City Council 11/18/2025

November 18, 2025
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Meeting Minutes: Worcester City Council

Governing Body: Worcester City Council Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: November 18, 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 Worcester City Council meeting on November 18, 2025, included proclamations for the Worcester County Sheriff's Office Day of Service and Hunter Syndrome Awareness Day. Key discussions revolved around the tax rate reports, the use of drones by the police and fire departments, and a proposed ordinance to prohibit tools of torment in rodeos. Other significant items included a proposed salary ordinance for the Department of Innovation and Technology, a conservation restriction at 115 Northeast Cut-Off, and a request for a city-wide affordable housing overlay. The Council also addressed public safety concerns regarding electric scooters and lithium battery risks in parking garages, and explored initiatives for food waste utilization and financial literacy for students.

I. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance

  • The meeting was called to order.
  • The Pledge of Allegiance was 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

III. Proclamations

  • Worcester County Sheriff's Office Day of Service:
    • Mayor Joseph M. Petty proclaimed November 18, 2025, as Worcester County Sheriff's Office Day of Service in the City of Worcester.
    • The proclamation recognized the Sheriff's Office Regional Reentry Center for receiving the Community Activism Award from the National Organization for Human Services.
    • Sheriff Angelaitis thanked the City Council and Mayor, highlighting the Reentry Center at 365 Main Street as a community resource for job placement, housing, and medical services.
    • A citation from the Massachusetts Senate was also presented, signed by Senate President Karen Spilka and Senator Michael Moore.
  • Hunter Syndrome Awareness Day:
    • Mayor Joseph M. Petty proclaimed November 18, 2025, as Hunter Syndrome Awareness Day.
    • The proclamation highlighted Hunter Syndrome (MPS2) as a rare genetic disorder affecting primarily males, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, treatment, and research.
    • Jennifer Figueroa, a parent of children with Hunter Syndrome, accepted the proclamation, advocating for increased awareness, understanding, and support for affected families.

IV. Privilege

  • Items 12.26A through E (Tax Rate Reports): Held under privilege for discussion and vote at the next meeting, November 25, 2025.
  • Items 16B and C (Police Reports): Held under privilege by Councilor King.

V. Approval of Minutes

  • Motion: To adopt the minutes.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: So ordered.

VI. Public Participation

  • Fred Nathan (Worcester):
    • Item 12-26A, B, C, D, and E (Tax Classifications): Stated that colleges should contribute more to the city, beyond student protests.
    • Item 13 A and B (Drones): Supported the use of drones, stating they are not racist and could save lives.
    • Item 14A (Food Waste): Advocated for supermarkets and other groups to utilize food that would otherwise be thrown away to combat food insecurity.
  • John-Edward Keogh (Worcester):
    • Item 13A (Drones): Expressed excitement for the Public Safety Committee's questions regarding drones. Raised concerns about the cost of drone programs (citing a $1.5 million line item in a California city's police budget) and privacy issues related to data uploaded to the cloud. Stated that claims of $3,000 per drone are "completely and utterly nonsense."
  • Idella Hazit (Worcester):
    • Drones: Opposed the use of drones, viewing them as a violation of human rights and an unnecessary expense, especially given the existing surveillance cameras in the city and the presence of homelessness.
  • Mary Sackstetter (Worcester):
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Spoke in strong support of the ordinance, describing the cruel treatment of animals in rodeos, including electric shock and flank straps. Advocated for a ban on these practices to promote compassion.
  • Gary Hunter (District 5, Worcester):
    • Item 14F (Affordable Housing Overlay): Urged the City Manager to quickly address complications in regulations for building affordable housing, suggesting an overlay of zoning and easier permitting.
    • Item 14I (Electric Bikes/Scooters): Called for common-sense regulations on electric bikes and scooters due to safety concerns on sidewalks.
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Reiterated support for banning animal torture in rodeos, stating "There's no reason to torture these animals for the pleasure of people watching them."
  • Fianna de Tenzing (37 County Street, Worcester):
    • Item 14F (Affordable Housing Overlay): Supported the affordable housing overlay zoning to provide density bonuses and streamline permitting for 100% affordable housing, emphasizing the need for more affordable housing.
  • Steve Baer (Belchertown, MA):
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Supported the ban on tools of torture in bull riding, specifically electric prods, shocking devices, hot shots, and flank/bucking straps. Warned of public safety risks from antagonized bulls and aggressive attendees at rodeos.
  • Colin Novick (Greater Worcester Land Trust, Worcester):
    • Item 12.4b (Conservation Restriction at 115 Northeast Cut-Off): Advocated for the approval of a conservation restriction for 10+ acres at 115 Northeast Cut-Off (Poor Farm Brook/Great Brook area). Highlighted its importance for drinking water quality, recreation, and ecological value (cold water fishery, FEMA flood zone).
  • Bix Spanierman (District 4, Worcester):
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Supported the ban on flank straps, citing scientific data that bull riding is a "stressful, frightening experience" for bulls. Mentioned physical injuries to bulls and public safety hazards from escaping animals.
    • Item 13A (Drones): Opposed increased surveillance, stating "privacy is a human right."
  • Jen Falcon (District 2, Worcester):
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Supported a complete ban on rodeos, arguing they only serve to make money for a small group of people.
  • Matthew King (Christian Animal Rights Association):
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Emphasized rodeos as a public safety risk, citing instances of bulls escaping and injuring spectators. Supported the ordinance as a "reasonable compromise" to ban harmful instruments while still allowing rodeos.
  • Iwura (Worcester, MA):
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Strongly supported the ban on tools of torment, stating they inflict pain, fear, and panic. Argued that "bull riding does not exist without cruelty" and that entertainment should not come at the expense of animal well-being.
  • Phil Oterno (District 2, Worcester):
    • Item 13B (Drones): Raised concerns about public records and video footage from drones, including storage, access, and cost.
    • Item 26F (Office of Housing Stability Creation): Called for serious civilian oversight due to concerns about homelessness fraud and misuse of public funds.
    • Police Body-Worn Cameras: Stressed the importance of body-worn cameras for public records.
  • Kimberly Clark (Greenfield, MA):
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Cited former rodeo athletes and veterinary groups condemning rodeos for cruelty. Supported the proposed measure as a "reasonable compromise" to ban harmful instruments.
  • Aiden Humphreys (District 4, Worcester):
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Supported the ban on flank straps and electric prods, stating they "torment, stress, and hurt animals." Highlighted long-term physical damage to animals and the negative example set for children.
  • Christina (Sunderland, MA - Western Mass Animal Rights Advocates):
    • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Tools of Torture in Rodeos): Echoed concerns about cruelty and public safety risks. Stated that rodeos normalize animal abuse and that banning these tools would encourage more animal-friendly events.
  • Eric Stratton (District 1, Worcester):
    • Drones: Expressed serious concerns about the cost of drone systems, arguing they have "very limited returns" compared to other investments like bike lanes, housing, or homeless services.

VII. Extension of Meeting

  • Motion: To extend the meeting by 30 minutes.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councilor Bergman: No
    • Councilor Colorio: No
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: No
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes
  • Outcome: 6 Yes, 3 No. The motion failed as it required a suspension of rules. Public participation was closed.

VIII. Hearings and Orders

  • Items 7A to 7C (Condo Locations on Chatham Street, Lakeside Ave, and Waverly Street):
    • Motion: To open the hearing.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
    • No opposition was noted.
    • Motion: To close the hearing.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
    • Motion: To approve and adopt.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.

IX. Reconsideration

  • Communication from City Manager: Recommend Adoption of Resolution Approval of UCH TIF Plan in Agreement for Curtis Appointments, Phase 2.
    • Motion: To reconsider the vote of October 21, 2025.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion to reconsider passed.
    • Reason for Reconsideration: The item should have been referred to the Economic Development Committee according to ordinance.
    • Motion: To refer to the Economic Development Committee for a hearing.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.

X. Petitions

  • Item 9A:
    • Motion: To refer to the Planning Board.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Items 9B to 9P:
    • Motion: To refer to the Public Works Committee.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Items 9Q to 9Z:
    • Motion: To refer to the Traffic and Parking Committee.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Items 10A to 10W:
    • Motion: To refer to the Traffic and Parking Committee.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Items 10X to 10Z (National Grid Locations on Grove Street, Lovell Street, and Mill Street):
    • Motion: To set a hearing for November 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Petitions (National Grid Corner Locations on Salisbury Street, Webster Street, Bridal Path, and Lincoln Street):
    • Motion: To set a hearing for November 25, 2025.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.

XI. Appointments

  • Confirmation of Appointments:
    • Angel Santana to Constable
    • Carmen de la Cruz to Constable
    • Juan de la Cruz to Constable
    • Kerry Derry to Constable
    • Jeffrey Burnett to Historical Museum
    • Tuha Lee to Elder Affairs Commission
    • Roxana Vargas Gomez to Elder Affairs Commission
    • Motion: To file.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.

XII. Communications of the City Manager

  • Item 12.3a (Proposed Salary Ordinance - Department of Innovation and Technology):
    • Motion: To advertise.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.
  • Item 12.3b (Proposed Salary Ordinance - Records Access Officer):
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor King inquired about the number of existing Records Access Officer (RAO) positions, vacancies, and retention rates, especially concerning the addition of redactors for body cameras.
      • City Manager stated there are four positions (including supervisor), with two current vacancies. The RAO position has existed for several years since the state public records law. Three redactors were added for body cameras.
      • Councilor King requested a report on the retention of RAOs, supervisors, and redactors.
    • Motion: To advertise.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.
  • Item 12.4A (Easement of Gift of Mural from YWCA of Central Massachusetts):
    • Motion: To adopt.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.
  • Item 12.4B (Conservation Restriction at 115 Northeast Cut-Off):
    • Motion: To adopt.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.
  • Item 12.5A (Disposition of Real Property at 100 Providence Street):
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Haxhiaj inquired about the property (former fire station, previously used by UMass for EMS) and whether proceeds from its sale would go to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
      • City Manager stated this is not current practice but could be considered.
      • Councilor Haxhiaj moved that proceeds go to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and requested a report on past property sales to the fund.
    • Motion: To hold the item for next week.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 12.11a (Construction Staff, Street and Sidewalk Projects as of October 31, 2025):
    • Motion: To send to Public Works.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 12.26 A through E (Held under Privilege): No action taken at this time.
  • Item 12.32a (Financial Update for Period Ending August 31, 2025):
    • Motion: To send to MLO.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 12.33a (Tax Order to Authorize Four-Year Contract with Xerox Corporation):
    • Motion: To adopt.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.
  • Items 12.35A through J, 36A through E, and 37A and B (Finance Items):
    • Motion: To adopt.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.

XIII. Orders

  • Items 13A to 13G:
    • Motion: To adopt.
    • Discussion: Councilor King requested to take 13A and B separately. Councilor Haxhiaj requested to take 13E separately.
    • Motion: To adopt Items 13C through 13G (excluding 13E).
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 13A (Small Unmanned Aircraft System for Police Overwatch Services):
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor King expressed concern about replacing humans with technology and inquired about the nature of "police overwatch services" and the functionality of unmanned aircraft systems.
      • City Manager explained the technology involves a dispatchable drone from a rooftop box for surveillance to inform police deployment. Stated there are no concrete plans or budget for implementation.
      • Councilor Haxhiaj expressed deep concerns about spending thousands on unnecessary machinery, especially with federal cuts, and stated opposition to 13A, 13B, and 13E.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: No
      • Councilor King: No
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: No
      • Councilor Pacillo: No
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 6 Yes, 4 No. The motion passed.
  • Item 13B (Small Unmanned Aircraft System for Police Overwatch Services):
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: No
      • Councilor King: No
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: No
      • Councilor Pacillo: No
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 6 Yes, 4 No. The motion passed.
  • Item 13E (Fire Department Drone Use):
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Haxhiaj inquired about the Fire Education Department's staffing, particularly after the departure of Lieutenant Urshinsky, and the impact on fire safety education. Requested a report on staffing, school information sessions, and a plan to fill gaps.
      • City Manager stated the Chief is developing ideas for fire safety education, including engagement with Worcester Public Schools. Noted the addition of two FIUs (investigators) in a previous contract.
      • Councilor King supported the exploration of a city-wide fire safety education campaign and requested a timeline.
      • Councilor King also requested a specific report on the condition of the Fanning building regarding fire safety.
      • Councilor King inquired about the diversity of the Worcester Fire Department for community communication and linguistic challenges, requesting a report on diversification efforts and how multilingual needs will be addressed in educational campaigns.
      • City Manager stated he would need to meet with the Chief to provide a comprehensive report on these matters.
    • Motion: To adopt (including requests for reports and timelines).
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14A (Report on Sober Homes):
    • Discussion: Councilor Ojeda requested a report on sober homes, including regulations, restrictions, density, and effectiveness, due to resident concerns about notification, saturation, and increased police/fire calls.
    • Motion: To send to the Manager.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14B (Plan to Utilize Food Waste to Combat Food Insecurity):
    • Discussion: Councilor Ojeda requested a two-year plan to appropriate funding to work with Worcester Public Schools, supermarkets, and local organizations to utilize food waste. Highlighted a study showing 68.7% of school waste is organics, with 79% being edible food scraps. Suggested lessening food waste, sharing food with families, creating centralized food locations, and partnering with nonprofits.
    • Councilor Pacillo inquired about the duration of school lunch periods and suggested allowing students to take leftover fruit/vegetables home.
    • Councilor King amended the order to include the Division of Public Health to explore intersections with schools regarding food insecurity, recognizing it as a public health issue.
    • Motion: To send to the School Department and Manager (as amended).
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14C (Feasibility of WPS Students Providing Poll Workers with Meals):
    • Discussion: Councilor Ojeda requested the City Clerk and Superintendent of Public Schools to determine the feasibility of providing meals to WPS students working as poll workers, noting schools are closed on election day and students may lack access to food.
    • City Clerk confirmed students are not currently fed but the idea could be explored.
    • Councilor King requested a report on the poll worker program to highlight civic engagement and an additional order for the City Manager to explore providing meals to poll workers within the city's domain.
    • Motion: To send to the City Clerk and Manager (as amended).
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14D (Repaint Crosswalk on Forest Street):
    • Motion: To send to the Commissioner of Public Works.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14E (Poet Hill Master Plan Signage):
    • Motion: To send to Parks and Recreation and Cemetery.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14F (City-Wide Zoning Affordable Housing Overlay):
    • Discussion: Councilor Haxhiaj requested a recommendation related to establishing a city-wide zoning affordable housing overlay to provide density bonuses and streamline permitting for 100% affordable housing projects. Stated this aligns with the Worcester Now Next plan and housing production plan. Emphasized the urgency due to the lengthy zoning overhaul process and the need to unlock housing opportunities, especially for lower-income residents. Cited Somerville and Cambridge as examples.
    • Councilor Bergman expressed concern about the potential elimination of single-family zoning, stating he would not support such a measure.
    • City Manager and Mr. Dunn (Chief Economic Development Officer) clarified that neither the plans nor the administration advocate for eliminating single-family zoning. They explained that an overlay district provides incentives and flexibility, but its specific parameters would be determined by the City Council and Planning Board.
    • Mr. Dunn stated the Housing Production Plan calls for 12,000 housing units by 2033, requiring over 1,000 units per year, a target the city is currently not meeting.
    • Councilor King signed on to the order, emphasizing the housing crisis and the need to meet production targets.
    • Motion: To file (by Councilor Mero-Carlson).
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: No
      • Councilor King: No
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: No
      • Councilor Pacillo: No
      • Councilor Russell: No
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: No
    • Outcome: 5 Yes, 5 No. The motion to file failed.
    • Motion: To send to the Manager (as amended).
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.
  • Item 14G (Amendment to Rental Registry Ordinance for Newly Developed Dwellings):
    • Discussion: Councilor Haxhiaj requested the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and City Solicitor to amend the rental registry ordinance to require newly developed dwellings (with occupancy permits after September 29, 2002) to register and pay the $15 per unit fee. Argued that the current exemption for new developments (for five years) deprives Inspectional Services of crucial funding (e.g., $37,000 from Alta on the Row's 370+ units) needed for inspections.
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to file the item, arguing the ordinance was recently adopted (July 16, 2024) and the exemption for new buildings was intentional, as they have already undergone extensive permitting and inspections. Stated Inspectional Services should prioritize problem properties.
    • City Manager confirmed new developments undergo extensive inspection processes before occupancy permits are issued.
    • Councilor King inquired about the status of 110 inspections and the new software for the rental registry. Requested an audit and report on 110 inspections.
    • City Manager stated the rental registry aims to fulfill both sanitary code and 110 inspections. He would provide a report on 110 inspections.
    • Councilor Haxhiaj reiterated that the ordinance allows Inspectional Services to prioritize problem properties and that a multi-million dollar company like Morgan Stanley (purchasing Alta on the Row) can afford the $15 per unit fee. Amended the order to send it to the Economic Development Committee.
    • Councilor Bergman opposed the amendment, arguing against using resources on new properties and basing inspections on owners' net worth. Supported the motion to file.
    • Motion: To file (by Councilor Mero-Carlson).
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: No
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 9 Yes, 1 No. The motion to file passed.
  • Item 14H (Withdrawal of Alta on the Row Rental Registry Request):
    • Motion: To file.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14I (Draft Policy for Pedestrian Safety around Electronic Scooters/Bikes):
    • Discussion: Councilor Toomey requested a draft policy to ensure pedestrian safety around electric scooters, bikes, unicycles, and other alternative transportation modes. Cited personal near-misses and resident complaints. Emphasized the need for regulation to ensure safety for both pedestrians and users.
    • Councilor King expressed hesitation, highlighting the importance of alternative transportation for reducing congestion, environmental benefits, and public health. Requested a report on accident numbers and concerns about over-regulation.
    • Motion: To send to the Manager.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14J (Study of Parking Garages for Lithium Battery Risks):
    • Discussion: Councilor Toomey requested a study of all parking garages in the city and a plan to mitigate lithium battery risks, citing the difficulty of extinguishing such fires and past incidents (e.g., UMass).
    • Motion: To send to the Manager.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14K (Replacing City of St. Louis' College for Kids Program):
    • Discussion: Councilor Toomey requested the Manager to consider replacing the City of St. Louis' College for Kids program, which uses parking revenue to fund savings accounts and financial education for students. Highlighted the program's benefits, including financial literacy for children and adults, incentives for community resource access, and support for various post-secondary aspirations.
    • Councilor King signed on to the order.
    • Motion: To send to the Manager (as amended).
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14L (Full Accessibility Audit of City Hall):
    • Discussion: Councilor King requested a full accessibility audit of City Hall, covering physical, digital, and operational barriers for councils and the public (vision, mobility, hearing, processing needs). Requested a report by the next meeting or end of the year, including consideration of recent security changes.
    • Motion: To send to the Manager.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 14M (Draft Ordinance for Tools of Torture in Rodeos):
    • Discussion: Councilor King requested a draft ordinance to prohibit tools of torture, torment, and painful techniques in rodeos, specifically electronic prods, shocking devices, flank straps, and bucking straps. Emphasized public safety and animal protection, citing numerous veterinary groups condemning rodeos and instances of animal escapes. Stated the ordinance is a "common sense measure" and a "great compromise" to allow rodeos without animal suffering.
    • Councilor Haxhiaj signed on to the order.
    • Motion: To send to the Manager.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.

XIV. Communications of the Auditor

  • Item 15A (Revenue from Community Preservation Act):
    • Motion: To refer to M.O.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.

XV. Communications of the City Clerk

  • Items 16B and 16C (Held under Privilege): No action taken at this time.
  • Item 17A (Library Board Vacancies):
    • Noted two vacancies on the Library Board. Applications to be advertised by the Clerk's office.
    • Motion: To accept.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 17B (Retool City's Agenda Management Software):
    • Discussion: City Clerk stated ongoing conversations with the City Manager and administration to restore website functionalities. Recommended filing the communication.
    • Motion: To file.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Item 17C (Return All Functionality Lost in City Clerk's Pages):
    • Discussion: City Clerk stated ongoing conversations with the City Manager and administration to restore website functionalities. Recommended filing the communication.
    • Motion: To file.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.

XVI. Audit

  • Items 18A and 18B:
    • Motion: To refer to the Economic Development Committee.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.

XVII. Proposed Ordinances

  • Items 19A to 19D:
    • Motion: To advertise.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.

XVIII. Committee Reports

  • Items 20A to 20F:
    • Motion: To accept.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Items 21A to 21D:
    • Motion: To accept.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Items 22A and 22B:
    • Motion: To accept and adopt.
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yes. The motion passed.
  • Items 22C to 22I:
    • Motion: To accept.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Items 23A to 23Z:
    • Motion: To accept.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.
  • Items 24A to 24B:
    • Motion: To accept.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.

XIX. Held in Privilege

  • Communication from City Manager (Update in Ballpark District Improvement Fund):
    • Discussion: Councilor Russell inquired about the shortfall in the fund, specifically regarding parking revenue and the unfinished Cove project.
    • Mr. McGurthy (City Manager's Office) explained that parking fees are deposited directly into the DIF account, not through the city budget, and while there have been shortfalls in other funding sources, the DIF account has cash flowed positively.
    • The budget vs. actual difference for FY25 was a shortfall of approximately $929,000.
    • The Cove project's unfinished status contributed approximately $318,000 to the shortfall.
    • Mr. McGurthy noted that the tax assessments are based on January 1st, so the full value of the Cove may not be reflected until a later year.
    • The Boston Capital site (Old Tabletop Pie site) also saw delays in its Phase 3 residential component.
    • City Manager stated that groundwork has begun on Phase 3 and there are ongoing conversations with hotels and investors. The auditor's report projects the shortfall to decrease to approximately $300,000 next year.
    • Councilor King inquired about efforts to support small businesses and restaurants in the district.
    • Mr. Dunn explained efforts to encourage foot traffic through parking strategies and holiday parking plans. He noted the difficulty in measuring direct impact on individual businesses without voluntary sales data. He mentioned exploring technology like Placer AI to track visitorship data.
    • Councilor King moved to explore tools to evaluate the impact of game days on businesses in the district.
    • Motion: To send to the Economic Development Committee and Manager (including Councilor King's order).
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: So ordered.

XX. Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: So ordered.

Last updated: Nov 25, 2025

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