Yes
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
- Councilor King: Yes
- Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
- Councilor Nguyen: Absent
- Councilor Ojeda: Yes
- Councilor Pacillo: Yes
- Councilor Russell: Yes
- Councilor Toomey: Yes
- Mayor Petty: Yes
- Vote: 10 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent. Motion Passed.
- 10.9A: Transmitting Information and Communication Relative to Moreland Street
- Motion: To send to Public Works.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 10.10A: Requesting Approval of Up to Six-Year Contract for Aqueduct Facilities Maintenance
- Motion: To adopt.
- Outcome (Roll Call Vote):
- Councilor Bergman: Yes
- Councilor Colorio: Yes
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
- Councilor King: Yes
- Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
- Councilor Nguyen: Absent
- Councilor Ojeda: Yes
- Councilor Pacillo: Yes
- Councilor Russell: Yes
- Councilor Toomey: Yes
- Mayor Petty: Yes
- Vote: 10 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent. Motion Passed.
- 10.11A: Transmitting Information Communication Relative to Street and Sidewalk Construction Progress Report for September 2025
- City Manager announced that the contractor for downtown sidewalk construction (around City Hall) was awarded, and work would begin November 3rd, funded by the FY25 capital budget.
- Motion: To file.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 10.15A: Transmitting Information and Communication of the Rental Agreement to Municipal Properties
- Motion: To send to Public Works.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 10.26A: Held under privilege by Councilor Russell.
- 10.35A-E, 10.36A, 10.37A-F: Financial Items
- Motion: To adopt.
- Outcome (Roll Call Vote):
- Councilor Bergman: Yes
- Councilor Colorio: Yes
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
- Councilor King: Yes
- Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
- Councilor Nguyen: Absent
- Councilor Ojeda: Yes
- Councilor Pacillo: Yes
- Councilor Russell: Yes
- Councilor Toomey: Yes
- Mayor Petty: Yes
- Vote: 10 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent. Motion Passed.
XI. Chairman's Orders
- 11A-11B:
- Motion: To refer to the Traffic and Parking Committee.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 11C-11F:
- Motion: To adopt.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
XII. Orders
- 12A: Request City Manager to Request Commissioner of Transportation Mobility to Provide City Council Report Relative to the Feasibility of Installing Speed Tables on June Street
- Sponsor: Councilor Haxhiaj
- Motion: As it reads.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12B: Request City Manager to Request the Police Chief Place a Speed Monitor on June Street Going Towards Mill Street
- Sponsor: Councilor Haxhiaj
- Motion: As it reads.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12C: Request City Manager to Work with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) to Install Bus Shelters on the Even Side of the Street in Front of 40 Belmont Street
- Motion: As it reads.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12D: Request City Manager to Request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility to Review the Walk Signal on the On-Ramp of I-190 Westbound on Belmont Street to Ensure a Safe Walkway is Available to Pedestrians
- Motion: As it reads.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12E: Request City Manager to Request the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility Review the Sidewalk Configuration and Parking Available in the Vicinity of 330 Southbridge Street to Alleviate Parking Concerns
- Sponsor: Councilor King
- Motion: As it reads.
- Councilor King explained that previous street work eliminated parking for businesses, causing issues for customers. He requested the Manager and team to explore relief options, possibly an exemption.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12F: Request the Mayor to Provide Council with a Report Concerning the Plans to Repair the Federal Plaza Garage Located at 770 Main Street, Including Fixing the Staircase on Main Street's Side and Upgrades to the Elevators
- Motion: As it reads.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12G: Request the Mayor to Provide Council with a Report Concerning the Status of Development Occurring at 40 Hooper Street
- Sponsor: Councilor Mero-Carlson
- Motion: As it reads.
- Councilor Mero-Carlson highlighted 17 work orders called into 3-1-1 since December 2023 regarding the development. She noted multiple stop-work orders and the dangerous condition of the private road (Hooper Street crossing Catherine Street) due to the project, impacting mail delivery and WRTA bus access. She requested a report on why issues persist and why the DBW department has not addressed the road's condition.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12H: Request the City Manager Request the Commissioner of Transportation Mobility Review Salisbury Street for the Installation of Immediate Speed Calming Measures and Safety Improvements
- Sponsor: Councilor Pacillo
- Motion: As it reads.
- Councilor Pacillo thanked the Department of Transportation and Mobility and DPW for previous work on Salisbury Street. She noted ongoing safety concerns due to high traffic volume (10,000-19,000 vehicles/day) and speeding (average 29-35 mph, with 15% exceeding 35-39 mph). She mentioned pending traffic signal and intersection redesigns but requested immediate improvements.
- Councilor King inquired about police presence and the number of mobile speed radars. City Manager stated officers could patrol and radars could be deployed, but the exact number of radars was unknown.
- Councilor King also requested an update on the approved mini-rotary at the Flag Street intersection due to constant accidents.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12I: Request the Mayor to Request the Fire Chief from Citywide Public Education Awareness Campaign Concerning Fire Prevention and Safety and Lighter Reductions and Fuel Assistance
- Sponsor: Councilor Haxhiaj
- Motion: As it reads.
- Councilor King signed on.
- Outcome: Approved as amended by voice vote.
- 12J: Request the City Manager to Provide City Council Report Concerning the Feasibility of the Worcester Senior Center Providing Programs and Activities at Residential Communities for Seniors with People with Disabilities
- Sponsor: Councilor Mero-Carlson
- Motion: As it reads.
- Councilor Mero-Carlson noted that many high-rises for seniors and people with disabilities lack activities, unlike those with resident service coordinators. She asked if the Senior Center could extend programs to these buildings.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12K: Request the Manager, Request the Commission of Public Works and Parks, Review the Brightness of Street Lights on Lake Ave and Increase the Said Brightness at Appropriate Locations, Especially Including Crosswalks
- Sponsor: Councilor Toomey
- Motion: As it reads.
- Councilor Toomey highlighted the lack of brightness on Lake Ave at night, despite new crosswalks. She suggested increasing light brightness and potentially adding lights in the median.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12L: Request the Manager, Request the Commission of Public Works and Parks, Provide Immediate Repairs and Resurfacing for the Section of Solano Road Underneath the Railroad Bridge
- Sponsor: Councilor Toomey
- Motion: As it reads.
- Councilor Toomey described the road as causing "teeth chatter" and supported Councilor Russell's long-standing request for repairs.
- Councilor Russell signed on and questioned the delay, noting that Habitat for Humanity had patched a nearby section, making the city's portion look worse. Commissioner Westerling stated it was a priority and would be done before snow, promising a date.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 12M: Request the Manager to Provide Council to the Report Concerning the Studio Spaces Available to Artists in the City. The Said Report Should Include Information as to Cost Increases in the Spaces and Any Impact It May Have on the Arts Community. Further Request the Report Include a Proposal to Provide Incentives to Property Owners to Provide Affordable, Creative Spaces to Artists.
- Sponsor: Councilor Toomey
- Motion: As it reads.
- Councilor Toomey, an artist herself, expressed concern about artists leaving Worcester due to unaffordable studio space. She emphasized the importance of the creative economy and suggested exploring incentives for property owners and potentially utilizing college-owned properties.
- Councilor Pacillo signed on, requesting the report also include the feasibility of creating mixed-income artist preference apartments, similar to Fitchburg's model.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
XIII. Committee Referrals
- 14A-14B:
- Motion: To refer to the Municipal Operations Committee.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 14C: Held under privilege by Councilor Russell.
- 15A:
- Motion: To refer to the Economic Development Committee.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
XIV. Ordinances
- 16A-16B:
- Motion: To accept and adopt.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 16C-16I:
- Motion: To accept.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
- 17A-17F:
- Motion: To ordain.
- Outcome (Roll Call Vote):
- Councilor Bergman: Yes
- Councilor Colorio: Yes
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
- Councilor King: Yes
- Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
- Councilor Nguyen: Absent
- Councilor Ojeda: Yes
- Councilor Pacillo: Yes
- Councilor Russell: Yes
- Councilor Toomey: Yes
- Mayor Petty: Yes
- Vote: 10 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent. Motion Passed.
XV. Adjournment
- Motion: To adjourn.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.