City Council 06/16/2026

Mayor Joseph Petty called the meeting to order. A roll call was conducted by the Town Clerk.

• Present: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Bilotta, Councilor Economou, Councilor Fresolo, Councilor King, Councilor Mitra, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Rivera, Councilor Rosen, Councilor Toomey, and Mayor Petty.
• Also Present: City Manager, Town Clerk.

The Council recognized the recipients of the Thomas Green Public Service Awards for their exemplary service to the community:

1. Christina Conley: Community Resource Manager, Worcester Public Library.
2. Emily Gorbitz: Housing Project Manager, Central Mass Regional Planning Commission.
3. Richard Gonzalez: Community Navigator and Recovery Coach, Health and Human Services.
4. Kelsey Lamoureux: Assistant Director of Innovation and Career Pathways, Worcester Public Schools.
5. Sewell Barrio: Student Assignment Officer, Worcester Public Schools.

The following individuals addressed the Council during public participation:

• Fred Nathan (Worcester): Spoke regarding Item 7F, advocating for traffic lights at Bigelow, Davis Parkway, and Lake Ave. He stated, "Are we gonna wait until someone's killed? Because I'm sure there have been serious accidents right at that point."
• Gary (Worcester): Discussed Item 10D regarding job descriptions for city officials. He remarked, "Who is taking responsibility and leadership in this group? People of Worcester would love to know."
• Colin Novick (Executive Director, Greater Worcester Land Trust): Spoke in support of Item 8.4 regarding the conservation restriction for the Pakachoag Springs site, noting its historical significance to the Nipmuc people.

Official Action: Petition 7A, requesting the secondary honorary naming of a street, was withdrawn by the petitioners, Councilors Bergman and Rivera, following significant public opposition.

The Council acted on several administrative items:

• Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Recommending the appointment of Santia Sita. Approved on a roll call vote (11-0).
• Salary Ordinance Amendment: Proposed amendment to bring the ordinance into compliance with the Fair Wage Standards Act. Approved for advertisement on a roll call vote (11-0).
• Conservation Restriction: Recommending adoption of an authorized conservation restriction for Pakachoag Springs. Approved on a roll call vote (11-0).

The Council discussed several reports from the City Manager's office:

• NCAA Events and DCU Center: Discussion regarding the economic impact of hosting tournaments ($2.5 million in spending) and necessary improvements to the DCU Center. Referred to the Economic Development Committee.
• Summer 2026 Aquatic Program: Update on the partnership with the YMCA to provide lifeguards and swim lessons at city beaches and pools. Referred to the Parks Committee.
• Mobility Action Plan Annual Report: Commissioner Raleigh reported the addition of 13.5 miles of new bike facilities over the last 18 months. Discussion included the legality of red-light cameras and the implementation of the 25 mph citywide speed limit.
• Construction Progress Report: Updates provided on the Massasoit Road resurfacing and the use of the "long patch" program for localized road deterioration.

The Council deliberated and voted on the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating and Capital Budgets:

• Operating Budget (Item 15A): Approved on a roll call vote (11-0).
• Capital Budget (Item 15B): Approved on a roll call vote (11-0).
• Loan Order (Item 15C): Adoption of a loan order in the amount of $43,468,416.00 for various capital projects. Approved on a roll call vote (11-0).
• Financial Highlights: The City Manager noted that the DPW budget was increased by 66% ($11 million) to address infrastructure needs. CFO McGorthy clarified that approximately 80% of the $1 billion budget consists of fixed costs (education, debt service, pensions, and health insurance).

Key orders approved by the Council include:

• Item 10D: Request for a report clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor, Vice Chair, City Councilors, and City Manager under the City Charter. Approved on a roll call vote (7-4; No: Bilotta, King, Ojeda, Rosen).
• Item 10E: Request for the City Manager to negotiate with local colleges and universities for voluntary PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) contributions to be used exclusively for public street maintenance. Approved on a roll call vote (11-0).
• Item 10L: Request for a report on improving accessibility at Union Station using assistive technology. Approved.

The meeting was adjourned following the completion of the agenda.