2026-09-08 - City Council
Summary
Meeting ran 6:34 PM to 11:51 PM; Robert A. Bilotta attended remotely. Public participation was extended by an hour and 37 residents spoke, most of them recorded as opposed to item 22a, the City Manager's communication recommending against a civilian review board; others backed Khrystian E. King's immigration-signage reconsiderations. King's Rule 30 requests to reconsider the August 18 votes on signage barring civil immigration enforcement on city property, and on a related multilingual-signage ordinance requirement, were both denied (5-6 each). The Chief Equity Officer presented the administration's recommendation against a Civilian Review Board; after questions from most councilors, Gary Rosen's motion to place the communication on file passed 8-3 (Bilotta, King and Luis A. Ojeda opposed), while orders from Ojeda (report on rising arrests) and Satya B. Mitra (biannual WPD goals and misconduct report) were adopted 11-0 and a motion to let King speak past his 10 minutes failed 5-6. Kathleen M. Toomey's order for a Public Safety discussion of the closed DOJ investigation of the Worcester Police Department was placed on file 8-3, and reconsideration was denied. The Council adopted 18 committee orders in one vote (including Municipal and Legislative Operations requests for reports on the Council's role in ordinance changes and on charter changes possible without a Charter Review Commission, and 11 Traffic and Parking signage and crosswalk requests), accepted the committee's charter-hearing reports onto file, ordained 23 traffic and parking ordinances together, voted to advertise three Salary Ordinance amendments, and referred a petition from Mark A. Borenstein to cut off-street parking requirements to one space per dwelling unit to the Economic Development Committee. Economic development, housing and TIF/TIE reports were held under privilege by Bilotta, and about a dozen orders by Economou, Mitra, Rosen, Rivera and Fresolo (snow preparation, private streets, homelessness action plans, downtown violence action plan) were held by Rosen.
Summary written from the official minutes; no transcript yet.
Issues discussed: Police Oversight and Civilian Review Board, Civil Immigration Enforcement Signage, Worcester Charter Review, Minimum Parking Requirements Zoning Amendment, Street and Sidewalk Rehabilitation Process, Public Camping Ordinance - Disrupting the Cycle
Official Minutes
Journal of the City Council, posted on PrimeGov (summary of actions, not verbatim). Page headers and footers removed. The agenda numbering is the Clerk's; some section headings are blank in the source because no action was taken.
CITY OF WORCESTER
JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Esther Howland (South) Chamber
Convened: 6:34 P.M.
Recessed: 9:36 P.M.
Reconvened: 9:46 P.M.
Adjourned: 11:51 P.M.
MAYOR
Joseph M. Petty
AT-LARGE COUNCILORS DISTRICT COUNCILORS
Morris A. Bergman Tony Economou - District 1
Khrystian E. King Robert A. Bilotta - District 2
Satya B. Mitra John P. Fresolo - District 3
Gary Rosen
Luis A. Ojeda - District 4
Kathleen M. Toomey
Jose A. Rivera - District 5
www.worcesterma.gov
CITY CLERK CITY MANAGER CITY AUDITOR
Nikolin Vangjeli Eric D. Batista Robert V. Stearns
City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. STAR SPANGLED BANNER
3. ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair. Councilor Bilotta
participated in the meeting remotely.
4. PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE
4a. Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring the month of September 2026 as Worcester
LGBTQIA+ Pride Season. The Proclamation was presented to members of the
LGBTQIA+ Community, including Jon Pittsley, who spoke concerning the item.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5a. Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of
the City Council Meeting of July 21, 2026.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll
call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
6a. Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following Speakers:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
2. Gordon Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
3. Rev. Joseph Rizzuti, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
4. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
5. Aretha Kharashquah, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
6. Sue Swanson on behalf of Drew Schnoebelen, Worcester residents, spoke in
opposition to item #22a CC
7. Grace Ross, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
8. Abby Mortillaro, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
9. Donald Borek, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #22a CC
10. Gary Hunter, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC and spoke in
opposition to item #22a CC
11. Dante Comparetto, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC and
spoke in favor of item #22b CC
12. Senator Robyn Kennedy, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8a CC and #8b
CC and spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
13. Fran Anthes, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8a CC and #8b CC and
spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
14. Chrys Demetry, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
15. Tom Marino, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
16. Kevin Ksen, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
17. Rhonda Hicks a.k.a. Wahya Guste Wolfpaw, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition
to item #22a CC
18. Casey Panarelli, Shrewsbury resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
19. Martha Assefa, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8a CC and #8b CC and
spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
20. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #15c CC and spoke neither
in favor of nor opposed to item #22a CC
21. Randy Feldman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8a CC and #8b CC and
spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
22. Embers De Tukula, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
23. Steve Hart, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
24. Heather Prunier Stanek, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC and
spoke in favor of item #22b CC
25. David Coyne, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
26. Wilson Lam, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11d CC
27. Amy Thibodeaux, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10t CC and #15k CC
28. Feanna Jattan-Singh, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC and
spoke in favor of item #14b CC
29. Margot Barnet, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
30. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8a CC, #8b CC, and #22b
CC and spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
31. Jillian Phillips, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8a CC and #8b CC
32. David Fort, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
33. (no name given), (no resident given), spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
34. Maria (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
35. Giselle Rivera-Flores, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8a CC and #8b
CC and spoke in opposition to item #22a CC
36. David Corazzini, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12b CC
37. Lorenzo Atwood, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11b CC
7. HEARINGS AND ORDERS - 6:30 P.M.
7a. Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: VELANDER ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: VELANDER ST.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to open the hearings for items #7a CC
through #7c CC. Mayor Petty's motion was approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty asked if any abutters wished to be heard on the item. Hearing no speakers, Mayor
Petty moved for a roll call vote to close the hearings. Mayor Petty's motion was approved on a roll
call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the items. Hearing held and Order adopted on a
roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
7b. Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WASHINGTON SQ.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WASHINGTON
SQ.
Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7a CC)
7c. Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned
pole at: CHRISTINE ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a
jointly-owned pole at: CHRISTINE ST.
Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7a CC)
8. RECONSIDERATION
8a. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - In accordance with Rule 30 of the Rules of
City Council, Councilor Khrystian E. King requests reconsideration of the vote of the
City Council taken on August 18, 2026, in regard to the following item: ORDER of
Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager install signage at appropriate
locations throughout the city stating the property may not be used for civil immigration
enforcement activities. Further, request City Manager create a draft ordinance for City
Council consideration related to the enforcement of such signage (see attached for an
image of such signage in the City of Lynn).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote
of 5 Yeas and 6 Nays (Yeas - Bilotta, Fresolo, King, Ojeda, Petty) (Nays - Bergman, Economou,
Mitra, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey)
8b. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - In accordance with Rule 30 of the Rules of
City Council, Councilor Khrystian E. King requests reconsideration of the vote of the
City Council taken on August 18, 2026, in regard to the following item: ORDER of
Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager, as part of any draft ordinance
related to the prohibition of civil immigration enforcement activities on certain and
appropriate properties, ensure language be included in said ordinance that requires
signage be listed at such properties in all appropriate languages.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Reconsideration denied
on a roll call vote of 4 Yeas and 7 Nays (Yeas - Bilotta, King, Ojeda, Petty) (Nays - Bergman,
Economou, Fresolo, Mitra, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Fresolo, who moved to reconsider the item. Reconsideration
approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote
of 5 Yeas and 6 Nays (Yeas - Bilotta, Fresolo, King, Ojeda, Petty) (Nays - Bergman, Economou,
Mitra, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey).
9. FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS - Biannual Economic Development Reports
10. PETITIONS - Part I
10a. Patrick Grady request a shade tree be planted on West Boylston St. in the pre-existing
tree pit the vicinity of the Worcester Public Library Frances Perkins Branch, located at
470 West Boylston St. (see attached).
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer items #10a CC through #10c CC to the Department
of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery. Referred to the Department of Parks, Recreation and
Cemetery on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
10b. Councilor Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Kerry Berger request removal of two (2) trees in
the vicinity of 81 Morningside Rd., due to the trees being hollowed out and leaning
towards the property.
Referred to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0
Nays (See item #10a CC)
10c. Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of David Krendal, Trustee, request the dead street
tree between 45 and 47 Valley Hill Dr. be removed, in the interest of public safety.
Referred to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0
Nays (See item #10a CC)
10d. Cristina DePina request regulations be established to ensure cats are not allowed to roam
freely.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Health and
Human Services Committee. Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee on a roll
call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
10e. Edward Weisser request installation of streetlights on Lake Ave. North from
Quinsigamond State Park to Lincoln St.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #10e CC through #10x CC
to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas
and 0 Nays
10f. Edward Weisser request installation of streetlights on Winneconnett Rd.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10g. Edward Weisser request installation of streetlights on Dominion Rd.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10h. Edward Weisser request installation of streetlights on Belcourt Rd.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10i. Edward Weisser request installation of streetlights on Natural History Rd.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10j. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request curb cuts be completed for the crosswalk at the
eastern intersection of Laurel St. and Everett Gaylord Blvd.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10k. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request the southern portion of the fencing at Harrington
Field Playground, located at 720 Franklin St., be extended to improve safety at the
location.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10l. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request the sidewalk on the southern side of Temple St. be
repaired.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10m. Councilor Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Rosemary McCarthy request installation of a
streetlight at the intersection of Circuit Ave. East and Ferdinand St.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
10n. Councilor Khrystian E. King request sidewalk repair on Brandon Rd.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10o. Councilor Khrystian E. King request Brandon Rd. be resurfaced.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10p. Councilor Khrystian E. King request sidewalk repair on Rowena St.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10q. Wilson Navarro Dominquez et al. request Riley St. be resurfaced.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10r. Julie Ann Lamacchia request the sinkhole located in front of 35 Arbutus Rd. be repaired.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10s. William Walsh request Healy Rd. be resurfaced.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10t. Councilor Satya B. Mitra on behalf of Amy and Chad Thibodeaux request Hancock Hill
Rd. from Forest St. to Ardmore Rd. be resurfaced.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10u. Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Luis A. Ojeda on behalf of Mayra Callahan
request Hancock St. from Main St. to Hollis St. be given the honorary street name
designation of Juana and Daniel Candelario Way.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10v. Councilor Luis A. Ojeda on behalf of Kelly M. Fay Rodriguez and Joselina Fay request
Oread St. from Main St. to Beacon St. be given the honorary street name designation of
Ruth Rodriguez-Fay Way.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the item.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10w. Dianelly Soto request installation of streetlights in the vicinity of the crosswalks located
at the Winthrop St. and Vernon St. intersection.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10x. Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request Piedmont St. from Jaques
Ave. to Davis St. be given the honorary street name designation of Meanes "Moe"
Mooradian Way.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC)
10y. Councilor John P. Fresolo on behalf of Donald Borek request installation of 20 MPH
speed limit signage on Enid St. to replace the current 30 MPH signage on the street.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #10y CC and #10z CC to
Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of
11 Yeas and 0 Nays
10z. Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Deirdre Healy request installation of speed limit
signage on Pleasant St. between Newton Square and Tatnuck Square.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#10y CC)
11. PETITIONS - Part II
11a. Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Deirdre Healy request installation of “Do Not Block
Intersection” signage on Pleasant St. at its intersection with Vesper St.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #11a CC through #11z CC
to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote
of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
11b. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request installation of convex mirrors on Millbrook St.
across from 171 and 173 Millbrook St.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bilotta, who spoke concerning the item.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11c. Councilor John P. Fresolo on behalf of Justice Nyame request installation of “Children
Playing” signage in the vicinity of 6 Hale St.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mitra, who spoke concerning the item.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11d. Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of speed humps on Kenberma Rd. near its
intersection with Samoset Rd.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11e. Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of a speed table on Granite St. near Cliff
St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11f. Councilor Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Rosemary McCarthy request the curbs at the
intersection of Circuit Ave. East and Ferdinand St. be painted yellow.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11g. Jimmie Barry request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 1 Belvidere Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11h. Sandra DiRoberto request installation of a speed hump on Dominion Rd. at its
intersection with Ansonia Rd.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11i. Daniel DiMassa request installation of speed humps on Flagg St. between Berwick St.
and Audubon Rd.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11j. Taylor Boucher request installation of speed humps on Fairmont Ave. between Plantation
St. and Hamilton St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11k. Taylor Boucher request installation of additional "One Way" signage on Fairmont Ave. at
its intersection with Dartmouth St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11l. Taylor Boucher request installation of additional "One Way" signage on Fairmont Ave. at
its intersection with Clarendon St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11m. Dianelly Soto request installation of flashing crosswalk signage at both crosswalks
located in the vicinity of the Winthrop St. and Vernon St. intersection.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11n. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request the installation of two (2) permanent speed monitors
on Shrewsbury St., westbound and eastbound.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11o. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request installation of two (2) permanent speed monitors on
Belmont St., between Officer Manny Familia Way and Lincoln Sq., eastbound and
westbound.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11p. John Morello request installation of stop signage facing both directions on Lake Ave. at
its intersection with Bigelow Davis Pkwy.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11q. Richard Salaices request existing resident permit parking on Dominion Rd. be extended
to include 17 Dominion Rd.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11r. Sara Espino request installation of four-way stop signage at the intersection of West St.
and William St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11s. Jesse Metivier request installation of resident permit parking on Locust Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11t. Jesse Metivier request installation of resident permit parking on Alvarado Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11u. Jesse Metivier request installation of resident permit parking on Lake View St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11v. Igor Bison request installation of "No Parking Here to Corner" signage at the intersection
of Rodney St. and Catharine St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11w. Igor Bison request the intersection of Rodney St. and Catharine St. be reviewed for
appropriate parking restrictions, such as a permanent winter parking ban or "No Parking
Anytime" signage.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11x. Deborah Pavlakos request removal of a handicap parking space in front of 1 Berkmans
St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11y. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request installation of resident permit parking on Goulding
St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
11z. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request installation of resident permit parking on Dean St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a
CC)
12. PETITIONS - Part III
12a. Juan Gonzalez, Jr. et al. request installation of a truck ban/weight restriction for the
through traffic of trucks on Riley St.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #12a CC through #12n CC
to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote
of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
12b. David Corazzini request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 50 Bristol St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12c. Angel Reyes request removal of a handicap parking space in front of 54 Ward St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12d. Anthony Chandler request installation of two (2) speed humps on Forest St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12e. Bob Bilodeau request installation of vertical barricades at the crosswalks located in the
vicinity of 181 Lake Ave. (see attached).
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12f. Juana Vasquez request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 13 1/2
Hancock St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12g. Desiree Matos request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 171 Chandler
St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12h. Gina Perna request installation of a pedestrian crossing button on the even side of
Shrewsbury St. at the crosswalk located in the vicinity of 348 Shrewsbury St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12i. Mary Norfleet request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 3 Clement St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12j. Victoria Donkor request removal of a handicap parking space in front of 2 Stowell Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12k. Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the residents of Valley Hill Dr. and Valley Hill
Ln. request installation of three (3) way stop signs with stop bars at the intersection of
Valley Hill Dr. and Valley Hill Ln., in the interest of public safety.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12l. Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the resident of Valley Hill Dr. request
installation of a speed hump in the vicinity of 66 Valley Hill Dr., in the interest of public
safety.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12m. Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the resident of Valley Hill Dr. request
installation of speed limit signage on Valley Hill Dr., in the interest of public safety.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12n. Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the residents of Valley Hill Dr. request
installation of rumble strips on the hill portions of Valley Hill Dr., in the interest of
public safety.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#12a CC)
12o. Ilanit Megidesh request efforts be made to reduce the city's population of the invasive
bird species know as the European Starling.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Veterans' Memorials,
Parks and Recreation Committee. Referred to Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation
Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
13. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
13.1 APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
A. Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of
Daniel Padilla to Constable.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file.
Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
B. Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of
Angel Rosario to Constable.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file.
Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
13.2 APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
A. Recommend appointment of Lauren Tiberio, Jennifer Maddox, and John Finn
to the Accessibility Advisory Commission.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved for a roll call
vote to appoint each member individually.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to confirm the appointment of Lauren Tiberio
to the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Confirmed on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and
0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to confirm the appointment of Jennifer
Maddox to the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Confirmed on a roll call vote of 11
Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to confirm the appointment of John Finn to
the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Confirmed on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0
Nays
13.3 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
William Bagley, Jr., Esq., Chief Human Resources Officer
A. Recommend approval of an amendment to the Salary Ordinance.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to advertise the three (3)
proposed Ordinances. Voted to advertise three (3) proposed Ordinances on a roll
call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
13.4 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Peter Dunn, Chief Development Officer
A. Transmitting informational communication relative to Economic
Development Initiatives.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who moved to Hold the
Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Bilotta
B. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Housing and
Neighborhood Development Activities.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who moved to Hold the
Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Bilotta
C. Informational Communication Relative to Semi-Annual TIF/TIE Reporting
June 30, 2026.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who moved to Hold the
Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Bilotta
13.5 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Kevin Lovaincy, Chief Equity Officer
13.6 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Division of Human Rights and Accessibility
Patricia M. LaFore, Director
13.7 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Administration Division
John K. Westerling, Commissioner
13.8 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
John K. Westerling, Commissioner
13.9 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Operations Division
John K. Westerling, Commissioner
13.10 DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION, AND CEMETERY
Robert C. Antonelli, Jr., Commissioner
13.11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY
Stephen S. Rolle, P.E., Commissioner
13.12 FIRE DEPARTMENT
Martin Dyer, Fire Chief
13.13 POLICE DEPARTMENT
Paul B. Saucier, Police Chief
13.14 DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Charles R. Goodwin, Commissioner
13.15 LAW DEPARTMENT
Alexandra H. Kalkounis, Esq., City Solicitor
13.16 DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration
Nicholas Antanavica, Commissioner
13.17 DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
David Horne, Deputy Building Commissioner
13.18 DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
Lee R. Hall, Director
13.19 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration
Seema Dixit, Commissioner
13.20 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
Amy Vogel Waters, Director
13.21 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
Alex R. Arriaga, Interim Veterans Services Director
13.22 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Opportunities
Raquel Castro-Corazzini, Director
13.23 WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Jason L. Homer, Executive Director
13.24 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
Nikolin Vangjeli, City Clerk
13.25 PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Brian Allen, Superintendent
13.26 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Administration
Timothy McGourthy, Chief Financial Officer
13.27 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
Samuel E. Konieczny, City Assessor
13.28 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
Erin E. Taylor, Director
13.29 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
Christopher Gagliastro, Director
13.30 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
Francisco Hernandez, Treasurer and Collector of Taxes
A. Transmitting informational communication relative to the upcoming DCU
Special Tax District Borrowing.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to
Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. Referred to Municipal and
Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
13.31 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC FACILITIES
James Bedard, Chief of Public Facilities
13.32 DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
John W. Odell, Chief Sustainability Officer
13.33 DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Michael P. Hamel, Chief Information Officer
13.34 FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
13.35 FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A. Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the
amount of One Million Nine Hundred Twenty-Three Thousand Seven
Hundred Fourteen Dollars and Ten Cents ($1,923,714.10) from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt items #13.35A CM
through #13.35H CM, #13.36ACM, #13.36B CM and #13.37A CM through #13.37C
CM. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
B. Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the
amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($200,000.00) from
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Federal Funds and Infrastructure
Office.
Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13.35A CM)
C. Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation of
Sixty-Two (62) free tickets to the College of the Holy Cross football game on
Aug. 29, 2026 that were claimed by City of Worcester employees.
Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#13.35A CM)
D. Recommend the adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation
in the amount of Two Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($200.00) from Jean
and Dennis Fees in memory of Souraya Adjami, in support of the Worcester
Senior Center.
Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#13.35A CM)
E. Recommend the adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation
in the amount of One Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($1,000.00) from
Monique Adjami Shevlin, Victoria Adjami, and Ronald J. Adjami in memory
of Souraya Adjami, in support of the Worcester Senior Center.
Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#13.35A CM)
F. Recommend the adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation
in the amount of Fifty Dollars and No Cents ($50.00) from Jeff and Vicki
Hill in memory of Souraya Adjami, in support of the Worcester Senior
Center.
Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#13.35A CM)
G. Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in
the amount of Two Thousand Two Hundred Dollars and No Cents
($2,200.00) from the Worcester Public Library Foundation.
Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#13.35A CM)
H. Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the
amount of Sixty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($60,000.00) from UMass
Memorial Medical Center, Inc. Community Benefits Department.
Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13.35A CM)
13.36 FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A. Recommend that Five Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty-Seven Dollars and
Eight Cents ($5,957.08) be transferred from various Community
Development Block Grant Year 51 grant accounts and be appropriated to
GRT-101664, CDBG Year 51 Small Business Assistance, to allow for timely
expenditure of federal grant funds.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13.35A CM)
B. Recommend approval of year-end operating transfers to make adjustments to
municipal accounts to balance the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13.35A CM)
13.37 FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
A. Recommend that Twenty-Nine Thousand Two Hundred Twenty-Eight Dollars
and Sixty Cents ($29,228.60) be authorized from various Fiscal Year 2027
Department of Public Works cost centers for the payment of prior year
invoices.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13.35A CM)
B. Recommend that One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-Nine Dollars and
Fifty-Eight Cents ($1,389.58) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2027 Cost
Center #CC1044, Fire Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year
invoices.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13.35A CM)
C. Recommend that Three Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty-Seven Dollars and
Sixty-Nine Cents ($3,957.69) be authorized from various Fiscal Year 2027
Parks cost centers to allow payment of prior year invoices.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13.35A CM)
13.38 FINANCE
Loan Orders
13.39 MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
14. CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS
14a. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS -
Request City Clerk work with City Solicitor to provide City Council with a report
detailing City Council’s role related to ordinance changes.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt items #14a CC through #14r CC.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
14b. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS -
Request City Clerk work with City Solicitor to provide City Council with a report
detailing possible charter changes that could be done without the creation of a Charter
Review Commission in addition to charter changes that require approval of such a
commission.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14c. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS -
Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report detailing resident testimony
brought forth at the Monday, August 17, 2026 Standing Committee on Municipal and
Legislative Operations meeting.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14d. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS -
Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report detailing the process required to
place a non-binding question on the ballot of the upcoming local election.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14e. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES -
Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of
money the city receives from sales and/or settlements associated with tobacco, vapes and
nicotine products, as well as how much of those monies are spent on tobacco cessation
and prevention purposes.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14f. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES -
Request City Clerk provide the minutes and recording of the Standing Committee on
Public Health and Human Services meeting on August 24, 2026 to the Worcester Public
Schools administration.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14g. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES -
Request City Manager create a public service campaign related to preventing the city’s
youth from using tobacco, nicotine and vaping products.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14h. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install advanced signage for the
curves and the roadway on Byron St.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14i. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install a MUTCD compliant
Playground Advisory sign on Ames St. approaching Vernon Hill Park.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14j. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility design and install a crosswalk on
Beverly Rd. at its intersection with Rexhame Rd. that includes ADA/PROWAG
compliant ramps, MUTCD compliant pavement markings and MUTCD compliant
Pedestrian in Crosswalk signage, pending funding.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14k. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install ADA/PROWAG compliant
ramps and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at the intersection of Willowbrook Ln.
and Salisbury St., pending funding
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14l. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install MUTCD compliant
Pedestrian in Crosswalk signage at the intersection of Willowbrook Ln. and Salisbury St.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14m. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install a crosswalk across Elm St.
at its intersection with Maple St., pending funding.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14n. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review Gage St. at its intersection
with Ford St. and Berkeley St. for the feasibility of prohibiting parking across the street
from Ford St./the northern side of Gage St.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14o. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install MassDOT compliant speed
limit signs on May St. between Chandler St. and Pleasant St.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14p. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility prioritize and address safety
concerns for left turning traffic on Park Ave. at its intersection with Pleasant St. during
the upcoming Bottleneck Traffic Signal Improvement Project.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14q. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install a Sharp Curve sign on
Tampa St. in the vicinity of 47 Tampa St.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
14r. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager
request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install MassDOT compliant speed
limit signage on Plantation St.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
15. ORDERS
15a. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works provide City Council with
a report detailing the preparations occurring within the department for the upcoming
winter weather and snowstorm season. Said report should include a breakdown of the
department’s available personnel, equipment and anticipated improvements in snow and
ice removal operations. (Economou)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15b. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the conversion of
private streets into public streets in the city. Said report should include information
related to 1) how many miles of private streets currently exist in the city; 2) the process
used by residents to convert streets from private to public; 3) the legality of and fiscal
amount required to have the city pay to convert all private streets to public streets; and 4)
the process used by other municipalities to convert their private streets into public
streets. (Mitra)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15c. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any responsibility
the city has to ensure private streets are kept at a basic, minimum standard that allows
public safety vehicles to pass through the road. Further, request said report include
information concerning how the city could allocate funding to ensure the roads are kept
at said standard. (Mitra)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15d. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide
City Council with a report detailing the monetary allocations required to resurface each
of the city’s major arteries, as defined in the city’s pavement management program,
respectively. Said report should only include major arteries that are in need of such
repairs. (Mitra)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15e. Request City Manager consider reviewing existing Homelessness Response Action Plans
in communities such as Seattle, Portland, Sacramento and Spokane for the purpose of
adopting a similar plan in Worcester, in an effort to enhance the city’s ability to serve the
many needs of the growing unhoused population. Said Homelessness Response Action
Plan should include but not be limited to 1) the utilization of key, existing support
systems in the city like shelters, social and job-finding services, food banks, and medical
care; and 2) entering into formal, interlocal agreements with several surrounding cities
and towns to share the financial and operational expenses of a regional homelessness
response. (Rosen)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15f. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning best practices the
public can use to report and take action against the invasive insect known as the spotted
lanternfly. (Rivera)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15g. Request City Manager create an immediate action plan to address the recent violent
incidents that have occurred in and around the Worcester Common/Downtown Central
Business District, which have taken place over the last several months. (Economou)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15h. Request Standing Committee on Public Safety invite all social service agencies working
with homeless and addiction treatment programs to discuss their efforts in assisting the
city in ameliorating the public safety issues occurring over the past few months.
(Toomey)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15i. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works ensure various subpar
street and sidewalk projects throughout the city are reviewed and addressed by
reinstalling improved materials and/or by redesigning and reinstalling work done below
acceptable standards. Said reinstallations/replacements should include: 1) the installation
of more suitable loam and hydroseeding for new grass along Florida Ave. and Park Ave.,
from Salisbury St. to Highland St.; 2) the improvement of driveway installations that
were worked on last year along Florida Ave.; 3) the removal of the sand between the
bricks on Germain St., with polymeric sand being installed in its place; 4) the installation
of more suitable loam and hydroseeding along the grass strip of Germain St.; 5) the
removal and replacement of the section of sidewalk that has heaved and cracked on
Burncoat St. in the vicinity and opposite of Arbutus Rd. and Rollinson Rd.; and 6) the
redesign and reinstallation of the grade change of the sidewalk as you approach
Thorndyke Rd. along Burncoat St. from the north. (Economou)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15j. Request City Manager install two (2) WooBin trash receptacles on Southbridge St. in the
vicinity of 114 and 148 Southbridge St. (Mitra)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15k. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works ensure sanitation staff do
not use private driveways to turn their vehicles around when collecting trash on city
streets. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works also
ensure sanitation staff do not leave garbage debris, including glass, on city streets when
they compress trash within their collection trucks. (Mitra)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
15l. Request Standing Committee on Public Works hold a discussion relative to ways the city
can improve its process used by the Department of Transportation and Mobility and
Department of Public Works to make local street and sidewalk rehabilitation/resurfacing
project selections with each of the city’s District Councilors. Said discussion should
include the timeline required to ensure streets and sidewalks are resurfaced in a timely
manner. (Fresolo)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
16. RESOLUTION
16a. That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby recognize September as
National Service Dog Month. (Bilotta)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Rosen
17. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
17a. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Mark A. Borenstein
request the Off-Street Accessory Parking Requirements set forth in Article IV, Table 4.4
of the City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance be amended by eliminating the separate
off-street parking requirements for single, two or three family dwelling and multi-family
dwelling uses and creating one new category entitled, single, two, three family or
multi-family dwelling uses, and requiring one (1) parking space per dwelling unit for
such uses.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Economic
Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee on a roll call vote of 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
18. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS
18a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk transmitting an
informational communication relative to advertisements for the Standing Committee on
Municipal and Legislative Operations meeting on Monday, August 17, 2026 related to a
discussion of the City Charter: recommend Communication be placed on file.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept items #18a CC and #18b CC.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
18b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting
informational communication relative to a process to establish a charter review
commission: recommend Communication be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18a CC)
19. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - PART I
19a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Sherry Robinson request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage between 4 and 8
Perry Ave. to deter vehicles from blocking the driveways: recommend adoption of the
accompanying Order.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt items #19a CC
through #19g CC. Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
19b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Molly Beauvis request installation of 25 MPH
speed limit signage on Mower St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.
Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)
19c. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Nathalie Gibson request installation of warning
signage on Coes St. adjacent to the Stearns Tavern in both directions to alert motorists of
the sharp curve: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.
Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)
19d. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of a truck ban/weight restriction for the
through traffic of trucks on Hamilton St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying
Order.
Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)
19e. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of a truck ban/weight restriction for the
through traffic of trucks on Lake Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.
Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)
19f. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Report of the Committee on Public Works Upon the Petition of Councilor Robert A.
Bilotta request installation of traffic bollards at 173 Grove St., to the north and south of
driveway to prevent illegal parking and improve driver, cyclist and pedestrian visibility:
recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.
Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)
19g. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Morris A. Bergman on behalf of Paul and Aurora Brule request installation of
crosswalks on North Pkwy. at any and all appropriate locations: recommend approval of
the accompanying Order.
Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)
19h. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Luis A. Ojeda on behalf of Brenda Jenkins request installation of a handicap
parking space in front of 11 Benefit St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept items #19h CC through #19z
CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
19i. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Rebecca Distefano request removal of handicap parking space in front of 41 Everard St.:
recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19j. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Mario Makhluf request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of the
pathway located at 26 King St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19k. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Therese Richardson request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on one side of
lower Byron St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19l. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Walas Almeida request installation of speed limit signage facing traffic traveling
downhill in the vicinity of 604 Burncoat St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19m. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Petition of Nathalie Gibson request center solid yellow line be painted on Coes St.:
recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19n. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of a "Go Slow Children" sign on the
portion of Ames St. between Vernon St. and Stockton St.: recommend Petition be placed
on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19o. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Alexander Volkov request installation of "Children" signage in front of 457 Granite St.:
recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19p. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Brian Thamel request installation of a crosswalk with flashing beacon lights between
335/337 and 338 Park Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19q. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Joseph Corazzini request installation of an additional crosswalk at 271 Salisbury St. and
Forest St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19r. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Patrick Grady request installation of solar-powered flashing crosswalk indicators at the
crosswalk located on Gold Star Blvd. in the vicinity of its intersection with Woodbury
St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19s. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Jenny Pacillo on behalf of Jodi Bishop request installation of a rapid flashing
beacon crosswalk in the vicinity of Beverly Rd. and Rexhame Rd.: recommend Petition
be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19t. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Jenny Pacillo on behalf of Michael Benz request installation of a rapid
flashing beacon, improved crosswalk signage and additional line painting at the
intersection of Willowbrook Ln. and Salisbury St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19u. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request installation of a rapid flashing beacon on Elm St., at
its intersection with Maple St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19v. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Mayor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Dana Felicitti request installation of Rectangular
Rapid Flashing Beacons at the crosswalk on Grove St. at its intersection with Chadwick
St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19w. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Mayor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Dana Felicitti request installation of Rectangular
Rapid Flashing Beacons at the crosswalk on Gold Star Blvd. at its intersection with
Chadwick St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19x. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Mayor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Dana Felicitti request installation of Rectangular
Rapid Flashing Beacons at the crosswalk in the vicinity of 60 Gold Star Blvd.:
recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19y. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request installation of crosswalks at appropriate locations on
North Lake Ave. between North Rd. and Belcourt Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on
file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
19z. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Satya B. Mitra request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of
Richmond Ave. and Pleasant St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19h CC)
20. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - PART II
20a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Satya B. Mitra and Councilor Robert A. Bilotta on behalf of William Aldridge,
owner of Theatre Café, request removal of the existing parking regulations on the odd
side of Main St. from Federal St. to Franklin St., with One (1) Hour Parking from 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m. being installed in its place: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept items #20a CC through #20n
CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
20b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Satya B. Mitra and Councilor Robert A. Bilotta on behalf of William Aldridge,
owner of Theatre Café, request removal of the existing parking regulations in front of
484 Main St., the site of the former Denholm Building, with One (1) Hour Parking from
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. being installed in its place: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20c. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Jason Dasilva request installation of two (2) hour
parking directly in front of 43 and 47 Stafford St., with parking being allowed closest to
the curb and the bike lane being made more consistent with other sections of Stafford St.:
recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20d. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Alyssa Benefit request removal of resident permit parking on South Flagg St.:
recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20e. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Olsi Gjinko request removal of resident permit parking on Shirley St.: recommend
Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20f. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Katherine O'Leary request installation of a speed monitoring sign on Lovell St. going
uphill towards May St., in the vicinity of the rotary: recommend Petition be placed on
file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20g. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Heather Flavin request installation of a dynamic
speed monitor display on May St. between Chandler St. and Pleasant St.:P recommend
Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20h. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Raymond Augustine request installation of radar enforced speed limit warning signage
facing both direction in the vicinity of 22 Valmor St.: recommend Petition be placed on
file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20i. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Lauren Cordeiro request installation of turn signal lights and a turning lane at the
intersection of Park Ave. and Pleasant St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20j. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Michael Rapsomanikis request installation of designated left turn lanes on Park Ave. at
its intersection with Pleasant St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20k. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Nicole Anuszczyk request the School Zone signage on Blackstone River Rd. be reviewed
for the feasibility of changing the time from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.: recommend Petition
be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20l. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Nicole Anuszczyk request the existing School Zone signage on Blackstone River Rd. be
updated to include flashing beacons: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20m. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request installation of thru way street signage at the northern
corner of Tampa St., in the vicinity of 47 Tampa St.: recommend Petition be placed on
file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
20n. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of
Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request the intersection of
Plantation St. and Orient St. be reviewed for the purpose of installing speed calming
measures at the location: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)
21. TO BE ORDAINED
21a. Amending Section 5(B) of Chapter 4 of the General Revised Ordinances of 2008 Related
to Placement of Items for Collection.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #21a CC through #21w CC collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Economou.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to ordain the items. Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas
and 0 Nays
21b. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide
Handicap Parking in front of #159 Ingleside Avenue.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21c. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide
Handicap Parking in the vicinity of #370 Main Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21d. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Remove
Handicap Parking in the vicinity of #7 Commonwealth Avenue.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21e. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Remove
Handicap Parking in the vicinity of #118 Tower Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21f. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide
Handicap Parking on Sturgis Street in the vicinity of #195 Lincoln Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21g. Amending Section 70 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Prohibit Left
Turns from Grafton Street to Roosevelt School at 1006 Grafton Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21h. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Prohibit
Parking in front of 22 Waverly Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21i. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Prohibit
Parking on the Even Side of a portion of Demarco Terrace.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21j. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Prohibit
Parking on the Even Side of a portion of Sterling Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21k. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Prohibit
Parking in front of 3 Thayer Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21l. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Prohibit
On-Street Parking on portions of Grafton Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21m. Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a
Stop Sign on Dryden Street at Edgeworth Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21n. Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a
Stop Sign on Sophia Drive at Tennyson Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21o. Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a
Stop Sign on Wedgewood Road at Westmorland Drive.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21p. Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Providing for a
Stop Sign on Whittier Street at Edgeworth Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21q. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Establish a
Commercial Loading Zone and Two-Hour Metered Parking on a portion of Main Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21r. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide 15
Minute Parking on a portion of Grand Street at 103 Canterbury Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21s. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide
Handicap Parking in front of #9 Preston Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21t. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide
Handicap Parking in front of #23 Kendrick Avenue.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21u. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide
Handicap Parking in the vicinity of #72 Richland Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21v. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide
Handicap Parking in front of #117 Merrifield Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
21w. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide
Handicap Parking in the vicinity of #151 Chandler Street.
Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)
22. HELD UNDER PRIVILEGE
22a. COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication
relative to a report and recommendation regarding a municipal civilian review board.
(Held Under Privilege - King July 21, 2026 and Held Under Privilege - Petty August 18,
2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the Chief Equity Officer, who provided City Council
with a presentation concerning processes used by the administration’s Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion Office, as well as the administration’s recommendation not to move forward with a
Civilian Review Board.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Equity Officer and City Clerk, who responded to questions
raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, Councilor Rivera, Councilor Bergman, Councilor
Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Equity Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Economou.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief and Chief Equity Officer, who responded to questions
raised by Councilor Ojeda.
Councilor Ojeda then moved to, “Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City
Council with a report concerning the reasons why the city has seen an increase in the number of
individuals being arrested over the past five (5) years, in an effort to educate residents at
neighborhood meetings and reduce the number of arrests occurring in the city through proactive
community engagement.” (See Item #25b CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mitra, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Mitra.
Councilor Mitra then moved to, “Request City Manager work with the Chief Equity Officer and
Police Chief to provide City Council with a biannual report detailing the various SMART
(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) goals and objectives of the
Worcester Police Department (WPD), in an effort to increase accountability and transparency
within the community. Said report should include, but not be limited to, information related to the
number of instances where misconduct of officers occurred, as well as the number of times the
excessive use of force was used.” (See Item #25c CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bilotta, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Equity Officer and Police Chief, who responded to questions
raised by Councilor Bilotta.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Fresolo and Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Equity Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Rosen.
Councilor Rosen then moved to place the item on file.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized the Chief Equity Officer, who responded to
questions raised by Mayor Petty.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Clerk work with the Executive Director and CEO of
the Worcester Regional Research Bureau to provide City Council with a copy of their report
titled, “Overdue for Civilian Oversight: A Pathway for Lasting Police Reform.” – Withdrawn.
Mayor Petty then moved, “That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby suspend
Rule 21 of the Rules of City Council to allow for Councilor Khrystian E. King to speak beyond the
typically allotted then (10) minutes on item #22a CC. Motion denied on a roll call vote of 5 Yeas
and 6 Nays (Yeas – Bilotta, Fresolo, King, Ojeda, Petty) (Nays – Bergman, Economou, Mitra,
Rivera, Rosen, Toomey). (See Item #25d CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a third time, who moved to withdraw his motion.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt Councilor Mitra’s motion, item #25c CC. Order
adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt Councilor Ojeda’s motion, item #25b CC. Order
adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Rosen’s motion to place the item on file.
Placed on file on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 3 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, Economou, Fresolo, Mitra,
Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty) (Nays – Bilotta, King, Ojeda)
22b. ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - Request Standing Committee on Public
Safety hold a public discussion regarding the closure of the Department of Justice (DOJ)
investigation of the Worcester Police Department (WPD) and City of Worcester. (Held
Under Privilege - Toomey August 18, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on
a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 3 Nays (Yeas - Bergman, Economou, Fresolo, Mitra, Rivera, Rosen,
Toomey, Petty) (Nays - Bilotta, King, Ojeda).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved for reconsideration of the item.
Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 7 Yeas and 4 Nays (Yeas - Bilotta, Economou, Fresolo,
King, Mitra, Ojeda, Petty) (Nays - Bergman, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey).
22c. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Tony Economou - Request City
Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Commissioner of Transportation
and Mobility research installing in-road warning light crosswalk systems in the city to
enhance pedestrian and motor vehicle safety in areas with high pedestrian traffic (see
attached for links to example videos on YouTube). (Held Under Privilege - King August
18, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk and City Manager, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10
Yeas and 0 Nays (Bilotta absent)
23. TABLED ITEMS
23a. ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager request City
Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion regarding the process of instituting a
residential rent control program and the resulting impact of implementing such a
program. (Held Under Privilege - Lukes September 17, 2019 and September 24, 2019
and Tabled - Lukes October 15, 2019)
No action taken
23b. RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King - That the City Council of the City of
Worcester does hereby support Representative Rebecca Rauch and Senator Sonia
Chang-Diaz’s SD 699 HD 1283, An Act effectuating equity in COVID-19 Vaccination
Bill. (Held Under Privilege - Bergman February 9, 2021 and Tabled - Bergman February
23, 2021)
No action taken
23c. ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Councilor Thu Nguyen - Request City Manager
work with appropriate departments and stakeholders to establish an Office of Housing
Stability in an effort to prevent the involuntary displacement of city residents who are in
the process of being evicted or at the risk of losing their housing, as well as to enact
policies to combat displacement, homelessness and enhance tenants’ rights. (Held Under
Privilege - Haxhiaj July 18, 2023 and Tabled - Haxhiaj August 22, 2023)
No action taken
23d. PETITION of Gordon Davis request City Council request Standing Committee on Public
Safety investigate the issue of systemic racism and public safety with public hearings
included. (Tabled - Toomey May 14, 2024)
No action taken
23e. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager conduct an equity audit
of all city departments every five (5) years. (Held Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson
December 10, 2024 and Held Under Privilege - Toomey December 17, 2024 and Tabled -
Nguyen January 7, 2025)
No action taken
23f. COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication
relative to how the U.S. Department of Justice's report on the Worcester Police
Department differs from the account of the municipality. (Held Under Privilege - King
April 29, 2025 and May 6, 2025 and Tabled - King May 13, 2025)
No action taken
24. BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under
suspension at the August 18, 2026 City Council meeting.
24a. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – That the City Council of the City of
Worcester does hereby postpone its August 18, 2026 meeting and move all items, except
for items #8a CC through #8z CC, #9a CC through #9z CC, #10a CC through #10x CC,
#11.35A CM through #10.35V CC, #10.36A CM, and #11.37A CM through #11.37H
CM to its next scheduled meeting on September 8, 2026. – Item #26a Order denied on a
roll call vote of 5 Yeas and 5 Nays
25. NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under
suspension at the September 8, 2026 City Council meeting.
25a. Motion Petty @ #6a CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby
suspend its rules to allow for the public participation section of the agenda on September
8, 2026 to occur one (1) hour beyond the typically allotted thirty (30) minutes.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #6a CC)
25b. Motion Ojeda @ #22a CC – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City
Council with a report concerning the reasons why the city has seen an increase in the
number of individuals being arrested over the past five (5) years, in an effort to educate
residents at neighborhood meetings and reduce the number of arrests occurring in the
city through proactive community engagement.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #22a CC)
25c. Motion Mitra @ #22a CC – Request City Manager work with the Chief Equity Officer
and Police Chief to provide City Council with a biannual report detailing the various
SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) goals and
objectives of the Worcester Police Department (WPD), in an effort to increase
accountability and transparency within the community. Said report should include, but
not be limited to, information related to the number of instances where misconduct of
officers occurred, as well as the number of times the excessive use of force was used.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #22a CC)
25d. Motion Petty @ #22a CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby
suspend Rule 21 of the Rules of City Council to allow for Councilor Khrystian E. King
to speak beyond the typically allotted then (10) minutes on item #22a CC.
Order denied on a roll call vote of 5 Yeas and 6 Nays (Yeas – Bilotta, Fresolo, King, Ojeda, Petty)
(Nays – Bergman, Economou, Mitra, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey) (See Item #22a CC)
25e. Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request Standing Committee on Education meet
jointly with the School Committee’s Standing Committee on Operations and Governance
for the purpose of reviewing matters pertaining to public education, the public libraries,
arts, culture and higher education listed on their agenda.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who introduced the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Education Committee. Referred to
Education Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bilotta absent)
Transcript
Transcript pending: YouTube captions can't be retrieved yet (see the Worcester playbook).