2026-09-29 - City Council
Summary
Meeting ran 6:33 to 11:15 PM. Police and Fire Department communications on traffic enforcement, drone use and speed cushions went to Public Safety, with a string of reports requested. Councilor Gary Rosen and Khrystian E. King again held the Optiline item. The noise-fine ordinance request passed 8-1 (King opposed). Bilotta and King's order to use opioid settlement funds for public bathroom monitoring staff was adopted, but King's amended order for permanent bathrooms and porta-potties (starting in District 2) was denied 5-6 (for: Bilotta, King, Ojeda, Rosen, Petty). Bergman's softer amendment (consider a process) was held. Many Sept 22 held orders were adopted, including King's homelessness follow-up orders.
Summary written from the official minutes; no transcript yet.
Issues discussed: Optiline Enterprises at 274 Franklin Street, Downtown Public Restrooms, Public Camping Ordinance - Disrupting the Cycle
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 29, 2026
Esther Howland (South) Chamber
Convened: 6:33 P.M.
Adjourned: 11:15 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 Bergman
participated in the meeting remotely until his arrival in the Chamber at 7:32 P.M.
4. PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE
4a. MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of Paul J. Giorgio, who passed away on Saturday,
September 26, 2026 at the age of 75. Mr. Giogio was a prominent figure in national, state
and local politics, and was the creator of Pulse Magazine, a publication that for more
than two decades served as a cultural voice, as well as a platform for arts, entertainment
and dining in the city.
4b. Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring the week of October 1, 2026 through October
8, 2026 as the Week Without Driving in the City of Worcester. Mayor Petty also
recognized Councilor Bilotta, who read a statement on behalf of WalkBike Worcester,
who accepted the Proclamation.
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 15, 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. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor of nor opposed to item #8.12B
CM, #8.13C CM and spoke in favor of item #10a CC
2. Abby Mortillaro, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10d CC, #10f CC
through #10h CC, and #10o CC through #10u CC
3. Kirsten Frazier, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10f CC and #10gCC and
#10o CC through #10u CC
4. Gary Hunter, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10o CC through #10u CC
and spoke concerning an item not listed on the agenda
5. Paula Chaput, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7a CC and #7b CC
6. Dante Comparetto, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10f CC through #10u
CC
7. Thomas Duffy, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8.13C CM
8. Johnhaynes Honeycutt, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10o CC through
#10u CC
9. Rhonda Hicks a.k.a Wahya Guste Wolfpaw, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of
items #10o CC through #10u CC
10. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7m CC and #8.11A CM,
and spoke in opposition to items #8.13A CM, #8.13C CM and #10c CC
11. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #7h CC and spoke
in favor of items #10f CC and #10g CC
12. Echo Louissaint-Collins, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8.11A CM
13. Harlow Chaput, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7a CC and #7b CC
7. PETITIONS
7a. Paula Chaput request Midgley Ave. be made public.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #7a CC and #7b CC to
Planning Board. Referred to Planning Board on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman
absent)
7b. Paula Chaput request Esper Ave. be made public.
Referred to Planning Board on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman absent) (See Item
#7a CC)
7c. Rich Perry request installation of a guardrail at 101 Plantation St. located at the
intersection of Bleeker St. and Plantation St.
Mayor Petty read the item and 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 10 Yeas and 0 Nays
(Bergman absent)
7d. Abraham Acevedo request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 43 Everard
St.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #7d CC through #7h CC to
Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of
10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman absent)
7e. Councilor Jose A. Rivera on behalf of Nicole Colon request the handicap parking space
in front of 34 Newbury St. be removed.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman
absent) (See Item #7d CC)
7f. Councilor Satya B. Mitra request installation of a stop sign on Venus Dr. at its
intersection with Westport Rd.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman
absent) (See Item #7d CC)
7g. Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of a four-way crosswalk at the intersection
of Parker St. and Mason St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman
absent) (See Item #7d CC)
7h. Councilor Jose A. Rivera request installation of “No Overnight Parking from 11 p.m. to 5
a.m.” signage on Mill St. on the odd side of the street from the start of the Mill Hill
Condominiums, located at 215 Mill St., to Speedway Auto Body, located at 173 Mill St.,
as well as on the even side of the street from Coes Pond Beach, located at 180 Mill St. to
IBEW Local 96, located at 242 Mill St.
Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman
absent) (See Item #7d CC)
7i. Lori Williams et al. request a private tree preservation ordinance that includes a
dedicated tree replacement fund be drafted (see attached).
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Veterans' Memorials,
Parks and Recreation Committee. Referred to Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation
Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman absent)
7j. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: 135 KENBERMA RD.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to set hearings for items #7j CC through
#7l CC for October 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Hearing set for October 6, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call
vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman absent)
7k. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: LINCOLN ST.
Hearing set for October 6, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman
absent) (See Item #7j CC)
7l. NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole at:
BAUER ST.
Hearing set for October 6, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman
absent) (See Item #7j CC)
7m. Margaret B. Coffin request City Council request City Manager provide City Council
with an update concerning the city's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition
Plan and the process relative to how it is monitored.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Bilotta.
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 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman absent)
8. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
8.1 APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
8.2 APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
A. Recommend Appointment of Echo Louissaint-Collins and Sharon Boateng to
the Advisory Commission on Youth.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to confirm the
appointment. Confirmed on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman absent)
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
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
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. Informational Communication Concern Regulations Pertaining to the Use of
E-Scooters and E-Bikes.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning
the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief and City Manager, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor Ojeda.
Councilor Ojeda then moved to, “Request City Manager work with the Police Chief
and Superintendent of Public Schools to provide youth in the city with helmets, as
part of an educational pilot program to ensure they are traversing in the city’s
streets in a safe manner.” (See Item #13a CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
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
8.12 FIRE DEPARTMENT
Martin Dyer, Fire Chief
A. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Language
Translation Services Used by Worcester Fire Department.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mitra, who spoke concerning
the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by the
City Manager.
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Public Safety Committee. Referred to Public
Safety Committee
B. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Identification,
Repair, and Marking of Non Functioning Fire Hydrants.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who spoke concerning
the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Fire Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Bilotta.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mitra, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Fire Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Mitra.
Councilor Mitra then moved to, “Request City Manager request Fire Chief work
with the Commissioner of Public Works to ensure there is a notification on the city’s
website explaining the city is in good standing with its fire hydrants and equipped to
act in an emergency situation anywhere in the city, in an effort to ensure residents are
not alarmed if they are located in close proximity to a fire hydrant that is not
functioning.” (See Item #13b CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Fire Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Economou.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Fire Chief and City Manager, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager work with the Fire Chief and
Commissioner of Public Works to provide City Council with a report detailing data
related to the city’s maintenance/repair program for fire hydrants. Said data should
be sorted in terms of levels of need/concern.” (See Item #13c CC).
Councilor King then moved to “Request City Manager work with the Fire Chief and
Commissioner of Public Works to provide City Council with a report detailing
whether there is a tiering program related to the risk or inoperability of the city’s
thirty-nine (39) non-functioning fire hydrants.” (See Item #13d CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Fire Chief and City Manager, who responded to
questions raised by Councilor Ojeda.
Councilor Ojeda then moved to, “Request City Manager work with the Fire Chief
and Commissioner of Public Works to provide City Council with a list detailing the
location of each fire hydrant in the city that is currently inoperable.” (See Item #13e
CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Fire Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Bergman.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Fire Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Rivera.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Fire Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Rosen.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the
item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Fire Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a
report detailing any potential advantages associated with installing speed cushions, in
lieu of speed humps, in an effort to allow public safety vehicles the opportunity to
more effectively navigate city streets.” (See Item #13f CC).
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Public Safety Committee. Referred to Public
Safety Committee
8.13 POLICE DEPARTMENT
Paul B. Saucier, Police Chief
A. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Traffic Enforcement
Measures.
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 Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Rivera.
Mayor Petty moved to take the item up collectively with item #8.13C CM.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Economou.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief and Commissioner of Transportation and
Mobility, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of
Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the
feasibility of piloting a hybrid beacon system at crosswalks along Lake Ave.,
including in the vicinity of Madulka’s Ice Cream, located at 193 Lake Ave.” (See
Item #13g CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a
report detailing evidence-based research of the pros and cons of using “ghost”
police vehicles as a traffic calming tactic in the city.” (See Item #13h CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Bergman.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bilotta and 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 Mitra, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Mitra.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility and
Police Chief, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Ojeda.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning
the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized the Police Chief, who responded to
questions raised by Mayor Petty.
Mayor Petty then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a
report concerning how the Worcester Police Department (WPD) is maintaining and
recruiting additional police officers in the city. Further, request said report include
information concerning any available grant funding that could be available to aid
the department in their recruitment efforts.” (See Item #13i CC).
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke
concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor Rosen.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning
the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Police Chief, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager request Police Chief provide
City Council with a report concerning Cadet Programs used in other municipalities
that may be a more effective model than what was used in the city’s program that is
no longer utilized.” (See Item #13j CC).
Mayor Petty moved to refer the items to Public Safety Committee. Referred to
Public Safety Committee
B. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Two Quarters of
Drone Usage.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse
herself from the item and left the room.
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Public Safety Committee. Referred to Public
Safety Committee
C. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Worcester Police
Department Retirement Anticipation.
Referred to Public Safety Committee (See Item #8.13A CM)
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
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
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
8.31 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC FACILITIES
James Bedard, Chief of Public Facilities
A. Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Burncoat School
Building Project.
Mayor Petty read the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning
the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized the Chief of Public Facilities and
Director of Capital Programs, who responded to questions raised by Mayor Petty.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke
concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Financial Officer, who responded to questions
raised by Councilor Economou.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief of Public Facilities, Chief Financial Officer, City
Manager and Director of Capital Projects, who responded to questions raised by
Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a
report detailing the efforts of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) to
advocate for more funding to support school building projects in gateway cities,
including the Burncoat School Building Project.” (See Item #13k CC).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a
report concerning the projected annual payments required of the city’s taxpayers
due to anticipated obligations associated with the city’s fifteen-million-dollar
($15,000,000.00) commitment to the New High School Fund, which will financially
prepare the city to pay for a new Burncoat School Building Project.” (See Item #13l
CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey and Councilor Mitra, who spoke
concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Chief of Public Facilities and City Manager, who
responded to questions raised by Councilor Mitra.
Mayor Petty moved to refer the item to Education Committee. Referred to
Education Committee
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 Fifteen Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($15,000.00) from the
Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Creative Intersections Grant
Program.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt items #8.35A CM
though #8.35D CM, #8.36A CM through #8.36D CM, and #8.37A CM through
#8.37C CM, except for item #8.36C CM. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
B. Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File, Accept, and Expend a Grant in
the Amount of Two Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and
No Cents ($244,500.00) from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
C. Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File, Accept, and Expend a Grant in
the Amount of Four Hundred Seventy-Two Thousand Eight Hundred
Twenty-Six Dollars and No Cents ($472,826.00) from the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Under the FY 2027 Jail
Diversion/Arrest Diversion Grant Program.
Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
D. Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File, Accept, and Expend a Grant in
the Amount of One Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred
Fifty-One Dollars and No Cents ($128,251.00) from the U.S. Department of
Justice Under the FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Program.
Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
8.36 FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A. Recommend that Twenty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($20,000.00) be
Transferred from Cost Center #CC1020-600100, Inspectional Services
Salaries, and be Appropriated to Cost Center #CC1020-601100, Inspectional
Services Overtime.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
B. Recommend that One Hundred Sixty-Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars
and No Cents ($162,500.00) be Transferred from Fund #FD314, Reserve
for Appropriation Premium on Loans, and be Appropriated to Cost Center
#CC1062-610100, Treasury Ordinary Maintenance, to Fund the Costs
Associated with the Issuance of the $10,500,000 General Obligation Bond
and $36,248,342 Bond Anticipation Notes Both Dated Sept. 21, 2026.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
C. Recommend that Twenty-One Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($21,000.00)
be Transferred from GFT-1138, Community Fund/Gates Fees, and
Appropriated to PRJ-100065, CSX Neighborhood Improvements, for
Preparation of a Heavy Vehicle Exclusion Study for Lake Avenue and
Hamilton Street.
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Fresolo 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 detailing the prior organization and role of the CSX Neighborhood
Improvement Fund Advisory Committee.” (See Item #13m 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
D. Recommend that Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($35,000.00)
be Authorized from PRJ-100070, CSX Neighborhood Improvements –
Shrewsbury Street, for the Purchase and Installation of Radar Speed
Feedback Signs on Belmont Street and Plantation Street.
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-Seven Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars
and Fifty-Three Cents ($27,594.53) be Authorized from Various Fiscal Year
2027 Department of Public Works Cost Centers for the Payment of Prior Year
Invoices.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
B. Recommend that Twenty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Four Dollars And
Sixty-Two Cents ($29,104.62) be Authorized from Fiscal Year 2027 Cost
Center #CC1009, Law Ordinary Maintenance, for the Payment of Prior Year
Invoices.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)
C. Recommend that Four Thousand Eighty-Four Dollars and Thirty-Four Cents
($4,084.34) be Authorized from Various Fiscal Year 2027 Police Department
Cost Centers for the Payment of Prior Year Invoices.
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. TO BE ORDAINED
9a. Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group B – General
Administrative for the Senior Customer Service Representative Position.
Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group P – Foreman
and Supervisor DPW Project Coordinator.
Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group R – Laborer
and Craftsman Assistant Water Filtration Plant Operator.
Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to ordain the item. Ordained on a roll call
vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays
10. HELD UNDER PRIVILEGE
10a. CHAIRMAN'S ORDER 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. (Held Under Privilege - King September 22, 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 recognized Councilor Economou, Councilor Bilotta, Councilor Rivera and Councilor
Bergman, 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 8
Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay – King) (Rosen absent) (Toomey recused)
10b. CHAIRMAN'S ORDER 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. (Held Under Privilege -
King September 22, 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 recognized Councilor Economou and Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the
item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Rivera.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to place the item on file.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 7
Yeas and 3 Nays (Yeas – Bilotta, Fresolo, King, Ojeda, Rivera, Rosen, Petty) (Nays – Bergman,
Economou, Mitra) (Toomey recused)
10c. CHAIRMAN'S ORDER 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. (Held Under Privilege - King September 22, 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 moved to amend the item: “Further, request both a
cost analysis and evidence-based research be included in said report.”
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended
10d. ORDER of Councilor Robert A. Bilotta and Councilor Gary Rosen - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Bilotta
September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted
10e. ORDER of Councilor Robert A. Bilotta and Councilor Gary Rosen - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Bilotta September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bilotta, 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 to adopt the item. Order adopted
10f. ORDER of Councilor Robert A. Bilotta and Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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. (Held Under
Privilege - Bilotta September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #10g CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bilotta 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 amend item #10g CC: “Further, request City Manager provide City
Council with a report concerning the timeline associated with such actions.” – Not Put, as the
amendment was further clarified later in the discussion.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor
Bergman.
Councilor Bergman then moved to amend item #10g CC to read as follows: “Request City
Manager consider a process to 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 being considered, identified and built, request City Manager consider a
process to determine suitable locations to install porta-potties as a temporary measure while
awaiting the permanent bathroom installations.” (See Item #13n).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen and Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the
item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bilotta for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who moved to amend item #10g CC to
read as follows: “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.
Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the timeline
associated with such actions. Further, request said process include community and business
interfacing and feedback.” (See Item #13o).
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a copy of the
Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) “Downtown Worcester Quality of
Life” study, which includes an analysis of the potentiality of opening a public restroom in the
downtown area.” (See Item #13p).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor King’s motion to adopt item #10g CC as
amended. Order denied on a roll call vote of 5 Yeas and 6 Nays (Yeas – Bilotta, King, Ojeda,
Rosen, Petty) (Nays – Bergman, Economou, Fresolo, Mitra, Rivera, Toomey) (See Item #13o).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a third time, who moved to Hold Under Privilege item
#10g CC for a second time, which would procedurally hold item #13n CC, Councilor Bergman’s
motion to amend item #10g CC, as well as item #13p CC, Councilor King’s motion for City
Council to receive a copy of the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID)
“Downtown Worcester Quality of Life.” Held Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 4 Yeas and 7
Nays (Yeas – Bilotta, Fresolo, King, Ojeda) (Nays – Bergman, Economou, Mitra, Rivera, Rosen,
Toomey, Petty).
Mayor Petty moved to adopt item #10f CC. Order adopted
10g. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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. (Held Under
Privilege - King September 22, 2026)
Held Under Privilege – King (See Item #10f CC)
10h. ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Rosen September 22,
2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Hold the Item Under
Privilege for a second time.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor King's motion to Hold the Item Under
Privilege. Held Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Held Under Privilege - King
10i. ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou - Request City Manager request Commissioner of
Public Works fill the potholes on Oriental St. as soon as possible. (Held Under Privilege
- Petty September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted
10j. ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou - 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. (Held Under
Privilege - Petty September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Economou, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted
10k. ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Petty September 22, 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
10l. ORDER of Councilor Jose A. Rivera - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Petty September 22,
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
10m. ORDER of Councilor Jose A. Rivera - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Petty September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to recuse herself from
the item and left the room.
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)
10n. ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Petty
September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, 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
10o. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Petty September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with items #10p CC and
#10r CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
10p. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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.” (Held Under Privilege - Petty September 22, 2026)
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10o CC)
10q. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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.” (Held Under Privilege - Petty September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #10s CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11
Yeas and 0 Nays
10r. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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.” (Held Under Privilege - Petty September 22, 2026)
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10o CC)
10s. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Petty September 22,
2026)
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10q CC)
10t. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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. (Held Under Privilege - King September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who moved to amend the item: “Further, request City
Manager include in said report information concerning how a Municipal ID program would aid
homeless individuals with receiving identification.”
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
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
10u. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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. (Held Under Privilege - Petty
September 22, 2026)
Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, 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
11. TABLED ITEMS
11a. 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
11b. 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
11c. 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
11d. 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
11e. 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
11f. 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
12. BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under
suspension at the September 22, 2026 City Council meeting.
12a. ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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. – Item #21a CC Order adopted
12b. ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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. – Item #21b CC
Order adopted
12c. ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – 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. – Item #21c CC Order adopted
12d. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager explore the
establishment of a permanent overflow winter shelter for use by the city’s unhoused
population. – Item #21d CC Order adopted
12e. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21e CC Order adopted
12f. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21f CC
Order adopted
12g. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21g CC Order adopted
12h. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council
with a report of previously provided maps displaying locations of the homeless
population’s encampments. – Item #21h CC Order adopted
12i. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21i CC Order adopted
12j. ORDER of Councilor Satya B. Mitra – 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. – Item #21j CC Order adopted
12k. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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). – Item #21k CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0
Nays
12l. ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council
with a report concerning any issues the city is aware of related to Optiline Enterprises
committing wage theft. – Item #21l CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and
0 Nays
13. NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under
suspension at the September 29, 2026 City Council meeting.
13a. Motion Ojeda @ #8.11A CM – Request City Manager work with the Police Chief and
Superintendent of Public Schools to provide youth in the city with helmets, as part of an
educational pilot program to ensure they are traversing in the city’s streets in a safe
manner.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.11A CM)
13b. Motion Mitra @ #8.12B CM – Request City Manager request Fire Chief work with the
Commissioner of Public Works to ensure there is a notification on the city’s website
explaining the city is in good standing with its fire hydrants and equipped to act in an
emergency situation anywhere in the city, in an effort to ensure residents are not alarmed
if they are located in close proximity to a fire hydrant that is not functioning.
Order adopted (See Item #8.12B CM)
13c. Motion King @ #8.12B CM – Request City Manager work with the Fire Chief and
Commissioner of Public Works to provide City Council with a report detailing data
related to the city’s maintenance/repair program for fire hydrants. Said data should be
sorted in terms of levels of need/concern.
Order adopted (See Item #8.12B CM)
13d. Motion King @ #8.12B CM – Request City Manager work with the Fire Chief and
Commissioner of Public Works to provide City Council with a report detailing whether
there is a tiering program related to the risk or inoperability of the city’s thirty-nine (39)
non-functioning fire hydrants.
Order adopted (See Item #8.12B CM)
13e. Motion Ojeda @ #8.12B CM – Request City Manager work with the Fire Chief and
Commissioner of Public Works to provide City Council with a list detailing the location
of each fire hydrant in the city that is currently inoperable.
Order adopted (See Item #8.12B CM)
13f. Motion King @ #8.12B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
detailing any potential advantages associated with installing speed cushions, in lieu of
speed humps, in an effort to allow public safety vehicles the opportunity to more
effectively navigate city streets.
Order adopted (See Item #8.12B CM)
13g. Motion King @ #8.13A CM – Request City Manager request Commissioner of
Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report concerning the
feasibility of piloting a hybrid beacon system at crosswalks along Lake Ave., including
in the vicinity of Madulka’s Ice Cream, located at 193 Lake Ave.
Order adopted (See Item #8.13A CM)
13h. Motion King @ #8.13A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
detailing evidence-based research of the pros and cons of using “ghost” police vehicles
as a traffic calming tactic in the city.
Order adopted (See Item #8.13A CM)
13i. Motion Petty @ #8.13A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
concerning how the Worcester Police Department (WPD) is maintaining and recruiting
additional police officers in the city. Further, request said report include information
concerning any available grant funding that could be available to aid the department in
their recruitment efforts.
Order adopted (See Item #8.13A CM)
13j. Motion King @ #8.13A CM – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City
Council with a report concerning Cadet Programs used in other municipalities that may
be a more effective model than what was used in the city’s program that is no longer
utilized.
Order adopted (See Item #8.13A CM)
13k. Motion King @ #8.31A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
detailing the efforts of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) to advocate for
more funding to support school building projects in gateway cities, including the
Burncoat School Building Project.
Order adopted (See Item #8.13A CM)
13l. Motion King @ #8.31A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
concerning the projected annual payments required of the city’s taxpayers due to
anticipated obligations associated with the city’s fifteen-million-dollar ($15,000,000.00)
commitment to the New High School Fund, which will financially prepare the city to pay
for a new Burncoat School Building Project.
Order adopted (See Item #8.31A CM)
13m. Motion King @ #8.36C CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report
detailing the prior organization and role of the CSX Neighborhood Improvement Fund
Advisory Committee.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.36C CM )
13n. Motion Bergman @ #11f CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does
hereby adopt item #10g CC on the September 29, 2026 City Council as amended to read
as follows: “Request City Manager consider a process to 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 being considered,
identified and built, request City Manager consider a process to determine suitable
locations to install porta-potties as a temporary measure while awaiting the permanent
bathroom installations.
Held Under Privilege - King (See Item #11f CC)
13o. Motion King @ #11f CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby
adopt item #10g CC on the September 29, 2026 City Council as amended to read as
follows: “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. Further, request City Manager provide
City Council with a report concerning the timeline associated with such actions. Further,
request said process include community and business interfacing and feedback.
Order denied on a roll call vote of 5 Yeas and 6 Nays (Yeas – Bilotta, King, Ojeda, Rosen, Petty)
(Nays – Bergman, Economou, Fresolo, Mitra, Rivera, Toomey) (See Item #11f CC)
13p. Motion King @ #10f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a copy of
the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) “Downtown Worcester
Quality of Life” study, which includes an analysis of the potentiality of opening a public
restroom in the downtown area.
Held Under Privilege – King (See Item #10f CC)
Transcript
Transcript pending: YouTube captions can't be retrieved yet (see the Worcester playbook).