2026-09-15 - City Council
Summary
Meeting ran 6:35 PM to 10:47 PM; Robert A. Bilotta and Kathleen M. Toomey attended remotely. Of 46 public speakers, 44 opposed the City Manager's proposed Public Camping Ordinance (item 8.19A, from the Health and Human Services Commissioner as part of "Disrupting the Cycle"); Khrystian E. King held it under privilege, and his motion to keep public participation open until every speaker was heard failed 6-5 because suspension needs eight votes. Keith Boucher's petition for a public report on how the city verifies zoning conditions and permits before and during construction was referred to the City Manager 11-0. Petitions on the MassDOT Chandler St. and May St. intersection project (Project No. 608961) and a rotary near Worcester State University were referred to Traffic and Parking after King withdrew a bid to send one to Education; Tom Marino's police reform proposal was held by Bilotta. The Council adopted a resolution for a TIF Agreement amendment for 30-36 Washington Sq., and debated the August street and sidewalk construction progress report at length, adopting King's best-practices report order and Jose A. Rivera's order for a street-selection process, and sending John P. Fresolo's process discussion to Public Works. Items held on September 8 were then acted on: Satya B. Mitra's private-streets and arterial-resurfacing reports and Gary Rosen's Homelessness Response Action Plan order (with King's added report on the dissolution of the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance) were adopted 11-0, Tony Economou's downtown violence action plan was placed on file 10-0 with Toomey recused, and Toomey's Public Safety invitation to social service agencies was withdrawn (10-1) and replaced by King's version sent to Public Health and Human Services. King's request for an executive session on a police officer's conduct failed 4-6, reconsideration 1-9, and his request for a report on Rules 48 and 49 on committee appointments was adopted 10-0.
Summary written from the official minutes; no transcript yet.
Issues discussed: Public Camping Ordinance - Disrupting the Cycle, Chandler St and May St Intersection Project, 30-36 Washington Square TIF Amendment, Street and Sidewalk Rehabilitation Process, Police Oversight and Civilian Review Board
Official Minutes
Journal of the City Council, posted on PrimeGov (summary of actions, not verbatim). Page headers and footers removed.
CITY OF WORCESTER
JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Esther Howland (South) Chamber
Convened: 6:35 P.M.
Adjourned: 10:47 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 and
Councilor Toomey participated in the meeting remotely.
4. PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE
4a. Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring the week of September 17, 2026 through
September 23, 2026 Constitution Week in the City of Worcester. The Proclamation was
presented to Deborah Nurse, the State Chair of Commemorative Events for the
Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution.
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 August 18, 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. Nicole Apostola, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
2. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM and spoke
in favor of item #11b CC
3. Dante Comparetto, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
4. Sean Johnson, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
5. Gary Hunter, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #8.19A CM and #11d
CC
6. Abby Mortillaro, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM and
spoke in favor of items #9h CC, #9m CC, #10a CC
7. Nicolai Adams, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
8. Ilsa (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
9. Keith Linhares, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM and spoke
in favor of item #7a CC
10. Jillian Joseph, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
11. Brittany Chapman, (no residence given), spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
12. Ex Todd, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
13. Alicia (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A
CM
14. Angelina Coco, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
15. Maria (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A
CM
16. Brady (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A
CM
17. Thea (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A
CM
18. Gabriella (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item
#8.19A CM
19. Dylan Young, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
20. Julia (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A
CM
21. Mini (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A
CM
22. Philip Donald Gerard, II, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
23. Nelly Medina, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM and spoke
in favor of item #7l CC
24. James Powell, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
25. Adam (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A
CM
26. Dangelo Aponte, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
27. Phyn Vermin, Boxboro resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
28. Athena Haddon, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
29. Manolo Garcia, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7l CC
30. Justin LaPorte, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
31. Jamerson (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item
#8.19A CM
32. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7a CC and spoke in
opposition to item #8.19A CM
33. Principe Virtuez, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
34. Feanna Jattan-Singh, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
35. Kevin Lynch, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
36. Terri Kelley, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
37. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7z CC and #10a CC and
spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
38. Karin Valentine Goins, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #7g CC, #7h
CC, and #8.19A CM
39. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
40. Dina Tedeschi, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
41. Chrissi Bates, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
42. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
43. Andrew (last name indiscernible), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item
#8.19A CM
44. Zakeem Benjamin, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
45. Echo Louissaint-Collins, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8.19A CM
46. Keith Boucher, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7a CC
7. PETITIONS
7a. Keith Boucher request a public report be written regarding the city’s procedures for
ensuring that zoning conditions, permit prerequisites, approved plans, and other required
regulatory approvals are satisfied before construction is authorized to proceed, and for
monitoring compliance after work begins. Said report should address how
responsibilities are coordinated among departments when multiple municipal approvals
apply to the same project; how outstanding conditions and requirements are tracked and
verified before subsequent stages of construction are authorized; how Stop Work orders
and other corrective actions are monitored through resolution; and how material
compliance concerns reported by residents are reviewed, documented, and
communicated. Further, request that the administration identify any procedural or
coordination improvements that may strengthen consistent enforcement, accountability,
and public confidence in the city’s development and construction oversight process.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the City Manager. Referred to the City
Manager on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
7b. James Porter et al. request installation of a speed hump on Cohasset St. at its intersection
with Puritan Ave.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #7b CC through #7w CC,
except items #7f CC through #7h CC, to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and
Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
7c. James Porter et al. request installation of a speed hump on Puritan Ave. at its intersection
with Cohasset St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7d. Councilor John P. Fresolo request the handicap parking space in front of 18 Strathmore
Rd. be relocated to the opposite side of the street in the vicinity of 21 Strathmore Rd.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7e. Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request the existing “No Parking Anytime” zone in the vicinity
of 48 Windham St. be moved to across the street from the driveway of 48 Windham St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7f. Elaine Poulo request installation of a rotary at the intersection of May St. and Chandler
St.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #7f CC through #7h CC up collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to refer item #7f CC to Education
Committee. – Withdrawn.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Traffic and Parking Committee.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
7g. Amy M. Kalogeropoulos and Mardi Coleman request the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (MassDOT) intersection improvement project at Chandler St. and May St.
(Project No. 608961) be paused, pending the completion of a corridor-wide traffic study
analysis and new public hearings (see attached).
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7f
CC)
7h. Demetrios Koutoulas and Anila Hasanaj request that no rotaries be installed in the
vicinity of Worcester State University, located at 486 Chandler St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7f
CC)
7i. Jasmelin Martinez request removal of a handicap parking space at 18 Lafayette St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7j. Patrick Grady request installation of stop signage at the intersection of Indian Lake
Pkwy. and Grove St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7k. Tracy Heather Harding on behalf of Harding Pediatrics request installation of "No
Parking Anytime" signage in the vicinity of the driveway located at 41 Oak Ave. and 45
Oak Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7l. Nelly Medina and Manolo Garcia request the crosswalk at the intersection of Lakeside
Ave. and Lovell St. be repainted.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7m. Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Upsala
St. and Esther St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7n. Dacheliz and Brayden Ramos Ruiz request installation of two (2) handicap parking
spaces in front of 243 Tacoma St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7o. Marielis Manzueta request the walking paths in the vicinity of South High Community
School, including the intersections of Main St. and Sylvain St., Main St. and Apricot St.,
and Apricot St. and Goddard Memorial Dr., be reviewed for the purposes of improving
pedestrian safety for students walking to school.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7p. Angelica Cintron request a traffic study be conducted on Belmont St. that includes the
review of installing various pedestrian safety improvements throughout the street (see
attached).
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7q. Angelica Cintron request a traffic study be conducted on Lake Ave., in the vicinity of
Tivnan Field, that includes the review of installing various pedestrian safety
improvements throughout the street (see attached).
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7r. Heather Cooper request installation of speed humps on Deerfield St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7s. Councilor Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Peter Flinkfelt request installation of speed humps
on Lovell St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7t. Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of speed humps on Harold St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7u. Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of “No Parking” signage on both sides of
Blackstone River Rd., 20’ from its intersection with Whipple St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7v. Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of “No Parking” signage on both sides of
Whipple St., 20’ from its intersection with Blackstone River Rd.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7w. Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation an All Way Stop Control on Blackstone
River Rd. at Whipple St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7b
CC)
7x. NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: GATES ST.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to set hearings for items #7x CC and #7y
CC on September 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Hearing set for September 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll
call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
7y. NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: PATCH ST.
Hearing set for September 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#7x CC)
7z. Tom Marino request City Council consider adopting the attached proposal, in part or in
whole, titled, "Executive Summary: A Proposal for Police Reform in Worcester," (see
attached for proposal).
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Bilotta
8. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
8.1 APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
8.2 APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
8.3 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
William Bagley, Jr., Esq., Chief Human Resources Officer
8.4 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Peter Dunn, Chief Development Officer
A. Recommend adoption of a resolution authorizing a Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) Agreement Amendment for 30-36 Washington Sq.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item.
Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
8.5 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Kevin Lovaincy, Chief Equity Officer
8.6 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Division of Human Rights and Accessibility
Patricia M. LaFore, Director
8.7 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Administration Division
John K. Westerling, Commissioner
A. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Dog Waste Disposal
Advisory.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning
the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Public Works, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor Ojeda.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Works Committee.
Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
8.8 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
John K. Westerling, Commissioner
8.9 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Operations Division
John K. Westerling, Commissioner
8.10 DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION, AND CEMETERY
Robert C. Antonelli, Jr., Commissioner
8.11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY
Stephen S. Rolle, P.E., Commissioner
A. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Street and Sidewalk
Construction Progress Report for August 2026.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Economou and Councilor
Bilotta, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who
responded to questions raised by Councilor Bilotta.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and City Manager, who
responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of
Public Works work with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility to
provide City Council with a report detailing best practices the departments can
implement to: 1) establish, monitor and measure the effectiveness of project
timelines associated with the rehabilitation of the city’s streets and sidewalks; 2)
issue notices detailing when construction will occur; 3) hold contractors accountable
relative to the bid process required for street and sidewalk rehabilitation; and 4)
implement completion frameworks for roadway and sidewalk construction projects.
(See Item #12c CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and City Manager, who
responded to questions raised by Councilor Rivera.
Mayor Petty moved to take the item up collectively with item #9o CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Fresolo, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, who
responded to questions raised by Councilor Fresolo.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who 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 John P. Fresolo to speak beyond the typically
allotted ten (10) minutes on item #8.11A CM.” (See Item #12d CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mitra, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Public Works, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor Mitra.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Commissioner of
Transportation and Mobility, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Rosen.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Public Works and Commissioner of
Transportation and Mobility, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Bergman.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Economou for a second time, who spoke
concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Economou.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera for a second time, who moved to amend
item #9o CC: “Further, request said discussion consider ways in which project
scheduling for street and sidewalk rehabilitation can be made more predictable, as
well as whether the current role of district councilors is the most effective approach
for such a process.”
Councilor Rivera then moved, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of
Public Works and Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility create and
provide City Council with a detailed process related to selecting streets and
sidewalks for rehabilitation work, similar to the process used to install speed humps
throughout the city.” (See Item #12e CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a third time, who spoke concerning the
item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Public Works, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer item #9o CC to Public Works
Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0
Nays.
Mayor Petty moved to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
B. Transmitting Informational Communication Concerning New Policies and
Procedures for Administering the Traffic-calming Speed Hump Program.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Traffic
and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call
vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
8.12 FIRE DEPARTMENT
Martin Dyer, Fire Chief
8.13 POLICE DEPARTMENT
Paul B. Saucier, Police Chief
8.14 DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Charles R. Goodwin, Commissioner
8.15 LAW DEPARTMENT
Alexandra H. Kalkounis, Esq., City Solicitor
8.16 DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration
Nicholas Antanavica, Commissioner
8.17 DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
David Horne, Deputy Building Commissioner
8.18 DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
Lee R. Hall, Director
8.19 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration
Seema Dixit, Commissioner
A. Recommend Adoption of Proposed Public Camping Ordinance in the
Context of “Disrupting the Cycle,” a Strategic Framework for Supporting
Unhoused Individuals.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Hold the
Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - King
B. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City of Worcester
Opioid Allocation.
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
8.20 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
Amy Vogel Waters, Director
8.21 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
Alex R. Arriaga, Interim Veterans Services Director
8.22 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Opportunities
Raquel Castro-Corazzini, Director
8.23 WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Jason L. Homer, Executive Director
8.24 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
Nikolin Vangjeli, City Clerk
8.25 PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Brian Allen, Superintendent
8.26 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Administration
Timothy McGourthy, Chief Financial Officer
A. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to July 2026 Financial
Update.
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
8.27 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
Samuel E. Konieczny, City Assessor
8.28 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
Erin E. Taylor, Director
8.29 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
Christopher Gagliastro, Director
8.30 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
8.31 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC FACILITIES
James Bedard, Chief of Public Facilities
8.32 DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
John W. Odell, Chief Sustainability Officer
8.33 DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Michael P. Hamel, Chief Information Officer
8.34 FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
8.35 FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A. Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the
amount of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($7,500.00)
from Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, Inc. to support the purchase of one canine
for the Worcester Police Department.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt items #8.35A CM,
#8.36A CM and #8.37A CM through #8.37D CM. Resolution adopted on a roll call
vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
8.36 FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A. Recommend that Twelve Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($12,000.00) be
transferred from Cost Center #CC1017-610100, Communications Ordinary
Maintenance, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1017-699399,
Communications Capital Outlay, to fund the replacement of the HVAC unit
in the Mack Truck radio tower building.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
8.37 FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
A. Recommend that Twenty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Dollars and
No Cents ($24,720.00) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2027 Cost Center
#CC1017, Emergency Communications Ordinary Maintenance, for the
payment of a prior year invoice.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
B. Recommend that One Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars and
Fifty Cents ($1,794.50) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2027 Cost Center
#CC1017, Emergency Communications Salaries, to allow for the processing
of a prior year payroll expense.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
C. Recommend that One Hundred Forty-Nine Dollars and Ninety-Five Cents
($149.95) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2027 Cost Center #CC1055, Public
Works Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of a prior year invoice.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
D. Recommend that Two Hundred Forty-Six Thousand Sixteen Dollars and
Twenty-Seven Cents ($246,016.27) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2027 Cost
Center #CC1004, Economic Development Ordinary Maintenance, for the
payment of a prior year invoice.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
8.38 FINANCE
Loan Orders
8.39 MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
9. HELD UNDER PRIVILEGE
9a. COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication
relative to Economic Development Initiatives. (Held Under Privilege - Bilotta September
8, 2026)
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
9b. COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication
Relative to Housing and Neighborhood Development Activities. (Held Under Privilege -
Bilotta September 8, 2026)
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
9c. COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting an informational Communication
Relative to Semi-Annual TIF/TIE Reporting June 30, 2026. (Held Under Privilege -
Bilotta September 8, 2026)
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
9d. ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou - 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. (Held Under
Privilege - Rosen September 8, 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
9e. ORDER of Councilor Satya B. Mitra - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Rosen September
8, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mitra and Councilor Ojeda, who spoke
concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Ojeda.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
9f. ORDER of Councilor Satya B. Mitra - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Rosen
September 8, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mitra, 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 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
9g. ORDER of Councilor Satya B. Mitra - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Rosen September 8,
2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mitra, 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 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
9h. ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen - 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. (Held Under Privilege -
Rosen September 8, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Rosen.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bilotta, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, Councilor Toomey, and Councilor King, who spoke
concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
concerning how the dissolution of the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance
(CMRPHA) has impacted the city’s ability to provide support for the unhoused population.
Further, request said report include details of the mission and structure of said network.” (See
Item #12e CC).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
9i. ORDER of Councilor Jose A. Rivera - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Rosen
September 8, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who moved to amend the item:
“Further, request said report include the following: 1) the process used by the city after egg
sightings are reported; 2) the responsible entity for managing infestations on state-owned property
within the city; 3) the reporting mechanisms for the public, including whether 311 can be used to
report major concentrations of lanternflies and/or their eggs; 4) the review of current practices in
place to ensure tree of heaven is managed and controlled; 5) how the city coordinates with the
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (MassDOT), railroad owners and other major landowners to locate and maintain
an inventory or mapping of tree of heaven locations on municipal properties and public rights-of
way, ensuring proper removal techniques are used to prevent root regeneration, including the use
of appropriate native species as replacements; 6) the feasibility of establishing a program to plant
milkweed on public property to mitigate the spotted lanternfly population; and 7) any state
assistance and resources available to the city."
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended
on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
9j. ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Rosen September 8, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who recused herself from the item
and did not participate in the discussion.
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 recognized Councilor Bilotta, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of
10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused)
9k. ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Rosen September 8,
2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to withdraw the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to, “Request Standing Committee on Public
Health and Human Services invite all social service agencies working with homeless and addiction
treatment programs to discuss their efforts in assisting the city in ameliorating the public health
and public safety issues over the last few months.” (See Item #12f CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for the second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Toomey’s motion to grant the item Leave to
Withdraw. Leave to Withdraw on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay – Bilotta).
9l. ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou - 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. (Held
Under Privilege - Rosen September 8, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and 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 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
9m. ORDER of Councilor Satya B. Mitra - Request City Manager install two (2) WooBin
trash receptacles on Southbridge St. in the vicinity of 114 and 148 Southbridge St. (Held
Under Privilege - Rosen September 8, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mitra, 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 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
9n. ORDER of Councilor Satya B. Mitra - 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.
(Held Under Privilege - Rosen September 8, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mitra, 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 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
9o. ORDER of Councilor John P. Fresolo - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Rosen
September 8, 2026)
Referred to Public Works Committee as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See
Item #8.11A CM)
9p. RESOLUTION of Councilor Robert A. Bilotta - That the City Council of the City of
Worcester does hereby recognize September as National Service Dog Month. (Held
Under Privilege - Rosen September 8, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of
11 Yeas and 0 Nays
10. TABLED ITEMS
10a. 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
10b. 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
10c. 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
10d. 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
10e. 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
10f. 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
11. BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under
suspension at the September 8, 2026 City Council meeting.
11a. ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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. – Item #25a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
11b. ORDER of Councilor Luis A. Ojeda – 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. – Item #25b CC Order
adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
11c. ORDER of Councilor Satya B. Mitra – 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. –
Item #25c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
11d. ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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. – Item
#25d CC Order denied on a roll call vote of 5 Yeas and 6 Nays
11e. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #25e CC
Referred to Education Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays
12. NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under
suspension at the September 15, 2026 City Council meeting.
12a. 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
15, 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)
12b. Motion King @ #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
15, 2026 to occur until such a time that all public speakers have had the opportunity to
speak.
Order denied on a roll call vote of 6 Yeas and 5 Nays (Yeas – Bilotta, Fresolo, King, Ojeda, Rosen,
Petty) (Nays – Bergman, Economou, Mitra, Rivera, Toomey) (See Item #6a CC).
(Note: The motion to suspend the rules requires the affirmative vote of at least eight (8) members
regardless of the number present and voting per Rule 56 of the Worcester City Council).
12c. Motion King @ #8.11A CM – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public
Works work with the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility to provide City
Council with a report detailing best practices the departments can implement to: 1)
establish, monitor and measure the effectiveness of project timelines associated with the
rehabilitation of the city’s streets and sidewalks; 2) issue notices detailing when
construction will occur; 3) hold contractors accountable relative to the bid process
required for street and sidewalk rehabilitation; and 4) implement completion frameworks
for roadway and sidewalk construction projects.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.11A CM)
12d. Motion King @ #8.11A CM – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does
hereby suspend Rule 21 of the Rules of City Council to allow for Councilor John P.
Fresolo to speak beyond the typically allotted ten (10) minutes on item #8.11A CM.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.11A CM)
12e. Motion Rivera @ #8.11A CM – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public
Works and Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility create and provide City
Council with a detailed process related to selecting streets and sidewalks for
rehabilitation work, similar to the process used to install speed humps throughout the
city.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.11A CM)
12f. Motion King @ #9h CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
concerning how the dissolution of the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health
Alliance (CMRPHA) has impacted the city’s ability to provide support for the unhoused
population. Further, request said report include details of the mission and structure of
said network.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9h CC)
12g. Motion King @ #9k CC – Request Standing Committee on Public Health and Human
Services invite all social service agencies working with homeless and addiction
treatment programs to discuss their efforts in assisting the city in ameliorating the public
health and public safety issues over the last few months.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who introduced the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse herself from the item and did not
participate in the discussion.
Mayor Petty 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 10
Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9k CC)
12h. Motion Fresolo – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council of the City of Worcester
does hereby suspend the Rules of City Council to allow for Councilor John P. Fresolo to
discuss a matter not listed on the September 15, 2026 City Council agenda.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Fresolo, who introduced the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11
Yeas and 0 Nays.
12i. Motion King – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council of the City of Worcester
meet in Executive Session at its September 22, 2026 meeting to review matters
pertaining to improper conduct of a Worcester Police Officer.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who introduced the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse herself from the item and did not
participate in the discussion.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order denied on a roll call vote of 4 Yeas
and 6 Nays (Yeas – Bilotta, Fresolo, King, Ojeda) (Nays – Bergman, Economou, Mitra, Rivera,
Rosen, Petty) (Toomey recused).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to reconsider the item. Reconsideration
denied on a roll call vote of 1 Yea and 9 Nays (Yea – Bilotta) (Toomey recused)
12j. Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request Mayor provide City Council with a report
concerning Rules 48 and 49 relative to Appointments to Committees and Temporary
Appointments to Fill Vacancies, as well as any language in the City Charter related to
such appointments.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who introduced the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse herself from the item and did not
participate in the discussion.
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 (Toomey recused)
Transcript
Transcript pending: YouTube captions can't be retrieved yet (see the Worcester playbook).