City Council 12/16/2025

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 Nguyen
• Councilor Luis Ojeda
• Councilor Jenny Pacillo
• Councilor George Russell
• Councilor Kathleen Toomey
• Mayor Joseph Petty

Executive Summary: The City Council meeting on December 16, 2025, included presentations recognizing Legendary Legacies Inc. for their violence prevention efforts and Lieutenant John Uzinski for his heroism. Key discussions revolved around proposed ordinances concerning undeveloped lots, with a motion to file the ordinance passing, and a separate motion requesting a report on alternative development incentives also passing. The Council also debated a request for stipends for neighborhood meeting leaders, which was filed due to grant limitations, and discussed an audit of the Worcester Police Department's Bureau of Professional Standards. A resolution recognizing International Migrants Day was unanimously approved after a passionate debate. The meeting concluded with a farewell to a departing councilor.

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

• All councilors were present: Bergman, Colorio, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Nguyen, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, and Mayor Petty.

• Proclamation for Legendary Legacies Inc.
  • Mayor Joseph Petty proclaimed December 16, 2025, as a day to recognize Ronald O'Dell Jr. and Legendary Legacies Inc. for their service to the City of Worcester.
  • Key Contributions of Legendary Legacies Inc.:
    • First community violence intervention organization in Worcester.
    • Serves over 600 community members annually, including emerging adults and those in correctional facilities.
    • Mediated dozens of peace agreements to prevent harm.
    • 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 high-impact, evidence-informed CVI strategies.
  • Ron Waddell Jr. (Legendary Legacies Inc.) Remarks:
    • Expressed gratitude and humility for the recognition, emphasizing the team's hard work and emotional labor.
    • Highlighted the ongoing work beyond public view, including late-night calls, hospital visits, and court appearances.
    • Stated that the organization responded to 67 acts of violence in Worcester over the past two years, preventing retaliation and stabilizing situations.
    • Shared the story of Devonair Butler, a 17-year-old gun violence victim, whose mother struggled to afford burial.
    • Cited the John Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, stating gun violence costs Massachusetts approximately $414 per resident annually, placing an $87 million economic burden on Worcester.
    • Advocated for consistent, proactive, community-based intervention alongside law enforcement.
    • Compared investment in violence prevention to the city's $159 million investment in Polar Park, urging similar long-term vision for all residents.
    • Emphasized that investing in individuals converts "liabilities into assets," strengthening neighborhoods, growing the workforce, and reducing harm.
    • Mentioned work within the Worcester House of Correction and Department of Corrections to support returning citizens.
    • Concluded by stating, "the job is not finished" and offering to meet with councilors to discuss sustained investment in violence prevention.
• Key to the City for Lieutenant John Uzinski
  • Mayor Joseph Petty presented Lieutenant John Uzinski with the Key to the City of Worcester for his heroic actions on October 24, 2025.
  • Heroic Act: Lieutenant Uzinski, a firefighter, entered a burning home without protective gear or shoes to rescue a woman trapped inside.
  • Lieutenant John Uzinski Remarks:
    • Expressed sincere gratitude to the City Council and Mayor Petty, and specifically thanked Councilors Jane Pacillo and Etel Haxhiaj for their support.
    • Stated that his commitment to Worcester and helping others remains unchanged, whether in uniform or not.
    • Emphasized that firefighters are trained for such situations, but regular citizens are not, highlighting the importance of public education and fire safety.
    • Reiterated his consistent message: "If there is a fire, get out and stay out."
    • Thanked his wife and kids for their understanding.

• Minutes of November 25, 2025
  • Vote: Approved.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes

• Fred Nathan (Worcester):
  • Item 10B (Stipend for Police at Neighborhood Meetings): Opposed to providing a stipend for police to attend neighborhood meetings, stating it sends the "wrong message" and that people should care about their neighborhoods without payment.
  • Items 10E & 10F (Institutional Master Plans & Community Impact Fund): Argued that while UMass Medical School is a major employer, they should not have a "free ride." Cited a $300 million donation to name the Chan Medical School and suggested they should contribute to the city.
• Janet Davis (Worcester):
  • Item 11A (International Migrants Day): Spoke in favor of recognizing International Migrants Day, emphasizing that "migration is an asset that strengthens resilience, fuels prosperity, and supports social cohesion."
• Greg (Ashburnham):
  • Item 11A (International Migrants Day): Spoke in favor of the resolution, stating that immigrants are "under a violent, racist attack by the federal government." Cited an incident on Eureka Street involving ICE and the Worcester Police Department (WPD) and quoted a U.S. Department of Justice report stating WPD is "significantly more likely to arrest Hispanic and black individuals for minor misdemeanors," uses "unreasonable force," and "fails to hold officers accountable." Called for measures to block ICE from using city resources and prevent WPD from sharing information with ICE.
• Idola Hazard (Worcester):
  • Item 11A (International Migrants Day): Supported the recognition, stating it acknowledges migrants as "human beings, as our neighbors" with dignity. Advocated for police not to intervene unless there is a genuine problem. Thanked Councilor Haxhiaj for the item.
  • Item 10F (Community Impact Fund): Agreed with the 74% of voters in favor of private schools paying 0.5% of their income to the city.
• Mike Cain (Worcester, representing Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce):
  • Items 10E & 10F (Institutional Master Plans & Community Impact Funds): Thanked Mayor Petty and Councilor Mero-Carlson for bringing these issues forward. Stated that Worcester businesses pay high property taxes, and tax-exempt institutions acquiring properties shift the tax burden onto remaining taxpayers. Argued it is "not unreasonable" for colleges and universities to invest in a community impact fund to support housing projects, commercial developments, and the city's financial stability.
• Tom Reno (Worcester):
  • Police Accountability: Discussed "officer information cards" and internal investigations into police officers. Stated one officer was investigated 28 times for 57 allegations, including 17 for unreasonable force, all cleared. Expressed concern about the accuracy of records and the lack of long-term data (pre-2017) on the internal investigation unit's performance.
• Joseph Mangiamelli (Online):
  • Item 17J (DOJ Report on WPD): Expressed concern about a "disconnect" between the Department of Justice report and the Municipality report regarding the Worcester Police Department. Called for oversight and supervision of WPD and for the recommendations of the DOJ report to be followed.
  • Item 17H (Metal Detectors at City Hall): Spoke against the installation of metal detectors, believing it would "stifle participation from locals."

• Motion to Suspend Rules (Rule 33E): To take up reports from the Committee on Public Works.
  • Report 1: Communication of the City Manager transmitting information on the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program 2025 and 2026 (Item 8.11b, February 4, 2025 agenda).
  • Report 2: Communication of the City Manager transmitting information on the selection of Local Street Resurfacing Rehabilitation Projects, fiscal year 27-28 (Item 10.11a. C.M., December 9, 2025 agenda).
  • Vote: Passed.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes
• Motion to Adopt Two Reports and Orders:
  • Vote: Passed.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes
• Motion for Reconsideration:
  • Vote: Failed.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: No
    • Councilor Colorio: No
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: No
    • Councilor King: No
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: No
    • Councilor Nguyen: No
    • Councilor Ojeda: No
    • Councilor Pacillo: No
    • Councilor Russell: No
    • Councilor Toomey: No
    • Mayor Petty: No

• Items 8A to 8K (General Petitions)
• Item 8L (National Grid and Condo Location on Austin Street)
  • Vote: Taken collectively and passed.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes

• Items 9A and 9B (General Motions)
  • Vote: Adopted.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes

• Item 10A: Request City Manager to provide a draft ordinance related to imposing escalating fees on undeveloped lots vacant for more than five years.
  • Councilor Haxhiaj:
    • Initiated the conversation two years prior due to vacant properties in District 5, which burden emergency and inspectional services.
    • Aimed to incentivize property developers to address their properties, which are often "eyesores."
    • Clarified the order targets "underdeveloped properties and vacant properties," not residential three-deckers.
    • Stated that no District 5 resident has expressed satisfaction with properties like the Croc property or former Diamond Chevrolet remaining undeveloped.
    • Cited cities like Delaware, Revere, and Somerville as having similar ordinances.
    • Emphasized that the city needs stronger tools to incentivize property owners, as current incentives have not worked.
  • Councilor Colorio: Moved to file the item.
  • Councilor Ojeda:
    • Supported the idea, noting many similar issues in District 4.
    • Cited a recent Habitat for Humanity project on a lot vacant for over 30 years.
    • Expressed concern that residents in neglected neighborhoods feel "left behind" and deal with "rundown properties."
    • Stated property owners have an "ownership to our city" and the people around them.
  • Councilor Bergman:
    • Supported Councilor Colorio's motion to file.
    • Argued that many neighbors prefer undeveloped lots for recreational use.
    • Stated that if property owners are paying taxes and not breaking laws, the city should not dictate property use, calling it a "slippery slope."
    • Described the proposed ordinance as a "hammer" rather than a tool.
  • Councilor Russell:
    • Supported filing the motion.
    • Suggested the administration report on ways to utilize lots and incentives, rather than imposing fines.
    • Mentioned large empty lots like the former supermarket on Mill Street.
  • Councilor King:
    • Opposed filing the motion, advocating for gathering more information.
    • Agreed with concerns about property owner rights but believed a draft ordinance could address blighted and abandoned properties, incentivizing occupation, leasing, or sale.
    • Highlighted public safety benefits, such as reducing vandalism and increasing property values.
    • Suggested the need for a robust discussion in committee, including exemptions for property owners and exploring challenges with properties like the La Croix property.
    • Expressed a desire for a draft ordinance to be presented and flushed out.
  • City Manager:
    • Confirmed the city was previously sued regarding Chapter 9, Section 14 (vacant and foreclosing properties), leading to amendments in city ordinances.
    • Stated current ordinances allow enforcement for maintenance issues (blight, overgrowth) on vacant properties.
  • Councilor Toomey:
    • Agreed with Councilor Russell, suggesting a report back and continued discussion rather than the proposed ordinance.
    • Acknowledged existing ordinances for blighted and abandoned properties.
  • Vote on Motion to File (Councilor Colorio): Passed.
    • Roll Call:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: No
      • Councilor King: No
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: No
      • Councilor Pacillo: No
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
  • Motion (Councilor Russell): Request the administration to report on ways to develop and clean up undeveloped lots, including examining what other communities are doing and potential ordinances.
    • Vote: Passed.
    • Roll Call:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
• Item 10B: Request City Manager to request the Police Chief to provide residents who facilitate neighborhood meetings a stipend from the same grant that supports the Neighborhood Response Team.
  • Councilor Haxhiaj:
    • Clarified the request was for a small stipend (e.g., $200 per meeting) for neighborhood leaders to cover expenses like printing flyers or celebrations, not personal payment.
    • Noted that Neighborhood Response Team officers are paid by a Department of Justice Crime Prevention Neighborhood Grant.
    • Highlighted the significant volunteer work of neighborhood leaders in recruiting members, taking notes, and keeping meetings active.
    • Stated that police officers' scope is limited to crime data, while leaders are the "pulse" of the meetings.
  • Councilor Toomey: Questioned if the grant allowed for such stipends.
  • City Manager: Confirmed that the grant does not qualify for civilian stipends; it is specifically for police personnel's overtime duties.
  • Councilor Mero-Carlson:
    • Expressed concern about the varying nature of neighborhood groups (e.g., crime watch vs. city-run, Housing Authority meetings).
    • Noted that some groups, like Brown Square, would not accept money, while others, like Shrewsbury Street, have bank accounts.
    • Cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Councilor Bergman:
    • Reiterated that the grant does not allow for stipends.
    • Argued that providing stipends would cause "tremendous amount of arguing and tension" due to differences in group size, activity, and longevity.
    • Stated that leaders volunteer out of self-sacrifice and often find creative ways to fund activities (e.g., 50-50 raffles, auctions).
    • Questioned why the request was solely for a police grant if meetings cover broader topics.
  • Councilor Pacillo: Asked if the City Council or Clerk's office could assist with flyer printing or if the city could recognize leaders annually.
  • City Manager:
    • Acknowledged the nuances of different neighborhood meetings and their evolution from crime watch groups to broader neighborhood organizations.
    • Stated successful organizations often partner with local businesses for funding.
    • Committed to working with the police department to find creative ways to recognize leaders annually.
  • Councilor Haxhiaj:
    • Reiterated that the request was for the 52 traditional "crime watch meetings," not Housing Authority meetings.
    • Emphasized the modest nature of the request to support leaders doing "free labor for the city."
    • Recalled a previous "beautification grant" from former City Manager Augustus that incentivized neighborhood projects.
  • Councilor Toomey: Suggested filing the current order and submitting a separate order to research other funding opportunities for crime watch groups.
  • Councilor King:
    • Acknowledged the City Manager's declaration that the grant cannot support stipends.
    • Expressed support for the "spirit" of the order to cultivate civic engagement and support neighborhood groups, especially given demographic disparities in participation.
    • Recalled past city funding for community cleanups and beautification efforts.
  • Vote on Motion to File (Councilor Colorio): Passed.
    • Roll Call:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: No
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
  • Motion (Councilor Toomey): Request a report on other funding opportunities to support neighborhood/crime watch groups.
    • Vote: Passed.
    • Roll Call:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
• Item 10C: Request CRI to conduct an audit of the Worcester Police Department Bureau of Professional Standards records to ensure the accuracy of officer information cards and annual data compilations of investigations.
  • Councilor Haxhiaj:
    • Filed the order on behalf of Mr. Reno.
    • 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.
    • Indicated the city has proactively shifted policies and made changes outside of DOJ obligations.
    • Confirmed the city's response to the DOJ report has not been sent to DOJ attorneys due to "little to no communication" and perceived "changes in priorities" from the DOJ.
    • Confirmed the DOJ case is not closed.
  • Councilor Haxhiaj:
    • Moved for the City Manager and Police Chief to submit the city's response to the DOJ and request a response from them.
    • Asked about the publication of depositions related to WPD settlements, recalling a previous request for depositions from the last five years.
  • Madam Solicitor:
    • Confirmed settlement agreements are public.
    • Stated depositions are public record once a case is resolved, unless a protective order is in place.
    • Clarified that analyzing "hundreds of cases" and depositions would require a specific timeframe and department (e.g., WPD).
  • Councilor Toomey: Moved to send the order to the Law Department for a legal opinion on the city's authority to conduct such an audit.
  • Councilor Haxhiaj:
    • Clarified the order is asking for an audit of the process and accuracy of internal mechanisms, not specific employee records.
    • Stated the goal is to understand if "everything is working right" and if discrepancies exist, how the council and city manager can address them.
  • Vote on Motion to Send to City Manager for Legal Opinion (as amended): Passed.
    • Roll Call:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
• Item 10D: Request City Manager to request the Commission for Transportation and Mobility to ensure the full City Council is made aware of future road design projects initiated by the Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) and MassDOT.
  • Councilor Bergman:
    • Stated the order aims to address late notification of projects.
    • Cited the Pleasant Street project, initiated in 2019, with a public meeting at the 25% mark in 2025, after significant funds were spent on designs.
    • Argued that changes are harder to implement once designs are advanced.
    • Emphasized the need for input from Worcester residents and councilors, as MassDOT in Boston may lack local knowledge (e.g., misidentifying the Holden Line instead of Paxton on Pleasant Street).
  • Councilor Russell:
    • Supported and signed on to the item.
    • Recalled having to "bang on the table" for information regarding the Massasoit Road project.
    • Stated that while councilors shouldn't micromanage, they should be informed of project ideas early.
  • Councilor Haxhiaj:
    • Supported the order but clarified inaccuracies in Councilor Bergman's remarks.
    • Stated the Pleasant Street project's delay was due to a change in scope, as explained by MassDOT at a public meeting.
    • Confirmed that MassDOT, by law, presents designs at the 25% and 75% marks.
    • Noted that Councilor Colorio and other councilors actively informed residents about the Pleasant Street and May and Chandler Street projects.
    • Stated that the City Clerk's office sends calendar reminders for these meetings, and MassDOT advertises them in the Telegram Gazette and on their website.
  • Vote on Motion to Send to Manager: Passed.
    • Roll Call:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
• Item 10E: Request City Manager to provide an update concerning previously requested draft plans to implement an institutional zoning ordinance requiring colleges, universities, and hospitals to file a 10-year institutional master plan with the City Council.
  • Councilor Mero-Carlson:
    • Noted the order was filed over a year ago and passed unanimously.
    • Expressed concern that the city is still not being notified about institutional property acquisitions.
    • Cited a recent Holy Cross purchase of property for over $1 million, which will come off the tax rolls.
    • Emphasized the annual struggle with tax rates and the burden on homeowners and businesses.
    • Requested a report on the status of the institutional master plan.
  • Vote on Motion to Send to Manager: Passed.
    • Roll Call:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes
• Item 10F: Request City Manager to provide a report on the feasibility and process required for the city's private universities to invest 0.5% of their endowment annually into a Community Impact Fund, to be administered locally for housing, economic, and community development projects, in light of the 74%+ voter support in the November 4, 2025 election.
  • Councilor Mero-Carlson:
    • Noted the overwhelming voter support (over 74%) for the non-binding ballot question.
    • Requested an update on negotiations with colleges and universities regarding this item.
    • Argued that asking for contributions is not unreasonable, especially given the burden on taxpayers and the lack of contributions from colleges.
    • Recalled the "WPI fiasco" where properties were taken off tax rolls, though WPI has since decided to keep one on the tax rolls and operate another as a hotel.
    • Requested a report on the status of this item and current "pilot payments."
  • Vote on Motion to Send to Manager: Passed.
    • Roll Call:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes

• Item 11A: Resolution that the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby recognizes Tuesday, December 18, 2025, as International Migrants Day in the City of Worcester and urges residents to observe the recognition of immigrants across the city, who are an integral part of the communities and workforce.
  • Councilor Haxhiaj:
    • Thanked Jillian Phillips for her work with migrants.
    • Emphasized that "migrant" encompasses lives, journeys, struggles, and resilience.
    • Spoke about migrants risking death and trafficking for a chance at American citizenship.
    • Criticized politicians for "fear-mongering" and blaming migrants for homelessness, while neglecting systemic investments.
    • Called for "aggressive unapologetic defense of migrants" against a "fascist regime" and "white supremacist system."
    • Cited the image of Alan Kurdi, a Syrian boy who drowned, as a symbol of migrant struggles.
  • Councilor King:
    • Signed on to the resolution and strongly supported it.
    • Spoke as the "brother and son of immigrants from Bermuda," highlighting his family's story of hard work, faith, sacrifice, and hope.
    • Stated that Worcester has always been "shaped by migration" and that immigrants "are Worcester's story."
    • Expressed concern about families living in fear due to recent Supreme Court decisions allowing profiling.
    • Stated the resolution is "not just symbolic" but a statement that "Worcester will choose dignity over division."
    • Emphasized that "public safety is strongest when people trust their government, not when they're afraid of it."
    • Called for unity across cultures, faiths, and races, affirming that "everyone who calls Worcester home deserves respect, protection, and due process."
  • Councilor Colorio: Stated support for the item "on face value" but disagreed with the "ideology" shared by colleagues.
  • Councilor Haxhiaj: Responded to Councilor Colorio, stating her "only ideology...is that of humanity" and expressed disappointment at the "shameful attacking words."
  • Councilor Bergman:
    • Supported the order but criticized the "assumption that because you disagree with somebody, you're a bad person."
    • Questioned the repeated mention of "Eureka Street" during public comments.
  • Mayor Petty:
    • Strongly supported the resolution.
    • Expressed sadness about the current situation in the country regarding innocent people being "rounded up."
  • Councilor Russell:
    • Supported the item fully.
    • Emphasized that Worcester has "always been a place where everyone's welcome."
  • Vote: Passed.
    • Roll Call:
      • Councilor Bergman: Yes
      • Councilor Colorio: Yes
      • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
      • Councilor King: Yes
      • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
      • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
      • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
      • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
      • Councilor Russell: Yes
      • Councilor Toomey: Yes
      • Mayor Petty: Yes

• Item 13A: Referred to the Economic Development Committee.
• Item 13B: Referred to the Public Works Committee.

• Item 14A: Motion to advertise the proposed ordinance.
• Item 14B: Motion to accept.
  • Vote: Taken collectively and passed.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes

• Items 15A to 15D: Motions to accept and adopt.
• Item 15E: Motion to accept.
• Item 16A: Motion to adopt.
  • Vote: Taken collectively and passed.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes

• Item 17H: Request City Manager to install metal detector safety equipment at City Hall whenever open, similar to equipment used at Polar Park, Worcester District Court, and other public places, on or before December 31, 2024.
  • Motion to Take Off the Table: Passed.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: No
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes
  • Motion to File: Passed.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes

• Motion to Suspend Rules: Passed.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Bergman: Yes
    • Councilor Colorio: Yes
    • Councilor Haxhiaj: Yes
    • Councilor King: Yes
    • Councilor Mero-Carlson: Yes
    • Councilor Nguyen: Yes
    • Councilor Ojeda: Yes
    • Councilor Pacillo: Yes
    • Councilor Russell: Yes
    • Councilor Toomey: Yes
    • Mayor Petty: Yes
• Councilor Mero-Carlson: Gave a farewell speech, marking the end of her 10-year tenure on the council representing District 2.
  • Thanked the City Manager, city employees, and the police department.
  • Highlighted accomplishments in District 2 parks and the hiring of the new police chief.
  • Thanked Mayor Petty for his partnership.
• Mayor Petty: Thanked the men and women of DPW for their work, especially during recent cold weather and water leaks. Thanked Councilor Mero-Carlson for her 10 years of service.
• The meeting was adjourned.