City Council 02/24/2026

• Date: February 24, 2026
• Governing Body: Worcester City Council
• Meeting Type: Regular City Council Meeting
• Attendees:
  • Mayor Joseph M. Petty
  • Councilor Morris Bergman
  • Councilor Robert Bilotta
  • Councilor Tony Economou
  • Councilor John Fresolo
  • Councilor Khrystian King
  • Councilor Satya Mitra
  • Councilor Luis Ojeda
  • Councilor Jose Rivera
  • Councilor Gary Rosen
  • Councilor Kathleen Toomey

Election of City Clerk

• Action: The Council held the election for the City Clerk for a two-year term (2026-2028).
• Outcome: Nico Vangeli was elected unanimously (11-0).
• Roll Call Vote: Councilors Bergman, Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo, King, Mitra, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, and Mayor Petty all voted 'Yes'.

Approval of Minutes

• Action: Approval of the minutes from the City Council meeting on February 3, 2026.
• Outcome: Approved unanimously (11-0).

The following residents provided testimony on various agenda items:

• Fred Nathan (Worcester): Spoke on Item 13D regarding Spectrum Cable, urging the City Manager to hold the company to its agreements. He also referenced the history of City Hospital billing issues (Item 9A).
• Andrew Marsh (Worcester): Addressed Item 13N, criticizing security measures at City Hall as "insulting" and a "waste of time and money." He stated, "Municipal buildings like City Hall and the Public Library are public spaces. It is not, nor should it be, anyone's business what I am doing inside it."
• Abby Mortillero (Worcester): Supported commissions for minority groups (Item 17B) and housing stability measures (Items 21A/21C). She also echoed concerns regarding excessive security at City Hall.
• Bob Bassett (Grafton): Spoke on Item 13L regarding a memorial for 265 World War II veterans who died in service but are not recognized because they were "non-battle" deaths. He noted, "None of these worthy servicemen returned home to the City of Worcester to pursue their life's dreams."
• Tom Marino: Addressed Item 13B, advocating for greater transparency and the online posting of backup materials for all city boards and commissions to reduce the need for public records requests.
• David Webb: Criticized police data reporting and supported Item 13B for increased transparency. He also spoke in favor of Item 13N to assess operational barriers at City Hall.

Item 11.13a: 2025 Annual Report on Crime Statistics

• Discussion: Councilor Toomey highlighted a "serious reduction in serious violent crime, including homicides and shootings."
• Staffing Concerns: Chief Saucier reported the department is currently down 58 officers due to retirements and disabilities. He emphasized that uniform patrol is the "backbone of the department" and that investigative units like the gun unit are at risk if staffing levels continue to drop.
• Youth Initiatives: The Council discussed the "Handle With Care" program, a partnership with schools to support children exposed to trauma. Worcester is the first in the state to expand this to early childhood programs.
• Traffic Enforcement: Chief Saucier expressed support for state legislation regarding red light and speed cameras, noting that traffic enforcement is the top concern at community meetings.
• Action: The report was referred to the Public Safety Committee. Related motions for data on police responsiveness and the "Handle With Care" model were adopted.

Item 11.15a: Illegal Dumping Fines

• Action: Proposed ordinance to increase fines for illegal dumping.
• Details: City Solicitor Alexandra Kalkounis clarified that state law allows fines up to $2,000.
• Outcome: Referred to the Municipal Operations (MLO) Committee.

Item 11.28a: Financial Update

• Action: Transmitting financial update for the period ending December 31, 2025.
• Outcome: Referred to MLO.

Item 13G: Community Preservation Act (CPA) Funds

• Action: Councilor Economou requested a report on property owners being double-billed for CPA funds through mortgage escrow accounts.
• Outcome: Referred to the City Manager for a reconciliation report.

Pothole Detection and Repair (Items 13F, 13H, 13I, 13O)

• Discussion: The Council discussed various technologies to address the city's pothole crisis.
• LIDAR Technology: Councilor Mitra introduced technology from 'Civil' (a WPI-founded company) that uses vehicle-mounted LIDAR to map road conditions. The City Manager confirmed Worcester is already in contract with Civil for pavement management data.
• Autonomous Repair: Item 13I, regarding autonomous vehicles that seal road cracks, was held under privilege by Councilor King due to concerns over job displacement and public safety.
• Action: The Council requested a comprehensive plan for the upcoming spring repair season, including the feasibility of subcontracting work to private companies.

Sagamore Road Resurfacing (Item 13A)

• Action: Request to resurface Sagamore Road from Whitman Road to Park Ave.
• Outcome: Referred to the City Manager with an amendment to consider extending the work to Grove Street.

Item 13E: St. Vincent Hospital Investigation

• Action: Councilor Rosen requested a report from the City Solicitor on the feasibility of the Board of Health investigating allegations of dangerous understaffing and unsafe conditions at St. Vincent Hospital.
• Debate: Councilor Bergman opposed the motion, arguing the city lacks jurisdiction over a private entity. Councilor Rosen countered that the city has a duty to protect residents who are patients there.
• Outcome: Motion adopted (10-1, Councilor Bergman voting 'No').

Item 13B: Public Records Transparency

• Action: Request to ensure all backup materials for city boards and commissions are available online prior to meetings.
• Outcome: Referred to the City Manager.

Item 13N: City Hall Accessibility Audit

• Action: Request for a full accessibility audit of City Hall to assess physical and digital barriers.
• Outcome: Referred to the City Manager with an amendment to develop an ADA Transition Plan.

Item 17C: Seating Arrangements

• Action: A proposal to rotate City Council seating every six months to encourage collaboration.
• Outcome: Failed (3-8). Councilors Mitra, Rivera, and Toomey voted 'Yes'; all others voted 'No'.

• Purpose: To discuss litigation strategy regarding the case of Town of Holden vs. Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Worcester.
• Action: The Council voted to enter Executive Session and not reconvene in open session.