2026-09-22 - City Council
Summary
Long meeting (6:31 PM to just past midnight). The City Manager's proposed public camping ordinance, part of the "Disrupting the Cycle" framework for unhoused residents, drew about 45 speakers in opposition and a few in favor. After a presentation by the Health and Human Services commissioner and questions from every councilor, Councilor Gary Rosen's motion to recommit it to the City Manager passed 8-1 (Morris A. Bergman opposed, Khrystian E. King abstained, Kathleen M. Toomey recused). King's motion to place it on file failed 1-9, and his resolution opposing the ordinance and Bergman's amendment to make violations civil rather than criminal were not put. Petty and others moved a series of orders on shelter funding and bathrooms, adopted under suspension. Rosen raised Optiline Enterprises at 274 Franklin Street; he held the item after questioning the City Manager and Solicitor. Mitra's Rules 61, 62 and 63 (annual department reports, council budget priorities, preliminary budget) were adopted as discussion requests to Municipal and Legislative Operations (62 passed 8-3). Planning Board zone changes for 25 West Chester St., 128 Providence St. and 95 Vernon St. were referred to Economic Development, and a police reform proposal from Tom Marino went to Public Safety.
Summary written from the official minutes; no transcript yet.
Issues discussed: Public Camping Ordinance - Disrupting the Cycle, Optiline Enterprises at 274 Franklin Street, Downtown Public Restrooms, City Council Rules Changes
Official Minutes
Journal of the City Council, posted on PrimeGov (summary of actions, not verbatim). Page headers removed.
CITY OF WORCESTER
JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Esther Howland (South) Chamber
Convened: 6:31 P.M.
Recessed: 9:03 P.M.
Reconvened: 9:07 P.M.
Adjourned: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 12:03 A.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, except for Councilor
Toomey, who arrived at 6:34 P.M.
4. PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE
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 September 8, 2026.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
6a. Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 and in order to ensure active, public
engagement, the City of Worcester currently allows for both in-person and remote
participation at all City Council and Standing Committee meetings. To partake in the
"Public Participation" section of the meeting, you may attend the meeting in-person
within the meeting location, follow the below link to join via Zoom or dial the direct line
as indicated. If you join a Zoom meeting by dialing in with a phone number, you can
raise your hand by dialing *9.
City Council Zoom Link: https://worcesterma.zoomgov.com/j/1613631913
City Council Zoom Phone Number: +1 646 828 7666
City Council Zoom Access Code: 161 363 1913
Important Notice: Residents are advised of an ongoing scam involving the impersonation
of city officials and departments. Scammers are fraudulently requesting payments be
made for planning and zoning permits, as well as City Council petitions. All official
emails regarding your petition will come exclusively from an @worcesterma.gov email
address (such as clerk@worcesterma.gov), or via physical mail on the City of
Worcester’s official letterhead. Any legitimate hearing letter will always include your
specific application details, along with the scheduled hearing date, time, and location.
The City of Worcester will never request payments via wire transfer.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following Speakers:
1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #9d CC through #9f CC, spoke in
favor of item #10l CC, and spoke neither in favor of nor opposed to item #18b CC
2. Peter (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10l CC and #18a CC
and spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
3. Abby Mortillaro, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10l CC, #10s CC and spoke in
opposition to item #18b CC
4. Martha Assefa, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18a CC and #10e CC and spoke in
opposition to item #18b CC
5. Dante Comparetto, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
6. David Minasian, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10l CC
7. Rhiannon Snide, (no residence given), spoke in opposition of item #18b CC
8. Grace Ross, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
9. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC and spoke in favor of
item #8b CC
10. Greg Degermajian, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10t CC
11. Meg Coffin, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
12. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8b CC and #10l CC
13. Jermoh Kamara, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC and spoke in favor
of item #10l CC
14. Mike Kane, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18b CC
15. Gary Hunter, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10l CC, #12d CC and #18a CC and
spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
16. Heather Prunier Stanek, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18a CC
17. Kirsten Fraser, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #18a CC and #10l CC and spoke in
opposition to item #18b CC
18. Maria Montano, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8t CC and spoke in opposition to
item #18b CC
19. Brian Keaney, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
20. Mini (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
21. Jack Murray, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC and spoke in favor of
item #10x CC
22. Ashley Spring, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18a CC, spoke in opposition to item
#18b CC, and spoke neither in favor of nor opposed to item #8c CC
23. Brady (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
24. Maria (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #10d CC and #18b
CC and spoke in favor of items #10j CC, #10t CC, #10w CC through #10z CC, and #18a CC
25. Thea (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
26. Yani (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
27. Rhonda Hicks a.k.a Wahya Guste Wolfpaw, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item
#18b CC
28. Michelin Cahill, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
29. Ben Levine, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
30. Sam Davidson-Weiss, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
31. Janeen (no last name given), (no residence given), spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
32. Bill Hughes, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13a CC
33. Emma Narkewicz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10a CC though #10c CC, #10h
CC through #10l CC, #10s CC through #10z CC, and #18a CC and spoke in opposition to item
#18b CC
34. Janet Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10l CC and #18a CC and spoke in
opposition to item #18b CC
35. Jonathan Morales, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
36. Ex Todd, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10l CC and #18a CC and spoke in
opposition to item #18b CC
37. Gordon Ward, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8b CC
38. Sarah Bertrand, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
39. David Ginsburg, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
40. Danielle Alachoyan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
41. Justin LaPorte, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
42. Amy Ebbeson, Rutland resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC and spoke in favor of
items #10e CC and #18a CC
43. Dangelo Aponte, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
44. Margot Barnet, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10l CC and spoke in opposition to
item #18b CC
45. Vincent Pedone, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18b CC
46. David Coyne, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
47. Natasha (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18a CC and spoke in
opposition to item #18b CC
48. Jamerson Maurer, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
49. Kevin Lynch, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
50. Zakeem Benjamin, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
51. Wilson Lam, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #8c CC and #18b CC
52. Colleen (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8a CC
53. Isabella Corazzini, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
54. Feanna Jattan-Singh, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC and spoke in
favor of item #10l CC
55. Terri Kelley, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
56. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10e CC, #10j CC, #18a CC, and #20i
CC, spoke neither in favor of nor opposed to items #9j CC and #8c CC, and spoke in opposition to
item #18b CC
57. Samantha Martin, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
58. Anna C., Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
59. Jeff Burnett, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
60. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #10g CC and #18b CC
61. Laura Salice Matthew, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
62. Nadine Paige, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #18b CC
63. Tom Marino, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18a CC
7. HEARINGS AND ORDERS
7a. Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: GATES ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: GATES ST.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to open the hearings for items #7a CC and #7b CC. Mayor
Petty’s motion was approved on a voice vote.
Mayor Petty asked if any abutters wished to be heard on the item. Hearing no speakers, Mayor
Petty moved to close the hearings. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a voice vote.
Mayor Petty moved to approve the items. Hearing held and Order adopted
7b. Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: PATCH ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: PATCH ST.
Hearing held and Order adopted (See Item #7a CC)
8. PETITIONS
8a. Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the residents of the Winter Heights
Neighborhood request the granite survey markers that stick out of the sidewalks, some
six to nine inches high, be cut down to pavement level, in the interest of public safety.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works
Committee
8b. Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Robert A. Bilotta request Laurel St. from
Summer St. to Everett Gaylord Blvd. be given the honorary street name designation of
Arries Ann Ward Way.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King and Councilor Bilotta, who spoke
concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works
Committee
8c. Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of multiple speed humps on
Harrington Way.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #10d CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse herself from the item and left the
room.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to place the items on file. Placed on file
8d. Carmen Franco et al. request installation of speed humps on Montague St.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer items #8d CC through #8f CC, #8h CC, #8j CC
through #8q CC and #8s CC to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking
Committee
8e. Jesse Gibson request installation of a crosswalk and rapid flashing beacons in the
vicinity of Greater Outreach Ministries, located at 108 Planation St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8f. Areej Talaa request installation of a handicap parking space at 245 Constitution Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8g. Eliza Lawrence request installation of stop signage on Charlton St. at its intersection
with Beacon St.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Ojeda, who moved to place the item on file.
Placed on file
8h. Berardino Sasso request the handicap parking space in front of 12 Normal St. be
removed.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8i. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta on behalf of Maritza Cruz request installation of a truck
ban/weight restriction on Holden St. from the beginning of Shore Dr. to its intersection
with Grove St.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Economou, who moved to amend the item to
read as follows: “Councilor Robert A. Bilotta on behalf of Maritza Cruz request installation of a
truck ban/weight restriction from the beginning of Shore Dr. at the intersection with Norton Dr.,
to exclude trailer trucks from travelling on Shore Dr.”
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Traffic and Parking Committee as amended. Referred to
Traffic and Parking Committee as amended
8j. Councilor Jose A. Rivera request installation of a stop sign on Wharton St. at its
intersection with Englewood Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8k. Councilor Jose A. Rivera request installation of a stop sign on Clive St. at its intersection
with Minthorne St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8l. Councilor Jose A. Rivera request installation of a stop sign on Englewood Ave. at its
intersection with Minthorne St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8m. Councilor Robert A. Bilotta and Councilor John P. Fresolo request installation of
bollards, curb extensions and/or another type of barrier on Hamilton St. from 96
Hamilton St. to its intersection with Fairmont Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8n. Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request removal of resident permit parking on Boyden St. from
2 Boyden St. to 20 Boyden St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8o. Councilor Tony Economou request installation of “No Left Turn” signage on Grove St.
for access to Parkton Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8p. Councilor Tony Economou request installation of “No Left Turn” signage on Holden St.
for access to Parkton Ave.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8q. Councilor Jose A. Rivera request installation of 25 MPH signage on Moreland Green Dr.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8r. Councilor Jose A. Rivera request the traffic control signal at the intersection of
Southbridge St. and Hammond St. be reviewed to add at least five (5) additional seconds
of a protected left turn for drivers travelling north, turning onto Hammond St.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Ojeda, who moved to amend the item: “Further, request said
review include considerations for other neighboring traffic lights, including lights located on
Quinsigamond Ave.”
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Traffic and Parking Committee as amended. Referred to
Traffic and Parking Committee as amended
8s. Councilor Jose A. Rivera request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of May St.
and Lovell St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8d CC)
8t. Maria V. Montano request Institute Pond (a.k.a. Salisbury Pond) be evaluated to
implement humane and preventative measures to deter wildlife from going over
Salisbury Pond Dam.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer the item to Veterans' Memorials, Parks and
Recreation Committee. Referred to Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee
9. CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS
9a. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City
Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a glossary of
frequently used terms related to Executive Office of Economic Development programs.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #9a CC through #9o CC, except items #9c CC,
#9d CC and #9g CC collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse herself from the items and left
the room.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Ojeda who moved to amend item #9l CC to include the words,
“in multiple languages.”
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10
Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused)
9b. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City
Manager request the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review the area in the
vicinity of 42 Hermon St. to determine appropriate traffic improvement measures that
can be installed to reduce traffic congestion at the area. Further, request City Manager
request Police Chief provide increased enforcement of parking regulations at the
location.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
9c. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request City
Solicitor provide City Council with a draft ordinance amending the city’s noise
ordinance by increasing fines associated with violations of excessive noise.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - King
9d. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager review the
feasibility of requiring that public hearings take place before the License Commission for
all one-day event license applications, with public notices being sent to all abutters in the
vicinity of the proposed location.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - King
9e. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request
Commissioner of Inspectional Services ensure data is provided at all one-day event
license hearings before the License Commission that identifies whether the property has
received complaints and/or citations relative to excessive noise and event permits for the
purpose of increasing noise ordinance enforcement.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
9f. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request
Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with a report detailing the
step-by-step process used by the License Commission to approve event license
applications. Said report should also include the requirement for public hearings, the
process used to notify event location abutters, a list of identified problem properties, and
best practices used in other communities relative to event permitting and permit violation
enforcement.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
9g. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide
City Council with a report detailing the feasibility of increasing the Worcester Police
Department (WPD) personnel to ensure the staffing of two (2) officers per route/patrol
car. Said request report should also include an estimated cost analysis to institute such a
practice.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - King
9h. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide
City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted order from July 21, 2026,
which read, ‘Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a
report detailing incentives and efforts provided by other cities and towns relative to
recruiting lateral police transfers.’
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
9i. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request
Commissioner of Public Works provide City Council with a report detailing the city’s
processes for repairing and/or replacing streetlights due to damage of any kind.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
9j. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request
Police Chief and the Quality of Life Team to provide increased attention to illegal
activities occurring in the vicinity of Hotel Vernon, located at 16 Kelley Sq.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
9k. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request
Commissioner of Public Works review Hamilton St. between Almont Ave. and Fairmont
Ave. for the purpose of installing additional streetlighting and/or the feasibility of
increasing the watt intensity at existing streetlights.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
9l. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request
Commissioner of Public Works work with the Commissioner of Emergency
Communications and Management to provide street sweeping notifications to residents
through ALERTWorcester.
Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item
#9a CC)
9m. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request City
Solicitor provide City Council with a report detailing the entity responsible for
maintaining the grounds relative to the walking path to Thorndyke Road School from the
Lindale Rd. cul-de-sac.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
9n. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Clerk provide the
School Committee Clerk with a duplicate version of the following request: ‘Petition of
David F. Dick, Jr. request walking path to Thorndyke Road School from the Lindale Rd.
cul-de-sac to the southwest corner of Thorndyke Street School be repaired.’
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
9o. FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Clerk provide the
School Committee Clerk with a duplicate version of the following request: ‘Petition of
Jeffrey Conlon request installation of "No Littering" signage with associated fines on
May St. in the vicinity of the Worcester Dual Language Magnet School rear parking lot.’
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused) (See Item #9a CC)
10. ORDERS
10a. Request Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations hold a discussion
concerning the feasibility of creating a new Rule 61 of the Rules of the City Council, to
read as follows: “Rule 61. Annual Report of City Departments. In order to assist the City
Council in carrying out its duties related to the oversight of legislative policies and
budgetary functions within the city, each City Department listed within Appendix B of
the Rules of City Council, through the City Manager, shall hereby submit an annual
departmental report to the City Council no later than January 1 of each calendar year that
includes said department’s performance measures for the upcoming calendar year. Said
submission should be presented in a specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time
bound (SMART) goals format and should include the department’s prior fiscal year
budget information (see attached for City Manager Thomas R. Hoover’s Semi-Annual
Fiscal Year Goals and Objectives from February 6, 2004). (Mitra)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #10a CC through #10c CC up collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mitra and Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mitra and Councilor King for second times, who spoke
concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to amend the items to make the requests
of the City Manager.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt item #10c CC as amended. Order adopted on a roll
call vote of 10 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay – Blotta).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt item #10b CC as amended. Order adopted on a roll
call vote of 8 Yeas and 3 Nay (Yeas – Bergman, Economou, Fresolo, Mitra, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey,
Petty) (Nays – Blotta, King Ojeda).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt item #10a CC as amended. Order adopted on a roll
call vote of 10 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay – Blotta)
10b. Request Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations hold a discussion
concerning the feasibility of creating a new Rule 62 of the Rules of the City Council, to
read as follows: “Rule 62. Submission of Budget Recommendations. The City Council
may, no later than March 1 of each calendar year, provide the City Manager with
recommended budget priorities for city’s upcoming fiscal year budget. Said
recommended budget priorities may include, but are not limited to, identifying proposed
projects, programs, service improvements, operational needs, and/or policy initiatives
that should all be considered by the City Manager when formulating each department’s
budget. Said recommended budget priorities shall be submitted by each City Council
Standing Committee according to the departments assigned to said committee within
Appendix B of the Rules of City Council. (Mitra)
Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 3 Nay (Yeas – Bergman, Economou,
Fresolo, Mitra, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Petty) (Nays – Blotta, King Ojeda) (See Item #10a CC)
10c. Request Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations hold a discussion
concerning the feasibility of creating a new Rule 63 of the Rules of the City Council, to
read as follows: “Rule 63. Submission of a Preliminary Budget. The City Manager shall
submit an annual preliminary budget report to the City Council for referral to the City
Council’s Standing Committee on Finance. Said preliminary budget report shall be
submitted no later than March 15 of each calendar year and should identify budget
priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, including information concerning budgeted
proposed projects, programs, service improvements, operational needs, and policy
initiatives being considered as part of the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. (see attached
for City Manager William J. Mulford’s 1993 Preliminary Budget Submission and the
Fiscal Year 2004 Semi Annual Report on Goals and Objectives from March 16, 1993).
Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay – Blotta) (See Item #10a
CC)
10d. Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement on
Harrington Way to address speeding concerns in the area. (Bergman)
Placed on file (See Item #8c CC)
10e. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services work with
Worcester Community Midwifery on their mission to expand quality midwifery care and
education to diverse communities in the city. (King)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty move to adopt the item. Order adopted
10f. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works provide City Council with
a report detailing the feasibility of adding a recycling bin at the Clark St. Drop-Off Site
to allow residents to drop off recycling items. (Economou)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of 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
10g. Request City Manager provide City Council with draft ordinances and/or regulations to
ensure that operators of all kinds of motorized scooters, bikes, etc. have their vehicles
licensed and registered. Further, request pedestrian safety considerations be made when
drafting said ordinances and/or regulations. (Economou, Toomey)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who recused herself from the item
and left the room.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Economou and Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the
item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, 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 10
Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey recused)
10h. Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer work with housing partners
and stakeholders to develop a New Homeowner and Tenant Summit to educate residents
about housing programs, benefits, and tenants’ rights. (Bilotta, Rosen)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Bilotta
10i. Request City Manager develop a policy to standardize mitigation and community
benefits for new developments. Said policy should 1) create clear standards for
mitigation funds; 2) offset or address negative impacts created by a project; and 3)
ensure community benefits to enhance the surrounding neighborhood, through
improvements to public infrastructure and neighborhood amenities. (Bilotta, Rosen)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Bilotta
10j. Request City Manager help identify locations throughout the city and beginning in
District 2 to create permanent public bathrooms, in the interest of providing necessary
public health measures with respect to the human condition. Further, while said
permanent public bathroom locations are identified and built, request City Manager
determine suitable locations to install porta-potties as a temporary measure while
awaiting the permanent bathroom installations. (King)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - King
10k. Request Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services meet jointly with the
Board of Health for the purpose of reviewing matters relating to public health, the
elderly, the equality of women, youth services, public housing, the disabled and
community development block grant funding listed on their agenda. (Rosen)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
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 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
10l. Request City Manager and Chief Development Officer explain to the City Council at its
September 22, 2026 meeting why Optiline Enterprises, a commercial drywall and metal
framing subcontractor with documented violations of labor and employment laws, is
being allowed to work on the 364-unit residential complex being built on 274 Franklin
St., which is a project heavily supported by $11 million in local property tax relief over
fifteen (15) years, as Optiline was previously banned from taxpayer-funded projects in
Worcester in June 2025 due to documented violations including wage theft, paying
employees under the table, failing to pay proper overtime rates to tradespeople working
over forty (40) hours a week, and tax/insurance fraud. Said explanation should address
whether Optiline's work on the aforementioned project is in violation of Worcester's
Responsible Development Ordinance, a law mandating that developers receiving
municipal tax relief or Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) benefits cannot hire contractors
with documented labor or wage violations within the past three years. (Rosen)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised
by Councilor Rosen.
Councilor Rosen then moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor and City Manager, who responded to questions raised
by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide developers in the city with a list of
contractors and subcontractors who are ineligible to work in the city due to violations/lack of
compliance with the city’s Responsible Developers Ordinance (RDO).” (See Item #21k CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
concerning any issues the city is aware of related to Optiline Enterprises committing wage theft.”
(See Item #21l CC).
Held Under Privilege – Rosen
10m. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on
Oriental St. as soon as possible. (Economou)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10n. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works review and repair the
pavement around the manhole cover on Bay State Rd., at its intersection with
Bellingham Rd., which has sunk below the surrounding street area, causing a loud noise
from speeding cars driving over the area. (Economou)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10o. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works conduct immediate,
emergency repairs on the sidewalk slab at 2 Intervale Rd., in the interest of public safety.
(Economou)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10p. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide
City Council with a report and recommendations concerning the area surrounding
Columbus Park Preparatory School, located at 75 Lovell St. Said recommendations
should include, but not be limited to, ensuring safe passage for students crossing May St.
at Lovell St. (Rivera)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10q. Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased enforcement of traffic
regulations in the vicinity of Worcester State University, located at 486 Chandler St., and
May Street Elementary School, located at 265 May St., to ensure children and crossing
guards in the area are protected from drivers. (Rivera)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10r. Request City Manager determine whether the city or school department is responsible for
mowing and clearing the extremely overgrown plot of land adjacent and to the left of the
new Doherty Memorial High School, located at 299 Highland St., approximately across
from Germain St. (Rosen)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10s. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning efforts made by the
city to establish a Homeless Strategic Plan, which would include the creation of
congregate and non-congregate shelter spaces in the city for unsheltered individuals
including women, families, trans, queer and senior residents. Said plan should also
include implementation timelines, outline funding opportunities, discuss available
resources, and identify potential barriers to implementation, as referenced in previously
adopted Orders on November 14, 2023 and April 8, 2025. (King)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10t. Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously
adopted Order on November 19, 2024, which read, “Request City Manager provide City
Council with a report detailing the timeline and efforts being made to secure a day center
and general public facilities for the city’s homeless population.” (King)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10u. Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously
adopted Order on November 26, 2024, which read, “Request City Manager reach out to
members of Congress, including Congressmen Jim McGovern, to advocate for federal
support to provide the city’s homeless population.” (King)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10v. Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously
adopted Order on February 25, 2025, which read, “Request City Manager enhance and
develop policy for the Department of Health and Human Services, and its outreach team,
with respect to the terms of engagement and the intersection of when the State conducts
homeless encampment sweeps. Further, request City Manager delineate how municipal
workers engage with state and private sector outreach workers in said regard.” (King)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10w. Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously
adopted Order on March 18, 2025, which read, “Request City Manager consider
identifying, via an earmark, monies for additional services for the city’s homeless
population. (King)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10x. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services provide
City Council with a report, within forty-five (45) days, detailing the implementation of a
Municipal ID program. Said report should include information pertaining to vendor
options and costs, data security and privacy features, eligibility and verification
pathways, integration with private social service non-profit models and/or library and
city services, outreach plans, and a proposed launch timeline with key milestones. (King)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10y. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services ensure all
materials from the Homelessness Steering Committee are published monthly to a public
archive on the city’s website. Said materials should include agendas, attendance, meeting
notes, and should describe how input from providers and residents are incorporated in
the information. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and
Human Services provide City Council with an annual report relative to said
Homelessness Steering Committee, detailing the committee’s goals, with progress
metrics. (King)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to Hold the Item Under Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Petty
10z. Request City Manager utilize opioid settlement funds to hire public bathroom
monitoring/maintenance staff, similar to the public bathroom programs in Miami and
New York City. (Bilotta, King)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege.
Held Under Privilege - Bilotta
11. RECESS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE - No items pending
12. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY CLERK
12a. Transmitting an informational communication concerning resident testimony brought
forth at the Monday, August 17, 2026 Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative
Operations meeting related to the discussion of a potential review of the City Charter.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #12a CC through #12d CC
to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. Referred to Municipal and Legislative
Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
12b. Transmitting an informational communication relative to advertisements for the Standing
Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations meeting on Monday, September 28,
2026 related to a discussion of the City Charter.
Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0
Nays (See Item #12a CC)
12c. Transmitting an informational communication relative to the process required to place a
non-binding question on the ballot of the upcoming local election.
Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0
Nays (See Item #12a CC)
12d. Transmitting an informational communication detailing possible charter changes that
could be done without the creation of a Charter Review Commission, charter changes
that require approval of such a commission, as well as City Council’s role in passing
ordinance changes.
Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0
Nays (See Item #12a CC)
13. REPORTS OF THE PLANNING BOARD
13a. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Timothy J. McMahon,
Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester, request to amend
the zoning map by establishing the Adaptive Re-use Overlay District (AROD) to wholly
encompass the property at 25 West Chester St.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty 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 8 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay -
Economou) (King, Rivera abstained)
13b. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Communication of the City Manager
recommending the zoning map be amended by extending the RG-5 (Residence, General)
zoning district and Adaptive Re-use Overlay District (AROD) to wholly encompass the
property at 128 Providence St.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #13b CC and #13c CC to
Economic Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee on a roll call
vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
13c. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of George Markopoulos on
behalf of 95 Vernon Street LLC request the zoning map be amended by establishing the
Adaptive Re-use Overlay District (AROD) to wholly encompass the property at 95
Vernon St.
Referred to Economic Development Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item
#13b CC)
14. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
14a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the
Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of a resolution establishing a
Tax Increment Financing Zone for GreenTech Park: recommend adoption of the
accompanying Resolution.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt items #14a CC and
#14b CC. Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
14b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the
Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of a resolution to approve
an Urban Center Housing - Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Agreement for 16 - 32
Lakeside Avenue and 18 - 20 Garland Avenue: recommend adoption of the
accompanying Resolution.
Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14a CC)
15. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS
15a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting an annual
report concerning the Other Post Employment (OPEB) Trust Fund: recommend
Communication be placed on file.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept items #15a CC through #15h
CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
15b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting
informational communication relative to a financial update for the period ending June
30, 2026: recommend Communication be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)
15c. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting
informational communication relative to a financial update for the period ending on May
31, 2026: recommend Communication be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)
15d. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting
informational communication relative to the financial update for the period ending April
30, 2026: recommend Communication be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)
15e. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting
informational communication relative to the financial update for the period ending
March 31, 2026: recommend Communication be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)
15f. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting
informational communication relative to a financial update for the period ending Feb. 28,
2026: recommend Communication be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)
15g. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting
informational communication to the financial update for the period ending Jan. 31, 2026:
recommend Communication be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)
15h. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE
OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting
informational communication relative to to the financial update for the period ending
Dec. 31, 2025: recommend Communication be placed on file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)
16. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
16a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Order of Councilor
Tony Economou, Councilor Jose A. Rivera, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, Councilor
Gary Rosen and Councilor Robert A. Bilotta - Request Standing Committee on Public
Safety hold a discussion to review the city’s ordinance relative to excessive and
unreasonable noise. Further, request said discussion include the feasibility of amending
the noise ordinance to allow for the creation of a special noise variance application for
churches, festivals, or organizations holding certain events (see attached for Worcester
noise ordinance, as well as other municipalities’ processes): recommend Order be placed
on file.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #16a CC and #16b CC collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse herself from the items and left
the room.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to accept item items. Accepted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas
and 0 Nays (Toomey recused)
16b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of
the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Hospital
Guard of the Worcester Police Department: recommend Communication be placed on
file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent) (See Item #16a CC)
17. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS
17a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor
Tony Economou request installation of a sidewalk on the odd side of Northeast Cutoff
from the David Clark Company at 125 Northeast Cutoff to the intersection of Clark St.,
in the interest of public safety: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt items #17a CC
through #17h CC. Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
17b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Evan
Corrigan request installation of sidewalk on the eastbound side of Mountain St. East
from the Summit to The Fairways with planting of new trees on said sidewalk:
recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install sidewalks on the south,
eastbound side of Mountain St. East from Quinapoxet Ln. to The Fairways.
Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)
17c. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mikeoll
Echeverria on behalf of Stockton Street Development, LLC request sanitary sewer main
extension on Stockton St. to serve a proposed two-unit residential development located
on Lot 1 Stockton St. (Parcel ID: 10-007-0936A): recommend adoption of the
accompanying Order.
Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)
17d. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Nishan
Papazian request installation of bollards at 8 Olde Millbury St. on the Arwick Ave. side
of the property in the grassy areas around the sidewalk: recommend adoption of the
accompanying Order to install a guardrail.
Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)
17e. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor
Donna M. Colorio request installation of a guardrail on the Jonathan Cir. side of 381
Hamilton St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install two (2) to three
(3) bollards.
Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)
17f. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor
Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Catherine Holmes request installation of a streetlight at the
intersection of Tallawanda Dr. and Brookline St.: recommend adoption of the
accompanying Order.
Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)
17g. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor
Morris A. Bergman on behalf of Paul and Aurora Brule request installation of additional,
more effective street lighting on North Pkwy. at Burncoat (North) Park: recommend
adoption of the accompanying Order.
Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)
17h. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of
Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of June Vo request installation of “Please Pick Up
After Your Dog” signage at the intersection of Malden St. and West Boylston St. that
includes the penalty for not picking up after your dog: recommend adoption of the
accompanying Order.
Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)
17i. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Brian
Dutremble request electronic notification be sent to residents prior to the occurrence of
street sweeping actions: recommend Petition be placed on file.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept items #17i CC through #17o
CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
17j. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Victoria
Torres request the procedure for fall leaf collecting and spring street sweeping be
reviewed and changed as shown in the attached plan: recommend Petition be placed on
file.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17i CC)
17k. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Sherry
Rice request streetlight in the vicinity of 76 Copperfield Rd. be reviewed to ensure it
does not shine in on personal property: recommend Petition be granted Leave to
Withdraw.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17i CC)
17l. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor
Robert A. Bilotta request installation of additional street lighting, with a preference for
pedestrian scale lighting, on both sides of Lincoln St. between Norton St. and Harlow
St.: recommend Petition be granted Leave to Withdraw.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17i CC)
17m. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor
Robert A. Bilotta request installation of streetlights on Wigwam Hill Dr.: recommend
Petition be granted Leave to Withdraw.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17i CC)
17n. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor
John P. Fresolo on behalf of Richard Molinari request installation of a streetlight in front
of 6 Woodcliffe Ave.: recommend Petition be granted Leave to Withdraw.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17i CC)
17o. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Jenny
Papagni request installation of an additional streetlight in the vicinity of 4-18 Millbury
St.: recommend Petition be granted Leave to Withdraw.
Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17i CC)
18. HELD UNDER PRIVILEGE
18a. PETITION of 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). (Held Under Privilege - Bilotta September 15,
2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse herself from
the item and left the room.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Public Safety Committee. Referred to Public Safety
Committee
18b. COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of proposed Public
Camping Ordinance in the context of “Disrupting the Cycle,” a strategic framework for
supporting unhoused individuals. (Held Under Privilege - King September 15, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse herself from
the item and left the room.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, who provided a verbal
presentation relative to the development of the “Disrupting the Cycle,” program, including a
strategic framework for supporting unhoused individuals.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to recommit the item to the City Manager.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services
and City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Mayor Petty.
Mayor Petty then moved to, “Request City Manager work with the State Delegation to identify
any additional funding that may be available to aid the city in its efforts to support shelter services
for the city’s homeless population.” (See Item #21b CC).
Mayor Petty then moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human
Services provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used in other communities
when creating permanent public bathrooms for use by the location’s homeless population.” (See
Item #21c CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, City Manager and
Assistant Commissioner of Health and Human Services, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager explore the establishment of a permanent
overflow winter shelter for use by the city’s unhoused population.” (See Item #21d CC).
Councilor King then moved, “That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby oppose
the implementation and passage of the city’s proposed ordinance introduced on September 15,
2026 relative to camping on public property.” – Not Put.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and
Human Services provide City Council with a report detailing the relationship between involuntary
displacement of unhoused individuals with their rate of survival.” (See Item #21e CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager work with the City Council and Mayor to
pursue engaging with other municipal, gateway cities to push the Governor’s Office of Maura
Healey to provide the city with additional funding and resources to aid in addressing issues
related to the unhoused population.” (See Item #21f CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a winter shelter
readiness report that includes 1) an operator’s selection report; 2) the budget for such a shelter; 3)
information relative to who will staff the shelter; 4) whether the city has an memorandum of
understanding (MOU) with the company that will run the shelter; 5) a go-live date for the shelter
and 6) a contingency plans if there are delays with the opening of the shelter.” (See Item #21g CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report of
previously provided maps displaying locations of the homeless population’s encampments.” (See
Item #21h CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
concerning the city utilizing clinical co-responses by the Department of Health and Human
Services when responding to issues associated with the city’s unsheltered population.” (See Item
#21i CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bilotta and Councilor Fresolo, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor Fresolo.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor Bergman.
Councilor Bergman then moved to amend the accompanying proposed ordinance to remove all
criminal offenses associated with violations of the ordinance and replace those offenses with civil
offenses. – Not Put.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mitra, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor Mitra.
Councilor Mitra then moved to, “Request City Manager organize a meeting between city
stakeholders, State Delegates and Federal representatives to discuss ways these entities can
support the city in addressing the needs of the city’s homeless population.” (See Item #21j CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor Rivera.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and City Manager, who
responded to questions raised by Councilor Economou.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and City Manager, who
responded to questions raised by Councilor Ojeda.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who moved to place the item on file.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor King’s motion to place the item on file.
Motion denied on a roll call vote of 1 Yea and 9 Nays (Yea – King) (Toomey recused).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Rosen’s motion to recommit the item to the
City Manager. Recommitted to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay –
Bergman) (King abstained) (Toomey recused)
19. TABLED ITEMS
19a. 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
19b. 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
19c. 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
19d. 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
19e. 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
19f. 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
20. BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under
suspension at the September 15, 2026 City Council meeting.
20a. 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 #12a CC
20b. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #12b CC Order denied on a roll call vote of 6
Yeas and 5 Nays (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).
20c. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #12c CC Order adopted on a roll
call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
20d. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #12d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
20e. ORDER of Councilor Jose A. Rivera – 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. – Item #12e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
20f. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #12f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas
and 0 Nays
20g. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #12g CC
Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas
and 0 Nays
20h. ORDER of Councilor John P. Fresolo – 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. – Item #12h
CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
20i. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #12i CC
Order denied on a roll call vote of 4 Yeas and 6 Nays
20j. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #12j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10
Yeas and 0 Nays
21. NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under
suspension at the September 22, 2026 City Council meeting.
21a. Motion Petty @ #6a CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby
suspend its rules to allow for public participation section of the agenda on September 22,
2026 to occur until such a time that all public speakers have had the opportunity to
speak.
Order adopted (See Item #6a CC)
21b. Motion Petty @ #18b CC – Request City Manager work with the State Delegation to
identify any additional funding that may be available to aid the city in its efforts to
support shelter services for the city’s homeless population.
Order adopted (See Item #18b CC)
21c. Motion Petty @ #18b CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and
Human Services provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used in
other communities when creating permanent public bathrooms for use by the location’s
homeless population.
Order adopted (See Item #18b CC)
21d. Motion King @ #18b CC – Request City Manager explore the establishment of a
permanent overflow winter shelter for use by the city’s unhoused population.
Order adopted (See Item #18b CC)
21e. Motion King @ #18b CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and
Human Services provide City Council with a report detailing the relationship between
involuntary displacement of unhoused individuals with their rate of survival.
Order adopted (See Item #18b CC)
21f. Motion King @ #18b CC – Request City Manager work with the City Council and
Mayor to pursue engaging with other municipal, gateway cities to push the Governor’s
Office of Maura Healey to provide the city with additional funding and resources to aid
in addressing issues related to the unhoused population.
Order adopted (See Item #18b CC)
21g. Motion King @ #18b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a winter
shelter readiness report that includes 1) an operator’s selection report; 2) the budget for
such a shelter; 3) information relative to who will staff the shelter; 4) whether the city
has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the company that will run the shelter;
5) a go-live date for the shelter and 6) contingency plans if there are delays with the
opening of the shelter.
Order adopted (See Item #18b CC)
21h. Motion King @ #18b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report of
previously provided maps displaying locations of the homeless population’s
encampments.
Order adopted (See Item #18b CC)
21i. Motion King @ #18b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
concerning the city utilizing clinical co-responses by the Department of Health and
Human Services when responding to issues associated with the city’s unsheltered
population.
Order adopted (See Item #18b CC)
21j. Motion Mitra @ #18b CC – Request City Manager organize a meeting between city
stakeholders, State Delegates and Federal representatives to discuss ways these entities
can support the city in addressing the needs of the city’s homeless population.
Order adopted (See Item #18b CC)
21k. Motion King @ #10l CC – Request City Manager provide developers in the city with a
list of contractors and subcontractors who are ineligible to work in the city due to
violations/lack of compliance with the city’s Responsible Development Ordinance
(RDO).
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10l CC)
21l. Motion King @ #10l CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
concerning any issues the city is aware of related to Optiline Enterprises committing
wage theft.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10l CC)
Transcript
Transcript pending: YouTube captions can't be retrieved yet (see the Worcester playbook).