Executive Summary
Meeting Minutes: Worcester City Council
Meeting Date: December 16, 2025 Governing Body: Worcester City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Attendees:
- 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
Executive Summary: The Worcester City Council meeting on December 16, 2025, included proclamations honoring Legendary Legacies Inc. for violence intervention and Lieutenant John Juszczynski for heroism. Key discussions revolved around proposed ordinances for escalating fees on undeveloped properties, which was ultimately filed, and the implementation of an institutional master plan and community impact fund for colleges and universities, both of which were referred for further reports. The Council also unanimously passed a resolution recognizing December 18, 2025, as International Migrants Day in Worcester.
1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Joseph Petty.
- The Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner were recited.
2. Roll Call
- All listed attendees were present.
3. Presentations
Proclamation: Legendary Legacies Inc.
- Recipient: Ron Waddell Jr. and Junito Ramos, co-founders of Legendary Legacies Inc.
- Purpose: To recognize their work as the first community violence intervention organization in Worcester, focusing on reducing violence, strengthening community safety, and supporting affected individuals.
- Key Achievements Highlighted:
- Serves over 600 community members annually, including emerging adults and those in correctional facilities, through mentoring, restorative engagement, and advocacy.
- Mediated dozens of peace agreements.
- Plays a critical role in conflict mediation, crisis response, and support for survivors of violence.
- Secures over $1.6 million annually for violence prevention and community healing.
- Nationally recognized by the University of Chicago Crime Lab for data-driven public safety strategies.
- Proclamation: Mayor Joseph Petty proclaimed December 16, 2025, as the day to recognize Ronald O'Dell Jr. and Legendary Legacies for their service.
- Remarks by Ron Waddell Jr. (Legendary Legacies Inc.):
- Expressed humility and gratitude, emphasizing the team's hard work, emotional labor, and psychological care.
- Highlighted the reciprocal nature of their work and the importance of kinship.
- Thanked Mayor Petty, City Manager, Council leadership, and community partners, specifically School Committee member Vanessa Alvarez for her follow-through.
- Stated that Legendary Legacies responded to 67 acts of violence in Worcester over the past two years, supporting families and preventing retaliation.
- Shared the story of Devonair Butler, a 17-year-old victim of gun violence, whose mother faced financial hardship for burial.
- Emphasized the intrinsic value of every person and the mandate to support those on the margins.
- Stressed the fiscal responsibility of their work, citing gun violence costs Massachusetts approximately $414 per resident annually, placing an $87 million annual economic burden on Worcester.
- Advocated for consistent, proactive, community-based intervention alongside suppression.
- Referenced Worcester's $159 million investment in Polar Park as an example of understanding long-term return strategy, urging similar logic for all residents.
- Noted their work extends to the Worcester House of Correction and Department of Corrections, supporting returning citizens.
- Concluded by stating the recognition should be a "floor" for continued investment in a parallel public safety system rooted in healing, accountability, prevention, and economic mobility.
Presentation: Key to the City to Lieutenant John Juszczynski
- Recipient: Lieutenant John Juszczynski.
- Reason for Recognition: Heroism on October 24, 2025, when he entered a burning home without protective gear or shoes to rescue a woman.
- Proclamation: Presented with the Key to the City of Worcester for his unwavering commitment and service.
- Remarks by Lieutenant John Juszczynski:
- Expressed gratitude to the City Council and Mayor Petty, specifically thanking Councilors Jenny Pacillo and Etel Haxhiaj.
- Shared his experience as Public Education Officer and Community Risk Reduction Officer for the Worcester Fire Department.
- Emphasized that his actions were a result of training and that public education in fire safety is crucial.
- Reiterated the life-saving message: "If there is a fire, get out and stay out."
- Thanked his family for their support.
4. Approval of Minutes
- Motion: To approve the minutes of November 25, 2025.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
5. Public Participation
- Fred Nathan (Worcester):
- Item 10B: Opposed to providing stipends to police for attending neighborhood meetings, believing it sends the wrong message and may not genuinely increase participation.
- Items 10E & 10F: Argued that institutions like UMass Medical School, despite their economic contributions, should contribute financially to the city, referencing a $300 million donation to name the Chan Medical School.
- Janet Davis (Worcester):
- Item 11A: Spoke in favor of recognizing December 18th as International Migrants Day, highlighting the theme "Migrate Story, Cultures, and Development" and its representation of care for fellow residents.
- Greg (Ashburnham):
- Item 11A: Spoke in favor of International Migrants Day but criticized the federal government's "violent, racist attack" on immigrants and the Worcester Police Department's (WPD) alleged collaboration with ICE. Cited a U.S. Department of Justice report on WPD's disproportionate arrests of Hispanic and Black individuals, unreasonable force, and lack of accountability. Advocated for concrete measures to block ICE from using city resources and prevent WPD from sharing information with ICE.
- Idola Hazard (Worcester):
- Item 11A: Supported recognizing International Migrants Day, emphasizing it acknowledges migrants as human beings with dignity. Thanked Councilor Haxhiaj.
- Item 10F: Supported the proposal for private schools to pay 0.5% of their income to the city.
- Mike Cain (Worcester, representing Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce):
- Items 10E & 10F: Supported the Institutional Master Plans and Community Impact Funds. Stated that Worcester-based businesses already pay high commercial industrial property taxes, and tax-exempt institutions acquiring properties shift the tax burden. Argued that colleges and universities should invest in a community impact fund as part of economic development, benefiting housing, job creation, and financial stability.
- Tom Reno (Worcester):
- Item 10C: Discussed an officer information card showing 28 investigations and 57 allegations (including 17 for unreasonable force) against a police officer, all cleared. Criticized the internal investigation unit's lack of long-term data (before 2017) and accuracy.
- Joseph Mangiamelli (Remote):
- Item 17J: Expressed concern about a disconnect between the Department of Justice report and the Municipality report regarding the Worcester Police Department. Advocated for oversight and supervision of WPD and for following the DOJ's recommendations.
- Item 17H: Spoke against the installation of metal detectors, believing it would stifle public participation.
6. Suspension of Rules
- Motion: To suspend rules to take up reports from the Committee on Public Works.
- Report 1: Communication from the City Manager regarding the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program 2025 and 2026 (Item 8.11b on Feb 4, 2025 agenda).
- Report 2: Communication from the City Manager regarding the selection of Local Street Resurfacing Rehabilitation Projects, fiscal year 27-28 (Item 10.11a. C.M. on Dec 9, 2025 agenda).
- Vote (First Roll Call):
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed.
- Motion: To adopt the two reports and orders.
- Vote (Second Roll Call):
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed.
- Motion for Reconsideration:
- Vote:
- For: (0)
- Against: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion for reconsideration failed.
7. Petitions (Items 8A-8K & 8L)
- Motion: To take items 8A-8K and 8L (National Grid for condo location on Austin Street) collectively.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed.
8. Motions to Adopt (Items 9A & 9B)
- Motion: To adopt items 9A and 9B.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
9. City Manager's Calendar
Item 10A: Request the City Manager, request the Commissioner of Inspectional Service to provide City Council with a draft ordinance related to imposing escalating fees on undeveloped plots that have been undeveloped and vacant for more than five years.
- Sponsor: Councilor Haxhiaj
- Discussion:
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Explained the intent to address vacant and underdeveloped properties, particularly in District 5, which are eyesores and a burden on neighborhoods. Sought tools to incentivize developers. Clarified it does not target residential properties like three-deckers. Mentioned examples like the Crock property, former Diamond Chevrolet, and Mill Street Big D properties.
- Councilor Colorio: Moved to file the item.
- Councilor Ojeda: Supported the order, citing similar issues in District 4 and the success of Habitat for Humanity in developing a vacant lot. Emphasized the unfairness to residents living near neglected properties.
- Councilor Bergman: Supported filing the item. Argued that if property owners are paying taxes and not breaking laws, the Council should not dictate property use. Expressed concern about a "slippery slope" and the potential for creating arguments and tension among neighborhood groups.
- Councilor Russell: Supported filing the item. Suggested the administration report on ways to utilize lots and incentives, rather than imposing fines.
- Councilor King: Opposed filing, advocating for a robust discussion in committee to explore a draft ordinance, potentially focusing on blighted and abandoned properties. Suggested including exemptions for property owners facing significant development challenges. Asked Councilor Colorio to withdraw her motion to file.
- City Manager: Stated that current ordinances address blighted and abandoned properties, and the city has the right to cite violations. Mentioned a past lawsuit that led to modifications of ordinances related to vacant and foreclosing properties.
- City Solicitor: Confirmed a past legal challenge to Chapter 9, Section 14, which required amendments to focus on code violations and public health rather than just "underdeveloped" status.
- Motion: To file Item 10A.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (5)
- Against: Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo (4)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion to file passed.
- Motion (Councilor Russell): Request the administration to come back with a report on ways to utilize undeveloped lots and incentives, including breaking zoning barriers.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
- Motion (Councilor King): Request the report include draft ordinances and examples from other municipalities or localities.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Mayor Petty (6)
- Against: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Toomey (4)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed.
Item 10B: Request the City Manager, request the Police Chief, provide residents who facilitate neighborhood meetings a stipend from the same grant that supports the Neighborhood Response Team.
- Sponsor: Councilor Haxhiaj
- Discussion:
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Clarified the request was for a modest stipend (e.g., $200 per meeting) for neighborhood leaders to cover expenses like printing flyers or refreshments, not personal compensation. Stated the Neighborhood Response Team officers are paid by a Department of Justice grant (Crime Prevention Neighborhood Grant).
- City Manager: Confirmed that the grant does not qualify for civilian stipends; it is for police personnel overtime duties.
- Councilor Mero-Carlson: Highlighted the varied nature of neighborhood groups (crime watch vs. broader community groups) and their differing financial structures. Noted some groups would not accept money.
- Councilor Bergman: Agreed with filing, citing the grant's ineligibility. Questioned the fairness and potential for tension if stipends were distributed unequally among diverse groups. Noted that many leaders volunteer without expectation of payment.
- Councilor Pacillo: Suggested the City Council office or Clerk's office could assist with flyers. Asked if the city could recognize neighborhood leaders annually.
- City Manager: Explained the nuances of neighborhood groups, their evolution from crime watch to broader community organizations, and their engagement with local businesses for funding. Acknowledged challenges in identifying and consistently communicating with leaders.
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Reiterated the request for a modest stipend to support leaders doing "free labor" for the city, comparing it to past beautification grants.
- Councilor Toomey: Stated the grant cannot fund civilians. Suggested exploring other funding opportunities through grants.
- Councilor King: Acknowledged the grant's ineligibility but supported the spirit of the order to cultivate civic engagement and support neighborhood activities. Asked if past beautification programs for cleanups were funded by city taxpayer dollars.
- City Manager: Confirmed that past beautification programs were funded by city taxpayer dollars, but processing payments to individuals or entities presented challenges.
- Motion: To file Item 10B.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (9)
- Against: Councilor Haxhiaj (1)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion to file passed.
- Motion (Councilor Toomey): Request a report on other funding opportunities to support neighborhood/crime watch groups.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
Item 10C: Request CDR to conduct an audit of the Worcester Police Department Bureau of Professional Standards records to ensure the accuracy of an office information cards and annual data compilations of investigations.
- Sponsor: Councilor Haxhiaj (filed on behalf of Mr. Marino)
- Discussion:
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Asked the City Manager for an update on the Department of Justice (DOJ) report regarding WPD.
- City Manager: Stated no agreements or proposals have been presented by the DOJ. Noted proactive policy changes by WPD.
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Asked if the Chief's rebuttal to the DOJ report had been sent to DOJ attorneys.
- City Manager: Stated it had not, citing little communication from the DOJ and perceived changes in their priorities.
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Moved for the City Manager and Police Chief to submit the city's response to the DOJ and request a response. Also inquired about the release of depositions related to WPD settlements, referencing a previous order.
- City Manager: Recalled requests related to HRC investigations, not specifically depositions.
- City Solicitor: Confirmed that once a case is resolved, depositions are generally public record unless a protective order is in place. Clarified that "hundreds" of depositions exist, and a specific timeframe or department (e.g., WPD) would be needed.
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Clarified the request for depositions of city employees in resolved WPD settlement cases from the last five years.
- Councilor Toomey: Moved to send the order to the Law Department for a legal opinion on the feasibility and authority to conduct such an audit.
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Clarified the order seeks an audit of internal mechanisms for accuracy, similar to a previous request for all departments.
- Motion: To send Item 10C to the City Manager for a legal opinion on the city's authority to conduct the audit, with the understanding that if there are legal issues under the charter, the Council will be informed.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
Item 10D: Request the City Manager to request the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility to ensure the full City Council be made aware of future road design projects initiated by the Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) or MassDOT. Request notice prior to project inception for DTM projects and as soon as known for MassDOT projects.
- Sponsor: Councilor Bergman
- Discussion:
- Councilor Bergman: Stated the order addresses the issue of Councilors being notified late in the process about road design projects, often after significant funds have been spent on plans. Cited the Pleasant Street project (initiated in 2019, public meeting at 25% mark in 2025) as an example. Emphasized the need for early input from local officials.
- Councilor Russell: Supported the item, referencing his experience with the Massasoit Road project where early intervention from the administration prevented substantial changes.
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Supported the order but clarified that for MassDOT projects, the law requires presentations at the 25% and 75% design marks. Noted that District Councilors are typically informed and involved, citing the Pleasant Street and May and Chandler Street projects.
- Motion: To send Item 10D to the City Manager.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
Item 10E: Request the City Manager to provide Council with an update concerning previously requested draft plans to implement an institutional zoning ordinance which would require institutions such as colleges, universities, and hospitals to file a 10-year institutional master plan with the City Council.
- Sponsor: Councilor Mero-Carlson
- Discussion:
- Councilor Mero-Carlson: Stated this order, filed over a year ago, aims to ensure the city is informed when institutions take properties off the tax rolls. Noted a recent instance of Holy Cross purchasing property, removing it from the tax base. Emphasized the unanimous Council support for this in the past and the need for an update on its status.
- Motion: To send Item 10E to the administration for a report.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
Item 10F: In light of the overwhelming success of non-binding question, November 4th, 2025, in this election ballot, which passed in support for 74 plus percent of the city voters, request management by council report relative to the feasibility process required of cities private University Invest, 0.5% of their endowment annual into the Community Impact Fund to be administered locally to help finance needed housing, economic, and community development projects.
- Sponsor: Councilor Mero-Carlson
- Discussion:
- Councilor Mero-Carlson: Highlighted the 74%+ voter support for the non-binding ballot question. Requested an update on negotiations with colleges and universities regarding a 0.5% endowment contribution to a Community Impact Fund. Emphasized the burden on taxpayers and the lack of contributions from colleges. Referenced the "WPI fiasco" regarding properties taken off tax rolls.
- Motion: To send Item 10F to the administration for a report.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
10. Resolutions
- Item 11A: Resolution that the City Council of the City of Worcester do hereby recognize Tuesday, December 18th, 2025 as International Migrant's Day and the City of Worcester urges residents to observe the recognition of immigrants across the city, who are an integral part of the communities and workforce.
- Sponsor: Councilor Haxhiaj
- Discussion:
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Thanked Jillian Phillips for her work with migrants. Emphasized that "migrant" encompasses lives, journeys, and struggles, and the resilience of people seeking a welcoming home. Spoke about migrants living in fear of federal agents and losing protected status. Criticized politicians for perpetuating fear-mongering narratives about homelessness. Called for aggressive, unapologetic defense of migrants against a "white supremacist system."
- Councilor King: Signed on to the resolution. Spoke as the son of immigrants, emphasizing Worcester's history as a city shaped by migration. Highlighted the fear and uncertainty faced by immigrant families due to recent Supreme Court decisions and profiling. Stated the resolution is a statement of values for dignity, fairness, humanity, and equal treatment.
- Councilor Colorio: Stated support for the item on face value but disagreed with the "ideology" shared by other Councilors.
- Councilor Haxhiaj: Responded to Councilor Colorio, stating her "ideology" is humanity and expressing disappointment at the characterization.
- Councilor Bergman: Criticized the assumption of negative motives for disagreement. Questioned the repeated mention of "Eureka Street" during public participation.
- Mayor Petty: Expressed strong support for the resolution, highlighting the sadness of innocent people being rounded up and removed from the country.
- Councilor Russell: Supported the item, emphasizing Worcester's history as a welcoming place for everyone.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Resolution passed unanimously.
11. Committee Referrals
- Item 13A: Referred to the Economic Development Committee.
- Item 13B: Referred to the Public Works Committee.
12. Ordinances
- Item 14A: Motion to advertise the proposed ordinance.
- Item 14B: Motion to accept.
- Motion: To take Items 14A and 14B collectively.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
13. Communications
- Items 15A-15D: Motions accepting and adopting.
- Item 15E: Motion to accept.
- Item 16A: Motion to adopt.
- Motion: To take Items 15A-15E and 16A collectively.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
14. Pending List
- Item 17H: Request City Manager to install metal detector safety equipment at City Hall whenever open, similar to the equipment used at Polar Park, the Worcester District Court, and other public places, on or before December 31st, 2024.
- Sponsors: Councilor Russell and Councilor Bergman
- Motion: To take Item 17H off the table.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (9)
- Against: Councilor Haxhiaj (1)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed.
- Motion: To file Item 17H.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion to file passed unanimously.
15. Adjournment
- Motion: To suspend the rules to allow Councilor Mero-Carlson to speak.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
- Remarks by Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson:
- Expressed gratitude for 10 years of service on the Council, representing District 2.
- Thanked the City Manager for accomplishments, including his appointment.
- Appreciated the tireless work of City of Worcester employees.
- Highlighted two major accomplishments: park improvements in District 2 and the hiring of the new Police Chief.
- Expressed pride in the men and women of the police department and acknowledged changes made under the City Manager's leadership.
- Thanked Mayor Petty for his partnership and Nico for his support.
- Mayor Petty: Thanked DPW members for their work in freezing temperatures. Thanked Councilor Mero-Carlson for 10 years of service.
- Motion: To adjourn.
- Vote:
- For: Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio, Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Ojeda, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey, Mayor Petty (10)
- Against: (0)
- Abstentions: (0)
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
- The meeting adjourned.