City Council 01/13/2026

January 13, 2026
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Executive Summary

The Worcester City Council met on January 13, 2026, to address a variety of municipal matters, including the adoption of council rules for the 2026-2027 term, the approval of a $7 million loan order for school infrastructure repairs, and extensive discussions regarding public safety and transportation. Key highlights included a debate over a proposed tax increment exemption (TIF) for the Mankiti Group, which was ultimately held under privilege, and several orders aimed at improving the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) service and road safety under the Vision Zero framework. The Council also recognized local students for the 'Name a Snowplow' contest and heard significant public testimony regarding police accountability and the Department of Justice report.

Call to Order and Opening Ceremonies

  • Meeting Date: January 13, 2026
  • Governing Body: Worcester City Council
  • Type: Regular Meeting
  • Attendees: Mayor Joseph Petty, Councilors Morris Bergman, Robert Bilotta, Tony Economou, John Fresolo, Khrystian King, Satya Mitra, Luis Ojeda, Jose Rivera, Gary Rosen, and Kathleen Toomey.
  • Moment of Silence: Observed for former City Councilor Dennis Irish, neighborhood advocate Ginny Ryan, and former Public Health Commissioner Dr. Lenny Morse.

Adoption of Rules and Minutes

  • Item 4: Adopt the Rules of the City Council 2026-2027
    • Action: Adopted.
    • Vote: 10-0 (Roll Call: Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty - Yes).
  • Item 6A: Approval of Minutes (December 16, 2025)
    • Action: Approved.
    • Vote: 10-0 (Roll Call: Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty - Yes).

Proclamations: Name a Snowplow Contest

  • Mayor Petty and the City Manager recognized the winners of the 2025 'Name a Snowplow' contest in collaboration with Worcester Public Schools.
  • Winning Entries:
    1. Two Hour Delay Destroyer (Mrs. Brooks Arnold and Mrs. Kelly Walls, Grade 2, Thorndike Road School).
    2. Snow Raider (Mrs. Ruzick, Grade 4, Thorndike Road School).
    3. Coropatra (Ms. Heather Walsh, Life Skills, North High School).
    4. Icezilla (Ms. Nicole Trudeau, Grade 4, Quinsigamond Elementary School).

Public Participation

  • Police Accountability: Multiple speakers (Misty Green, Amanda Cronin, Sarah Bertrand, Fred Taylor) called for the release of the Department of Justice (DOJ) report and the establishment of a Civilian Review Board with subpoena power. Concerns were raised regarding the arrest of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and activist Ash Spring during a protest against ICE.
  • Transportation and Safety:
    • Andrew Marsh and Nicole Belanger spoke in favor of Vision Zero and safety improvements on Mill Street and Pleasant Street.
    • Chiara Munz and Will Talbot supported WRTA improvements and road redesigns to enforce 25 mph speed limits.
    • Michael Riccardi and Kayla (Resident) opposed the proposed parking ban on Grafton Street near Roosevelt School, citing concerns for parents and local businesses.
  • Economic Development: John Keogh and Fred Taylor (Carpenters Union) opposed the Mankiti Group TIF (Item 11.4), citing alleged violations of the Responsible Development Ordinance and wage theft concerns at 204 Main Street.

Financial Matters and Loan Orders

  • Item 20C: Loan Order for School Repairs ($7,000,000)
    • Action: Adopted to fund MSBA-approved accelerated repairs, including roof, window, and door replacements at Belmont Street School and Rice Square Elementary School.
    • Vote: 10-0 (Councilor Ojeda recused; Roll Call: Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty - Yes).
  • Item 11.2: Salary Ordinance Amendment
    • Action: Recommended for advertisement to bring the ordinance into compliance with the FY2026 budget.

Economic Development: Mankiti Group TIF

  • Item 11.4A: Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) Tax Exemption for 401-409 Main Street
    • Discussion: Councilor King raised concerns regarding a $5,000 fine levied against the Mankiti Group for non-compliance with the Responsible Development Ordinance involving a subcontractor with civil citations from the Attorney General.
    • City Defense: Economic Development Director Peter Dunn clarified that no wage theft occurred on the Worcester project and that the developer paid the fine. He noted the project involves a $27 million investment to create 50 units, increasing property value from $1.5M to $13.6M.
    • Outcome: Held under privilege by Councilor King.

Public Safety and Transportation Orders

  • Item 13B: WRTA Improvements: Councilor Rosen and Bilotta requested hearings to improve bus service, including rapid transit and paratransit pilots. Adopted as amended.
  • Item 13D: Alert Worcester System: Councilor King requested a report on the status of the emergency notification system following a data breach with the previous vendor, Code Red. Commissioner Charles Goodwin confirmed a new vendor is being finalized. Referred to City Manager.
  • Item 13F: Pleasant Street Safety Design: Councilor Rosen requested a safety report on the MassDOT design for Pleasant Street (Tatnuck Square to Paxton line). Adopted as amended.
  • Item 13H: Needle Disposal Ordinance: Councilor Rosen requested a draft ordinance requiring retail pharmacies to accept hypodermic needles for disposal, similar to a Boston ordinance. Referred to City Manager.
  • Item 20B: Grafton Street Parking Ban: A 90-day trial for no parking on portions of Grafton Street was held under privilege by Councilor King.

Last updated: Jan 29, 2026

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