City Council 12/09/2025

Governing Body: Worcester City Council Meeting Date: December 09, 2025 Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting 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. (Councilor Nguyen was present but did not vote on all items).

Executive Summary: The City Council addressed several critical issues, including the election of two residents to the Library Board of Directors, a contentious tax classification hearing, and discussions surrounding the federal government's impact on permanent supportive housing and homelessness. The Council elected Stephanie Pasha and Ron Waddell to the Library Board. Following extensive debate, the Council adopted tax classification line 269, which sets the residential tax rate at $13.28 per thousand and the commercial tax rate at $29.06 per thousand. Significant concerns were raised regarding potential federal cuts to permanent supportive housing, with calls for a comprehensive city plan to address the impending humanitarian crisis and an annual review of the Worcester Police Department's body-worn camera program.

• The meeting was called to order.
• The Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner were recited.

• Present: 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, Mayor Joseph Petty.
• Absent: Councilor Nguyen (present for some votes, but not all).

• Minutes from March 4, 2025, and November 18, 2025, were approved.
  • Vote: All in favor.

• Fred Nathan (Worcester):
  • Summary: Spoke on items 8A-8I (tax classification), noting that taxes will inevitably increase due to the 2.5% cap. Criticized the "placed on file" status of numerous speed hump items, equating it to being discarded. Raised concerns about 100 Providence Street (item 19C), urging the city to take action on the property to prevent it from sitting vacant.
  • Quote: "You cannot raise more than two and a half percent above the taxes. So one way or another taxes are gonna go up, because they certainly not going to go down."
• Mike Kane (Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Worcester resident):
  • Summary: Supported line 250 of the tax classification vote to narrow the tax classification gap. Highlighted that Worcester has one of the highest commercial tax rates in the Commonwealth, discouraging business investment. Cited an example of a business owner experiencing a 100% ($20,000) tax increase. Argued that narrowing the gap strengthens the commercial tax base and stabilizes residential tax bills.
  • Quote: "Supporting line 254, it's not going to give businesses a break, but it's ensuring that Worcester has long-term financial stability."
• Lenzalaskis (Worcester Public Schools Teacher):
  • Summary: Advocated for line 260 in the tax classification, deeming it the most fair. Stressed the importance of the City meeting the minimum foundation budget requirement for Worcester Public Schools (100% funding, not 99.9%). Noted that line 260 results in approximately a 3% increase for both homeowners and businesses, which he views as equitable for supporting jobs and the community.
  • Quote: "I'm here to advocate for the kids and I'm hoping that this year that of the City meets the minimum requirement and that we get the money that the law says we're supposed to."
• Gary Hunter (District 5, Worcester):
  • Summary: Questioned the dual tax system and the implications of tax increases exceeding 2.5%. Expressed concern about the lack of pre-treatment for roads during the recent snowstorm (item 12B). Highlighted the ongoing homeless and housing crisis (item 12A), criticizing the city's approach to encampments and the lack of a replacement for the Registry location. Criticized the City Council for cutting off public debate at a previous meeting.
  • Quote: "I don't see a replacement for what was at the registry. And I think we need to talk louder and get something done."
• Joe Pagano (Worcester resident):
  • Summary: Discussed the average annual single-family tax bill ($5,266), noting it seems low for the services provided. Criticized Tax Incremental Financing (TIFs) but acknowledged their necessity in distressed areas. Argued that Worcester's high commercial tax rate (8th highest in the Commonwealth) drives businesses away. Advocated for narrowing the gap between residential and commercial tax rates to expand the tax base and reduce reliance on federal/state funding for social services.
  • Quote: "With the eighth highest commercial tax rate in the Commonwealth, we're driving business away."
• David Webb (Olympia):
  • Summary: Criticized DPW's "double-dipping" (item 10.7A) and poor job performance. Stated that a "good city would already be doing this" (item 11C). Raised concerns about the Worcester Police Department's failure to follow body-worn camera procedures (item 19B), particularly with the unhoused community. Accused the City Law Department of withholding public records and protecting the city from liability rather than ensuring compliance with laws. Called for police to use cameras and for compliance with public records law.
  • Quote: "It seems like the Worcester Police Department doesn't feel the need to engage their camera when interacting with the unhoused community likely because the Worcester Police Department doesn't see them as people."

• Applicants: Sharon Boateng (District 3), Stephanie Pasha (District 1), Ron Waddell (District 4).
• Procedure: Each City Council member indicated their preference for two available positions. The persons receiving the most votes and at least six votes (majority of the full council) would be elected.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor King inquired about the terms of current board members. Jason, Library Director, explained that terms are six years, with two positions rolling off annually. Matthew Ngo and Harriet Chandler's terms end in 2026. Board members can serve up to 10 years.
  • Ron Waddell: Spoke about his practical connection to the library, having piloted the second bookmobile "Lilly" from 2014-2017. Highlighted the library's impact on his sons and his professional work with Legendary Legacies, a nonprofit focused on reentry and community violence intervention. Emphasized bringing an equity lens, strategic thinking, and relational leadership to the board.
  • Stephanie Pasha: Sought reappointment, emphasizing her deep commitment to the Worcester Public Library and her efforts to advocate for it. Highlighted her experience, relationships with the Executive Director and team, and her network of connections.
  • Sharon Boateng: Expressed honor to be a candidate, emphasizing her belief in public spaces like libraries. Shared her community involvement as a sexual assault counselor and volunteer, highlighting her understanding of community needs, dignity, and equity. Stressed the importance of accessibility and responsiveness to community needs.
• Vote (Roll Call):
  • Councilor Bergman: Stephanie Pasha, Ronald Waddell
  • Councilor Colorio: Sharon Boateng, Ronald Waddell
  • Councilor Haxhiaj: Stephanie Pasha, Ronald Waddell
  • Councilor King: Stephanie Pasha, Ronald Waddell
  • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Sharon Boateng, Ronald Waddell
  • Councilor Ojeda: Stephanie Pasha, Ronald Waddell
  • Councilor Pacillo: Stephanie Pasha, Ronald Waddell
  • Councilor Russell: Stephanie Pasha, Ronald Waddell
  • Councilor Toomey: Sharon Boateng, Ronald Waddell
  • Mayor Petty: Stephanie Pasha, Ronald Waddell
• Outcome: Stephanie Pasha and Ron Waddell were elected.

• Discussion:

  • Councilor Toomey: Proposed line 267, citing it as the closest percentage change in tax bills for both residents and businesses. This would result in a 3.56% increase for residents and 3.57% for businesses, averaging $188 for residents and $1292 for businesses.
  • Councilor Bergman: Proposed line 269, the lowest residential rate. Acknowledged the difficulty of the vote and the inability to satisfy everyone. Highlighted that 40% of residential property owners would see higher tax bills than the median, compared to 44 commercial property owners. Suggested exploring taxing nine or more unit properties as commercial, which could generate an additional $18.18 million in tax revenue.
  • Councilor Pacillo: Agreed with Councilor Bergman on the difficulty of the meeting. Cited the Massachusetts Municipal Association report on historic fiscal pressures due to state funding not keeping pace with inflation. Emphasized the need to keep Worcester affordable for residents while also supporting small and mid-sized businesses. Supported Councilor Toomey's suggestion (line 267) to narrow the gap between commercial and residential rates, noting Worcester's commercial tax rate is double that of Shrewsbury.
  • Councilor King: Emphasized equity for families and small businesses facing rising costs. Advocated for modest increases for both residential and commercial property owners. Called for the City Manager to review essential versus desired services in the budget. Inquired about market adjustments for residential and commercial properties.
    • Suhaib Safsa (Assessor): Stated that single-family properties saw a 2.7% market adjustment up, two-family properties 5.5%, and three-family properties 3.5%. Commercial values increased less than 2%, and industrial less than 0.5%. Noted that Boston's commercial property values have decreased due to vacant office space, while Worcester has seen recovery through mixed-use conversions.
    • Councilor King: Inquired about the tax levy.
    • Mr. McGruthy: Stated the FY25 tax levy was $396 million, and the proposed FY26 tax levy is $421 million, resulting from Proposition 2.5 allowance and new growth. Explained that the city is authorized to raise $446 million, but has an unused tax levy capacity of $25.8 million, which is a tax savings for residents.
    • Councilor King: Discussed the personal property tax exemption for small businesses (under $10,000 in value), which would exempt 2,821 out of 4,267 accounts (66.1%), resulting in a $231,397 difference in tax revenue. Noted that new growth from personal property (primarily utilities) was $5,653,641. Inquired about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and their impact on property values.
    • Suhaib Safsa (Assessor): Stated approximately 20 ADUs are online, with more permits pulled. ADUs can add $65,000 to over $150,000 in value depending on size, quality, and condition.
    • Councilor King: Supported line 267 and requested a 10-15 year plan to incrementally reduce the tax gap.
  • Mayor Petty: Supported Councilor Toomey's motion (line 267). Noted that Worcester's commercial tax rate is one of the highest, while the residential rate is in the bottom third statewide. Highlighted the $25.8 million unused tax levy capacity. Emphasized the need to compete with surrounding towns like Auburn and Shrewsbury for business investment.
  • Councilor Russell: Used the "seesaw" analogy for the tax rate, explaining that lowering one side raises the other. Stated that an equal tax rate would increase single-family bills by 30% and decrease commercial bills by 40%. Advocated for a small business tax exemption, which is allowed under state law but has not been adopted. Expressed concern that taxing nine or more unit properties as commercial would pass costs to renters, noting that even under the lowest residential rate (line 269), apartments would see an 8.24% increase and single-family homes a 3.41% increase.
  • Councilor King: Requested clarification on the difference between line 267 and 269.
    • Suhaib Safsa (Assessor):
      • Line 267: Residential tax rate $13.30 per thousand; Commercial tax rate $28.98 per thousand. Average residential increase $188; average commercial increase $1292.
      • Line 269: Residential tax rate $13.28 per thousand (2 cents lower than 267); Commercial tax rate $29.06 per thousand (8 cents higher than 267). Average residential increase $180 ($8 less than 267); average commercial increase $1395 ($102 more than 267).
      • For a three-family property, line 267 would result in a $307 increase, while line 269 would be a $295 increase ($12 less).

• Vote on 8I (Senior Double Tax Exemption) and 8H (Personal Property Tax Exemption):

  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Nguyen, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• Vote on 8F and 8G (Budget Adjustments):

  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• Vote on Tax Classification Line 267:

  • Outcome: Failed (3 Yes, 7 No).
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Pacillo, Toomey, Petty.
    • No: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Nguyen, Russell.

• Vote on Tax Classification Line 269:

  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• Motion to Reconsider Line 269:

  • Outcome: Failed.
  • Vote:
    • No: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• Vote on Motions from Councilor Bergman and Councilor Russell (collectively):

  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• Vote to File 8B, 8C, and 8D:

  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• 9A and 9B: Referred to Public Works Committee.
• 9C and 9G: Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee.
  • Vote (collectively):
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 9H: Referred to Law Department for an answer on an open meeting law complaint form.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• 10.2A: Recommendation for the appointment of Jennifer Guzman-Gayforth to the Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 10.7A: Recommended adoption of an order to grant exemptions to three snowplow contractors who are also municipal employees.
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 10.11A: Transmitting information and communication with the selection of local street resurfacing rehabilitation projects for fiscal year 27-28.
  • Motion: Councilor Russell moved to send to Public Works and reconsider afterwards.
  • Vote to Send to Public Works:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
  • Motion to Reconsider:
    • Outcome: Failed.
    • Vote:
      • No: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 10.19A: Transmitting information and communication relative to the proposed Purple Heart and Gold Star Memorials.
  • Discussion:
    • Mayor Petty thanked the City Manager, Robert Tonnelli, Parks Department, and Veterans Agents for their work. Highlighted the late Joe Janduso's advocacy for a Purple Heart memorial.
    • Alex Arriaga (Interim Commissioner of Health and Human Services) and Dr. Joe Robinson (Director of Veterans Services): Provided background on the project, honoring Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families. Explained the significance of the Purple Heart (awarded for combat injuries/deaths) and Gold Star (recognition for families who lost loved ones in combat). Dr. Robinson, a retired Marine, expressed deep honor in the task. A public hearing is scheduled for December 22nd at 6:30 PM to gather community feedback and present designs for a location on the back of the Worcester Common. Funding will determine the timeline.
    • Councilor King: Asked for context on the memorials for young viewers. Dr. Robinson and Alex Arriaga explained the meaning and history of the Purple Heart and Gold Star, emphasizing the sacrifice of service members and their families. Alex Arriaga, a Purple Heart recipient, shared his personal experience.
    • Councilor King: Requested a report back on the RMV location and communication with the state regarding its intent.
  • Outcome: Sent to Veterans and Parks, Recreation.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• 10.35A through 10.35D, 10.35F through 10.35I, and 10.37A:
  • Motion: Councilor Ojeda recused himself from 10.35E.
  • Outcome: Approved (all items except 10.35E).
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 10.35E: Recommend adoption of a resolution to finally accept and expend a grant of $300,000 to the Master, Final, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty. (Councilor Ojeda recused).

• 11A through 11C:
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Nguyen, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• Request for a report outlining the impact of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) cuts on permanent supportive housing in the city. The report should include:
  • Number of permanent supportive housing units expected not to be renewed.
  • Number of residents expected to lose permanent housing.
  • Impact on homelessness numbers in Worcester.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Expressed concerns about the federal policy shift away from "Housing First" and towards transitional housing, which is not suitable for chronically disabled individuals or families. Highlighted the potential for mass evictions and nonprofit staff layoffs due to funding cuts. Criticized new federal requirements that could mandate law enforcement actions against unhoused individuals, drug testing, forced treatment, and reporting of immigration status, as well as the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations. Called for an emergency plan from the City Manager, including financial commitments and a clear policy from the Worcester Police Department regarding unhoused individuals. Requested the report be discussed in the Public Health Committee.
    • Councilor King: Signed on to the request. Emphasized not criminalizing homelessness or reducing services.
    • City Manager: Stated he meets monthly with providers and an operations team meets weekly to strategize. Acknowledged federal "curve balls" regarding funding and policy. Mentioned exploring all HUD dollars (ESG, block rent, home ARP) to reallocate funds. Committed to bringing a plan to the Council in the new year.
    • Councilor King: Inquired about litigation against the federal government.
    • City Manager: Confirmed the Attorney General of Massachusetts, along with other states, filed a lawsuit.
    • Councilor King: Asked about the potential impacts of the federal policy shift.
    • City Manager: Stated the impact is significant, affecting hundreds of individuals, families, and the workforce (case managers). Noted an increase in homelessness and agencies at capacity. Mentioned efforts to open an overflow shelter by December 15th and working with regional partners.
    • Councilor King: Inquired about the HUD Continuum of Care funding deadline (end of January).
    • City Manager: Confirmed the timeline and the AG's office involvement.
    • Councilor King: Reiterated concerns about the lack of an overflow shelter and the cold weather.
  • Outcome: Sent to the Manager.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• Request that the City Manager provide a report concerning the DPW's performance during the December 2, 2025, snow event. The report should include:
  • Assessment of pre-treatment of roads.
  • Timing of the start of snow operations.
  • Sufficiency of snow equipment operators.
  • Sufficiency of equipment.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Bergman: Acknowledged the first snowstorm is often challenging. Noted mixed reviews on social media and personally. Requested information on pre-treatment and equipment deployment.
  • Outcome: Sent to the Manager.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• Request that the Manager reach out to National Grid to determine the reasons power was lost in the Portico Street neighborhood on Thanksgiving and the steps taken to mitigate the issue.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Pacillo: Highlighted a blackout in Bernco on Thanksgiving, affecting half the neighborhood for several hours. Expressed disappointment given rising utility costs.
    • Councilor Bergman: Suggested an amendment for National Grid to report on all extended outages. Noted a 12-hour outage in Newton Square yesterday without snow or high winds.
  • Outcome: Sent to the Administration as amended.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• Approval of the City Council meeting schedule for calendar year 2026.
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• 14A and 14B:
  • Outcome: Adopted.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 14C to 14F:
  • Outcome: Accepted.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• 15A to 15L:
  • Outcome: Accepted and adopted.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 15M to 15Z:
  • Outcome: Accepted.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
    • No: King.
• 16A to 16Z:
  • Outcome: Accepted.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• 17A to 17O:
  • Outcome: Accepted.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 18A to 18E:
  • Outcome: Accepted.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 18F: Zoning District Establishment of the Commercial Corridors Overlay in the vicinity of West Boylston Street and Park Avenue.
  • Outcome: Accepted.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
  • Motion for Reconsideration:
    • Outcome: Failed.
    • Vote:
      • No: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• 19A: COI, Transmitting Information and Communication: Follow-up to the 2023 investigation of the Worcester Police Department's overtime and detailed policy procedures, as well as reports issued on January 15, 2024, as presented by Clifton, Lawson, Allen Forensic Services Team.
  • Outcome: Sent to Public Safety.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
    • No: King.
• 19B: City Auditor, Distributing Information and Communication of an Analysis of the Worcester Police Department's Body-Worn Camera Program Performance by Clifton, Lawson, Allen.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor King: Praised the report for identifying positives and areas for improvement. Highlighted concerns about "sleep mode" (30-second buffering not recorded), unrestricted officer access to footage before reports (except for use of force), and the need for policy enhancements. Noted issues with camera obstruction and muting. Requested the auditor be present at the Public Safety Committee meeting. Moved that the Council request the Manager consider preparing an annual review and report on the body-worn camera program in collaboration with the Auditor's Office.
  • Outcome: Sent to Public Safety Committee. Motions to the Manager.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• 19C: Communications, City Manager, Recommended Adoption of an Order Regarding the Jurisdiction and Disposition of the Real Property at 100 Providence Street.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Russell: Requested a report on the feasibility of using the building to house Worcester Six artifacts and for the Box 4 Canteen Truck. Asked to table the item for the next council to consider after reports are received.
    • City Manager: Agreed to provide reports on feasibility but cautioned against revealing too much about interested parties due to procurement processes (RFP for lease or sale).
    • Councilor King: Inquired about previous discussions regarding a Firefighter Museum at Union Station and requested a report on what happened. Expressed concern about delaying services at the location and prioritizing neighborhood safety. Questioned the impact of tabling the item.
    • City Manager: Explained that the order transfers jurisdiction from Facilities to the City Manager for disposition (sale or lease). Tabling would incur carrying costs (heating, maintenance).
    • Councilor King: Stated he would not vote to table, advocating for moving forward with the item and quickly receiving the requested reports.
  • Motion to Table:
    • Outcome: Approved.
    • Vote:
      • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
  • Vote on Councilor Russell and Councilor King's motions (reports on Worcester Six artifacts, Box 4 Canteen Truck, and Union Station Firefighter Museum):
    • Outcome: Approved.
    • Vote:
      • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• Motion to Suspend Rules:
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.
• Councilor King: Requested an understanding of the work with private businesses and the unsheltered population, particularly after an incident on Grafton Street involving people sleeping in a dumpster. Inquired about the needed capacity for the overflow shelter and the potential for state expansion. Reiterated the challenge to the City Manager to address vacancy factors, shift funds, and increase outreach workers and social workers.
  • City Manager: Acknowledged the challenge of determining capacity due to the transient nature of the unhoused population and the influx from other communities when shelters open. Explained efforts to prioritize Worcester's unhoused population first. Noted that current shelters are at capacity and the state's funding for overflow shelters is lower this year. Mentioned efforts to establish a new overflow shelter by December 15th and discussions about LGBTQIA+ shelters.
  • Councilor King: Expressed concern about the vacant Director of Health and Human Services position and the need for expertise during the crisis. Reiterated the call for increased outreach workers and social workers over criminalization or suppression.
  • Outcome: Sent to the Manager.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.

• Motion to Adjourn:
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Vote:
    • Yes: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty.