Worcester public meetings in 2022

License Commission

The Commission approved two common victualer licenses and one restaurant malt and wine license. It also determined that property notices to abutters were correctly handled for a reconsideration hearing at 37 Mechanic Street.

• Approved common victualer license for New Golden Dragon Island, Inc. at 1328 Main Street (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for El Rincon Criollo at 229 Canterbury Street (3-0)
• Approved restaurant malt & wine license for Yummy Oishi, Inc. at 389 Main Street (3-0)
• Found that property notices to abutters were completed for Karm 37, Inc. at 37 Mechanic Street (2-0)
• Postponed one day liquor and entertainment request for Lupus Foundation of New England to Jan 12, 2023
• Continued applications for Aelux Lounge, LLC at 316 Shrewsbury Street to Jan 12, 2023
• Postponed applications for Femme Enterprises, LLC at 62 Green Street to Jan 12, 2023
• Approved minutes of December 15, 2022 (3-0)

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The meeting minutes for December 21, 2022, consist of an agenda and supporting reports but do not record any votes or decisions made. The provided text includes the agenda for the December meeting and the full minutes from the previous November 30, 2022, meeting.

Worcester Arts Council

The provided minutes consist of an agenda and attendee list. No funding determinations or application reviews were recorded as decided.

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved definitive site plans for projects at 32 Prescott Street, 525 Lincoln Street, 16 Laurel Street, and 70 Gold Star Boulevard. The Board also favorably recommended two zoning map amendments for referral to City Council and approved the removal of a portion of Arctic Street from the Official Map.

• Recommended zoning map amendment for May, Mayfield, Parker, and Winfield Streets (5-0)
• Recommended zoning map amendment for 4, 5-7, 6, 8, & 9 Castle Street (5-0)
• Approved removal of a portion of Arctic Street from Official Map (5-0)
• Approved site plan for 32 Prescott Street with conditions and waivers (5-0)
• Approved site plan for 525 Lincoln Street (Popeyes) striking condition 1g (5-0)
• Approved site plan for 16 Laurel Street (Plumley Village) with modified conditions (5-0)
• Approved site plan for 70 Gold Star Boulevard striking 1l and granting waivers (5-0)
• Granted staff permissions for plan endorsements and signatures at Registry of Deeds (5-0)

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists potential actions regarding the Transportation Improvement Program and Title VI reporting, but does not record any actual decisions or vote outcomes.

Public Library Finance Committee

The provided document contains the agenda for the December 21, 2022, meeting but does not record any actions, votes, or decisions. No trust fund requests or approvals were documented in the text.

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The meeting agenda listed the review of warrants totaling $467,504.09 and updates on the FY24 budget and capital projects. The document provided is a detailed agenda; it does not record the final votes or outcomes of the items listed.

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee recommended approval for multiple handicap parking space requests and one 30-minute parking zone on Temple St. Several petitions for traffic signals, crosswalk beacons, and stop signs were held or filed.

• Recommended approval of handicap parking at 10 Merrifield St, 227 June St, 27 Longfellow Rd, 16 Stanton St, 56 Windsor St, and 315 Lovell St
• Recommended approval of handicap parking removal at 11 Eureka St and 17 Barnard Rd
• Recommended approval of handicap parking at 209 Constitution Ave (Item #9e)
• Recommended hold on handicap parking at 5 Berkeley St and 52 Plantation St
• Recommended hold on flashing warning lights on Grafton St near Standish St
• Recommended hold on flashing yellow stop light at Grafton St and Lamar Ave
• Recommended approval of 'No Parking Anytime' signage on Quinapoxet Ln
• Recommended approval of 30-minute parking zone on Temple St

City Council

The City Council ordained an amendment to the City Manager's salary and approved supplying a portion of the Town of Leicester with water. The council also requested multiple reports on public transit, vacant property ordinances, and housing tax zones.

• Ordained amendment to City Manager salary (9-0)
• Approved supplying a portion of the Town of Leicester with water (9-0)
• Approved discontinuing and conveying land/aerial rights over Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel (9-0)
• Approved exemptions for four snowplow contractors who are City employees (9-0)
• Granted Charter Communications permission for a pole location on Houghton St.
• Voted to advertise proposed zoning ordinances for 48 Mason St. and the block bordered by Belmont, Plantation, and Natick St. (9-0)
• Adopted order to designate 195 Mill St. as an Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Zone
• Adopted order requesting a report on the feasibility of a vacant property ordinance

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The committee accepted the meeting minutes from November 18, 2022. Financial, facilities, and IT reports were presented. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved November 18, 2022, meeting minutes

MCRWB Executive Committee

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the November 18, 2022 meeting. Members received updates on workforce programming, career center staffing, and facility moves in Worcester and Southbridge.

• Approved November 18, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Worcester Arts Council

The provided minutes contain only the attendee list and the start of the agenda. No substantive decisions, votes, or actions were recorded in the text.

Historical Commission

The Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness and Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 12 Congress Street. Two other demolition waiver applications were postponed. The Commission also issued updated letters of support for several Massachusetts Rehabilitation Tax Credit allocations.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver and Certificate of Appropriateness for 12 Congress Street (5-0)
• Postponed Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 79 Florence Street to Jan 12, 2023 (5-0)
• Postponed Certificate of Appropriateness and Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 114 Austin Street to Jan 12, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved updated letters of support for tax credits for 16 Salisbury Street and 15–21 Hermon Street (5-0)
• Approved updated letters of support for tax credits for 11 properties including 1 Exchange Place and 660 Main Street (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from October 27 and November 3, 2022 (5-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved multiple liquor licenses for restaurants and special events, including a conditional license for a golf simulator business. One application for a lounge was continued to a later date due to accessibility concerns, and a lodging house manager change was postponed.

• Approved one-day liquor license for St. Spyridon Cathedral (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment license for The UncommonWealth Group (3-0)
• Approved change of officers/directors for Worcester Detachment Marine Corps (3-0)
• Approved restaurant all alcohol license for Mackao Restaurant and Bar, Inc. (3-0)
• Continued Aeloux Lounge application to December 29, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Approved restaurant malt & wine license for Restaurant Pizza Works, LLC (3-0)
• Approved all alcohol, common victualer, and golf simulator licenses for The Links at Stake’s LLC with parking and hour restrictions (3-0)
• Approved 2023 liquor renewals (3-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The provided document is a meeting agenda and public hearing notice. It lists requests for approval regarding annual plans, ARPA funding awards, and construction contracts, but does not record the final outcomes or votes of these items.

• Proposed approval of 2023 Annual Plan to HUD
• Proposed approval of 2024 Annual Plan to DHCD
• Proposed approval of Capital Fund Five-Year Action Plan 2023-2027
• Proposed acceptance of $576,280.00 ARPA Formula Funding award
• Proposed acceptance of $440,000.00 ARPA Targeted Funding award
• Proposed awarding of Greenwood Gardens roof replacement contract to Almar LLC
• Proposed final payment to Vareika Construction, Inc. for 2020-02 Federalization
• Proposed approval of November 2022 tenant write-offs for accounts receivable and payable

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors met to address procedural approvals and new business. The agenda included a request to approve the November 17, 2022, meeting minutes and a change order for the "A Place to Live" project. The provided text does not record the final outcomes or vote tallies for these items.

• Requested approval of November 17, 2022, meeting minutes (outcome not recorded)
• Requested approval of Change Order No. 2 for Stutman Contracting Inc. at 38 Lewis Street (outcome not recorded)

School Committee

The meeting focused on sharing and gathering feedback on initial themes collected from the Entry Plan. The session presented data on community strengths, opportunities for improvement, and suggestions for the Superintendent's priorities. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda rather than minutes of action. It lists planned discussions on bus electrification and the FY24 budget preparation, but records no decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved a conditional commitment of $1.75 million for a senior housing project at the former Boys Club building. A proposal for the Curtis Apartments Phase 1 redevelopment was presented and tabled for a future meeting.

• Approved $1.75M conditional commitment to B&G Club OZ LLC for Worcester Boys Club affordable rental housing (7-0)
• Approved minutes from November 16, 2022, meeting (7-0)
• Tabled Curtis Apartments Phase 1 project application to January 18, 2023, agenda (7-0)
• Approved future agenda items including developer outreach, standardized applicant questions, and monthly financial reports (7-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees met digitally to review reports and committee updates. The board approved the meeting minutes from November 30, 2022.

• Approved November 30, 2022 meeting minutes

Public Library Committee on Administration

The committee met to address changes to the library card replacement policy and the staff development and continuing education policy. The provided minutes list these items on the agenda but do not record the final votes or outcomes of the decisions.

Public Library Board of Directors

The provided document contains the agenda for the meeting but does not record any substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues met to consider the adoption of the Employee Social Media Policy. The proposed policy outlines rules for staff use of online tools, including prohibitions on harassing coworkers and disclosing confidential student or employee data. No final vote on adoption is recorded in the provided text.

• Considered adoption of Employee Social Media Policy (no vote recorded)

City Council

The City Council convened for the fifth City Manager Community Listening Session in District 4. City Manager Eric D. Batista shared his goals, vision, and priorities for the city with residents. No legislative actions or votes were taken.

Citizen Advisory Council

The council voted on several candidates for city commissions, approving 17 appointments across various boards. The meeting also included the approval of minutes from the September 21, 2022, meeting.

• Approved minutes from 9/21/22
• Approved Kevin Githiari for Parks Commission (7-0) and Cable TV Commission (5-2)
• Approved Deborah Gonzalez for Latino Affairs (7-0)
• Approved Eric Diaz for Latino Affairs (6-1) and Historical Commission (7-0)
• Approved Kristen Livoti for Arts Council (7-0) and Latino Affairs (6-1)
• Approved Maritza Cruz for Ballpark Commission (7-0)
• Approved Michael Quinlivan for Parks Commission (7-0)
• Approved Ammar Asbahi for Accessibility (7-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists topics for discussion, including board recruitment and policy revisions, but records no decisions or outcomes.

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Department of Inspectional Services held a Chapter 139 hearing regarding 11 condemned properties. The provided document is an agenda listing the properties and owners; it does not record specific decisions, votes, or outcomes for these items.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The committee received a proposal to survey educators regarding childcare needs and reviewed enrollment data for the Innovation Pathways Program. No formal votes were recorded for the items discussed during this meeting.

• Proposed survey of educators to investigate childcare availability and impact
• Reviewed Innovation Pathways Program enrollment data and student demographics
• Discussed High School Non-MCAS programs and school space utilization
• Reviewed Early College Programs and $500,000 grant funding

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The Economic Development Committee recommended approval of a zoning map amendment for a specific block and a report on contracting with underrepresented businesses. The committee also requested a new report on justice-impacted applicants in the Worcester Jobs Fund Program.

• Approved minutes from November 29, 2022
• Recommended approval of zoning change from ML-1 to BG-3 for block bordered by Belmont St., Plantation St., Natick St., and railroad tracks
• Recommended Worcester Jobs Fund FY 22 Annual Report be placed on file
• Ordered City Manager to report on justice-impacted applicants in the Worcester Jobs Fund Program
• Recommended approval of update on improving contracting with underrepresented businesses (3-0)
• Recommended hold on report regarding licensing by the Worcester License Commission

City Council

The City Council approved several financial transfers, including $1 million for fire department overtime and $470,589.32 for school capital equipment. The council also ordained zoning amendments for Hermon Street and Beacon Street and confirmed two appointments to the Cable Television Advisory Committee.

• Approved $1,000,000 transfer for Fire Department overtime (11-0)
• Approved $470,589.32 transfer for school capital equipment (11-0)
• Approved $150,000 grant for Indian Lake and little Indian Lake improvements (11-0)
• Approved $210,000 transfer for Injured on Duty claims (11-0)
• Confirmed Sergio Bacelis and Jeffrey Levering to Cable Television Advisory Committee (11-0)
• Ordained zoning amendments for 17 Hermon Street and 96-100 Beacon Street (11-0)
• Approved salary ordinance amendments for Water Filtration and 311 Operations (11-0)
• Referred six lighting and signage requests to Traffic and Parking Committee

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee approved a revised letter to City Manager Eric Batista urging leadership on the city-wide sustainability transition. The committee also reviewed a presentation on native pollinator corridors and discussed potential pilot projects for pocket forests.

• Approved revised letter to City Manager Eric Batista (unanimous)
• Approved September 19th meeting minutes (6-0)
• Postponed October 24th minutes to next meeting
• Approved 2023 meeting calendar (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved Orders of Conditions for facility expansions at 12R New Bond Street and 3 Oriol Drive. Two Certificates of Compliance were issued, and one enforcement order was amended. Four other agenda items were postponed to January 2023.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 12R New Bond Street (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 3 Oriol Drive (4-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 719 Southbridge Street (4-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 305 Belmont Street (4-0)
• Amended enforcement order for 215 Lake Avenue (4-0)
• Postponed four Notice of Intent items to 1/9/23 and extended deadlines to 1/31/23 (5-0)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The meeting was a special session for public questions and answers regarding Fixed Route and Paratransit services. No advisory board business was discussed and no votes were taken.

City Council

The City Council conducted the fourth of five City Manager Community Listening Sessions at Christ the King Church. City Manager Eric D. Batista shared his goals, vision, and priorities for the city with residents. No legislative decisions were made during this session.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The committee met digitally to review school data and updates. The only recorded action was the approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved November 10, 2022, meeting minutes

Worcester Arts Council

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists the topics for discussion but does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Retirement Board

The Board approved an additional 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on the $14,000 base for 7/1/2022. Members also approved several retirement benefits, financial warrants, and attendance at the NCPERS Legislative Conference.

• Approved additional 2% on the $14,000 base for 7/1/2022 COLA (4-0)
• Approved retirement benefits for 12 individuals (subject to PERAC approval)
• Approved attendance for Board Members at NCPERS Legislative Conference (4-0)
• Approved November Regular Minutes (4-0)
• Approved warrants including $8,090,241.18 for November Retiree Benefits
• Approved warrants for Member Transfers ($522,201.67) and Member Refunds
• Approved warrant for 3(8)c MTRS ($1,187,009.02)

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Board reviewed portfolio performance and market indicators, noting that the system outperformed benchmarks despite overall market declines. The committee discussed asset allocation and co-investment funds. One formal funding commitment was approved.

• Approved $20M commitment to the PRIT 23 Vintage Fund (4-0)

MCRWB Youth Council

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the October 13, 2022 meeting. The session included a presentation on Techie Youth and staff updates regarding WIOA enrollments and YouthWorks programming.

• Approved October 13, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The committee reviewed updates on district-operated transportation, including driver staffing and vehicle procurement. It also considered items regarding menstrual supply pilots, student petitions on plastic waste, and federal CDL language requirements. No final votes to approve or deny the proposals were recorded in the minutes.

• Held item gb 2-241 regarding district-operated transportation updates (3-0)
• Considered pilot for menstrual supplies at secondary schools (no vote recorded)
• Reviewed student petition regarding plastic waste products (no vote recorded)
• Discussed advocacy for changing federal CDL English language testing policies (no vote recorded)

City Council

The City Council convened for a community listening session featuring City Manager Eric D. Batista. No legislative decisions, votes, or approvals were recorded during this meeting.

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee reviewed a contract comparison between Worcester and four other municipalities, identifying potential non-compliance and areas for negotiation. The board also received updates on survey results and the ascertainment process.

• No action taken on approval of November 9, 2022 minutes
• Confirmed next meeting for January 11 at 6:00pm
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The provided document is a detailed agenda rather than meeting minutes. It does not record any final decisions, votes, or outcomes for the items listed.

Standing Committee on Public Works

The committee recommended approval for supplying water to the Town of Leicester and the discontinuance of land and aerial rights over the Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel. A request to hold a public hearing on electrical rate increases was recommended to be held.

• Approved minutes of the November 16, 2022 meeting
• Recommended hold on request for public hearing regarding electrical rate increases
• Recommended approval of land and aerial rights discontinuance over Ernest H. Johnson Tunnel
• Recommended approval of supplying water to the Town of Leicester

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Committee voted to support a City Council initiative to provide free menstrual products in city-owned buildings, emphasizing the need for quality products. Members also discussed the Department of Public Health's Community Health Assessment and the 2023 Women of Consequence Awards.

• Approved November 1, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
• Approved support for free menstrual products program in city facilities with a caveat on product quality (5-0-0)
• Approved 'Embrace Equity' as the 2023 Women of Consequence Awards theme (4-1-0)
• Tabled selection of keynote speaker and entertainment for Women of Consequence Awards

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is a notice and agenda for a virtual public meeting to discuss the 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment #2. The proposed amendment involves increasing the cost and quantity of replacement buses for the Worcester Regional Transit Authority. No final decisions or vote tallies are recorded in this document.

City Council

The City Council appointed Eric D. Batista as permanent City Manager with a salary of $270,000. The council also set the Fiscal Year 2023 tax rates and formally disapproved the creation of the Worcester Cultural Academy Charter School.

• Appointed Eric D. Batista as City Manager with a $270,000 salary (11-0)
• Set FY2023 Tax Rate at $14.34 Residential / $31.26 Commercial (7-4)
• Disapproved creation of Worcester Cultural Academy Charter School (10-0)
• Elected Christina Andrianopoulos and Moses Zenon-Laguerre to Library Board of Directors
• Approved pole location for Charter Communications on Trahan Ave
• Adopted decree to make Soheili Circle public (11-0)
• Approved installation of crosswalk across Lansing Ave at Holden St
• Voted to advertise ordinance establishing City Manager salary at $275,000 (11-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the previous meeting and scheduled a public hearing for January 9, 2023, to discuss proposed caps on tobacco retailer and smoking bar permits. The board also received updates on gun violence, opioid settlement funding, and COVID-19 trends.

• Approved minutes from November 14, 2022
• Scheduled public hearing for Tobacco Retailer and Smoking Bar permit caps for January 9, 2023

Human Rights Commission

The Commission approved the October 3, 2022 meeting minutes. The session primarily consisted of a presentation from City Clerk Niko Vangjeli on voting regulations and discussions regarding the Vote16 initiative and a Department of Justice investigation into the Worcester Police Department.

• Approved meeting minutes from October 3, 2022 (Unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved variances and special permits for a new car wash, a drive-thru food establishment, and several residential renovations. Three other applications were postponed to January 2023.

• Approved conversion of 48 Houghton Street to 3-family dwelling (4-0)
• Approved front porch construction at 16 Valmor Street (4-0)
• Approved expansion of self-storage use at 1 Brussels Street (5-0)
• Approved canopy structure for fuel dispensers at 382 Chandler Street (5-0)
• Approved Popeye's food service with drive-thru at 525 Lincoln Street (5-0)
• Approved demolition and construction of car wash at 1103 Main Street (4-0)
• Approved single-family dwelling construction at 192 Norfolk Street (4-0)
• Postponed applications for 1 & 7 Brattle St, 119 May St, and 11 Earle Terrace (5-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The committee met on December 5, 2022, to review several general business items. The minutes record no new votes, approvals, or denials for the items listed on the agenda.

City Council

The City Council convened for the second of five City Manager Community Listening Sessions in District 3. City Manager Eric D. Batista shared his goals, vision, and priorities for the city with residents. No legislative decisions were made during this session.

Civic Center Commission

The Commission approved a Community Day free application for the UMass Memorial Annual Holiday Party. The board also received status updates on several DCU Center facility repairs and financial reports from ASM Global.

• Approved Community Day Free Application for UMass Memorial Annual Holiday Party (Vote accepted)
• Accepted October 27, 2022 meeting minutes

Worcester Arts Council

The minutes record the attendance of council members and the staff liaison for a virtual meeting. No substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes were recorded in the provided text.

Historical Commission

The Commission approved building demolition delay waivers for roof and window replacements at three properties. It also voted to provide letters of support for MHRTC allocations at seven different addresses. One application for a demolition and replacement building was postponed.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for roof replacement at 23 Clement Street (5-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window replacement at 9 May Street (5-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for storefront system replacement at 267 Lincoln Street (5-0)
• Postponed Certificate of Appropriateness and Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 114 Austin Street to Dec 15, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved letters of support for MHRTC allocations for 340 Main St, 365 Main St, 28 Water St, 526 Main St, 204 Main St, 50 Richland St, and 300 Southbridge St (5-0)
• Decided not to issue comments on proposed telecommunications project at 255 Park Avenue (5-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several new common victualer and alcohol licenses, including a full-service restaurant with entertainment at 393 Chandler Street. Several manager changes were approved, and three applications were continued to future meetings. A parking lot license for 165 Southbridge Street was also granted.

• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Arts Worcester and African Community Cultural Center (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Que Rico Quirico’s, Worcester Pizza Factory, and Holy Rolls (3-0)
• Approved manager changes for Gunatit Ne Sang Corp, Worcester Art Museum, and Tatnuck Country Club (3-0)
• Approved alcohol transfer, victualer, and entertainment licenses for Trackside Tavern (3-0)
• Approved restaurant alcohol and victualer licenses for Pepe’s Italian Market with no alcohol on outside patio (3-0)
• Approved restaurant alcohol, victualer, and entertainment licenses for Black Sheep Bah Bah & Kitchen with occupancy and noise conditions (3-0)
• Approved parking lot license for AIDS Project Worcester with no street queuing (3-0)
• Continued applications for Mackao Restaurant and Bar, Aelux Lounge, and MY Liquors (3-0)

School Committee

The School Committee approved a state reimbursement for masks and referred several policy requests to standing committees. The board also moved to advocate for school bus camera legislation and organize testimony regarding a proposed charter school.

• Approved $69,713.16 FY22 Mask Reimbursement from DESE
• Approved request to advocate for school bus camera ticketing legislation (H2426)
• Approved organizing and submitting testimony for the Worcester Cultural Academy Charter School hearing
• Referred investigation of agenda management software to the Administration
• Referred review of CH90 funding for sidewalks to the Standing Committee on Finance and Operations
• Referred proposal for Latin and Greek courses to the Standing Committee on Teaching and Learning
• Referred exploration of grading policies for conduct and effort to the Standing Committee on Teaching and Learning
• Accepted and filed the Student Wellness and Behavior Strategy report

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The commission met to conduct the election of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson (outcome not recorded)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved definitive site plans for 757 Salisbury Street and 378 Plantation Street. The Board also recommended a zoning ordinance amendment regarding marijuana delivery to the City Council. Several other items were postponed or continued to future meetings.

• Approved definitive site plan for 757 Salisbury Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 378 Plantation Street (5-0)
• Recommended marijuana delivery zoning ordinance amendment to Council (5-0)
• Set Brookline Street Subdivision work completion date to 09/30/23 and sunset date to 10/31/2023 (5-0)
• Endorsed ANR plans for 1059 Grafton St, 277 Airport Dr, Green Island Blvd, 113 Randolph St, 21 Butternut Hill Dr, and 49 Chilmark St (5-0)
• Continued Onandaga Street private street removal hearing to Jan 11, 2023 (5-0)
• Continued May, Mayfield, Parker, and Winfield Street zoning map amendment hearing to Dec 21, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 6/29/2022 (4-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved the meeting minutes from October 26, 2022, and the Executive Director goals for the 2022-23 period. The meeting included updates on the strategic plan and reports from the Executive Director and committees.

• Approved October 26, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved 22-23 Executive Director Goals

Public Library Board of Directors

The provided document contains the agenda for the meeting but does not record any substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes. No actions were documented in the text.

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee approved several petitions for handicap parking, crosswalks, and stop signs. Multiple requests for flashing crosswalk lights and speed monitoring equipment were filed, while other parking and signage petitions were held for further research.

• Approved handicap parking at 23 Merrifield St.
• Approved crosswalk at Lansing Ave. and Holden St.
• Approved 'No Parking Anytime' signage at 7 Greenleaf Terrace and 34 Glennie St.
• Approved stop sign at Chelsea St. and Cambridge St.
• Filed requests for flashing crosswalk lights at Apricot St., Claremont St., and Prospect St.
• Filed residential permit parking request for Barclay St.
• Filed speed monitoring requests for Grafton St. and 126 Elm St.
• Held requests for handicap parking at 27 Longfellow Rd., 10 Merrifield St., 227 June St., 18 Plantation St., and 49 Abbott St.

City Council

The Public Safety Committee recommended holding two items regarding an Unmanned Aircraft System proposal and the application of facial recognition ordinances to drones. The committee also requested a report from the City Solicitor on state and federal drone surveillance policies.

• Approved minutes of April 14, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Recommended hold on Unmanned Aircraft System Proposal
• Recommended hold on communication regarding facial recognition technology and drones
• Requested City Manager ask City Solicitor for report on state and federal drone surveillance policies

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The committee recommended approval for five zoning map and ordinance amendments, including residential and commercial extensions. One request to amend the zoning map for 39 Lamartine St. was recommended to be held.

• Approved minutes of the October 20, 2022 meeting
• Recommended hold for zone change at 39 Lamartine St.
• Recommended approval to extend RG-5 zoning for properties on Cedar St., Sever St., Elm St., and Merrick St.
• Recommended approval to change 267 Providence St. from RL-7 to BG-2
• Recommended approval to change 48 Mason St. to BG-3.0 and CCOD-E
• Recommended approval to amend Article IX, Section 5 of Zoning Ordinance for mixed-use and multi-family buildings in CCOD
• Recommended approval for zoning extensions at Jackson St., Lagrange St., Main St., and Beacon St.

City Council

The City Council established the Fiscal Year 2023 tax rates for residential and commercial properties. The council also approved several salary ordinance amendments and allocated funds for city infrastructure and grants.

• Set FY2023 tax rate at $14.34 for Residential and $31.26 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property (7-4)
• Approved $5,471,917.23 loan reallocation from Main Library Master Plan to Doherty High MSBA (11-0)
• Approved $300,000 grant for State Opioid Response Prevention in Early Childhood program (11-0)
• Approved $200,000 grant to support Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (11-0)
• Approved $226,600 grant from Massachusetts Cultural Council for Worcester Arts Council (11-0)
• Ordained extension of Manufacturing Limited (ML-2.0) zoning district to 1 Brussels Street (11-0)
• Approved handicap parking at 15 Orne St, 11 Larch St, 36 Florence St, 21 Hitchcock Rd, and 4 Malden Terrace (11-0)
• Adopted order to upgrade city dog parks and identify funding (10-0)

Commission on Elder Affairs

The provided text contains an agenda for the November 28, 2022 meeting and minutes from the October 24, 2022 meeting. No substantive decisions for the November 28 date are recorded in the provided document.

• Approved September 19 Commission meeting minutes (Oct 24 meeting)
• Approved October 11 Senior Center Committee report (Oct 24 meeting)
• Approved October 11 Senior Center Committee minutes (Nov 8 committee meeting)

Conservation Commission

The Commission denied a request to amend an order of conditions and an extension of time for 47R Fourth Street, requiring a new Notice of Intent. Several other projects received Orders of Conditions or Certificates of Compliance. The board also ratified two emergency certificates for tree removal.

• Issued Negative Determination for porch rebuild at 14 Colton Street (3-0)
• Denied amendment request and extension of time for 47R Fourth Street (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for home and septic at 2 Aurora Street (3-0)
• Issued Abbreviated Notice of Resource Delineation for 0 Granite Street (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Elm Park pond dredging at 121 Russell Street (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for UMass Memorial facility at 378 Plantation Street (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for additions at 18 Hunthurst Circle (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for transmission line work at 414R Massasoit Road & 204 Granite Street (3-0)

City Council

The City Council convened in executive session to negotiate a contract for Eric D. Batista as permanent City Manager. The council also approved several requests for city reports on police body cameras, homeless outreach, and the Community Preservation Act.

• Approved executive session to negotiate a contract for Eric D. Batista as permanent City Manager (11-0)
• Approved request for City Manager to provide updates on police body cameras and ACLU feedback (11-0)
• Approved request for free menstrual products in publicly owned facilities starting in 2023 (11-0)
• Approved request for winter outreach items for unhoused individuals (11-0)
• Approved request for reports on Community Preservation Act (CPA) implementation (11-0)
• Approved installation of guardrails from 360 Franklin St. to Suffolk St. and Norfolk St. (11-0)
• Voted to advertise proposed zoning ordinances for 17 Hermon St. and 96-100 Beacon St. (11-0)
• Approved request for a mattress/box-spring drop-off program during winter hiatus (11-0)

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The committee hosted a guest speaker from the US EPA Region 1 Waste and Chemical Compliance Section. Members reviewed the 2022 Tier II Reporting Guidance and introduced the Training & Exercise Workgroup. No formal votes were recorded.

• Reviewed minutes from May 10, 2022
• Reviewed 2022 Tier II Reporting Guidance including March 1, 2023 submission deadline
• Introduced Training & Exercise Workgroup

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The Joint Standing Committee on Finance and Operations and the City Council’s Standing Committee on Education met to discuss several items. The provided record lists the agenda items for discussion but does not record any votes or final decisions.

Standing Committee on Education

The committee approved the May 16, 2022 minutes and issued several Chairman's Orders requesting reports on sidewalk improvements, snow clearing feasibility, and school building repairs. The committee voted to hold the request for joint meetings with the School Committee's Finance and Operations committee.

• Approved May 16, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Requested report on streets most in need of street and sidewalk improvements
• Requested report on streets with school bus stops lacking sidewalks or inaccessible due to snow
• Requested report on feasibility and cost-analysis of a municipal sidewalk snow clearing pilot program
• Requested report from City Solicitor on liability for sidewalk-related injuries under a snow clearing pilot
• Requested City Manager work with State Legislature for funding for general repairs and windows at city schools
• Requested exploration of Local Bottleneck Reduction Program and MRS Grant Program for Street Safety
• Requested report on the feasibility of increasing the Worcester Public Schools capital budget

Board of Election Commissioners

The City of Worcester scheduled a post-election tabulation session for November 18, 2022. The session was designated for opening and depositing early voted ballots received after 5 p.m. on November 8.

• Scheduled post-election tabulation session for November 18, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The committee met digitally to review financial and facilities reports. The only recorded action was the motion to accept the minutes from the October 21, 2022, meeting.

• Accepted October 21, 2022, Meeting Minutes

Designer Selection Board

The board met to interview and rank firms for Owner’s Project Management Services regarding the So. Division Firehouse & Emergency Communications Facility. The provided text is an agenda and does not record the outcomes of the interviews or the final rankings.

MCRWB Executive Committee

The committee unanimously accepted the minutes from the August 19, 2022 meeting. Members received updates on workforce programming, grant projects, and the status of career center relocations. No other substantive votes were taken.

• Approved August 19, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission met to review conceptual designs for the Blithewood Park Master Plan and a permit application for the Festival of Lights celebration on the Worcester Common. The meeting included reports on awarded grants for Coal Mine Brook, Tacoma St Playground, and University Park.

Worcester Arts Council

The provided minutes contain only the meeting agenda and attendee list. No substantive decisions, votes, or actions were recorded in the text.

Historical Commission

The Commission approved a demolition delay waiver for 600 Lincoln Street based on financial hardship. Several Certificates of Appropriateness were granted for solar panels, signage, and fencing in local historic districts. A demolition waiver for porch replacement at 3 Irene Street was also approved.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 600 Lincoln Street based on financial hardship (4-2)
• Approved solar panel installation at 98 Chatham Street (7-0)
• Approved directional signage installation at 18 Oxford Street (7-0)
• Approved cedar fence replacement at 36 Whitman Road (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for porch replacement at 3 Irene Street (7-0)
• Approved September 8, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved September 22, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved October 6, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)

License Commission

The Commission denied a request to transfer a lodging house license at 20 King Street following reports of permit violations and police nuisance calls. The board also approved several one-day liquor licenses and common victualer licenses for new local businesses.

• Denied transfer of lodging house license for 20 King Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Preservation Worcester, J.T. Ethier, Chartwells at WPI, St. Spyridon Cathedral, Central Rock Gym, Chip Jarry, and Trustees of Holy Cross (all 3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Worcester Sweets, Willy’s Latin Cuisine, Black Sheep Bah Bah Q & Kitchen, Vietcafe LLC, Viva Bubble, and InHouse Coffee (all 3-0)
• Approved transfer of stock for Worcester Discount Liquors, Inc. (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Trustees of the College of the Holy Cross (3-0)
• Postponed applications for Mackao Restaurant and Bar and Aelux Lounge to December 1, 2022 (all 3-0)
• Postponed Café Neo status hearing to January 26, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved minutes from November 3, 2022 (3-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists requests for approval regarding tenant write-offs, a Fair Housing Market Plan Policy, a grant application for Greenwood Gardens, and a construction change order, but does not record the outcomes or votes.

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The Board met to review financial statements and requested approvals for two change orders related to the 38 Lewis Street project. The provided minutes list these as approval requests but do not record the final votes or outcomes.

• Requested approval of June 16, 2022 meeting minutes
• Requested approval of Change Order No. 1 for Stutman Contracting Inc. (38 Lewis Street)
• Requested approval of Change Order No. 1 for Strategic Environmental Services (38 Lewis Street)

School Committee

The committee reviewed two grants for youth and parent support. Several administrative requests regarding school lunch times, polling locations, and police engagement were referred to committees or administration for further review.

• Proposed approval of $22,000 Youth Reach Returning Grant from Mass Cultural Council
• Proposed approval of $35,000 Parent Child and Support Grant from Popplestone Foundation
• Referred feasibility of extending secondary school lunch by 10 minutes to Standing Committee on Teaching and Learning
• Referred request for alternate polling locations outside school buildings to Administration
• Referred policy language for Worcester Police Department engagement to Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues
• Referred review of service and support animal policy to Administration

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided text is a meeting notice and agenda rather than minutes. It outlines a scheduled meeting to review and vote on the Amended FY 2023 Budget.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board decided to keep the initial $15 million ARPA allocation in a standard interest-bearing municipal account to maintain liquidity and minimize risk. The Board also scheduled a future vote on funding for the Worcester Boys Club project after reviewing scoring matrices.

• Approved placing ARPA-related funds in a standard interest-bearing municipal account (9-0)
• Approved minutes from September 26, 2022, meeting (6-0)
• Scheduled Worcester Boys Club funding vote for December 14, 2022, meeting (9-0)

Worcester Ballpark Commission

The meeting followed a standard agenda including updates on city event days, city operations, and the WooSox. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is an agenda for the November 16, 2022, meeting. It does not record any votes, approvals, or substantive decisions made during the session.

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes from the session.

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The meeting focused on financial reviews, operational updates, and administrative reports. The provided record is a detailed agenda and does not list specific votes or outcomes for the items discussed.

Standing Committee on Public Works

The committee recommended approval for one guardrail installation and the denial of two others. A request to sell city trash bags online was held, and a communication regarding sewer assessments was recommended to be filed.

• Approved minutes of October 26, 2022 (3-0)
• Recommended approval for guardrails from 360 Franklin St. to Suffolk St. and Norfolk St.
• Recommended leave to withdraw for guardrail request at 46 Rudolph St. and Sunderland Rd.
• Recommended denial for guardrail request at 88A Loxwood St.
• Recommended denial for guardrail request at 25 St. Kevin Rd.
• Recommended hold on request to sell city trash bags online
• Recommended filing of communication regarding sewer abatements for Winnipeg St. and St. Louis St.

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The commission held discussions regarding a proposed inclusionary zoning policy, an All Abilities Scavenger Hunt, and Disability Pride. Members also discussed recommendations for a WRTA Advisory Board opening.

• Approved October 25, 2022 meeting minutes

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board approved the early voting locations and schedule for the November 8 state election. Members discussed poll worker recruitment and the proposal for early voter tabulation at Levi Lincoln Hall.

• Approved early voting locations and schedule (14 days leading up to elections)
• Approved minutes of the September 15th meeting

City Council

The City Council voted to suspend its search for a permanent City Manager and appointed Eric D. Batista to the role. The council also approved several salary ordinance amendments and a series of public works projects including street repaving and sidewalk repairs.

• Appointed Eric D. Batista as permanent City Manager (8-3)
• Suspended search process for next permanent City Manager (6-5)
• Approved contract negotiation for City Manager for approximately two years (9-2)
• Ordained salary amendments for Local 170 Teamsters and Local 490 NAGE (11-0)
• Approved $5.47M loan order reallocation for Doherty High MSBA (10-0)
• Approved multiple street repaving and sidewalk repair orders (11-0)
• Voted to advertise proposed ordinances for five handicap parking spaces (11-0)
• Adopted order to create a taskforce to explore a resident chicken-raising ordinance

Citizen Advisory Council

The council interviewed candidates and voted on appointments to various city commissions and advisory committees. The council also approved the minutes from the September 21, 2022 meeting.

• Approved minutes from 9/21/22
• Kevin Githiari approved for Parks Commission (7-0) and Cable TV Commission (5-2)
• Deborah Gonzalez approved for Latino Affairs (7-0)
• Eric Diaz approved for Latino Affairs (6-1) and Historical Commission (7-0)
• Kristen Livoti approved for Arts Council (7-0) and Latino Affairs (6-1)
• Maritza Cruz approved for Ballpark Commission (7-0)
• Michael Quinlivan approved for Parks Commission (7-0)
• Ammar Asbahi approved for Accessibility (7-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved changes to the minimum pricing for cigars and unified the city's tobacco fining structure with state law. Members discussed hospital crowding and COVID-19 trends, and received an update on winter homelessness projections.

• Approved minimum pricing for cigars at $2.90 for single and $5.80 for multipacks (4-0)
• Approved unification of fining structure with State Tobacco Control Law (4-0)
• Approved minutes from August 15, 2022
• Approved minutes from October 3, 2022
• Tabled gun violence discussion with Mike Weisser until December 5, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved several residential and commercial projects, including a multi-use structure with a drive-thru and a digital billboard. Other decisions included approvals for residential conversions and new home construction. Several applications were postponed to future meetings.

• Approved commercial structure with retail, office, and food service drive-thru at 70 Gold Star Boulevard (5-0)
• Approved residential conversion to 4-family dwelling at 77 Seymour Street (5-0)
• Approved demolition of structure for expanded parking at 1073 & 1075 Pleasant Street (5-0)
• Approved construction of 8 units (four duplexes) at 24 Simone Street (5-0)
• Approved reconstruction of digital billboard at 0 Millbury Street (5-0)
• Approved conversion to two-family dwelling at 34 Boardman Street (5-0)
• Approved new single-family dwelling at 54 Plantation Street (5-0)
• Approved addition at 27 Whitla Drive (5-0)

Worcester Arts Council

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It contains no record of votes, decisions, or actions taken during the November 10, 2022, meeting.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The meeting scheduled for November 10, 2022, was canceled. All agenda items were postponed to the next meeting on November 14, 2022.

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Authority approved a revised cleaning services contract for Union Station and extended a conveyance agreement for a proposed hotel at Washington Square. The board also authorized a license for a one-day arts event and terminated a lease at the Denholm Building.

• Approved revised cleaning contract for Union Station with Paixao, Inc. d/b/a KleenRite Services for $553,056.00 (3-1)
• Authorized license agreement with Tina Zlody d/b/a sART at the Station for Dec. 4, 2022 arts event (4-0)
• Approved Amendment 1 to Terms of Conveyance with Washington Square Hotel, LLC, extending deadline to Nov. 3, 2023 (4-0)
• Authorized lease termination with MA Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance for 484-500 Main Street effective Oct. 31, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved minutes from October 13, 2022 (4-0)

Retirement Board

The Board approved superannuation benefits for seven employees and authorized several payment warrants, including over $8.1 million for October retiree benefits. The Board also formally accepted the results of a board election. Disability hearings and litigation strategy were conducted in executive session.

• Accepted October Regular Minutes (5-0)
• Approved superannuation benefits for Sandra Burgoyne, Cheryl Hallen, Suzanne Joslyn, Michael LaRose, Jutta Opacki, Frank Sestokas, and Mark Tivnan
• Accepted board election results declaring E. Early the winner (4-0)
• Approved Warrant 22-30 for Member Refunds ($247,847.06)
• Approved Warrant 22-31 for Office Expenses ($21,672.40)
• Approved Warrant 22-32 for 3(8)C ($14,371.61)
• Approved October Retiree Benefits ($8,104,124.88)
• Approved Board Stipend ($1,875.00)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists planned discussions on academic data and principal updates, but does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Designer Selection Board

The board conducted interviews with LeftField, LLC and Colliers Project Leaders for Owner’s Project Management Services regarding the South Division Firehouse & Emergency Communications Facility. No final selection or vote is recorded in the provided text.

• Interviewed LeftField, LLC for project DSB-1-W3
• Interviewed Colliers Project Leaders for project DSB-1-W3

School Committee

The School Committee accepted two state grants totaling $505,000 for targeted assistance and career technical education. The board also approved several prior fiscal year payments and the appointment of five school nurses. Other items, including a request for high school Driver's Ed, were referred to standing committees.

• Approved $375,000 Targeted Assistance Grant (7-0)
• Approved $130,000 Career Technical Education Equitable Access Grant (7-0)
• Approved prior fiscal year payments including $299,788.80 to Durham School Services (7-0)
• Approved appointments of five provisional civil service employees as School Nurses (7-0)
• Approved job description for Administrative Director of College and Career Readiness (7-0)
• Approved job description for Director of Early College (7-0)
• Approved $350,000 Early College Support Grant (7-0)
• Forwarded letter to MIAA regarding playoff game scheduling and transportation challenges

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The meeting was a special session for public questions and answers regarding Fixed Route and Paratransit services. No advisory board business was discussed and no votes were taken.

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee held a public hearing where residents reported billing disputes, service quality issues, and a lack of competition regarding Charter/Spectrum. The board also discussed the timeline for the franchise ascertainment report and the reappointment of members.

• Approved minutes from October 5, 2022 (5-0)
• Reappointed members Levering and Bacelis for three-year terms
• Confirmed next meeting for December 7, 2022

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted to recommend that City Council accept the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (ZA-2022-020) with three proposed amendments regarding affordability levels, payment-in-lieu costs, and a review timeline. The board also approved minutes from two previous meetings.

• Recommended City Council accept Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance with proposed amendments to AMI percentages, payment-in-lieu costs, and a 3-year review period (5-0)
• Closed public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendment ZA-2022-020 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 8/31/22 and 10/26/22 (5-0)

Public Library Finance Committee

The provided document contains the agenda for the November 9, 2022, meeting but does not record any actions, votes, or decisions. No outcomes for trust fund requests or new business were documented.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The Standing Committee on Finance and Operations reviewed monthly transportation staffing and fleet updates, including plans for a new fueling station and electric bus pilots. The committee also received a report on the hiring and placement process for unarmed security guards.

• Approved Spanish translation pilot for School Committee meetings (5-0-1-1)
• Held monthly updates on district-operated transportation (3-0)
• Referred Harvard Graduate School of Education technology report to committee (7-0)

Chapter 139 Hearing

The provided document is an agenda listing properties for a Chapter 139 hearing. The record does not contain any decisions, votes, or outcomes for the listed properties.

Senior Center Committee

The Senior Center Committee approved the September 13 minutes and voted to encourage the Director to develop recommendations for multicultural coordinator positions. The committee also discussed budget allocations, facility updates, and upcoming senior programs.

• Approved September 13, 2022 minutes (m/s/a)
• Voted to encourage Director to explore and develop recommendations for multicultural coordinator positions (m/s/a)

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved Orders of Conditions for projects at 3 Oriol Drive, 231 Lake Avenue, and Great Brook Valley Avenue. It also issued Certificates of Compliance for two sites and granted a one-year extension for the Kiara Drive Subdivision. Several other items were postponed or tabled.

• Issued Negative Determination of Applicability for 3 Westwood Drive/460 Salisbury Street (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 3 Oriol Drive (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 231 Lake Avenue (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Great Brook Valley Avenue/Curtis Apartments (4-0)
• Issued Certificates of Compliance for Lots 6 & 7 Whisper Drive and Lots E3 & F5 Moreland Green Drive (4-0)
• Granted Leave to Withdraw for 3 Eastview Street (4-0)
• Issued one-year extension for Kiara Drive Subdivision (4-0)
• Approved marker spacing change from 15' to 25' for 115 Northeast Cutoff (4-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Accountability and Student Performance

The committee reviewed administrative reports regarding special education student demographics and performance. The meeting also addressed ongoing requests to study the feasibility of changing secondary school start times to 8:00 a.m.

Board of Election Commissioners

The City of Worcester scheduled sessions to open and deposit early voted ballots in the Levi Lincoln Chamber from November 5 through November 7. These actions follow Secretary of State Regulations and the 2022 VOTES Act.

• Scheduled early ballot processing for Nov 5, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Scheduled early ballot processing for Nov 6, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Scheduled early ballot processing for Nov 7, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM (if necessary)

Worcester Arts Council

The provided minutes consist of the meeting agenda and attendee list. No substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes are recorded in the document.

License Commission

The Commission approved several common victualer licenses for Dunkin Donuts and other local eateries. It also granted a comprehensive alcohol and entertainment license to Blackstone Herbs and Martini Bar and approved various manager changes.

• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Ecotarium and Jenny Miller (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for four Dunkin Donuts locations, Rosolli Pizzeria & Market, Popeyes, DaBoba, and Millbury Street Pizza (3-0)
• Approved manager/officer changes for Texas Roadhouse, Paesano’s, and Creed Lounge (3-0)
• Approved restaurant all alcohol, common victualer, and entertainment licenses for Blackstone Herbs and Martini Bar (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license amendment for Quan Co Ga, LLC (3-0)
• Postponed restaurant all alcohol license application for Mackao Restaurant and Bar to Nov 17, 2022 (3-0)
• Continued Aelux Lounge application to Nov 17, 2022, to address ADA accessibility concerns (3-0)
• Continued status hearings for Kraftea Kobucha Company and Skybar Lounge to Dec 15, 2022 (3-0)

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The provided document is a detailed agenda rather than minutes of a meeting. It does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Historical Commission

The Commission approved several Certificates of Appropriateness for the Crown Hill Local Historic District and granted multiple Building Demolition Delay Waivers. However, it denied demolition waivers for properties at 230 Park Avenue and 1 Brattle Street.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 111 Austin Street (6-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 32 Newbury Street (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 5–7 Ashland Street (7-0)
• Denied Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 230 Park Avenue (0-7)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 12 Woodford Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 7 Circuit Avenue East (7-0)
• Denied Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 1 Brattle Street (1-6)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 321 Plantation Street (6-1)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved definitive site plans for developments at 3 Oriol Drive, 231 Lake Avenue, and 5 Madison Street. The Board also favorably recommended a zoning map amendment for 53 & 54 Mason Street and 11 Parker Street to the City Council.

• Approved ANR plan and site for 10 & 12 Windsor Street (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan and More Than One Building on a Lot for 3 Oriol Drive (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for part of 231 Lake Avenue (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 5 Madison Street (4-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment for 53 & 54 Mason Street and 11 Parker Street to City Council (4-0)
• Endorsed ANR plans for Ararat Street et al. and 1260 Grafton Street (4-0)
• Approved trial period for new ANR application form through February 1, 2023 (4-0)
• Postponed public meetings/hearings for six properties including 757 Salisbury Street (4-0)

Public Library Board of Directors

The provided document contains the agenda for the meeting but does not record any substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes. The meeting included a discussion regarding the hiring of a consultant.

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Committee approved the nomination criteria and forms for the 2023 Women of Consequence Awards. Members discussed outreach strategies for youth nominations and planned upcoming reviews of the Community Health Assessment. The committee also heard a presentation from the All Worcester Advocating for Reproductive Equity (AWARE) coalition.

• Approved September 6, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0-0)
• Approved 2023 Women of Consequence Awards nomination forms (unanimous roll call)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 pm (6-0-0)

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The Commission scheduled a water level draw down for Lake Quinsigamond and Flint Pond starting on or about November 1, 2022. The action aims to reduce nuisance aquatic vegetation by exposing roots to freezing temperatures. Water levels will be refilled by April 2023.

• Scheduled draw down of Lake Quinsigamond and Flint Pond for November 1, 2022
• Lowering of Irish Dam in Grafton by two or three inches at a time until water is 24-30 inches below normal pool

Designer Selection Board

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It contains no record of decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Civic Center Commission

The Commission accepted previous meeting minutes and received status updates on facility repairs, including HVAC and camera installations. Members expressed frustration over a 6-to-8 week delay in obtaining sample ballroom chairs. ASM Global reported a year-to-date net loss of $631,000 as of September.

• Approved acceptance of previous meeting minutes
• Approved sample ballroom chair (ASM Global only; DPF did not approve finishes)

Worcester Arts Council

The provided minutes contain only the attendee list and the start of the agenda. No substantive decisions, votes, or actions were recorded in the text.

Historical Commission

The Commission approved building demolition delay waivers for four properties to allow for siding, window, and porch replacements. One project received a Certificate of Non-Applicability, and several other applications were continued to November dates.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 16 Whitman Road (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 16 Alden Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 104 Vernon Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 1 Exchange Street (6-0)
• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for 13 Montvale Road (6-0)
• Approved Sept 22 and Sept 29, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Continued applications for 111 Austin St, 230 Park Ave, 1 Brattle St, 7 Circuit Ave E, and 12 Woodford St (6-0)
• Voted 6-0 to decline comment on telecommunications project at 100 Madison Street

Public Library Board of Directors

The provided document contains the agenda for the meeting but does not record any votes, decisions, or outcomes. No substantive actions were documented.

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

The committee heard testimony from residents and representatives regarding the operations of the Family Health Center of Worcester (FHCW). Following the discussion, the committee recommended that the request to host an open forum be placed on file.

• Approved minutes of the October 12, 2022 meeting
• Recommended that the request to host an open forum regarding Family Health Center of Worcester operations be placed on file

Planning Board

The Board approved a special permit for a Continuing Care Retirement Community at 757 Salisbury Street, including conditions for a traffic study. The associated site plan review was postponed, and an Approval Not Required plan for 224 Brooks Street was endorsed.

• Approved special permit for Continuing Care Retirement Community at 757 Salisbury Street with staff-recommended and traffic study conditions (5-0)
• Postponed site plan review for 757 Salisbury Street to November 2 meeting (5-0)
• Endorsed Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for 224 Brooks Street (5-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved the meeting minutes from September 28, 2022. The Board also accepted the FY'22 audit as presented by AAFCPA.

• Approved meeting minutes from September 28, 2022
• Accepted FY'22 audit as presented by AAFCPA

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The provided document is a detailed agenda rather than meeting minutes. It does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes for the items listed.

Standing Committee on Public Works

The committee approved multiple petitions for sidewalk repairs and street resurfacing across the city. It also approved the designation of two honorary street names and the making of Umbagog Dr. a public street. Several sewer and street assessment abatement requests were denied or held.

• Approved sidewalk installation at 25 Proctor St. (3-0)
• Approved making Umbagog Dr. a public street (3-0)
• Approved honorary street name 'Aboody Way' on Wall St. (3-0)
• Approved honorary street name 'Jack Foley Way' on Woodland St. (3-0)
• Denied sewer assessment abatements for J.F. Schultz Transport LLC, Jefferson Mararian, and Wicky Huynh (3-0)
• Approved street betterment abatement for Michael A. Cappabianca at Phoebe Way (3-0)
• Approved resurfacing for Green View Lane, Kenberma Rd., Whisper Dr., West Boylston St., Goldthwaite Rd., and Burncoat St.
• Approved sidewalk repairs at 7 Greenleaf Terrace, 14 Enfield St., 285 Lake Ave. North, and other locations

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The Commission agreed to request information from the Commissioner of DPW and Chief of Transportation and Mobility regarding the installation and maintenance of benches and bus shelters. The body also provided input on the Central MA Regional Planning Commission's long range transportation plan.

• Approved September 20, 2022 minutes (Unanimous)
• Agreed by consensus to request DPW and Transportation process for installing and maintaining benches and bus shelters
• Raised Associate Commissioners Delage and Parissi to Commissioner status for voting

Citizen Advisory Council

The meeting agenda included the approval of previous minutes and discussions regarding recruitment and a potential name change for the council. No substantive policy decisions or votes were recorded in the provided text.

• Approved minutes from 9/21/22 meeting

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The committee reviewed several administrative recommendations, including filing outdated goals and sick day requests. The district committed to providing prayer spaces in secondary schools and updating the student handbook for the 2023-2024 year.

• Recommended filing outdated Superintendent's Goals (ros 1-10)
• Recommended filing sick day donation request from May (c&p 2-11)
• Recommended referring Chandler Magnet bilingual conversion petition to other committees (c&p 2-8)
• Committed to providing prayer space in secondary schools and updating 2023-2024 student handbook (gb 2-25)
• Recommended filing mental health caseload update request as it is part of the Wellness Plan (gb 2-140)

City Council

The Council approved several state and local grants for public safety and arts, as well as numerous parking and traffic ordinances. A proposal to organize community discussions on removing the Christopher Columbus statue was denied. Motions to appoint Eric D. Batista as permanent City Manager were tabled.

• Approved $1.2M Community Safety Initiative Program Grant
• Approved $65,000 Municipal Road Safety Grant
• Approved $51,000 for safety equipment installation
• Approved $12,800 Student Awareness of Fire Education & Senior SAFE Grant
• Approved $5,000 grant from Worcester Arts Council for Recreation Worcester
• Denied request for community discussion on removing Christopher Columbus statue (5-5)
• Ordained resident permit parking on Dominion Road, Mulberry Street, and Richland Street
• Approved $1M transfer to Fire Department for overtime due to staffing shortages

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee voted unanimously to approve the 2023 meeting calendar, scheduling monthly meetings except for February, August, and December. The committee also discussed a draft proposal for a solar access policy to protect solar arrays from shading by city-owned trees, but took no formal vote, agreeing to have staff research the issue further. No other binding decisions were made; the meeting primarily featured presentations and updates.

• Approved 2023 meeting calendar (5-0)
• Continued approval of September 19, 2022 minutes to next meeting (5-0)
• Tabled discussion of solar access policy pending staff research
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Commission on Elder Affairs met on October 24, 2022, and approved the minutes from the September 19, 2022 meeting and the Senior Center Committee report from October 11, 2022. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports and discussions on programs, facilities, and staffing.

• Approved minutes of June 27, 2022 Commission meeting (m/s/a)
• Approved report from Sept. 13, 2022 Senior Center Committee meeting (m/s/a)
• Senior Center Committee voted to encourage Director to explore and develop recommendations for multicultural coordinator positions (m/s/a)

License Commission

The License Commission approved a one-day liquor license for the YMCA at 75 Shore Drive for a cancer survivor event on October 26, 2022. The vote was 2-0, with one commissioner absent.

• Approved one-day liquor license for YMCA, 75 Shore Drive (2-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved several residential developments, including a 220-unit complex and a public housing redevelopment. It also granted relief for a self-storage facility and a single-family addition. Six other applications were postponed to future dates.

• Approved variance for addition at 88 Standish Street (5-0)
• Approved 26-unit multi-family dwelling at 631 Franklin Street (5-0)
• Approved 6-unit townhouse project at 10 & 12 Windsor Street (5-0)
• Approved 8-unit high-rise at 4 Henchman Terrace (5-0)
• Approved 129-unit public/mixed-income project at 16 & 52 Great Brook Valley Avenue (5-0)
• Approved 220-unit multi-family project at 3 Oriol Drive (4-1)
• Approved 127,000SF self-storage facility at 90 Barber Avenue (5-0)
• Postponed 6 applications for items 1, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 13 (5-0)

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee discussed a request to participate in a workshop regarding the state-approved Superintendent Evaluation Process. No vote was taken; the item was placed on the agenda for discussion only.

• Discussed workshop on superintendent evaluation process (no vote)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee approved the minutes from the September 16, 2022 meeting. The committee received an audit presentation from AAF CPA and heard financial, safety, facilities, and IT updates. No substantive decisions were made beyond approving the prior minutes.

• Approved September 16, 2022 meeting minutes

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission met on October 20, 2022, and considered a variety of license applications including common victualer, one-day liquor, entertainment, and liquor license transfers. The agenda listed 12 items, but the minutes do not record any votes or final decisions on these requests; the document is an agenda only, not a record of actions taken. No substantive decisions were made at this meeting as reflected in the provided text.

• No decisions recorded — minutes are an agenda only, not a record of votes or outcomes

Worcester Housing Authority

The Worcester Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved several items including a $187,797 HUD Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program grant, revision of the Admissions Continued Occupancy Policy to a one-unit offer system for federal public housing, and a change order for a construction contract. The board also approved write-offs for tenant accounts payable and receivable for September 2022, and authorized submission of a Resident Services Coordinator grant application. No votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved $187,797 HUD Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program grant
• Approved revision of Admissions Continued Occupancy Policy to one-unit offer system
• Approved Change Order No. 2 with Vareika Construction Inc. for 2020-02 federalization project
• Approved September 2022 tenant Accounts Payable write-offs
• Approved September 2022 tenant Accounts Receivable write-offs
• Approved submission of Resident Services Coordinator grant application to DHCD for Holden's Greenwood Gardens, Holden Commons, and Checkerberry Village
• Approved minutes from September 15, 2022 regular meeting

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee approved a $350,000 Early College Support Grant from the state, accepted donations totaling over $13,000, and approved job descriptions for Director of Early College and Administrative Director of College and Career Readiness. The committee also referred petitions for sick day donations to the Governance and Employee Issues standing committee and held items for future updates, including the MOU with Worcester Police for school liaison officers and COVID-19 data.

• Approved $350,000 Early College Support Grant (roll call)
• Approved job description for Director of Early College (roll call)
• Approved job description for Administrative Director of College and Career Readiness (roll call)
• Approved prior fiscal year payments totaling $85,000+ (roll call)
• Accepted donations totaling $13,947.05 (consent agenda)
• Referred two petitions for sick day donations to Governance and Employee Issues committee
• Held item on MOU with Worcester Police for school liaison officers for update
• Held COVID-19 update item for next meeting

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board meeting scheduled for October 20, 2022 was cancelled by the Administration in consultation with the Chairperson. The cancellation was due to the Governor's extension of pandemic-era policies allowing remote public meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for November 17, 2022. No substantive decisions were made.

• Cancelled October 20, 2022 Advisory Board meeting

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee met via teleconference on October 20, 2022, with four members present. Eight fund managers presented updates on their respective funds, including Entrust, Old Farm, Eaton Vance, IFM, AEW, Ascent Venture Partners, NorthStar, and Capital International. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational only. The estimated portfolio performance was reported as -11.0% year-to-date as of September 30, 2022.

• No formal decisions, votes, or approvals recorded; meeting was informational only

MCRWB Full Board

The MassHire Central Region Workforce Board met on October 20, 2022, and approved the April 21, 2022 meeting minutes unanimously. Members received updates on the summer YouthWorks program (396 participants in Worcester, Southbridge, and Milford), career center operations and staffing, and the delayed move of the Worcester Career Center to 554 Main Street (now expected winter 2023). The Southbridge Career Center move is scheduled for the week of November 14, 2022. No votes on substantive policy or funding decisions were recorded.

• Approved April 21, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:46 AM (unanimous)

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The Economic Development Committee voted on several zoning map amendments and discussed a proposed ordinance to allow chickens in residential areas. Three zoning changes were recommended for approval, two were held for further study, and two were filed. The committee also approved three Chairman's Orders to explore a chicken ordinance, including forming a working group and researching other cities' policies.

• Approved zoning map amendment extending BG-3.0 and CCOD-E to 17 Hermon St. (3-0)
• Approved zoning map amendment extending ML-2.0 to 1 Brussels St. (3-0)
• Filed zoning map amendment for 266 Webster St. and 15 Clover St. (3-0)
• Held petition for chicken ordinance study pending working group and reports (3-0)
• Held zoning map amendment for 24, 36, 40 Jackson St. (3-0)
• Approved zoning map amendment for 96 and 98-100 Beacon St. (2-0, Rivera recused)
• Filed petition for adaptive re-use overlay at 110 Webster St. (3-0)
• Approved minutes of July 19, 2022 meeting (3-0)

Worcester Ballpark Commission

The Worcester Ballpark Commission approved a monthly meeting schedule for the third Wednesday of each month at 10am, with no December meeting. The Commission discussed event day applications, Polar Park upgrades for AAA compliance, and WooSox improvements including a new boardroom and concessions. No final decisions were made on event day policies or park upgrades beyond scheduling.

• Approved meeting schedule: third Wednesday monthly at 10am, no December meeting (roll call vote passed)
• Approved minutes from May 18, 2022 meeting

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMMPO) approved the minutes from the August 17, 2022 meeting and the FFY 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), including an update on FFY 2023 highway projects from Districts 2 and 3. The results of the CMMPO North Representative election were presented. The meeting also included discussions on the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) website and outreach, a Reconnecting Communities Program grants application update, and a presentation on SRTS Infrastructure Grant opportunities.

• Approved August 17, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved FFY 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
• Presented results of CMMPO North Representative election

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The commission reviewed and discussed several agenda items including a dock addition at the Donahue Rowing Center, an expanded no-wake zone at Corazzini Boat Ramp, and a proposed schedule of rowing regattas for April and May 2023 with boat ramp closures. No final votes or decisions were recorded on these items. The meeting also included updates on the lake management plan, conservation projects, and reports from environmental staff and the watershed association.

• Reviewed dock addition proposal at Donahue Rowing Center (no vote recorded)
• Discussed expanded no-wake zone at Corazzini Boat Ramp (no action taken)
• Reviewed proposed Quinsigamond Rowing Association regattas for April/May 2023 (no approval recorded)
• Discussed existing dock placement at 348-356 South Quinsigamond Avenue (no decision)
• Received updates on lake drawdown, weed mapping, and invasive species treatments
• Heard update from Jacquelyn Burmeister, Senior Environmental Analyst, City of Worcester
• Heard update from Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association representative

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The committee voted to file an audit of the city's Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program and issued orders for the City Manager to reengage with organizations whose PILOT agreements have expired and to renew existing agreements with new parameters. It also ordered a report on reassessment of tax-exempt properties and requested a rubric for ARPA fund disbursement. Several items were held or filed without final decisions on the underlying proposals.

• Filed audit of PILOT agreements (2-0)
• Ordered City Manager to reengage expired PILOT agreements and renew existing ones with new parameters
• Ordered City Assessor report on reassessment of tax-exempt properties over last 3 years
• Filed ARPA status report (2-0)
• Ordered rubric for ARPA fund disbursement
• Filed Latino Advisory Commission ordinance amendment (2-0)
• Held charter change process communication (2-0)
• Held community ad-hoc committee for city manager hiring (2-0)

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee held a site visit of the Worcester Solar Farm at 20 Nippnapp Trail. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was solely a site visit.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports met virtually on October 18, 2022, to discuss several items. No final votes were taken; all items were held for future updates or referred for further discussion. Key topics included a review of the Fountas and Pinnell literacy program, teacher shortage data, opt-out rates for sex education, and updates on summer learning and early college programs.

• Held item on age-appropriate touching policy for further discussion
• Held item on summer learning program for K-8 students for an update in October
• Held item on Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Program for a report in June
• Held item on sex education opt-in/opt-out options for a report in December
• Held item on teacher shortages for an update in October
• Held item on Worcester Bravehearts reading program for further discussion
• Held item on Early College Full School and Expansion Grant for an update in October

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee held a digital meeting on October 14, 2022, with an agenda covering updates on the MTSS MS program launch, 2022 MCAS presentation, academic data review, and principal updates. The only recorded action was a motion to approve the September 29, 2022, meeting minutes. No other votes, approvals, denials, or tabling of items occurred.

• Approved September 29, 2022, meeting minutes (motion carried)

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council held a virtual monthly meeting on October 13, 2022. The agenda included minutes, budget report, reimbursement requests, final report reviews, grant amendment requests, ARPA/NEA budget revisions, FY23 MCC Grant Cycle, working group updates, staff updates, and upcoming funded events. The minutes record no votes, approvals, denials, or tabling of any item.

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority voted 4-0 to authorize the issuance of a Request for Proposals for the sale and development of 484-500 Main Street, with the CEO authorized to make clerical edits. The board also approved a $75,500 amendment to the Foley Hoag legal services agreement, conveyed 45 Green Street (Pickett Plaza) to the city, and executed change orders resulting in an $859,693.95 credit from the Gilbane-Hunt contract for the Polar Park and garage projects.

• Approved RFP for sale and development of 484-500 Main Street (4-0)
• Approved Amendment 1 to Foley Hoag LLP retainer for $75,500 (4-0)
• Approved conveyance of 45 Green Street (Pickett Plaza) to City of Worcester (4-0)
• Approved Change Orders 15-20 with Gilbane-Hunt for $859,693.95 credit (4-0)
• Approved Amendment 9 to Skanska USA project management agreement for $86,190 (4-0)
• Approved Amendment 5 to Walker Consultants design services agreement for $27,100 (4-0)
• Approved minutes of September 8, 2022 (3-0)
• Held cleaning services amendment with KleenRite Services to November meeting

Retirement Board

The Worcester Retirement Board approved nine superannuation retirement benefits for city employees, including teachers, police, and fire personnel, effective between August and October 2022. The board also voted unanimously (5-0) to grant a 5% salary increase to the executive secretary following an annual evaluation. Monthly warrants totaling $8,160,187.93 for retiree benefits and $225,424.01 in member refunds were approved collectively.

• Approved 9 superannuation pensions for WPS and WFD employees (5-0)
• Approved 5% salary increase for executive secretary (5-0)
• Approved warrant 22-26: $225,424.01 for member refunds
• Approved warrant 22-28: $91,535.66 for office expenses
• Approved warrant 22-29: $7,410.32 for office expenses
• Approved payroll warrants totaling $26,499.29 for September 2022
• Approved board stipend of $1,875.00
• Approved August retiree benefits warrant of $8,160,187.93

MCRWB Youth Council

The MassHire Central Region Workforce Board Youth Council met on October 13, 2022, and unanimously approved the April 14, 2022 meeting minutes. Members received a presentation from Bottom Line about helping first-generation, low-income students with college access and success. Program updates were provided on WIOA services, YouthWorks summer and year-round programs, and Connecting Activities. The meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

• Approved April 14, 2022 meeting minutes unanimously
• Heard presentation from Bottom Line on college access and success programs serving over 8,000 students
• Received YouthWorks Summer update: 143 students served in Spring 2022, 372 in Summer, ~$800,000 in wages at $14.25-$15/hr
• Noted YouthWorks Year Round: state funds for 110 youth ages 14-25 plus 60 STEM interns, BVEF awarded for 90 additional STEM interns
• Received Connecting Activities update: quarterly leadership schedule and STEM grant activities with Blackstone Valley Ed Foundation and Worcester Public Schools
• Next meeting scheduled for December 8, 2022

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved a definitive site plan and special permit for a 218-unit transit-oriented development at 225 Shrewsbury Street and 68 Albany Street, including a reduction in required parking. The board also approved a major redevelopment of the Great Brook Valley public housing complex, a self-storage facility at 0 Barber Avenue, and several other site plans and extensions. All votes were unanimous (4-0) except where noted.

• Approved definitive site plan and special permit for 218-unit development at 225 Shrewsbury Street & 68 Albany Street (4-0)
• Approved site plan for redevelopment of Great Brook Valley public housing at 16 & 52 Great Brook Valley Avenue (4-0)
• Approved site plan for self-storage facility at 0 Barber Avenue with added conditions (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 43-45 Laurel Street (4-0)
• Approved two-year extension for Lagrange Street & 47 Oread Street project (4-0)
• Approved amendment to Kiara Drive Subdivision (4-0)
• Removed Sala Street right-of-way from official map (3-0)
• Postponed five public meetings to later dates (4-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The Standing Committee on Finance and Operations reviewed the FY23 budget first-quarter status report and approved $2.55 million in transfers from salary and health insurance accounts to cover projected deficits in transportation, building utilities, and miscellaneous educational accounts. The committee also held items on quarterly maintenance updates and district-operated transportation for further discussion.

• Approved $500,000 transfer from Custodial Salaries to Building Utilities
• Approved $400,000 transfer from Maintenance Service Salaries to Building Utilities
• Approved $500,000 transfer from Transportation Salaries to Transportation
• Approved $500,000 transfer from Transportation Salaries to Transportation Overtime Salaries
• Approved $650,000 transfer from Health Insurance to Miscellaneous Educational OM
• Held item gb 2-92 (quarterly maintenance updates) for next quarterly report
• Held item gb 2-241 (district-operated transportation updates) for next meeting
• Filed items gb 1-304, gb 1-237, gb 1-285, and gb 2-6 as recommended by administration

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

The committee approved the minutes of the September 20, 2022 meeting. It then held a discussion and public forum on the operations of the Family Health Center of Worcester (FHCW), including its Southbridge closure and funding needs. After hearing from councilors and 13 public speakers, the committee voted to recommend the item be held.

• Approved minutes of September 20, 2022 meeting
• Recommended to hold item on Family Health Center of Worcester forum (no vote tally recorded)

City Council

The City Council voted 6-4 to file (reject) a petition from UMASS Chan Medical School to rename Plantation Street, Plantation Parkway, and Plantation Terrace. The council also approved a $500,000 grant for East Park renovations (6-4) and adopted several orders, including a request to study creating police precincts and a report on rodent problems. A petition to require parking plans for municipal lots was also filed (6-4).

• Filed petition to rename Plantation St., Plantation Pkwy, and Plantation Terr. (6-4)
• Approved $500,000 grant for East Park Renovation program (6-4)
• Filed petition to amend zoning for municipal parking lots (6-4)
• Adopted order to study creating police precincts (10-0)
• Adopted order for report on rodent problem (9-0)
• Approved $2.3M transfer for ERP annual subscription costs (10-0)
• Adopted order to name Holmes Field playground after Gordon Hargrove (10-0)
• Tabled item on permanent City Manager search process (8-2)

Chapter 139 Hearing

The October 11, 2022 Chapter 139 hearing agenda listed 11 properties, including 9 condemned and 2 vacant structures, with addresses, owners, and condemnation dates. No votes or decisions were recorded; the document is a procedural agenda for the hearing.

• No decisions made; agenda only lists properties for hearing

Senior Center Committee

The Senior Center Committee approved the minutes from the June 14, 2022 meeting and confirmed the next meeting for November 8, 2022 at noon via Zoom. Staff reported that FY23 city funding is being expended as planned, state COA funding is not finalized but carryover funds are available, and the Fitness Center soft opening has begun with 72 individuals registered. No formal votes on substantive items were taken; the meeting was largely informational and procedural.

• Approved minutes of June 14, 2022 (m/s/a)
• Confirmed next meeting for November 8, 2022 at noon via Zoom
• Adjourned at 1:05 pm (m/s/a)

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new apartment building at 111 Austin Street within the Crown Hill Local Historic District, with a 6-0 vote. The commission also approved several building demolition delay waivers, including window replacements at 525 Salisbury Street (5-1) and 321 Plantation Street (4-2), and a waiver for 681 Millbury Street (6-0). A discussion on 600 Lincoln Street was continued to November 17, 2022.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for new apartment building at 111 Austin Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window replacements at 525 Salisbury Street (5-1)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window replacements at 321 Plantation Street, Unit 101 (4-2)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window and egress changes at 681 Millbury Street (6-0)
• Granted leave to withdraw for 112 Mill Street demolition application, finding structure no longer eligible for historic registers (6-0)
• Continued discussion on 600 Lincoln Street demolition delay waiver to November 17, 2022 (6-0)
• Continued discussion on roofing material for 111 Austin Street to October 27, 2022 (6-0)
• Voted not to comment on proposed telecommunications project at 100 Madison Street (6-0)

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved eight license applications and allowed two withdrawals. All votes were unanimous 3-0. Approvals included common victualer licenses for Belen and Golden House of Shawarma, one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for the Ecotarium and the Italian Heritage Parade, entertainment licenses for Two Chefs and Taco Mexico, amended hours for Wicked Wings and Catanese Entertainment, and a retail marijuana license for Cannabis of Worcester LLC.

• Approved common victualer license for Belen, 385 Park Avenue (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Golden House of Shawarma, 490 Lincoln Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Two Chefs Italian Restaurant, 317 West Boylston Street (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Taco Mexico Worcester, Inc., 591 Park Avenue (3-0)
• Approved amended hours for C.M Family LLC dba Wicked Wings, 321 West Boylston Street (3-0)
• Approved retail marijuana license for Cannabis of Worcester LLC, 56 aka/62 Millbrook Street (3-0)

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee held a meeting on October 6, 2022, where it approved several administrative items, including authorizing the Superintendent to execute contracts, entering into a five-year lease for replacement school buses, and a four-year lease for 1,100 laptops for instructional staff. The committee also accepted donations, approved prior fiscal year payments, and referred several policy and job description items to standing committees for further review.

• Authorized Superintendent to execute contracts on behalf of School Committee
• Approved lease agreement for up to five years for replacement school buses
• Approved four-year lease agreement for 1,100 laptops for instructional staff
• Accepted $200 donation to Worcester Arts Magnet School and a 1973 Alfa Romeo for WTHS Automotive Department
• Approved prior fiscal year payments totaling over $130,000
• Referred Employee Social Media Policy to Governance and Employee Issues Committee
• Referred MASC policy amendments on race definition to Governance and Employee Issues Committee
• Referred petition on plastic waste from Forest Grove students to Finance and Operations Committee

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The Cable Television Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend Buske Group as the Ascertainment Consultant for the City of Worcester. The committee also approved minutes from September 7 and September 21, 2022, and reviewed a final survey to be administered in English and Spanish.

• Approved minutes from September 7 and September 21, 2022 (4-0)
• Recommended Buske Group as Ascertainment Consultant to City of Worcester (4-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health discussed updates on fentanyl-related overdoses, staffing concerns at the Family Health Center of Worcester, COVID-19 and monkeypox trends, urban chicken keeping, and proposed tobacco policy changes. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational and discussion-based.

• No formal decisions or votes recorded; all items were presented for discussion only

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council negotiate a provision in the next cable/broadband contract capping bills for ACP-eligible households at the federal subsidy amount. They also voted to recommend requiring public Wi-Fi access points in new large construction projects. The commission heard updates from Worcester Police Department diversity officers on body cameras, LGBTQ outreach, and broadband access data from the Worcester Research Bureau.

• Approved recommendation to City Council to cap broadband bills for ACP-eligible households at federal subsidy amount (6-0)
• Approved recommendation to City Manager requiring public Wi-Fi access points in new large construction (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from August 1 and September 12, 2022 (6-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit and variance for a 7-story, 218-unit multifamily building at 225 Shrewsbury Street and 68 Albany Street, with modified conditions for dumpster relocation. The board also approved a variance for a front porch at 8 Shawnee Road and postponed eight other items to later dates. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved special permit and variance for 218-unit high-rise at 225 Shrewsbury St & 68 Albany St (5-0)
• Approved variance for front porch at 8 Shawnee Road (5-0)
• Postponed 8 items (192 Norfolk St, 1 & 7 Brattle St, 10 & 12 Windsor St, 16 Alden St, 631 Franklin St, 4 Henchman Terrace, 16 & 52 Great Brook Valley Ave, 1073 & 1075 Pleasant St) to Oct 24 or Nov 14 (4-0)
• Approved fee refund for 19 Denmark Street (4-0)
• Approved minutes of 8/22/2022 and 9/12/2022 (4-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission held a public hearing on September 29, 2022, to take public comment on the proposed creation of the Elm Park Neighborhood Local Historic District. No vote was taken. Staff explained the purpose and process of local historic districts, and residents raised questions about slate roofs, solar panels, fees, enforcement, and potential tax impacts. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

• No votes were taken on the proposed historic district; only public comment was received
• Commission voted 6-0 to adjourn the meeting

License Commission

The License Commission approved five applications to upgrade or obtain package store all-alcohol licenses, with one application continued due to a cap on available licenses. All votes were unanimous except for two items where Chair Shea recused himself.

• Approved Jeet Investment, Inc. package store all-alcohol license (2-0, Shea recused)
• Approved Ha Nguyen dba Day Nite Store package store all-alcohol license (3-0)
• Approved Karm, Inc. dba Gateway Wine & Spirits package store all-alcohol license (2-0, Shea recused)
• Approved NEC Convenience Store, Inc. package store all-alcohol license (3-0)
• Approved LLAWM 1, LLC dba Wine & Market package store all-alcohol license (3-0)
• Continued My Liquors, Inc. application to December 1, 2022 (3-0) due to no remaining licenses

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee met digitally on September 29, 2022, and approved the minutes from the August 12, 2022 meeting. The committee reviewed the annual education calendar, academic data including IB spring data and SEL spring data, and the MTSS middle school program launch. Principals provided an update on the opening of school, focusing on elementary student needs. No votes on substantive policy or budget items were recorded.

• Approved the August 12, 2022 meeting minutes

City Council

The council ordained an ordinance banning personal watercraft at Indian Lake, despite a failed amendment to make the ban temporary until March 2023. The council also approved a 5-year contract for the Public Safety CAD/RMS Replacement and referred several items to committees. A motion to suspend rules to discuss the City Manager selection process failed, and the item was tabled.

• Ordained ban on personal watercraft at Indian Lake (9-1)
• Denied amendment to make ban temporary until March 2023 (1-9)
• Approved 5-year contract for Public Safety CAD/RMS Replacement (10-0)
• Referred reconsideration of Winter Operations pay rates to Public Works Committee (10-0)
• Failed to suspend rules to discuss City Manager selection process (4-5)
• Tabled City Manager selection process item under privilege
• Referred inclusionary zoning communication to Planning Board (10-0)
• Adopted orders for ARPA application reports (10-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board held a special meeting to receive the second update on the Now|Next citywide plan. Michelle Smith and consultant Zoe Taft Mueller presented Phase I engagement results, including survey data and public feedback. Board members asked questions and discussed outreach, transit capacity, and next steps. No votes or decisions were made; the meeting adjourned 5-0.

• Received update on Now|Next citywide plan (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The board voted to approve the meeting minutes from August 31, 2022. No other substantive decisions were recorded; the remainder of the meeting consisted of reports and discussion items.

• Approved meeting minutes from August 31, 2022

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The Upper Blackstone Clean Water board approved warrants totaling $691,255.10 and voted to enter executive session to discuss legal strategy regarding a draft Consent Decree with the EPA and DOJ, citing potential litigation. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining agenda items were informational or procedural.

• Approved warrants totaling $691,255.10 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss legal approach on draft Consent Decree with EPA and DOJ (unanimous)

Public Library Board of Directors

The Worcester Public Library Board of Directors held a meeting on September 28, 2022, but the minutes record only an agenda with no details of any decisions, approvals, votes, or discussions. The agenda items include call to order, approval of prior minutes, reports, old and new business, and adjournment, but no outcomes are provided.

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The committee voted 3-0 to file an order regarding the selection of a permanent city manager, after discussion. A chairman's order was issued requesting the City Clerk work with the Purchasing Agent to review the RFP for an executive search firm and report on next steps and costs. The committee also filed several other items, including updates on the city archive, equity audits, and the Urban Forestry Tree Commission, and held an item on community engagement in the city manager hiring process.

• Filed order on permanent city manager selection process (3-0)
• Issued chairman's order for City Clerk to review RFP for executive search firm
• Filed communication on city archive project (3-0)
• Filed communication on executive order addressing institutional racism (3-0)
• Filed communication on diversity recruitment initiative (3-0)
• Filed amendment creating Urban Forestry Tree Commission (3-0)
• Held order for community ad-hoc committee on city manager hiring (3-0)
• Held order on pending state legislation discussion (3-0)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees voted 6-0 to approve the scoring matrix for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Developer Application and authorized the release of the RFP. The motion also amended the RFP to exclude bonus funding from the 25% of total development cost cap. The board also approved the August 8, 2022 meeting minutes and set a regular monthly meeting schedule for the third Wednesday at 5:30 PM starting November 16, 2022.

• Approved the minutes from the August 8, 2022 meeting (6-0).
• Established a regular monthly meeting schedule for the third Wednesday at 5:30 PM starting November 16, 2022.
• Approved the scoring matrix for the AHTF Developer Application and authorized release of the RFP (6-0).
• Amended the RFP to state that bonus funding does not count toward the 25% of total development cost limit.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The committee approved the August 12, 2022 meeting minutes. Members reviewed the annual education calendar, academic data standardization, IB and SEL spring data, and the MTSS middle school program launch. Principals provided an update on the opening of school and student needs. No votes on substantive policy or funding decisions were recorded.

• Approved August 12, 2022 meeting minutes

Civic Center Commission

The Civic Center Commission approved raising facility fees for concert and entertainment events from $4 to $5 per ticket, and adding a $0.50 walk-up fee for Convention Center events. Family shows will remain at $4 per ticket. The motion passed with one abstention and opposition from Commissioner Herideen. The increase is intended to meet rising payroll and utility costs without raising rents.

• Approved facility fee increase for concert/entertainment events from $4 to $5 per ticket (4-1-1)
• Approved $0.50 walk-up fee for Convention Center events (4-1-1)
• Kept family show facility fee at $4 per ticket (4-1-1)
• Accepted new format for Monthly Highlight Report
• Noted approval of ballroom chair sample by ASM Global, pending DPF inspection

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission voted unanimously to continue three applications to its October 6, 2022 meeting, extending constructive grant deadlines to October 21. The commission also endorsed the FY 2022 Certified Local Government Annual Report. No final decisions were made on any demolition or alteration requests.

• Continued 111 Austin Street certificate of appropriateness to Oct 6 (6-0)
• Continued 600 Lincoln Street demolition delay waiver to Oct 6 (6-0)
• Continued 525 Salisbury Street demolition delay waiver to Oct 6 (6-0)
• Endorsed FY 2022 Certified Local Government Annual Report (6-0)

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved several common victualer and liquor licenses, including for Jordan Deli & Shawarma, Yalla Yalla, La Central Bakery & Café, and Jusstevein Inc. dba 266 Park Avenue. A package store malt & wine license for Lucky Farms Variety Store was denied due to adequate service in the area. Several other applications were postponed or continued to future meetings.

• Approved common victualer license for Jordan Deli & Shawarma LLC (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Yalla Yalla (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for La Central Bakery & Café (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Megan Horgan (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for Red Bull Gaming Hub (3-0)
• Approved restaurant all alcohol and common victualer licenses for Jusstevein Inc. dba 266 Park Avenue (3-0)
• Denied package store malt & wine license for Gupta's Sons Corporation dba Lucky Farms Variety Store (3-0)
• Approved transfer of restaurant all alcohol, common victualer, and entertainment licenses for DP Restaurant Group LLC dba Lascala Ristorante & Steakhouse (2-0)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The WRTA Advisory Board voted to endorse the FFY 2022 Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan and to extend the suspension of fare collection until June 30, 2023, with fare policy to be discussed during the Spring 2023 budget process. The meeting was held remotely due to pandemic-era policies. No other action items were recorded.

• Endorsed the FFY 2022 TAM Plan (vote taken).
• Extended suspension of fare collection until June 30, 2023 (vote taken).
• Fare policy to be discussed as part of Spring 2023 budget deliberation.

Citizen Advisory Council

The Citizen Advisory Council met on September 21, 2022, and conducted interviews with applicants for advisory positions. The meeting also included approval of previous minutes and discussion of recruitment and outreach efforts. No final decisions on appointments were made during this session.

• Approved minutes from July 18, 2022 meeting
• Interviewed applicants for advisory council seats

Planning Board

The Worcester Planning Board voted 5-0 to approve the definitive site plan and 81G street opening for a Holy Cross student housing project at 129B, 131, & 133 Kendig Street and 1 College Street. The board also approved a parking plan for a bank with drive-through at 288 Grove Street, a marijuana testing lab special permit at 124 West Boylston Street, a mixed-use development at 44 Grafton Street and 102 Temple Street, and a duplex at 0 Lovell Street. Several other items were postponed or continued to later meetings.

• Approved Holy Cross student housing definitive site plan and 81G street opening (5-0)
• Approved parking plan for bank with drive-through at 288 Grove Street (5-0)
• Approved special permit for adult-use marijuana testing lab at 124 West Boylston Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for mixed-use development at 44 Grafton Street and 102 Temple Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for duplex at 0 Lovell Street (5-0)
• Postponed release of lots from restrictive covenant for Malden Woods subdivision to October 12, 2022
• Endorsed approval-not-required plans for 17 Mott Street, 21 Holden Street, 2&4 Brewer Street, and 43 & 45A Garrison Avenue (5-0)
• Granted continuances, postponements, and withdrawals for multiple projects (4-0)

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The Lake Quinsigamond Commission met on September 21, 2022, and approved new dock permits as part of its regular business. The commission also reviewed updates on the lake management plan, including weed mapping, invasive species treatments, and a proposal for drawdown permits for Newton Pond. No other substantive decisions were recorded; the meeting focused on reports and correspondence.

• Approved new dock permits
• Reviewed and acted on acceptance of August 2022 meeting minutes
• Reviewed and approved bills and expenses

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The Traffic and Parking Committee approved several handicap parking petitions, held a request for a comprehensive traffic review in the Montvale Historic District pending a study, and approved crosswalk and parking changes for Learning First Charter Public School. All votes were 3-0.

• Approved handicap parking spaces on Beaver St., 15 Dix St., 90 Florence St., 5 New York St., and removal at 1 Spaulding St. and 24 William St. (3-0)
• Held request for handicap parking at 16 Groton Pl. due to winter parking ban (3-0)
• Held Montvale Historic District traffic review, ordering a traffic study for short- and long-term calming options (3-0)
• Filed weight restriction request for Sagamore Rd., Whitman Rd., and Pratt St. (3-0)
• Filed speed hump request at Whitman Rd. and Sagamore Rd. (3-0)
• Approved crosswalk and no-parking changes on Richland St. for Learning First Charter Public School, with increased police enforcement (3-0)
• Held crosswalk study at Salisbury St., Barry Rd., and Salisbury Hill Blvd. (3-0)
• Approved making South St. one-way from Chapin St. to Shannon St. for Union Hill School (3-0)

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The Accessibility Advisory Commission voted to support two Architectural Access Board variance requests: one for Quinsigamond Community College's Suprenant Hall and Herbert Auditorium (parking and toilet room variances) and one for The Cove residential building at 85 Green Street (kitchen sink depth variance). The commission also received an emergency preparedness update and discussed inclusionary zoning and future sidewalk recommendations.

• Supported AAB variance for 670 W. Boylston Street (QCC) – parking and toilet room variances (motion passed, Myska recused)
• Supported AAB variance for 85 Green Street (The Cove) – kitchen sink depth variance (motion passed, Myska recused)
• Approved August 16, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed inclusionary zoning proposed ordinance (no vote taken)
• Discussed future FY24 sidewalk/street resurfacing program recommendations (no vote taken)
• White Cane Day planning update – event set for October 15, 2022 (no vote taken)

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners approved proposed in-person early voting locations for the November 8, 2022 State Election. The board also discussed preparations for the election, including poll workers and the processing of early voted ballots. The meeting included a memo from the City Clerk detailing changes under the VOTES Act, such as extended vote-by-mail deadlines and ballot processing procedures.

• Approved proposed in-person early voting locations for the November 8 State Election
• Discussed poll worker preparations for the November 8 State Election
• Set advanced removal and depositing of early voted ballots for Nov. 5-7 at Levi Lincoln Chamber

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

The committee received informational updates on youth violence prevention, opioid fatalities, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and the REACH project. No votes were taken on these items; all were either filed or held. A request for quarterly meetings with public health bodies was also held.

• Approved minutes of June 24, 2022 meeting
• Youth violence prevention update placed on file
• Opioid fatalities update placed on file
• CHIP update held
• REACH project update held
• Quarterly meeting request held

City Council

The City Council ordained two new ordinances creating a rental property registration program and a periodic inspection program for rental dwelling units. The council also approved over $4.5 million in capital transfers for street resurfacing, sidewalk construction, and other infrastructure projects. Several items were tabled, including a proposed ban on personal watercraft at Indian Lake and a racial equity audit report.

• Ordained rental property registration and periodic inspection programs (10-0)
• Approved $2.3M transfer for street resurfacing (10-0)
• Approved $1M transfer for downtown street/sidewalk improvements (10-0)
• Approved $550K transfer for sidewalk construction (10-0)
• Approved $14.1M FEMA SAFER grant for fire staffing (10-0)
• Approved $800K workforce training grant (10-0)
• Tabled proposed personal watercraft ban at Indian Lake
• Tabled racial equity audit report for HR and Health & Human Services

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee discussed a proposed pocket forest pilot project in a heat island neighborhood and received a status update on the city's approach to net-zero building emissions, which will not include participation in a state fossil-fuel pilot. The committee also heard presentations from community groups and approved the July 25, 2022 meeting minutes with an edit.

• Approved July 25, 2022 meeting minutes with edit (unanimous)
• Discussed pocket forest pilot project in heat island neighborhood (no vote)
• Noted city will not participate in state fossil-fuel pilot for new construction
• Heard presentations from NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Committee and Walk Bike Worcester
• Received final greenhouse gas emissions inventory report for 2009 and 2019

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Commission on Elder Affairs met on September 19, 2022, at the Worcester Senior Center. The meeting included a guest speaker, Dr. Matilde Castiel, Commissioner of Health and Human Services, who provided an update on the pandemic and HHS issues. The Commission approved the minutes of the June 27, 2022 meeting and the Senior Center Committee Report of September 13, 2022. No substantive decisions were made beyond these approvals.

• Approved minutes of June 27, 2022 Commission meeting (m/s/a)
• Approved Senior Center Committee Report of September 13, 2022 (m/s/a)

Conservation Commission

The meeting was largely procedural, with no final votes recorded on any of the agenda items. The Commission heard requests for determinations of applicability, notices of intent, and an amended order of conditions for projects including underground electric conduit on Chandler Street, landscaping at 81 Hope Avenue, construction at Assumption University, and several residential developments. No decisions were made; all items were discussed or continued.

• No decisions recorded; all items were public hearings or new business without votes

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

The Governance Committee of Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School met digitally on September 19, 2022. The committee approved its vision/mission statement as presented. Members also discussed identifying candidates for the Board of Trustees and board leadership succession. The next meetings were scheduled for December 2, 2022, and March 5, 2023.

• Approved Governance Committee Vision/Mission Statement as presented

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee approved the August 19, 2022 meeting minutes. The committee received the end-of-year financial report for 2021-2022 and updates on the middle and elementary school projects, as well as an IT update. No other decisions were made; the next meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2022.

• Approved the August 19, 2022 meeting minutes

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission convened on September 15, 2022, for an outreach seminar in partnership with the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). The session covered compliance topics including license changes, outdoor patios, alcohol purchasing, delivery rules, ID checks, and renewal deadlines. No votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was purely educational.

• No decisions made — meeting was an informational seminar only

Worcester Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners approved increasing the Payment Standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for new lease-ups and re-certifications. The board also approved the revised Federal Public Housing Family Self Sufficiency action plan for submission to HUD. Additionally, the board approved the close-out of the HUD FY2017 Capital Fund Program Grant and the HUD FY2020 Capital Fund Emergency Grant. The minutes from the August 18, 2022 meeting were approved.

• Approved the minutes from the August 18, 2022 Regular Meeting.
• Approved the August 2022 tenant Accounts Receivable for Federal & State write-offs.
• Approved increasing the Payment Standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for new lease-ups and re-certifications.
• Approved submitting the revised Federal Public Housing Family Self Sufficiency action plan to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development.
• Approved the close-out of the HUD FY2017 Capital Fund Program Grant.
• Approved the close-out of the HUD FY2020 Capital Fund Emergency Grant.

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee accepted a $220,810 STEM Equipment & Professional Development Grant from the Massachusetts Life Science Center and approved prior fiscal year payments totaling $870.03. The committee also received updates on security guard services at ten locations costing $262,675 annually, a draft MOU with the Worcester Police Department for School Liaison Officers, and COVID-19 data showing 163 student and 70 staff positive cases from August 27 to September 8, 2022. Several items were referred to standing committees for further review.

• Accepted $220,810 STEM grant from Massachusetts Life Science Center (roll call vote)
• Approved $870.03 in prior fiscal year payments for employee sick leave incentive and CNA training (roll call vote)
• Accepted and filed update on security guard services at 10 locations totaling $262,675 annually
• Held COVID-19 update item for next meeting after reporting 163 student and 70 staff positive cases
• Referred elementary lunch/recess policy review to Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports
• Referred CDL testing language advocacy to Standing Committee on Finance and Operations
• Referred sidewalk safety coordination to Joint Standing Committee on Finance and Operations and Education
• Considered job descriptions for Procurement Coordinator, Preschool Arena Evaluator, and Early Childhood Coordinator as prerogative of the committee

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The Upper Blackstone Clean Water board approved three warrants totaling $1,483,340.02 and discussed an upcoming EPA meeting on Sept. 22 and a PFAS workshop on Oct. 18. No votes or substantive decisions were recorded beyond the warrant approvals.

• Approved warrant $548,741.89 (08/19/2022)
• Approved warrant $301,120.73 (08/27/2022)
• Approved warrant $633,477.40 (09/12/2022)

Chapter 139 Hearing

The September 13, 2022 Chapter 139 hearing listed 13 condemned properties for review, including addresses on Cargill Avenue, Chandler Street, Clarendon Street, East Central Street, Ferdinand Street, Ford Street, Hamilton Street, Harrison Street, Joseph Street, Marsh Avenue, Wilbur Street, and William Street. No votes or decisions were recorded; the agenda appears to be a procedural listing of properties for future action. Next meetings are scheduled for October 11, November 8, and December 13, 2022.

• No decisions made; agenda only lists condemned properties for review

Senior Center Committee

The committee approved FY23 allocations including $25,000 for transportation services and an employee salary increase, and discussed facility reopening, staffing challenges, and upcoming programs. No substantive decisions were made beyond these approvals.

• Approved FY23 allocation of $25,000 for transportation services (m/s/a)
• Approved employee salary increase with $4,671 in state COA funding (m/s/a)
• Approved minutes of May 10, 2022 (m/s/a)
• Confirmed next meeting for October 11, 2022 at noon

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports met on September 13, 2022, to discuss several items, but no formal votes were taken on the agenda items. The committee reviewed reports on summer learning programs, virtual tutoring, teacher shortages, specialized secondary programs, and the Worcester Technical High School admissions policy. The only item with prior approval was the $500,000 Early College grant, which had been approved by the School Committee on August 18, 2022.

• No decisions were made at this meeting; all items were discussed and held for future updates.

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission voted to recommend the city manager convey its endorsement of the Empower Act (Vote16 initiative) to the City Council for review. It also approved sharing information about the We the People and Project Citizen programs with the school committee and administration. A third motion directed the city manager to share federal student aid voter registration guidance with local colleges.

• Approved motion to recommend city manager convey commission's endorsement of Empower Act/Vote16 to City Council (unanimous roll call)
• Approved motion to share We the People and Project Citizen info with school committee and administration (unanimous roll call)
• Approved motion to advise city manager to share federal student aid voter registration requirements with local colleges (unanimous roll call)
• Tabled approval of August 1, 2022 meeting minutes until next month

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit and variance for a 9-story, 105-unit mixed-use building at 44 Grafton Street and 102 Temple Street, with a condition for pre- and post-construction inspections of abutting properties. The board also approved several other items, including a special permit for a food-service establishment at 1285 Pleasant Street and variances for a townhouse development at 26 Maxwell Street. All votes were 5-0 except for the Maxwell Street approval, which passed 4-1.

• Approved special permit and variance for 9-story, 105-unit mixed-use building at 44 Grafton Street & 102 Temple Street (5-0)
• Approved special permit for professional office/childcare at 18-24 Oxford Street with modified hours (5-0)
• Approved special permit and variance to rebuild 11-unit dwelling at 69 West Street (5-0)
• Approved variances for 3-unit townhouse at 26 Maxwell Street with drainage condition (4-1)
• Approved special permit for food-service with alcohol at 1285 Pleasant Street (5-0)
• Approved special permit for 3-story two-family dwelling at 0 Hermitage Lane (5-0)
• Approved special permit for bank with drive-through at 288 Grove Street with white roof condition (5-0)
• Granted postponement and withdrawal requests for items at 192 Norfolk Street, 19 Denmark Street, and 225 Shrewsbury Street (5-0)

Standing Committee on Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment

The committee heard a presentation on municipal broadband from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau but held the item for further study. Chairperson Haxhiaj issued three chairman's orders requesting a public Wi-Fi map, a report on ARPA funding for broadband, and a meeting with the broadband task force and providers. A petition to divest city funds from fossil fuels was also held. The committee filed an update on the 311 system.

• Held item on municipal broadband presentation (no vote recorded)
• Issued chairman's orders for public Wi-Fi map, ARPA broadband report, and meeting with task force and providers
• Held petition to divest from fossil fuels (no vote recorded)
• Filed informational communication on 311 system status (no vote recorded)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The Education Committee of Abby Kelley Foster Charter School met on September 9, 2022, to approve the previous meeting's minutes and receive an overview of the annual committee calendar. The meeting included presentations on academic data standardization, IB spring data, and a principals' update on the opening of school. No votes were taken on substantive policy or budget items.

• Approved the August 12, 2022 meeting minutes.
• Scheduled the next Education Committee meeting for October 14, 2022.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The meeting was procedural only, with no votes or decisions recorded. The agenda included call to order, roll call, and acceptance of prior minutes, but no actions were taken on any items. The assistant commissioner's report noted a request to allow alcohol at an event on Worcester Common, but no decision was made.

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council approved the meeting minutes, budget report, and final reports for Push Worcester and Worcester County Light Opera Club. They also approved grant amendments for Doménica Dillon and Piya Samant, and provisionally approved an amendment for Indian Lake Community Association pending a capital expenditures form. No grant reimbursements were made at this time.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion by Lisa Malo, seconded by Sean)
• Approved budget report (motion by Brandon Lewis, seconded by Lisa Malo)
• Approved final report for Push Worcester
• Approved final report for Worcester County Light Opera Club
• Approved grant amendment for Doménica Dillon (NEA)
• Provisionally approved grant amendment for Indian Lake Community Association pending capital expenditures form
• Approved grant amendment for Piya Samant with updated dates

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission approved demolition delay waivers for 24 Indian Hill Road and 30 Millbury Street, allowing window and storefront work. The commission continued the application for 111 Austin Street to September 22, 2022, and allowed withdrawal for 5 Hecla Street. It also supported bridge reconstruction over I-290.

• Approved demolition delay waiver for 24 Indian Hill Road (7-0)
• Approved demolition delay waiver for 30 Millbury Street (7-0)
• Continued 111 Austin Street application to September 22, 2022 (7-0)
• Allowed withdrawal of application for 5 Hecla Street (7-0)
• Supported reconstruction of Harrison Street and Laurel Street bridges over I-290 (7-0)
• Approved minutes of June 30, 2022 (6-0, Helnarski abstained)
• Approved minutes of August 25, 2022 (6-0, Stefani abstained)

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved common victualer licenses for The Verdict Café, Deniada Restaurant, and Mackao Restaurant and Bar, along with numerous one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for events including the St. Spyridon Greek Festival, a Worcester Common festival, and the Harpoon Worcester Beer Garden. The commission also approved a change of manager for Whiskey On Water and Professional Sports Catering, an alteration of premises for CSC&R District, and a restaurant all alcohol license for Shaking Crab. Several applications were postponed to the September 22 meeting, and one establishment was allowed to reopen for food only.

• Approved common victualer license for The Verdict Café, 225 Main Street (2-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Deniada Restaurant, 6 Chandler Street (2-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Mackao Restaurant and Bar, 181 Millbury Street (2-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for St. Spyridon Greek Festival, 102 Russell Street (2-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Cyrus Alexander festival, Worcester Common (2-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Harpoon Worcester Beer Garden, Mercantile Plaza (2-0)
• Approved alteration of premises for CSC&R District, 90 Harding Street with conditions (2-0)
• Approved restaurant all alcohol and common victualer licenses for Shaking Crab, 554 Main Street (2-0)

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority reviewed a draft Request for Proposals for the sale and redevelopment of the Denholm Building, which was acquired in August 2022. The board deferred a vote on authorizing advertisement until the October meeting to allow time for board member comments. The RFP seeks a development partner for the site, with evaluation criteria including residential units (125+), affordability (20% minimum), and willingness to handle demolition.

• Approved minutes of August 8, 2022 (3-0)
• Deferred vote on authorizing Denholm Building RFP advertisement to October meeting
• Approved $132,882 amendment to design services agreement with Nault Architects for Union Station (3-0)
• Approved $504,795 cleaning services agreement with KleenRite Services for Union Station (3-0)
• Elected David Minasian as Vice-Chair and Jennifer Gaskin as Secretary for FY2023 (3-0)

Retirement Board

The Worcester Retirement Board approved 12 superannuation retirements and received reports on two accidental disability cases. It also approved warrants totaling over $8.5 million, including retiree benefits and member refunds. The board heard a cybersecurity presentation and discussed PERAC memos, but no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 12 superannuation retirements (unanimous)
• Received accidental disability reports for James Mateychuk and Lawrence Trainor
• Approved warrants 22-23 through 22-25 totaling $480,540.28
• Approved August retiree benefits of $8,030,538.69
• Approved office employee payroll and board stipend payments

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The Standing Committee on Finance and Operations met on September 8, 2022, to discuss several items related to school transportation, budget, and facilities. No final votes were taken on the agenda items; most were held for further discussion or filed based on prior actions. The committee reviewed monthly transportation updates, including bus driver hiring, vehicle procurement, and the MyStop app, but took no new decisions.

• Held item gb #9-355 on bus transportation for secondary students within 2 miles for FY23 discussion (prior roll call 2-1)
• Filed item gb #1-101 on electric school buses per administration recommendation
• Filed item gb #1-146.1 on BRYT Program cost report per administration recommendation
• Held item gb #1-208 on FY22 budget transfers for second quarter report (prior roll call 2-1)
• Filed item gb #1-303 on independent accountants' report per administration recommendation
• Held item gb #2-44 on pre/post-COVID bus route report for monthly updates (prior roll call 3-0)
• Held item gb #2-109 on after-school transportation updates for August update (prior voice vote)
• Held item gb #2-205 on tardy bus process for committee discussion (prior roll call 7-0)

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee approved minutes from August 3, 2022 (4-0). They received a preliminary needs report from the school channel, focusing on staffing increases. The survey consultant update indicated distribution expected in October or November. Two responses were received for an ascertainment consultant RFP, with one incomplete; the board will evaluate responses and work with Purchasing. A contract comparison review is ongoing, with a full presentation planned for December. The committee is awaiting Spectrum's response on franchise fee increase history.

• Approved August 3, 2022 minutes (4-0)
• Received school channel preliminary needs report; staffing increase identified as top need
• Survey consultant update: distribution expected October or November
• Two responses received for ascertainment consultant RFP; one incomplete; board to evaluate
• Contract comparison review update: progress, full presentation planned for December
• Spectrum franchise fee increase: awaiting response, will follow up with Law Department

Standing Committee on Public Works

The Public Works Committee recommended approval of making Weldon Street public, discontinuing part of Grand Street, and extending a sewer main on Waban Avenue. It also filed reports on the Lake Avenue sewer pump station failure and sewer/street abatements, and held discussions on utility company repaving policies.

• Recommended approval to make Weldon St. public (3-0)
• Recommended approval to discontinue Grand St. from Illinois St. to railroad property (3-0)
• Recommended approval to extend sanitary sewer main on Waban Ave. ~242 ft. at petitioner's expense (3-0)
• Filed report on Lake Avenue Sewer Pumping Station failure (3-0)
• Filed report on sewer and street abatement policies (3-0)
• Held discussion on utility company repaving policies (3-0)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Worcester Advisory Committee on the Status of Women met virtually and re-elected Kayanna James as Chairperson and Samantha Sendrowski as Vice-Chairperson unanimously (6-0-0). The committee approved the June 7, 2022 meeting minutes with one edit (5-0-0) and tabled the marketing presentation on Wonder Women of Worcester posters. They discussed the draft annual work plan for the coming year, including programming focus areas and planning for the 2023 Women of Consequence Awards, with volunteers assigned to lead various initiatives.

• Re-elected Kayanna James as Chairperson (6-0-0)
• Re-elected Samantha Sendrowski as Vice-Chairperson (6-0-0)
• Approved June 7, 2022 meeting minutes with one edit (5-0-0)
• Tabled marketing presentation on Wonder Women of Worcester posters
• Accepted agenda with one revision (roll call vote)

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners posted a notice announcing advanced removal and depositing of early voted ballots for the September 6, 2022 state primary. Processing sessions will be held on September 3, 2022, in the Levi Lincoln Chamber, with observers required to register in advance. No results will be announced until after polls close on September 6.

• Scheduled advanced processing of early voted ballots for Sept. 3, 2022 (8:30 AM–8:00 PM)
• Required observers to register by emailing clerk@worcesterma.gov before processing sessions
• Deferred all results announcements until after polls close on Sept. 6

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee approved the Employee Social Media Policy and accepted an update to the FY23 Budget reflecting a $945,067 reduction in state aid, offset by anticipated free cash. The committee also referred several items to standing committees, including a review of after-school transportation and the Worcester Technical High School admissions policy. No final votes were taken on the COVID update or the budget transfers.

• Approved Employee Social Media Policy (roll call, vote tally not recorded)
• Accepted FY23 Budget update showing $945,067 less state aid, offset by free cash (roll call, vote tally not recorded)
• Approved prior fiscal year payments totaling $5,953.06 (roll call, vote tally not recorded)
• Approved job description for Contract Coordinator (roll call, vote tally not recorded)
• Referred after-school transportation review to Finance and Operations Committee
• Referred FY23 Budget transfers to Finance and Operations Committee
• Referred monthly transportation updates to Finance and Operations Committee
• Referred Worcester Technical High School admissions policy review to Teaching, Learning and Student Supports Committee

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted 5-0 to favorably recommend zoning map amendments for 39 Lamartine Street, 306 & 308 Belmont Street, and 24 & 38 Harlow Street to the City Council. They also approved a parking plan at 732 West Boylston Street with a waiver of paving requirement, and continued a site plan for Holy Cross at Kendig Street to September 21. Two zoning ordinance amendments were recommended, one with a 4-1 vote.

• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment for 39 Lamartine Street (5-0)
• Approved parking plan at 732 West Boylston Street with waiver of paving requirement (5-0)
• Continued Holy Cross site plan at Kendig Street to September 21 (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan at 30 Everard Street subject to conditions (5-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment for 306 & 308 Belmont Street (5-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment for 24 & 38 Harlow Street (5-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning ordinance amendment for Article XV, Section 5A & 5C (4-1, LaValley opposed)
• Favorably recommended zoning ordinance amendment for Article XV, Section 5D (5-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The board met digitally and approved the minutes from the June 29, 2022 meeting. No other substantive decisions were recorded; the agenda included reports and committee updates but no votes on policy, contracts, or personnel.

• Approved meeting minutes from June 29, 2022

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners met to finalize preparations for the September 6, 2022 State Primary. They approved early voting locations and the advanced removal and depositing of early voted ballots, with sessions scheduled for September 3. The board also voted to have police present at all voting locations.

• Approved early voting locations (4-0)
• Approved police presence at all voting locations
• Approved advanced removal and depositing of early voted ballots on September 3

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues met on August 30, 2022, to discuss several agenda items but took no final votes or decisions. Items discussed included creating an ad hoc subcommittee on school committee rules, a policy on Chromebook use and replacement, a one-year alteration to the excused absence policy due to COVID-19, and a review of the dress code and student locker policies. The minutes record only discussion and prior actions; no new decisions were made at this meeting.

• No decisions were made at the August 30, 2022 meeting; all items were discussed only.
• Item gb 0-28 (ad hoc subcommittee on rules) was discussed with prior action noted from February 2022.
• Item gb 0-288.1 (DCF reporting policy) was discussed; the Administration recommended filing the item.
• Item gb 0-368 (operational norms) was discussed with prior action from March 2021.
• Item gb 1-285 (Chromebook policy) was discussed; the Administration recommended filing the item due to prior action under gb 2-226.
• Item gb 2-119 (excused absence policy alteration) was discussed; the Administration was prepared to speak to the item.
• Item gb 2-175 (dress code and backpack policy) was discussed; the Administration recommended filing the item due to prior action under gb 2-234.
• The meeting was held virtually and in-person in Room 410 of the Durkin Administration Building.

Conservation Commission

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM but the minutes record only agenda items; no decisions, votes, or outcomes are documented. The agenda lists several public hearings, new business items (requests for determination of applicability, notices of intent, and a request for amended order of conditions), other business including certificates of compliance and enforcement updates, and discussion items. No substantive actions were taken or recorded in the provided minutes.

Standing Committee on Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation

The committee voted 2-1 to request the City Manager ask the City Solicitor to draft an ordinance permanently banning personal watercraft, including jet skis, on Indian Lake. The committee also voted 3-0 to file a related communication about enforcement and a separate order for a moratorium on non-resident watercraft use. Public testimony was heard, with most speakers in favor of a ban.

• Approved Chairman's Order requesting an ordinance for a permanent ban on personal watercraft (PWC) on Indian Lake (2 Yeas, 1 Nay).
• Voted to file a communication about on-the-water oversight and enforcement at Indian Lake (3 Yeas, 0 Nays).
• Voted to file an order for a moratorium on non-resident and non-property-owner PWC use on Indian Lake (3 Yeas, 0 Nays).
• Approved the minutes of the June 29, 2022 committee meeting (2 Yeas, 0 Nays).

License Commission

The License Commission approved a one-day entertainment license for Soles of Hope at 87 Salisbury Street, allowing dancing, live music, and live bands on August 27, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., with the condition that entertainment ends by midnight. The vote was 2-0.

• Approved one-day entertainment license for Soles of Hope (2-0) with condition that entertainment end by midnight

Historical Commission

The commission approved two demolition delay waivers for the Worcester Art Museum at 55 Salisbury Street: one for removal of a 1968 addition and restoration of the original façade, and another for roof replacement, mechanical updates, and penthouse cladding replacement. A Certificate of Non-Applicability was issued for window work at 144 Pleasant Street, and a postponement was granted for 111 Austin Street. The commission also issued an updated letter of support for the Worcester Boys' Club project.

• Approved demolition delay waiver for 55 Salisbury Street (Worcester Art Museum) for removal of 1968 addition and façade restoration (7-0)
• Approved demolition delay waiver for 55 Salisbury Street (Worcester Art Museum) for roof replacement, mechanical updates, and penthouse cladding (7-0)
• Issued Certificate of Non-Applicability for 144 Pleasant Street window work (6-0)
• Postponed application for 111 Austin Street to September 8, 2022, with extended constructive grant deadline to September 23, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved minutes of July 14, 2022 and August 11, 2022 (7-0 each)
• Issued updated letter of support for Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit allocation for Worcester Boys' Club (7-0)

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee voted unanimously to hold several items, including two orders related to the process for selecting a permanent city manager. The committee also placed on file communications about the School Committee election process and the city's fiscal year 2022 financial update. No final decisions were made on the city manager search or other substantive matters.

• Approved minutes of July 14, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Held communication on PILOT fund audit (3-0)
• Filed annual actuarial valuation for Worcester Retirement System (3-0)
• Filed communications on School Committee election process and split precincts (3-0)
• Held communication on charter changes and ballot questions (3-0)
• Filed FY2022 financial update (3-0)
• Held order on permanent city manager selection process (3-0)
• Held order on community ad-hoc committee for city manager hiring (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit and variance for a barber shop at 681 Millbury Street, allowing a service shop in an RG-5 zone and relief from minimum parking requirements. The board voted 5-0 to approve the relief, adding a condition that the special permit runs with the applicant and lapses upon change of ownership, and requiring that employees and patrons be informed that no parking is available on adjacent private streets. The board also approved a digital billboard conversion at 37 Garden Street, amendments to variances at 5 A&B Reeves Street, a non-conforming structure extension at 335 Bridle Path, and a parking variance at 84, 90 & 91 Lamartine Street, all by 5-0 votes.

• Approved special permit and variance for a barber shop at 681 Millbury Street (5-0), with conditions limiting parking to public streets and making the permit non-transferable
• Approved conversion of a static billboard to digital at 37 Garden Street (5-0)
• Approved amendments to variances for lot area and side yard setbacks at 5 A&B Reeves Street (5-0)
• Approved special permit for extension of a non-conforming structure at 335 Bridle Path (5-0)
• Approved variance from minimum off-street parking requirements at 84, 90 & 91 Lamartine Street (5-0)
• Postponed public meetings for items at 18-24 Oxford Street, 69 West Street, and 192 Norfolk Street to September 12, 2022 (4-0)
• Corrected scrivener's error in a prior decision (3-0)
• Approved minutes from July 11, 2022 and August 1, 2022 meetings (5-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee of Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School met digitally on August 19, 2022. The only substantive action was approval of the June 17, 2022 meeting minutes. All other agenda items were discussed or noted without formal decisions.

• Approved June 17, 2022 meeting minutes

MCRWB Executive Committee

The MassHire Central Region Workforce Board Executive Committee met on August 19, 2022, and unanimously approved the June 17, 2022 meeting minutes. Staff reported an HVAC leak that flooded the Worcester career center, displacing staff and prompting temporary service arrangements. The committee also reviewed summer YouthWorks program results and staffing updates.

• Approved June 17, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Worcester Housing Authority

The Worcester Housing Authority Board of Commissioners received notifications of several grant awards, including a $5,000,000 grant from DHCD for Phase II Public Housing Innovations 2 and a $4,000 grant from The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust for the Kids Plus Summer Program. The board also approved multiple policy revisions, including the Community & Multi Room Use Policy, Violence Against Women Act Policy, Emergency Preparedness Plan Policy, and Record Retention & Disposal Policy. Additionally, they approved the award recommendation for shelf stable ready-to-eat pre-packaged meals for the Food Matters project and final payment to Aegean Builders for the Belmont Tower Apartments contract.

• Approved Community & Multi Room Use Policy revision
• Approved Violence Against Women Act Policy revision
• Approved Emergency Preparedness Plan Policy revision
• Approved Record Retention & Disposal Policy revision
• Approved award recommendation for shelf stable ready-to-eat pre-packaged meals for Food Matters project
• Approved final payment and closeout to Aegean Builders for Belmont Tower Apartments contract
• Approved award recommendation for locksmith services contracting
• Approved award recommendation for plastering services contracting

Retirement Board

The Worcester Retirement Board approved 16 superannuation retirement benefits and one survivor benefit, all subject to PERAC final approval. The board also accepted July minutes (4-0), granted the executive secretary a non-union wage increase, and filed monthly financials. No substantive decisions were made beyond these routine approvals.

• Approved 16 superannuation pensions under M.G.L. c. 32 § 5 (4-0)
• Approved survivor benefit for widow of Mark Sokowaski under M.G.L. c. 32 § 12(2)d
• Accepted July regular meeting minutes (4-0)
• Granted executive secretary non-union wage increase
• Filed monthly financial summary
• Convened executive session for disability hearings and litigation strategy (9:48 am, roll call vote)

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee approved an increase in the day-by-day substitute teacher rate from $85 to $110 per day for the 2022-23 school year, funded through available ESSER carry-forward funds. The committee also accepted multiple grants totaling over $1.6 million, including a $500,000 Early College grant and a $311,000 Skills Capital Grant for Worcester Technical High School. Additionally, the committee voted to execute employment contracts for Deputy Superintendent Brian E. Allen and Assistant Superintendent Marie Morse through June 30, 2025.

• Approved day-by-day substitute rate increase from $85 to $110 per day
• Accepted $500,000 Early College Full School and Expansion Grant for Claremont Academy
• Accepted $311,000 Skills Capital Grant for Worcester Technical High School automotive program
• Accepted $270,000 Career Technical Initiative Grant for adult training programs
• Accepted $237,021 Skills Capital Grant for North High School
• Accepted $150,000 SWIG School Water Improvement Grant for 50 filtered water stations in 25 schools
• Executed employment contract for Deputy Superintendent/COO/CFO Brian E. Allen through June 30, 2025
• Executed employment contract for Assistant Superintendent Marie Morse through June 30, 2025

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee met on August 18, 2022, to review the portfolio's asset class returns as of June 30, 2022. The board discussed that overall asset classes remain negative except commodities, with the portfolio outperforming its benchmarks. No votes or formal decisions were made; the board agreed to continue monitoring asset class ranges.

• No formal votes or decisions recorded; board discussed portfolio performance and market trends

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted 5-0 to approve a Definitive Site Plan and Special Permits for a multi-family dwelling at 84, 90, and 91 Lamartine Street under the Adaptive Reuse Overlay District. The board also approved several other site plans, special permit amendments, and zoning map amendment recommendations. All decisions were unanimous or with one recusal.

• Approved Definitive Site Plan and Special Permits for 84, 90, 91 Lamartine Street (5-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 0 and part of 360 Salisbury Street (4-0, Moynihan recused)
• Approved Amendment to Special Permit for adult-use marijuana at 56 Millbrook Street (5-0)
• Approved Amendment to Definitive Site Plan and Special Permit for continuing care retirement community at 781, 783 Grove Street & 94 Parkton Avenue (5-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 0 (fka 26) & 26 Hermitage Lane (5-0)
• Recommended favorably to City Council zoning map amendment for 48 Mason Street (5-0)
• Recommended favorably to City Council zoning map amendment for 267 Providence Street (5-0)
• Granted continuances and postponements for three items (5-0)

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization approved Amendment #7 to the FFY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Transit Project Listing. The meeting also included approval of the July 20, 2022 meeting minutes, staff updates on LRTP sub-regional meetings and North Subregion representative elections, and public comment. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved Amendment #7 to FFY 2022-2026 TIP Transit Project Listing
• Approved July 20, 2022 meeting minutes

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The Upper Blackstone Clean Water board approved warrants totaling $1,577,185.54, took a vote to authorize $2 million in debt for BAI#1, and received updates on COVID-19, PFAS sampling, and capital projects. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved warrants totaling $1,577,185.54 (unanimous)
• Authorized $2M debt for BAI#1 (vote tally not specified)

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The Accessibility Advisory Commission received a presentation from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal Access Program on adaptive recreation, site improvements, and accessibility assessments. The commission also reviewed a six-month ridership report from Yellow Cab's Wheelchair Accessible Vans (WAV), noting 182 accessible trips completed with no denials. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• Approved July 12, 2022 minutes by roll call vote
• Heard DCR Universal Access Program presentation on adaptive recreation and site improvements
• Reviewed WAV taxi ridership report: 182 accessible trips, 3 no-shows, 0 denials (Jan-Jun 2022)
• Discussed planning for Fall Neighborhood Walk on September 24
• Commission opted for hybrid future meetings
• Adjourned at 6:26 pm by roll call vote

Board of Health

The Worcester Board of Health met on August 15, 2022, and approved the minutes from June 6, 2022. The meeting consisted of informational updates on COVID-19 vaccination efforts, monkeypox response, and a request to schedule a future discussion on gun violence prevention. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from June 6, 2022 meeting
• Scheduled gun violence prevention discussion for a future meeting

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The Standing Committee on Finance and Operations held two items for further updates: a standing transportation update (gb 0-33) and a request for quarterly building maintenance reports (gb 2-92). No final decisions or votes were taken on these items; they were continued for future meetings. The meeting was largely procedural, reviewing prior actions and receiving updates from administration.

• Held gb 0-33 (transportation update) for further updates
• Held gb 2-92 (quarterly maintenance reports) for further updates

Trust Funds Commission

The Commission voted to instruct investment managers to rebalance the portfolio away from international funds and improve credit quality, focusing on dormant account allocations. The decision follows a discussion about clarifying risk tolerance and separating fund categories. The minutes of the June 17, 2022 meeting were accepted unanimously.

• Accepted minutes of June 17, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Instructed managers to rebalance portfolio away from international risk and improve credit quality (unanimous)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The committee approved the June 10, 2022 meeting minutes and reviewed documents related to charter renewal, including the renewal application, accountability plan, annual report, and Student Opportunity Act. No substantive decisions were made beyond approving the prior minutes; other agenda items were discussed but not voted on.

• Approved June 10, 2022 meeting minutes

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council met virtually on August 11, 2022, with a full agenda including budget, reimbursement requests, and grant updates. The minutes do not record any votes or decisions on these items, indicating the meeting was procedural or discussion-only.

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission approved Building Demolition Delay Waivers for 3 North Ashland Street, 102 Highland Street, and 28 Portland Street, allowing exterior modifications. It also issued a Certificate of Non-Applicability for 2 Congress Street and continued or postponed two applications. The Commission voted to provide letters of support for multiple Massachusetts Rehabilitation Tax Credit projects.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 3 North Ashland Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 102 Highland Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 28 Portland Street (7-0)
• Issued Certificate of Non-Applicability for 2 Congress Street (6-0)
• Continued 600 Lincoln Street application to September 22, 2022 (7-0)
• Postponed 111 Austin Street application to August 25, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved letters of support for Massachusetts Rehabilitation Tax Credit projects (7-0)

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved a wide range of licenses including common victualer, one-day liquor and entertainment, and liquor license transfers. Three applications were postponed to the September 8, 2022 meeting. Several approvals included conditions, such as a scanner purchase for Assumption University and a 12:30 a.m. outdoor entertainment cutoff for Freeplay Bar Arcade.

• Approved common victualer licenses for Helfand's Deli, Ziggy Bombs, and WPI South Village (2-0 each)
• Approved one-day liquor and/or entertainment licenses for 13 events (2-0 each)
• Approved liquor license changes for Sodexho, The Hangover Corporation, and Paku Corporation (2-0 each)
• Approved new restaurant licenses for Stogotz Tapas and Bacalao Restaurant (2-0 each)
• Approved transfer of restaurant all alcohol license to Wicked Wings (2-0)
• Approved Assumption University alcohol and victualer licenses, conditioned on scanner purchase (2-0)
• Approved Freeplay Bar Arcade entertainment amendment, conditioned on outdoor entertainment ending by 12:30 a.m. (2-0)
• Postponed applications for Lucky Farms, 266 Park Avenue, and Neon Beverage to September 8, 2022

MCRWB Youth Council

The August 11, 2022 meeting of the Youth Workforce Investment Council was cancelled. No substantive decisions were made or discussed.

Planning Board

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for August 10, 2022 was cancelled. All agenda items have been postponed to a special meeting on August 17, 2022. No substantive decisions were made.

• Meeting cancelled; all items postponed to August 17, 2022 special meeting

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The Worcester Traffic and Parking Committee approved several handicap parking space installations and removals, filed several crosswalk and no-parking petitions, and held items for further study. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved handicap parking space removal at 53-55 Houghton St. (3-0)
• Approved handicap parking space at 81 Whitmarsh Ave. (3-0)
• Approved handicap parking space at 7 Clifton St. (3-0)
• Approved handicap parking space at 12 Somerset St. (3-0)
• Approved handicap parking space at 47 Townsend St. (3-0)
• Approved handicap parking space at 7 Stoneland Rd. (3-0)
• Filed crosswalk petition for Jackson St. (3-0)
• Held four-way stop sign petition for Gosnold St. and Andover St. for traffic study (3-0)

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Chapter 139 hearing on August 9, 2022, reviewed 13 properties in Worcester, MA, including those condemned or vacant. No votes or decisions were recorded; the agenda only listed properties and their owners. The next meetings are scheduled for September 13, October 11, and November 8, 2022.

• No formal decisions made; agenda only listed properties for review
• Listed 103 Blackstone River Road (condemned 3-16-2022, $30,000)
• Listed 142 Chandler Street (condemned 12-16-2013)
• Listed 90 East Central Street (condemned 3-17-2020)
• Listed 23 Ferdinand Street (condemned 8-16-2021)
• Listed 2 Ford Street (condemned 8-25-2020, $25,000)
• Listed 12 A Joseph Street (condemned 4-23-2021, $20,000)
• Listed 234 Pleasant Street (vacant)

City Council

The Worcester City Council voted unanimously to ordain an ordinance creating a new Department of Transportation and Mobility as a cabinet-level agency, moving the Off-Street Parking Board and certain duties from the Department of Public Works and Parks. The council also approved multiple financial transfers, including $800,000 for sewer pumping station improvements and $100,210.29 for the senior center renovation. Several items were referred to committees or tabled, including a request for a legal opinion on councilor conduct and a report on License Commission membership.

• Ordained ordinance creating Department of Transportation and Mobility (10-0)
• Approved $800,000 transfer for sewer pumping station improvements (11-0)
• Approved $100,210.29 transfer for senior center renovation (11-0)
• Approved $168,595.93 transfer for police vehicles (11-0)
• Approved five-year contracts with Crown Castle and CherryRoad (11-0)
• Adopted Conservation Restriction for Packachoag Spring (11-0)
• Referred three zoning map amendment petitions to Economic Development Committee (11-0)
• Tabled request for legal opinion on councilor conduct (Mero-Carlson)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board approved the 1st Time Homeownership Development application and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Developer application, both as amended. The amendments included extending the primary residence requirement from 5 to 10 years and requiring homeownership courses within one year of purchase. The Board also noted the appointment of a new chairperson and program manager.

• Approved 1st Time Homeownership Development application as amended (9-0)
• Approved Affordable Housing Trust Fund Developer application as amended (9-0)
• Approved minutes from June 15, 2022 meeting (8-0)

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission met on August 8, 2022, and addressed multiple agenda items, including requests for determinations of applicability, notices of intent, and an amended order of conditions. No final decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes; the meeting appears to have been procedural, with items listed for discussion and potential action. The minutes do not specify outcomes for any of the listed projects.

• No decisions recorded in the minutes

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved a $3 million purchase and sale agreement for the Denholm Building at 484-500 Main Street, along with accepting a quitclaim deed for the property. The board also authorized several smaller contracts, including architectural services for Union Station, a change order for the Pickett Plaza project, and a grant for EV charging stations. All votes were unanimous 5-0.

• Approved $3M purchase and sale agreement for 484-500 Main St (5-0)
• Authorized acceptance of quitclaim deed for 484-500 Main St (5-0)
• Approved $11,950 architectural services agreement with Nault Architects for Union Station (5-0)
• Approved $38,752.92 change order No. 3 with UEL Contractors for Pickett Plaza (5-0)
• Authorized $36,071 contract with Mass. for EV charging stations at Green Island Blvd Garage (5-0)
• Approved restrictive covenant and view easement with Gold Block Real Estate LLC (5-0)
• Approved $50,000 property management agreement with Glickman Kovago & Jacobs (5-0)

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The Cable Television Advisory Committee approved the introduction of ETC Institute as the survey consultant to conduct a community survey on cable television services, targeting at least 400 Charter-Spectrum subscribers. The committee also voted to allow members Levering and Warren to adjust and re-submit the RFP for an ascertainment consultant after receiving no initial responses. No other substantive decisions were made; several items were discussed but deferred.

• Approved ETC Institute as survey consultant for community cable TV survey (4-0)
• Approved motion to allow Levering and Warren to adjust and re-submit RFP for ascertainment consultant (4-0)
• Approved minutes from July 13, 2022 (4-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The Worcester Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved a revision to the financial structure for the closing of 38 Lewis Street. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Approved revision of financial structure for closing of 38 Lewis Street

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMMPO) held a virtual public meeting on August 3, 2022, to discuss the proposed 2022-2026 TIP Amendment #7, which adds Community Transit Grant Awards to FFY 2022. No formal votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes; the meeting was for public comment and input. Written comments were accepted until August 10, 2022.

• No formal decisions recorded; meeting was for public comment on TIP Amendment #7

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The August 2, 2022 meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women was cancelled, so no decisions were made. The agenda had included reviewing June minutes, discussing the annual work plan, planning 2023 awards, and electing officers, but none of these items were acted on.

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission heard presentations from city and health officials on the new 988 suicide hotline, the 311 call center, and a planned clinician-based crisis response team. No formal votes were taken on these items; the commission only approved the minutes from prior meetings.

• Approved meeting minutes from June 13, 2022 and July 11, 2022 (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals denied a special permit and variance for a 13-room lodging house at 77 Seymour Street, voting 2-3 against the application based on proposed density. The board approved several other requests, including a residential conversion at 44 Esther Street, a townhouse project at 16-18 Taunton Street, and a single-family home at 22 Enid Street. Two hearings were continued to August 22, 2022, for 18-24 Oxford Street and 69 West Street.

• Denied lodging house at 77 Seymour Street (2-3)
• Approved residential conversion at 44 Esther Street (4-1)
• Approved townhouse project at 16-18 Taunton Street (5-0)
• Approved residential conversion at 25 Carver Street (5-0)
• Approved single-family home at 22 Enid Street (5-0)
• Approved two-family dwelling at 26 & 0 Hermitage Lane (5-0)
• Continued 18-24 Oxford Street hearing to August 22 (5-0)
• Continued 69 West Street hearing (5-0)

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council met virtually on July 28, 2022, and the only substantive item was a review of the WAC/NEA application. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the meeting was primarily procedural. The next meeting was scheduled for August 11, 2022.

• Reviewed WAC/NEA application (no vote recorded)

Historical Commission

The July 28, 2022 meeting of the Worcester Historical Commission was canceled. All agenda items, including a demolition request for 600 Lincoln Street and certificate requests for 111 Austin Street and 2 Congress Street, were postponed to the next meeting on August 11, 2022. No decisions were made.

• Meeting canceled; all agenda items postponed to August 11, 2022

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The WRTA Advisory Board Audit and Finance Committee met in executive session on July 28, 2022, to discuss contract negotiations. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural, with the only action being the return to open session for adjournment.

• Held executive session to discuss contract negotiations
• Returned to open session for adjournment

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council met virtually on July 27, 2022, with the sole agenda item being a review of the WAC/NEA application. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was procedural and focused on discussion. The next meeting was scheduled for August 11, 2022.

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners approved assigning Worcester Police Officers to all early voting sessions and polling locations for the September 6, 2022 State Primary, including spare officers for traffic enforcement and election operations. The board also received a communication from redistricting consultant Dr. Nathaniel Persily regarding the new School Committee redistricting plan, but no formal action was taken on it.

• Approved Worcester Police Officers at polls for 2022 early voting and Election Day

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee voted unanimously to approve a letter to the Worcester City Council requesting that sustainability and climate resilience be key qualifications in the search for a new City Manager. The committee also approved the May 9, 2022 meeting minutes with a correction, and discussed survey results identifying top priorities for its work. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved letter to City Council on City Manager qualifications (unanimous)
• Approved May 9, 2022 meeting minutes with correction (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Worcester Board of Health met on July 25, 2022, and voted to suspend tobacco sales to minors. The board also voted to rescind the emergency regulation requiring employers to report positive COVID-19 cases in the workplace. A vice-chair was elected, and the minutes from the June 6, 2022 meeting were approved.

• Approved minutes from June 6, 2022 meeting
• Voted to suspend tobacco sales to minors
• Voted to rescind emergency regulation on employer COVID-19 reporting
• Elected a vice-chair

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council met virtually on July 25, 2022, to review applications for the WAC/NEA grant program. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the meeting was primarily an application review session.

• Reviewed WAC/NEA grant applications (no vote recorded)

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council met virtually on July 24, 2022, to review the WAC/NEA grant application. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the meeting was primarily procedural, focusing on the application review. The next meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2022.

• Reviewed WAC/NEA application (no vote recorded)

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council met virtually on July 21, 2022, and reviewed the WAC/NEA application. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the meeting was limited to application review and scheduling the next meeting for August 11, 2022.

• Reviewed WAC/NEA application (no vote recorded)
• Scheduled next meeting for August 11, 2022

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee met on July 21, 2022, and approved the consent agenda, which included the acceptance of donations and the approval of prior meeting minutes. Several items were held or referred to committees, including job descriptions for Building Substitute, Assistant IT Director, and Systems Data Specialist, as well as a proposed reorganization of Central Administration positions and appointments for Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. The committee also approved an increase in the IRS mileage reimbursement rate and prior fiscal year payments.

• Approved consent agenda including donations and minutes (roll call)
• Approved IRS mileage reimbursement rate increase to 62.5 cents per mile (roll call)
• Approved prior fiscal year payments totaling $3,959.33 (roll call)
• Held job descriptions for Building Substitute, Assistant IT Director, and Systems Data Specialist
• Held reorganization of Central Administration positions and appointments for Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent
• Referred childcare availability for educators to Teaching, Learning and Student Supports committee
• Referred removal of city IT department from Worcester Tech to Finance and Operations committee
• Referred MOU with Worcester Police Department for School Liaison Officers to Administration

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The WRTA Advisory Board voted to accept service changes as presented, effective August 27, 2022. The board also postponed action on a fare policy until fall 2022 and authorized the Audit and Finance Committee to meet in executive session on July 28, 2022, to review union contract negotiations.

• Approved service changes effective August 27, 2022
• Postponed fare policy action until fall 2022
• Authorized Audit and Finance Committee to meet in executive session on July 28, 2022

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council met virtually on July 20, 2022, and the only substantive item on the agenda was a review of the WAC/NEA application. No formal decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes; the meeting was primarily procedural.

• Reviewed WAC/NEA application (no vote recorded)

Planning Board

The Worcester Planning Board approved two definitive site plans, continued a private street removal hearing, and favorably recommended two zoning amendments to City Council. All votes were 3-0.

• Approved Definitive Site Plan at 43 Carpenter Avenue (3-0)
• Approved amended Definitive Site Plan at 0, 9, & 19 Hemans Street, 7 Hemans Court, and 40R Milton Street, reducing parking by 42 spaces and adding DPW conditions to building permit (3-0)
• Continued Sala Street private street removal hearing to September 21 for law department memo (3-0)
• Favorably recommended Commercial Corridors Overlay District amendment to City Council (3-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment for properties on Cedar, Sever, Elm, and Merrick Streets from RL-7 to RG-5 (3-0)
• Favorably recommended vertical discontinuance and removal of Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel from official map (3-0)
• Endorsed ANR plans at 50 Skyline Drive, 610 Lincoln Street, 5&7 Attleboro Street, and 450 Granite Street & 11 Cliff Street (3-0)

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization approved Amendment #6 to the FFY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Highway Project Listing. They also released proposed Amendment #7 to the TIP Transit Project Listing for a 21-day public review and comment period, which includes adding Community Transit Grant Program Awards to FFY 2022. The meeting was held virtually via Zoom.

• Approved Amendment #6 to FFY 2022-2026 TIP Highway Project Listing
• Released proposed Amendment #7 to FFY 2022-2026 TIP Transit Project Listing for 21-day public review and comment period

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The Upper Blackstone Clean Water board approved warrants totaling $7,862,054.50 and discussed administrative and operational updates, including a COVID-19 update, a GAP funding grant application, and a PFAS sampling program. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

• Approved warrants totaling $7,862,054.50
• Approved meeting minutes from June 29, 2022

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The Economic Development Committee recommended approval of two ordinances creating a Rental Registry Program for the Fire Department and Inspectional Services, with a 2-1 vote. It also voted to file a related inspection initiative program and held an inclusionary zoning item pending a draft ordinance. The meeting minutes were approved.

• Approved minutes of June 8, 2022 meeting (2-0)
• Recommended approval of Rental Registry Program ordinances (2-1, Rivera and Rose yea, King nay)
• Filed Inspection Initiative Program ordinances (3-0)
• Held inclusionary zoning item for draft ordinance (3-0)

City Council

The City Council voted 6-5 to direct the City Manager and City Solicitor to draft an ordinance modeled on Somerville and Cambridge laws that would restrict deceptive advertising by limited pregnancy centers and require them to provide referrals for abortions or emergency contraception. The council also adopted a resolution affirming its stance for full abortion rights and reproductive equity in opposition to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, on a 7-3 vote with one abstention. Numerous other orders and resolutions were adopted, including several related to ARPA funding reports, traffic enforcement, and city operations.

• Adopted order to draft ordinance restricting deceptive pregnancy center advertising (6-5)
• Adopted resolution affirming support for abortion rights and reproductive equity (7-3, Bergman abstained)
• Confirmed Adrian Angus to Planning Board (11-0)
• Confirmed four appointees to Urban Forestry Tree Commission (11-0)
• Adopted FY22 year-end capital and operating transfers (11-0)
• Accepted $1.43M state grant for Regional Emergency Communications Center (11-0)
• Adopted sewer betterment assessments for 45A Garrison Ave and 50 Valley View Lane (9-0)
• Ordained four zoning ordinance amendments (10-0, Russell recused)

Citizen Advisory Council

The Citizen Advisory Council held a special selection meeting and voted unanimously to recommend Charran Fisher and Carmen Lounis for positions on the License Commission, and Carmen Lounis for the Cable Television Advisory Committee and Commission on Latino Affairs. The council also approved the minutes from the June 14, 2022 meeting and scheduled the next selection meeting for September 21, 2022.

• Approved minutes from 6/14/22 meeting
• Recommended Charran Fisher for License Commission (7-0)
• Recommended Carmen Lounis for License Commission (7-0)
• Recommended Carmen Lounis for Cable Television Advisory Committee (7-0)
• Recommended Carmen Lounis for Commission on Latino Affairs (7-0)

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission met on July 18, 2022, and reviewed a full agenda of wetland-related items, including continuances, determinations of applicability, notices of intent, and an amended order of conditions. However, the minutes provided are only an agenda and do not include any recorded decisions, votes, or outcomes. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM, but no substantive actions are documented in the available text.

• No decisions recorded in the provided agenda-only minutes

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council met virtually on July 14, 2022, but the minutes record no substantive decisions. The agenda included routine items such as budget report, reimbursement requests, and grant updates, but no votes or outcomes are recorded.

Historical Commission

The Commission approved a Building Demolition Delay Waiver for WPI's project at 82 Institute Road, allowing replacement of windows and creation of a new egress on 'The Wedge' connector. The vote was unanimous (4-0). The Commission also declined to comment on two proposed telecommunication facility installations, and held approval of June 30 meeting minutes.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 82 Institute Road (4-0)
• Declined to comment on telecommunication facility at 355 Main Street (4-0)
• Declined to comment on telecommunication facility at 8 Grafton Street (4-0)
• Approved May 19 and June 2, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Held approval of June 30, 2022 meeting minutes

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved several common victualer, one-day liquor, entertainment, and manager change requests, including for Not Ya Mama's Vegan Café, Dad's Keto Kitchen, Wicked Wing Co, Harpoon Beer Garden, and The White Room. It denied Sanchez & Sons' one-day entertainment licenses for car shows and issued a four-day suspension for violations at a June 26 event. Two applications were postponed to the August 11 meeting.

• Approved common victualer licenses for Not Ya Mama's Vegan Café, Dad's Keto Kitchen, and Wicked Wing Co (2-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for SSJ Harpoon LLC beer garden (2-0)
• Approved rain date change for SSJ Management one-day liquor license to July 27 (2-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for Mustard Seed Block Party (2-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for Cultivators Cup (2-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for WICN Public Radio jazz concert (2-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Paul Barber rooftop event (2-0)
• Denied Sanchez & Sons one-day entertainment licenses for car shows (2-0)

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved Change Order No. 3 for $31,551.71 and ratified Change Order No. 2 for $4,222.80 with UEL Contractors for the Pickett Plaza project, extending performance to August 31, 2022. The board also approved FY2023 capital and operating cooperation agreements for Union Station totaling $1,528,305.00. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved 4-0.

• Approved Change Order No. 3 ($31,551.71) and ratified Change Order No. 2 ($4,222.80) for Pickett Plaza project (4-0)
• Approved FY2023 Union Station Capital Cooperation Agreement ($1,000,000.00) (4-0)
• Approved FY2023 Union Station Operating Cooperation Agreement ($528,305.00) (4-0)
• Approved minutes of July 14, 2022 meeting (4-0)

Retirement Board

The Worcester Retirement Board approved 10 superannuation retirement benefits for municipal employees, accepted the June minutes, and approved warrants totaling over $8.3 million. The board also discussed cybersecurity presentations, a draft regulation on digital signatures, and an appeal regarding pandemic premium pay. Disability hearings were held in executive session.

• Approved 10 superannuation retirements (5-0)
• Accepted June Regular and Financial Minutes (5-0)
• Approved warrants 22-15 through 22-17 totaling $265,919.73
• Approved June retiree benefits of $8,080,132.50
• Set next meeting dates for August 18, 2022
• Found two disability retirees still unable to work
• Received accidental disability reports for two individuals
• Convened executive session for disability hearings and litigation strategy

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Worcester Retirement Board approved 10 superannuation retirements, received reports on accidental disability cases, and discussed old and new business including a cybersecurity update and PERAC memos. Warrants totaling $265,919.73 were approved for member refunds and office expenses.

• Approved 10 superannuation retirements (e.g., Francis Assad Jr., Susan Burns, Mark Cady)
• Received accidental disability reports for Stephen Sweeney and Ernest James
• Approved warrants 22-15, 22-16, 22-17 totaling $265,919.73
• Discussed cybersecurity update (no action recorded)
• Reviewed PERAC memos #15, #16, #17
• Discussed 840 CMR 28.00 draft

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee recommended approval of amendments to the city's organizational ordinances to align with FY23 budget recommendations, voting 3-0. The committee also filed informational communications on municipal boards/commissions and ARPA funds, and held items related to state legislation and the city manager search process. Several Chairman's Orders were issued requesting reports on reorganization impacts, board recruitment analytics, License Commission details, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee status, and ARPA fund updates.

• Approved minutes of June 22, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Recommended approval of organizational ordinance amendments for FY23 budget (3-0)
• Filed communication on municipal boards and commissions opportunities (3-0)
• Filed communication on ARPA funds update (3-0)
• Filed communication on ZOOM Webinar platform for meetings (3-0)
• Filed communication on parliamentary procedures (3-0)
• Held discussion on pending state legislation (3-0)
• Held item on community ad-hoc committee for city manager hiring (3-0)

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The Cable Television Advisory Committee approved the June 1, 2022 minutes (4-0) and discussed updates on the ascertainment survey and consultant status. The purchasing department awarded a bid to ETC for the survey, with initial meetings planned for late July or early August. The committee also noted that the RFP for an ascertainment consultant received no responses and may be revised. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved June 1, 2022 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The commission unanimously re-elected Robert Bureau as Chairperson and elected Elizabeth Myska as Vice Chairperson. Members heard detailed updates on city park construction and design projects, including accessibility features, and discussed adaptive sports programs. No formal votes were taken on park projects or other substantive items.

• Re-elected Robert Bureau as Chairperson (8-0)
• Elected Elizabeth Myska as Vice Chairperson (7-1)
• Approved May 17, 2022 minutes (Myska abstaining)
• No action taken on AAB application V21-195 (Alta Seven Hills Worcester)

Chapter 139 Hearing

The July 12, 2022 Chapter 139 hearing agenda listed 16 properties condemned by the City of Worcester, with no votes or decisions recorded in the minutes. The document is an agenda, not a record of actions taken.

• Listed 103 Blackstone River Road (condemned 3-16-2022, $30,000)
• Listed 16-18 Cargill Avenue (condemned 11-2-2020)
• Listed 142 Chandler Street (condemned 12-16-2013)
• Listed 11 Clarendon Street (condemned 7-19-2021)
• Listed 14 Clarendon Street (condemned 7-26-2021)
• Listed 90 East Central Street (condemned 3-17-2020)
• Listed 2 Ford Street (condemned 8-25-2020, $25,000)
• Listed 70 Hamilton Street (condemned 3-14-2021)

Human Rights Commission

The commission discussed racial disparities in motor vehicle stops with Worcester Police Department officials and formally requested that WPD share data on stops of city residents, broken down by race, department, location, and officer, on a semi-annual basis. WPD reported 80 officers trained in CIT, 45% of officers live in Worcester, and that policies were amended for bias-free policing, use of force, and crowd management. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational.

• Requested WPD share motor vehicle stop data of city residents by race, location, and officer on a semi-annual basis
• Discussed CIT training: 80 officers certified, 5 full-time CIT officers
• Reported 45% of WPD officers live in Worcester
• Noted WPD amended racial profiling policy to Bias Free Policing and Profiling
• Noted WPD amended use of force policy to prohibit chokeholds and add duty to intervene
• Noted WPD created Policy 440 on First Amendment activity and crowd management
• Discussed co-response mental health model in planning stages
• Discussed decriminalization of entheogenic plants/fungi; WPD said not a priority

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals approved several variances and special permits, including a major amended plan for a Continuing Care Retirement Community at 781 & 783 Grove Street and 94 Parkton Avenue, with a 4-0 vote (Chair recused). The board also approved a special permit for a self-storage facility at 1 Brussels Street with conditions, and granted variances for residential projects at 1 & 3 Naples Road, 4 Lee Street, 216 Park Avenue, 858 Main Street, and 39 Sunrise Avenue. Two requests to postpone hearings for 44 Esther Street and 16-18 Taunton Street were granted.

• Approved amended special permit and variance for CCRC at 781 & 783 Grove St & 94 Parkton Ave (4-0, Chair recused)
• Approved special permit for self-storage at 1 Brussels St with conditions (4-1, Sabo opposed)
• Approved variances for 1 & 3 Naples Rd (4-0)
• Approved special permit and variance for 4 Lee St & 216 Park Ave (5-0)
• Approved variance for 858 Main St (5-0)
• Approved variance for 39 Sunrise Ave (5-0)
• Approved special permit for 35, 37, & 39 Standish St (4-0)
• Postponed hearings for 44 Esther St and 16-18 Taunton St to Aug 1 (4-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The Standing Committee on Finance and Operations met on July 11, 2022, to discuss four transportation-related items. No final decisions were made; all items were held for continued monthly updates. The committee reviewed the July 2022 transportation report, including bus driver hiring and recruitment status, vehicle procurement, and updates on after-school transportation and policy revisions.

• Held gb #0-33 (standing transportation update) for monthly reports
• Held gb #2-44 (pre/post COVID bus route report) for monthly reports
• Held gb #2-109 (after-school transportation update) for monthly reports
• Held gb #2-194 (transportation policy review) for monthly reports

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners approved the proposed in-person early voting locations for the September 6, 2022 State Primary, as listed in the meeting materials. They also discussed preparations for the primary, including the impact of the VOTES Act, mail-in ballot counting, and poll worker recruitment. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational.

• Approved in-person early voting locations for Sept. 6 primary (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 9 meeting
• Discussed VOTES Act changes, no action taken
• Discussed counting mail-in ballots on weekend before elections, no action taken
• Discussed poll worker recruitment, no action taken

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMMPO) noticed a virtual public meeting to discuss proposed 2022-2026 TIP Amendment #6, which would increase the cost of Project #608432 (Rutland – Reconstruction of Route 56/Pommogussett Road) by $1,028,660, bringing the total project cost to $7,263,150. The meeting was scheduled for July 6, 2022, with public comments accepted until July 7, 2022. No decisions were recorded in the minutes; the document only announces the proposed amendment and meeting logistics.

• Proposed TIP Amendment #6 to increase Route 56 project cost by $1,028,660 (no vote recorded)
• Scheduled virtual public meeting for July 6, 2022 to accept comments on the amendment

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The July 5, 2022 meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women was cancelled. No decisions were made or business conducted.

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission denied a Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 600 Lincoln Street, voting 7-0 that the proposed full demolition would be detrimental to historical and architectural resources. The commission continued financial hardship consideration to July 28, 2022. It also approved demolition delay waivers for several other properties, a certificate of non-applicability, and certificates of appropriateness, including a retroactive approval with a $300 fine for unauthorized window replacement at 54 Chatham Street.

• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for 57 Chatham Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 21 Heroult Road (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 11 Jaques Avenue (7-0)
• Denied Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 600 Lincoln Street (0-7); continued financial hardship to July 28, 2022
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 55 Linden Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 39 Woodland Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 92 Jaques Avenue (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 110 Austin Street (7-0)

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved several new and transferred licenses, including common victualer licenses for Mochi Doh and Who Said Brazilian Pizza, a one-day liquor and entertainment license for a Polish picnic, and a restaurant all-alcohol license for Taco Mexico Worcester. It also approved transfers of alcohol licenses for Boland's, O'Connor's Restaurant and Bar, and Dubai Restaurant & Lounge (2-1), and package store malt & wine licenses for two Gulf stations. Two applications were continued, and one license was rescinded due to cessation of business.

• Approved common victualer license for Mochi Doh, 209 Harding St (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Who Said Brazilian Pizza, 80 West St (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Leila Jachimczyk, 118 Green St (3-0)
• Approved transfer of all-alcohol license, common victualer, and entertainment licenses for Boland's, 81 Water St (3-0)
• Approved transfer of all-alcohol license, common victualer, entertainment, outdoor dining, and parking lot licenses for O'Connor's Restaurant and Bar (3-0)
• Approved restaurant all-alcohol license for Taco Mexico Worcester, 591 Park Ave (3-0)
• Approved transfer of all-alcohol license, dba change, and entertainment license for Dubai Restaurant & Lounge (2-1)
• Approved package store malt & wine licenses for Kelley Square Gulf and Southbridge Street Gulf (3-0 each)

Planning Board

The Worcester Planning Board voted 4-0 to not support a zoning map amendment for 266 Webster Street and 15 Clover Street, which would have allowed apartments. The board also approved several definitive site plans, including for 248 & 253 Mill Street, 5, 7, & 9 Richards Street, 0 (fka 668) Burncoat Street, 0 (aka 29) Steele Street, 136 Burncoat Terrace, and 807-815 Main Street & 3 Benefit Street, all with conditions. A site plan for 490 Shrewsbury Street was continued to August 10, 2022, and a zoning map amendment for 1 Brussels Street was favorably recommended to the City Council.

• Voted 4-0 to not support zoning map amendment at 266 Webster St & 15 Clover St
• Approved definitive site plan at 248 & 253 Mill St (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan at 5, 7, & 9 Richards St (4-0)
• Continued 490 Shrewsbury St site plan to Aug 10, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan at 0 (fka 668) Burncoat St (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan at 0 (aka 29) Steele St (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan at 136 Burncoat Terrace with groundwater testing condition (4-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment at 1 Brussels St to City Council (4-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The board held its annual and regular meetings, electing officers and a new trustee, approving the 2022-2023 meeting calendar, and accepting the charter renewal draft. The charter renewal draft was approved with permission for staff to finalize it before the August 1, 2022 deadline. The board also approved uniform changes and the minutes from May 25, 2022.

• Approved election of new officers (Chair, Treasurer, Clerk) for one-year terms
• Approved Adam Beaudry to the Board of Trustees for a three-year term
• Approved Board of Trustees & Committee Meetings Calendar for 2022-2023 school year
• Approved minutes from May 25, 2022
• Approved uniform changes reflected in student handbooks
• Accepted and approved Charter Renewal DRAFT with permission to finalize before August 1, 2022

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The Upper Blackstone Clean Water board met via Zoom and approved the June 8, 2022 meeting minutes. They approved warrants totaling $731,840.45 for June 15 and June 26, 2022. The meeting included updates on COVID-19 cases, Open Meeting Law changes, and project updates, but no other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved June 8, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved warrants totaling $731,840.45 (06/15/2022: $369,239.18; 06/26/2022: $362,601.27)

Standing Committee on Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation

The committee voted to hold two informational communications on Foley Stadium improvements, filed a forestry tree inventory update after discussion, and filed a petition requesting pickleball courts. All votes were 2-0 with Councilor King absent.

• Held Foley Stadium improvements update (2-0)
• Held Foley Stadium design process update (2-0)
• Filed city-wide tree inventory update (2-0)
• Filed pickleball courts petition (2-0)

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council held a quarterly planning meeting focused on improving community engagement, grantee experience, and council knowledge. No formal votes or funding decisions were made; the meeting was primarily discussion and planning. Key actions included committing to split application reviews and considering event buddies for accountability.

• Committed to split review of grant applications for completeness
• Chose two events as quarterly outings for council members
• Discussed using Airtable for supplemental materials
• Agreed to wait until after grant cycle to change process

City Council

The City Council accepted $4,232,467 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Year XLVIII Community Development Block Grant program, plus $75,000 in anticipated program income, and adopted four accompanying resolutions. The council also voted to advertise three proposed zoning ordinance changes. All votes were unanimous among those present, with some councilors recused or absent.

• Accepted $4,232,467 CDBG grant plus $75,000 program income (6-0, 3 recused)
• Adopted 4 CDBG Year 48 resolutions (6-0, 3 recused)
• Voted to advertise zoning change at 1 and 7 Brattle St. from RS-7 to BL-1.0 (8-0, 1 recused)
• Voted to advertise zoning change at 11 Prudence St. from RL-7 to MG-0.5 (9-0)
• Voted to advertise zoning change at 1369 Grafton St. and 3 McAvey Way (9-0)

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee voted unanimously to approve a draft letter to the City Council's Municipal Operations Subcommittee, requesting that sustainability and climate change resilience be key qualifications for the next City Manager. The letter is approved for submission to the City Council's July 19th meeting, provided no substantial changes are suggested by committee members within one week. The committee also approved the May 9th minutes with a correction and discussed various outreach and project updates.

• Approved May 9, 2022 minutes with correction to item 3Bii (unanimous)
• Approved draft letter to City Council on City Manager qualifications (unanimous)
• Agreed to send letter to City Council for July 19th meeting if no substantial changes within 1 week
• Agreed DSR staff will create internal survey to identify GWAC priorities
• Agreed to add 'Events' as a standing agenda item (subject to relevance)
• Agreed to continue discussion of citizen concerns not listed on agenda to next meeting

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Commission on Elder Affairs met via Zoom on June 27, 2022, and approved the minutes of the May 23, 2022 meeting and the Senior Center Committee report from June 14, 2022. The meeting was largely procedural, with no other substantive decisions recorded. The next meeting was confirmed for September 26, 2022.

• Approved minutes of May 23, 2022 Commission meeting (m/s/a)
• Approved Senior Center Committee report from June 14, 2022 (m/s/a)

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission approved several Orders of Conditions for projects including 9 Dalton Street, 500 Salisbury Street, 248 & 258 Mill Street, 13 Burgess Road, 85 Shore Drive, and 22B Chino Avenue, all with conditions as recommended by staff. The Commission also approved a project change request for 781 Grove Street, issued Certificates of Compliance for 341 Granite Street and 39 Caroline Street, and lifted an enforcement order for Hospital Drive. Additionally, the Commission postponed multiple items to July 18, 2022, and adopted a policy requiring revised materials to be submitted at least 5 business days before hearings.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 9 Dalton Street (3-0, Mullin Rule)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 500 Salisbury Street & 64 Nelson Place (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 248 & 258 Mill Street (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 13 Burgess Road (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 85 Shore Drive (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 22B Chino Avenue (5-0)
• Approved project change request for 781 Grove Street (5-0)
• Lifted enforcement order for Hospital Drive (5-0)

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee met on June 27, 2022, and the only substantive item was a collective bargaining agreement with the Educational Association of Worcester (EAW) for Aides to the Physically Handicapped, Monitors and Drivers Unit, covering July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023. The administration recommended approval on a roll call vote, but the minutes do not record the outcome of that vote. No other decisions were made.

• Considered approval of collective bargaining agreement with EAW Aides, Monitors and Drivers Unit (no vote recorded)

Civic Center Commission

The Civic Center Commission approved a Community Day Fee Application for the Massachusetts State Police to hold a Trooper Graduation Ceremony at the DCU Center on October 19-20, 2022. The motion passed via roll call vote, with Commissioner Herideen absent. The meeting also included project updates and reports from ASM Global.

• Approved Community Day Fee Application for State Police graduation ceremony (roll call vote)
• Accepted May 26, 2022 meeting minutes
• Adjourned meeting

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

The Public Health and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from its June 21, 2022 meeting and recommended approval of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Year 48 recommendations, as communicated by the City Manager. Both items passed by a 3-0 roll call vote. One resident spoke in favor of the CDBG item.

• Approved minutes of June 21, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Recommended approval of CDBG Year 48 recommendations (3-0)

Civic Center Commission

The Civic Center Commission approved the Massachusetts State Police Graduation Ceremony community day fee application. The commission also accepted meeting minutes and received updates on the DCU Center project and AMS Global financial and sales reports. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Massachusetts State Police Graduation Ceremony fee application
• Accepted meeting minutes

Standing Committee on Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment

The committee approved the May 5, 2022 minutes (3-0), recommended holding a broadband report from the Worcester Research Bureau (3-0), and filed two communications: an update on the agenda management system (2-0, Toomey absent) and an informational item on the 'Building Blocks' property data tool (3-0). A chairman's order was issued to ensure remote logins work for 'Building Blocks'.

• Approved minutes of May 5, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Recommended hold on broadband report from Worcester Research Bureau (3-0)
• Recommended filing of agenda management system update (2-0, Toomey absent)
• Recommended filing of 'Building Blocks' property tool informational item (3-0)
• Issued chairman's order to ensure remote logins for 'Building Blocks'

Public Library Board of Directors

The Worcester Public Library Board of Directors met on June 22, 2022, but the minutes contain only the agenda and meeting logistics, with no record of decisions, approvals, or discussions. The agenda lists standard items such as approval of previous minutes, reports, and old/new business, but no outcomes are documented.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports met on June 22, 2022, to review four agenda items. No formal votes were taken at this meeting; items were discussed and held for further action. The committee reviewed the administration's reports on summer learning programs, virtual tutoring services, sex education curriculum opt-out rates, and a proposed Fundamentals of Cybersecurity course.

• Held item gb #1-53 on summer learning programs for further updates
• Held item gb #1-312 on virtual tutoring services for further updates
• Held item gb #2-94 on sex education curriculum update for further updates
• Held item gb #2-141 on Fundamentals of Cybersecurity course for further updates
• Held item gb #2-145 on teacher shortage report for further updates

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The Traffic and Parking Committee voted unanimously to recommend making Sudbury St. from Harvard St. to Eden St. a two-way street, and approved several other traffic and parking changes. The committee also held or filed numerous petitions pending further evaluation, and issued several orders requesting city reports and actions.

• Approved Sudbury St. two-way conversion (3-0)
• Approved handicap parking space at 274 Lincoln St. (3-0)
• Held as amended handicap parking petition for 87 Pleasant St. (3-0)
• Approved crosswalk flashing light on Burncoat St. at Thorndyke Rd. (3-0)
• Approved 'No Parking Anytime' signage at 5 Hollywood St. (3-0)
• Approved resident permit parking on east side of Mulberry St. (3-0)
• Approved two 15-minute parking zones in front of 332 Main St. (3-0)
• Approved four-way stop sign at Illinois St. and Gates St. (3-0)

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee voted to recommend filing an amendment to the city's ARPA budget, which includes funding for ADA-compliant improvements at Worcester Public Schools and redirecting excess funds to the Doherty Memorial High School project. The committee also recommended filing financial updates and an ARPA Premium Pay update, and held items on the permanent City Manager selection process and pending state legislation. Several Chairman's Orders were issued requesting reports on ARPA funding needs, accessibility barriers, and other topics.

• Recommended filing ARPA budget amendment (2-0)
• Recommended filing FY2022 financial update as of April 30, 2022 (2-0)
• Recommended filing ARPA Premium Pay update (2-0)
• Recommended filing ARPA ad hoc committees update (2-0)
• Held Diversity Recruitment Initiative item
• Held item on Chapter 565, Acts of 1979 clarification
• Held City Manager selection process item
• Held pending state legislation discussion item

Public Library Finance Committee

The Worcester Public Library Finance Committee met on June 21, 2022, but the minutes contain only the agenda and meeting logistics, with no recorded discussion, motions, or votes. No substantive decisions were made or documented.

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

The Public Health and Human Services Committee voted to hold the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Year 48 recommendations for further review, and filed informational communications on the Community Crisis Response Model and homeless population updates. It also held a communication on opioid fatalities between 2020 and 2021. Several Chairman's Orders were issued requesting reports on blight properties, homelessness prevalence, shelter data, and discharge planning.

• Held CDBG Year 48 recommendations (3-0)
• Filed Community Crisis Response Model update (3-0)
• Filed homeless population on upper Lincoln Street update (3-0)
• Filed homeless population data 2018-2021 (3-0)
• Held opioid fatalities 2020-2021 communication (3-0)
• Approved minutes of May 23, 2022 meeting (3-0)

City Council

The Worcester City Council approved a series of financial items, including an $11 million MassWorks grant for the Greendale Revitalization Initiative, a $400,000 grant for a new park at 69 Sever Street, and a $150,000 grant for pedestrian safety improvements. The council also adopted a resolution supporting the WRTA's zero-fare policy for 2023 and ordained nine salary ordinance amendments. Several items were referred to committees or tabled, including drone policy orders that were tabled under privilege.

• Approved $11M MassWorks grant for Greendale Revitalization Initiative (10-0)
• Approved $400K grant for park at 69 Sever Street (10-0)
• Approved $150K MA DOT grant for pedestrian safety improvements (10-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting WRTA zero-fare policy for 2023 (10-0)
• Ordained nine salary ordinance amendments (10-0)
• Referred speed hump and traffic review requests to Traffic and Parking Committee (10-0)
• Tabled drone data sharing and tracking orders under privilege (Colorio)
• Denied order to cap drone purchases at one (3-6)

Trust Funds Commission

The Trust Fund Commission accepted the minutes from its April 1, 2022 meeting and discussed the draft Investment Policy. Chairman Foley requested that Bartholomew and Company attend the next meeting to address three points: identifying the existing policy, future changes, and the draft policy. The commission scheduled a July meeting with the investment manager. No formal policy changes were made.

• Accepted minutes of April 1, 2022 meeting
• Scheduled July meeting with Bartholomew and Company

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee met digitally on June 17, 2022, and approved the minutes from the May 20, 2022 meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the agenda included financial reports, a cleaning bid update, and planning for next year, but no actions were recorded on these items.

• Approved May 20, 2022 meeting minutes

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved four event permits: the 3rd Annual Beats & Barbecue Festival with alcohol service on the Worcester Common, the Worcester Hip-Hop Congress community event at East Park, the Z Defacto Art Festival at Crompton Park, and the Los Fieles 508 car show at Green Hill Park. The commission also approved the Jesse Burkett Little League's request to convert the Duffy Field infield to a softball field and tabled a request from Mr. Geoff Killebrew pending written details.

• Approved Beats & Barbecue Festival with alcohol on Worcester Common (4-0)
• Approved Worcester Hip-Hop Congress event at East Park (4-0)
• Approved Z Defacto Art Festival at Crompton Park with layout modifications (4-0)
• Approved Los Fieles 508 car show at Green Hill Park with conditions (4-0)
• Approved Jesse Burkett Little League Duffy Field infield conversion to softball (4-0)
• Tabled Geoff Killebrew Elm Park event request pending written details (4-0)
• Approved March 31, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Tabled April 28, 2022 meeting minutes

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission meeting scheduled for June 16, 2022, was canceled. All agenda items, including demolition delay waivers and certificates, were postponed to the next meeting on June 30, 2022. No decisions were made.

• Meeting canceled; all agenda items postponed to June 30, 2022

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved four one-day liquor/entertainment licenses, including for the Worcester Center for Crafts and Worcester Common, and approved amendments to entertainment and liquor licenses for Tee up Taproom and Tre Baldini, Inc. It also approved a new all-alcohol license for the College of the Holy Cross and amended operating hours for The Vault marijuana dispensary. Two liquor license requests were postponed to the June 30 meeting.

• Approved one-day liquor license for Worcester Center for Crafts (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Worcester Common event (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for Worcester Caribbean American Carnival (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Alden Hall event (3-0)
• Postponed Dubai Restaurant & Lounge license transfer to June 30 (3-0)
• Postponed Taco Mexico Worcester liquor license request to June 30 (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license amendment for Tee up Taproom (3-0)
• Approved general on-premises all-alcohol license for College of the Holy Cross (3-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The Worcester Housing Authority Board approved the closing of $7,772,487 for the 38 Lewis Street project, including financing from Fidelity Co-operative Bank, ARPA and HOME grants, and state construction loans. The board also approved tenant accounts payable write-offs, solar power agreements with Building Futures and ZPT Energy Solutions, and a CFA amendment for RCAT FY2023 expenses. Minutes from the May 19, 2022 meeting were approved.

• Approved closing of $7,772,487 for 38 Lewis Street project
• Approved tenant accounts payable write-offs for Federal & State
• Approved solar power agreements with Building Futures, Inc. and ZPT Energy Solutions, LLC
• Approved CFA 5002 Amendment #4 for RCAT FY2023 expenses
• Approved minutes from May 19, 2022 regular meeting

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The Building Futures, Inc. Board approved the closing of $7,772,487 for the 38 Lewis Street project, including financing from Fidelity Co-operative Bank, city ARPA and HOME funds, state housing funds, a 99-year land lease, and authorization of eight Worcester Housing Authority vouchers. The board also authorized a general contract with Stutman Construction for the project. Minutes from the April 21, 2022 meeting were approved, and a grant award from the United Way was noted.

• Approved minutes from April 21, 2022 meeting
• Approved solar power and services agreements with Worcester Housing Authority and ZPT Energy Solutions, LLC
• Approved closing of $7,772,487 for 38 Lewis Street project
• Authorized general contract with Stutman Construction for 38 Lewis Street

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee met on June 16, 2022, and considered the proposed FY23 Budget, holding the item for further discussion. The committee also reviewed several contract renewals, including those with the Law Offices of Sean P. Sweeney, P.C., and Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, P.C., but took no final action on them. The meeting included recognitions, approval of the consent agenda, and discussion of various items, with many referred to standing committees or the administration.

• Held FY23 Budget for further consideration
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and a $250 donation (7-0)
• Recognized Superintendent Binienda, Lt. Col. Edward Ireland, and science fair winners
• Reviewed contract renewals with Law Offices of Sean P. Sweeney, P.C. and Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, P.C. (no action)
• Referred review of Wraparound Coordinator and School Adjustment Counselor job descriptions to Administration
• Referred exploration of retired educators to fill hiring gaps to Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports
• Referred proposed Foley Stadium improvements to Standing Committee on Finance and Operations
• Referred transportation policy review to Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The WRTA Advisory Board voted to authorize the administration to conduct public hearings on proposed service changes for August 2022. The board also elected officers for fiscal year 2023. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Authorized public hearings on proposed service changes for August 2022
• Elected WRTA Advisory Board officers for FY'23

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The board held a meeting with presentations from city boards and community groups on housing needs, and reviewed ARPA applications for homeowner rehabilitation, flood insurance, and lead abatement programs. No votes or formal decisions were recorded in the minutes; the agenda items were for discussion and review only.

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization approved Amendment #5 to the FFY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the FFY 2023 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The board also released Amendment #6 to the TIP for a 21-day public review and comment period, which includes a cost increase for the Route 56 reconstruction project in Rutland. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved Amendment #5 to FFY 2022-2026 TIP Highway and Transit Project Listing
• Approved FFY 2023 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
• Released Amendment #6 to FFY 2022-2026 TIP for 21-day public review and comment period

Citizen Advisory Council

The Citizen Advisory Council approved the minutes from the May 18, 2022 meeting. They discussed a potential name change for the council, with a draft communication to be prepared for further discussion at the next business meeting. No final decision was made on the name change.

• Approved minutes from 5/18/22 meeting
• Discussed name change; deferred to next business agenda for vote

Chapter 139 Hearing

The June 14, 2022 Chapter 139 hearing agenda listed 13 properties in Worcester, MA, scheduled for review under the city's abandoned building ordinance. No votes or decisions are recorded in the minutes; the document only provides the agenda with property addresses, owners, condemnation dates, and MBL numbers. The next hearings are set for July 12, August 9, and September 13, 2022.

• No formal decisions recorded; agenda only
• Listed 16-18 Cargill Avenue (condemned 11-2-2020)
• Listed 11 Clarendon Street (condemned 7-19-2021)
• Listed 14 Clarendon Street (condemned 7-26-2021)
• Listed 90 East Central Street (condemned 3-17-2020)
• Listed 23 Ferdinand Street (condemned 8-16-2021)
• Listed 15 Hawley Street (condemned 7-6-2021)
• Listed 19 Hilma Street, 12 Marsh Avenue, 6 Moen Street, 234 Pleasant Street, 25 Wayne Street, 66 Wilbur Street, 96 William Street

Senior Center Committee

The Senior Center Committee approved the minutes from the April 21, 2022 meeting and recommended preliminary FY'23 allocations totaling $903,253, contingent on funding availability. The allocations cover various programs and services, including fitness center operations, elder outreach, and technology. Transportation and food delivery allocations were left as 'tbd' pending further review.

• Approved minutes of April 21, 2022 meeting (m/s/a)
• Recommended preliminary FY'23 allocations totaling $903,253 (m/s/a)
• Deferred transportation allocation pending RFP review
• Deferred food delivery allocation pending pandemic impact assessment

Standing Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee approved multiple FY2023 departmental budgets and recommended approval of the full FY2023 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. All votes were unanimous with no nays, though some members were absent. The committee also requested reports on creating a mechanism for City Council to hire outside counsel and on options for reviewing the City Council budget.

• Approved FY2023 budgets for City Manager's Office, Contingency, and Cable Services (7-0)
• Approved FY2023 budgets for Law Department, Property and Casualty Insurance, and Court Judgments (9-0)
• Approved FY2023 budgets for City Council, Mayor's Office, City Clerk's Office, and Election Commission (10-0)
• Approved FY2023 budgets for Administration and Finance, Debt Service, and Pension Obligation Bonds (10-0)
• Approved FY2023 Line Item Budget (10-0)
• Recommended approval of FY2023 Annual Operating Budget (10-0)
• Recommended approval of FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan (10-0)
• Recommended filing of communication on department development plans (10-0)

City Council

The Worcester City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Operating Budget and the proposed Capital Improvement Plan, both recommended by the Finance Committee. The council also approved the city's Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) program resolution by a 7-3 vote, while denying motions to cap drone purchases or delay additional purchases. Several other items were referred to committees or adopted, including a $180,000 STEM grant and a $100,000 donation for a city archive.

• Adopted FY2023 Annual Operating Budget (9-0)
• Adopted FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan (10-0)
• Approved Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) program resolution (7-3)
• Denied motion to cap drone purchases at one (3-6, 1 abstention)
• Denied motion to delay additional drone purchases for one year (4-6)
• Adopted $180,000 STEM grant from MA Executive Office of Education (9-0)
• Accepted $100,000 donation from George I. Alden Trust for city archive (9-0)
• Ordained water rate changes and IN-H zoning district extension (10-0)

Human Rights Commission

The commission met with Worcester Police Department officials to review annual reports on hate crimes, complaints, use of force, and diversity initiatives. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with the commission tabling approval of the May 2, 2022 minutes. The discussion will continue at the July 11, 2022 meeting.

• Tabled approval of May 2, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Heard WPD report on 2021 hate crimes: 17 incidents, 3 arrests, 5 criminal complaints
• Heard WPD report on 2021 complaints: 44 total, 15 unnecessary force allegations
• Heard WPD update on diversity recruitment and training initiatives
• Heard HR update on creation of Division of Investigation

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for a single-family home at 34 Barrows Road, adding a condition requiring a pre-construction survey of the easement at 36 Barrows Road. The board also approved a special permit and variances for converting 18 Hammond Street into an 18-unit multi-family dwelling, and approved a food-service permit at 120 Stafford Street with a 12AM closing condition. Several continuances and postponements were granted, and a hearing for 44 Esther Street was continued to explore adding a third parking space.

• Approved variance at 34 Barrows Road with pre-construction survey condition (5-0)
• Approved special permit and variances for 18 & 23 Hammond Street multi-family conversion (5-0)
• Approved food-service permit at 120 Stafford Street with 12AM closing condition (4-1)
• Approved extension of time for 11 Sever Street variances (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 44 Esther Street two-family conversion (5-0)
• Granted continuance for 77 Seymour Street to August 1, 2022 (5-0)
• Postponed hearings for 16-18 Taunton Street, 4 Lee Street, and 216 Park Avenue to July 11, 2022 (5-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The committee approved the May 13, 2022 meeting minutes. The rest of the meeting was informational, covering iReady year-end scores, MCAS ELA item analysis, Panorama survey, access testing, charter renewal planning, and next year's planning. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved May 13, 2022 meeting minutes

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

The Governance Committee met digitally on June 10, 2022, and reviewed proposals regarding faculty representation and/or liaison. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the meeting was primarily discussion-based and procedural.

• Reviewed proposals on faculty representation and/or liaison (no vote recorded)

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council approved two grant reimbursements totaling $8,000, with one approved provisionally pending proof of eligible expenses. The council also approved modifications to two grants, including a change for Pakachoag Music School and Cyrille Vincent, while discussing a drastic project change for Indian Lake Community Association. A motion to spend $24 of NEA funds on an Airtable subscription was approved.

• Approved $5,000 grant reimbursement to Arts Transcending Borders (provisional, pending expense proof)
• Approved $3,000 grant reimbursement to Cyrille Vincent (partial)
• Approved grant modification for Pakachoag Music School to pay for teacher hours
• Approved grant modification for Cyrille Vincent
• Approved $24 NEA fund expenditure for Airtable subscription (2 months)

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners approved the 62 polling locations for the 2022 State Election Season. The board also held a public hearing and discussion on the proposed six district school committee lines, as required by the consent decree in the Worcester Interfaith, Inc. et al v. City of Worcester case, but took no final action on the district lines. The board also discussed preparations for the September 6th State Primary, including the need for more poll workers.

• Approved 62 polling locations for the 2022 State Election Season
• Discussed proposed 6 district school committee lines as presented by Nathaniel Persily (no vote)
• Discussed consent decree for Worcester Interfaith, Inc. et al v. City of Worcester (no vote)
• Discussed preparations for September 6th State Primary (no vote)
• Discussed need for more poll workers for September 6th (no vote)

Planning Board

The Worcester Planning Board approved a new parking lot for Assumption University at 500 Salisbury Street and 64 Nelson Place, along with a parking plan amendment and a definitive site plan at 9 Dalton Street. The board also favorably recommended zoning map amendments for properties on Hermon, Main, Jackson, Lagrange, and Beacon Streets, and endorsed a proposed local historic district in the Elm Park neighborhood. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved new parking lot at 500 Salisbury St & 64 Nelson Pl with staff recommendations and amendments (4-0)
• Approved parking plan amendment at 500 Salisbury St, adding one tree for eight total (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan at 9 Dalton St with staff recommendations (4-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment at 17 Hermon St to City Council (3-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment at 767 Main St & adjacent streets to City Council (3-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment at 96 & 98 Beacon St to City Council (3-0)
• Endorsed preliminary local historic district in Elm Park Neighborhood, referred to City Council (4-0)
• Granted continuances for 248 & 253 Mill St and 0 Steele St to June 29 (3-0)

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved a $244,525 retainer agreement with Foley Hoag LLP for relocation services related to the potential acquisition of 484-500 Main Street (Denholm Building). The board also approved two no-cost change orders for the Ballpark and Garage Project and accepted a financial update report. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $244,525 retainer agreement with Foley Hoag LLP for Denholm Building relocation (4-0)
• Approved Change Orders #13 and #14 to Gilbane-Hunt contract, $0 each (4-0, Tilton recused)
• Accepted financial update report for May 11-June 6, 2022 (no vote required)

Retirement Board

The Worcester Retirement Board voted 5-0 to table David Stewart's disability hearing after his attorney requested it. The board approved 12 superannuation retirement benefits for various city employees, effective between May and June 2022, and accepted the May regular and actuary minutes. It also filed monthly financials and discussed cybersecurity protocols and PERAC memos, with no executive session held.

• Tabled David Stewart's disability hearing (5-0)
• Approved 12 superannuation retirement benefits collectively
• Accepted May Regular and Actuary Minutes
• Filed monthly financials
• Approved warrants totaling $583,323.98 for member transfers, refunds, and office expenses
• Approved payroll and stipend payments totaling $27,591.32
• Approved May retiree benefits of $7,907,634.67

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Worcester Retirement Board voted unanimously to allocate funds as recommended by Meketa. The board also discussed market volatility, portfolio performance, and a proposed change to the private equity benchmark, but no formal action was taken on the benchmark change.

• Approved fund allocation as presented by Meketa (5-0)

MCRWB Youth Council

The June 9, 2022 meeting of the Youth Workforce Investment Council (YWIC) and Youth Standing Committee was cancelled. No decisions were made or business conducted.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The Standing Committee on Finance and Operations held the standing transportation update item (gb #0-33) for monthly reports, with no new substantive decisions made at this meeting. The discussion focused on ongoing bus driver shortages, recruitment efforts, and vehicle procurement, with the item held for continued updates.

• Held transportation update item gb #0-33 for monthly reports (3-0)

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved two one-day licenses at its June 8, 2022 meeting. Basil N Spice received a one-day entertainment license for live music on June 14, and Latitude Beverages received a one-day liquor and entertainment license for a DJ event on June 10. Both votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved one-day entertainment license for Basil N Spice, 299 Shrewsbury Street, for live music on June 14, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment license for Latitude Beverages, 45 Green Street, for June 10, 2022 (3-0)

Planning Board

The Worcester Planning Board approved several site plans and subdivision plans, including White Birch Village, 135 & 139 Gold Star Boulevard, 21 & 23 Crown Street, 111 Higgins Street, 40 Hooper Street, 629 & 631 Franklin Street, 158 A&B Beacon Street, 22B Chino Avenue, and 37 Trowbridge Circuit, all with conditions. The board also granted continuances for multiple projects and referred a petition to allow keeping chickens back to the City Council with a recommendation to develop an ordinance.

• Approved White Birch Village definitive plan with conditions (3-0)
• Approved 135 & 139 Gold Star Boulevard site plan with conditions (3-0)
• Approved 21 & 23 Crown Street site plan with modified condition (3-0)
• Approved 111 Higgins Street parking plan amendment (3-0)
• Approved 40 Hooper Street site plan and private street improvements (3-0)
• Approved 629 & 631 Franklin Street site plan with conditions (3-0)
• Approved 158 A&B Beacon Street subdivision plan (3-0)
• Referred chicken ordinance petition to City Council with recommendation (3-0)

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The Lake Quinsigamond Commission approved several items, including new dock permits, fall race requests with boat ramp closures, and funding for weed mapping and invasive species treatment. The commission also discussed the Lake Management Plan and a potential no wake zone expansion, but no final action was taken on those items.

• Approved April 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved bills and expenses
• Approved new dock permits
• Approved QRA Snake Regatta on 10/15/2022 with ramp closure
• Approved QRA Wormtown Classic on 10/29-10/30 with ramp closure
• Approved Worcester Boat Club crew race on July 31
• Approved funding for weed mapping on Lake Quinsigamond
• Approved funds for bid preparations for 2022 invasive species treatment

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The Upper Blackstone Clean Water board approved the June 6, 2022 warrant totaling $708,925.07 and approved the minutes from May 25, 2022. The CDM Smith team was selected for the Standby Power for Resiliency Project, with scope and contract negotiations to begin next week. Chemical bid results were presented, and the board discussed FY2023 budget impacts. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved warrant of $708,925.07 (06/06/2022)
• Approved meeting minutes from May 25, 2022
• Selected CDM Smith team for Standby Power for Resiliency Project

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The Economic Development Committee voted to recommend approval of three zoning map amendments and one adaptive reuse overlay inclusion, and held two items. It also issued orders to explore TIF/TIE penalties and hold a compliance meeting with Madison WG Holdings.

• Recommended approval of adaptive reuse overlay for 110 Webster St. (3-0)
• Recommended approval of zone change at 11 Prudence St. from RL-7 to MG-0.5 (3-0)
• Recommended approval of zone change at 1369 Grafton St. and 3 McAvey Way (3-0)
• Recommended approval as amended for zone change at 1 and 7 Brattle St. (3-0)
• Held item on Economic Development Initiatives (3-0)
• Held item on semi-annual TIF/TIE reporting (3-0)
• Issued Chairman's Order to explore TIF/TIE penalties and fines
• Issued Chairman's Order to hold meeting with Madison WG Holdings and Plumb House Project

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee on the Status of Women met virtually and heard from William Bagley, Director of Human Resources, about the status of women in City of Worcester employment. The discussion covered workforce demographics, recruitment, telework, harassment policies, and other topics. The committee approved the April 5, 2022 minutes with edits and tabled a review of marketing materials for the Wonder Women of Worcester posters. No formal policy decisions were made.

• Approved April 5, 2022 meeting minutes with edits (5-0-0)
• Tabled review of Wonder Women of Worcester posters (unanimous)

Standing Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee approved multiple FY2023 departmental budgets, including Human Resources, Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Economic Development, Department of Public Works and Parks, Transportation and Mobility, and the Police Department. The overall FY2023 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan were recommended to be held for further review. Several councilor requests for reports were also approved.

• Approved Human Resources budget (XI-1) and related items (3a-3d)
• Approved Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion budget (XVII-1)
• Approved Economic Development budget (VI-1) and related items (5a-5d)
• Approved Department of Public Works and Parks budget (IV-1) and related items (6a-6l)
• Approved Transportation and Mobility budget (V-1)
• Approved Police Department budget (III-1)
• Recommended hold on FY2023 Annual Operating Budget
• Recommended hold on FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan

City Council

The Worcester City Council approved a $73,092,000 loan order for the FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan, adopted multiple salary ordinance amendments, and passed a resolution supporting sanctuary laws for trans individuals. Several items were tabled, including the unmanned aircraft system proposal and a rule change limiting councilor speaking time. The council also referred various petitions and reports to committees.

• Approved $73,092,000 loan order for FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan (9-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting sanctuary laws for trans individuals (8-0)
• Ordained multiple salary ordinance amendments (9-0)
• Tabled unmanned aircraft system proposal (Rivera)
• Denied rule change limiting councilor speaking time (4-4)
• Referred rental registry program ordinances to Economic Development Committee
• Approved $300,000 transfer for sewer projects (9-0)
• Adopted orders for crosswalk reviews and speed enforcement (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Worcester Board of Health met on June 6, 2022, and approved the minutes from its April 4 and May 16 meetings. The board discussed gun violence, tobacco regulations, COVID-19 updates, and a recommendation for the vice-chair position, but no formal votes were taken on these topics.

• Approved minutes from April 4, 2022 and May 16, 2022 meetings
• Discussed gun violence (no action taken)
• Discussed tobacco regulations (no action taken)
• Discussed COVID-19 updates (no action taken)
• Discussed recommendation for WBOH Vice-Chair (no action taken)

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission issued an Order of Conditions for a 7-story, 210-unit residential building at 0, 9, & 19 Hemans Street, 7 Hemans Court, and 40 & 40R Milton Street, with conditions recommended by staff. The Commission also issued Orders of Conditions for several other projects, including aquatic management at Indian Lake and Salisbury Pond, a gas station at 75 Quinsigamond Avenue, and a single-family home at 26 Beaumont Road. Multiple public hearings were continued to later dates, and several certificates of compliance were issued.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 210-unit residential building at Hemans Street (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Indian Lake aquatic management (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Salisbury Pond invasive plant management (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for gas station at 75 Quinsigamond Avenue (4-1)
• Issued Order of Conditions for single-family home at 26 Beaumont Road (5-0)
• Issued negative determinations of applicability for Park Avenue and Webster Street projects (5-0)
• Continued public hearings for 500 Salisbury St, 300 Southbridge St, and other projects to 6/27/2022
• Issued partial Certificate of Compliance for 1089 Millbury Street (4-1)

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the proposed six-district school committee map from plaintiffs in Worcester Interfaith, Inc. et al. v. City of Worcester, and to receive feedback on proposed polling locations for the 2022 State Election. No formal votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes; the items were listed for discussion only.

• Discussed plaintiffs' proposed 6-district school committee map (no vote recorded)
• Discussed proposed 2022 State Election polling locations (no vote recorded)

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission approved a Certificate of Non-Applicability for roof repairs at 36 Whitman Road, a Certificate of Appropriateness and Building Demolition Delay Waiver for repainting and repairs at 8-10 Congress Street, and Building Demolition Delay Waivers for chimney replacement at 1 Kensington Heights and accessibility modifications at 53 Wachusett Street. A waiver request for 21 Heroult Road was postponed to June 16, 2022, as no applicant appeared. All votes were unanimous (7-0) except the adjournment (8-0).

• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for 36 Whitman Road roof repair (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 8-10 Congress Street repaint and repairs (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 8-10 Congress Street (7-0)
• Postponed Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 21 Heroult Road to June 16, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 1 Kensington Heights chimney replacement (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 53 Wachusett Street accessibility ramp (7-0)

License Commission

The License Commission voted 3-0 to impose a 90-day suspension on Paku Lounge's liquor license, in addition to a previously pending 5-day suspension, following a May 15 shooting and multiple liquor violations. The Commission also approved numerous one-day liquor and entertainment licenses, several common victualer licenses, and other routine license transfers and changes. One application was postponed and two were withdrawn.

• Approved minutes of May 19, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Quisqueya Picadereas y Mas, Pizza Hut, Fratelli's, and Oishi Japanese Restaurant (3-0 each)
• Approved one-day liquor/entertainment licenses for Breen's Café, Music Worcester, Summit Agency, Flying Rhino Café, Christian Stone, Joseph Stake, Luis Fraire, and Pepe's Worcester 6 Road Race (3-0 each)
• Postponed one-day liquor/entertainment application for Moses Zenon-Laguerre/Charles Luster to June 16, 2022 meeting
• Approved entertainment license for RSCH Operations (Ruth's Chris Steak House) (3-0)
• Approved change of manager/ownership for Price Chopper and Chuck E. Cheese's (3-0 each)
• Approved transfer of package store license to Milanyogi, LLC (3-0)
• Imposed 5-day suspended suspension plus 90-day suspension on Paku Lounge with conditions including metal detector, patio closure, police detail, 11 p.m. close, and food service (3-0)

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee met on June 2, 2022, and took several actions. The committee voted to participate in School Choice for the upcoming year and approved the annual authorization for the Superintendent to make final year-end budget transfers. The proposed FY23 Budget was deliberated and held for a vote on June 16, 2022. Several job descriptions were presented for consideration, and multiple items were referred to standing committees for further review.

• Approved participation in School Choice (roll call)
• Approved Superintendent's annual authorization for year-end budget transfers (roll call)
• Held FY23 Budget for deliberation until June 16, 2022
• Approved prior fiscal year payment to a teacher of $3,269.14 (roll call)
• Approved consent agenda including donations and personnel records (roll call)
• Recognized and filed Seal of Biliteracy recipients
• Accepted and filed SY22 Discipline Data Summary
• Referred dress code and attendance policy reviews to Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The Cable Television Advisory Committee held a public hearing on June 1, 2022, where residents and WCCA producers voiced complaints about Charter/Spectrum's service, billing, and perceived monopoly. The committee approved the May 4, 2022 minutes and discussed next steps for the ascertainment process, including consultant selection and timeline updates. No formal decisions were made on the complaints, but the committee noted concerns about senior discounts and customer service reporting.

• Approved minutes from May 4, 2022 (4-0)
• Held public hearing on Charter/Spectrum cable services
• Discussed plan of action for ascertainment, including consultant RFP status
• Reviewed contract comparison preliminary findings
• Changed next meeting date to July 13, 2022

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMMPO) announced a virtual public meeting to review and comment on the Draft 2023 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and the proposed 2022-2026 TIP Amendment #5. The TIP amendment includes adding a highway project and adjusting costs for several transit projects. No decisions were made at this meeting; it was a public comment opportunity.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was for public comment on Draft 2023 UPWP and TIP Amendment #5
• Proposed adding Project #S12739 (Westborough–Shrewsbury Demand Response Rideshare) at $3,121,572 in CMAQ funds
• Proposed transit cost changes: RTD0009778 decreased by $125,000 to $169,000
• Proposed transit cost changes: RTD0009781 decreased by $25,000 to $0
• Proposed transit cost changes: RTD0009779 increased by $23,040 to $105,040
• Proposed transit cost changes: RTD0009774 decreased by $80,000 to $87,000
• Proposed transit cost changes: RTD0009777 decreased by $75,000 to $278,000
• Proposed transit cost changes: RTD0009780 decreased by $23,040 to $0

Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Board of Trustees

The OPEB Board of Trustees met on June 1, 2022, and accepted minutes from May 5, 2021, and January 12, 2022. They reviewed PRIM reports as of March 31, 2022, including performance updates and balance information. The board also certified the FY2022 appropriation (updated final) and reviewed the FY2023 estimate. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Accepted minutes from May 5, 2021
• Accepted minutes from January 12, 2022
• Reviewed PRIM reports for March 31, 2022
• Certified FY2022 appropriation (updated final)
• Reviewed FY2023 appropriation estimate

Standing Committee on Public Safety

The Public Safety Committee voted 3-0 to recommend filing all five communications related to the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) proposal, including the draft policy and related legal questions. It also adopted a Chairman's Resolution supporting implementation of the city's UAS proposal. The minutes were approved.

• Approved minutes of May 2, 2022 meeting
• Recommended filing UAS proposal communication (3-0)
• Recommended filing facial recognition and drone application communication (3-0)
• Recommended filing City Council role in departmental policies communication (3-0)
• Recommended filing aerial surveillance Fourth Amendment communication (3-0)
• Recommended filing UAS follow-up report communication (3-0)
• Adopted Chairman's Resolution supporting UAS proposal implementation

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues met on May 31, 2022, to discuss several items, including a review of district policy ACAB on sexual harassment to ensure alignment with federal Title IX regulations. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes; the meeting was primarily a discussion of agenda items, including the proposed policy revisions and other administrative matters.

• Reviewed proposed revisions to policy ACAB on sexual harassment for Title IX alignment (no vote recorded)
• Discussed Rennie Center report on technology section from strategic plan (no action recorded)
• Discussed creating an Ad Hoc Subcommittee on school committee rules and meetings (no action recorded)
• Discussed conducting an equity audit of policies and student handbook (no action recorded)
• Discussed response on circumstances for calling Department of Children and Families (no action recorded)
• Discussed creating Worcester School Committee operational norms (no action recorded)
• Discussed policy on Chromebook use and replacement (no action recorded)
• Discussed petition to convert Chandler Magnet School to bilingual school (no action recorded)

Standing Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee approved the FY2023 budgets for the Inspectional Services, Technical Services, Sustainability and Resilience, Public Facilities (including DCU Center), and Financial Integrity Plan departments. The committee held budgets for Human Resources, City Manager's Office, Law, Administration and Finance, Legislative Offices, and the Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion, along with the overall FY2023 budget and capital plan. Several councilor requests for reports and studies were also approved.

• Approved FY2023 Inspectional Services budget
• Approved FY2023 Technical Services budget
• Approved FY2023 Sustainability and Resilience budget
• Approved FY2023 Public Facilities and DCU Center budgets
• Approved FY2023 Financial Integrity Plan budget
• Held FY2023 budgets for Human Resources, City Manager's Office, Law, Administration and Finance, Legislative Offices, and Diversity and Inclusion
• Held FY2023 overall budget and capital plan
• Approved multiple councilor requests for reports on inspections, cybersecurity, WiFi, sustainability, and municipal aggregation

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees met and received presentations on the fund's evolution and the initial $15,000,000 ARPA allocation. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was informational, with discussions on affordability monitoring, land disposition, and future agenda items.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded at the meeting

Civic Center Commission

The commission accepted the April 28, 2022 meeting minutes. Staff reported on ongoing projects including vault electrical upgrades, telephone and camera system improvements, and ballroom chair selections. ASM Global reported March net income above budget and highlighted recent events.

• Accepted April 28, 2022 meeting minutes
• Adjourned meeting at 9:32am

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved requests to serve alcohol at three events on the Worcester Common: the 3rd Annual Beats & Barbecue Festival, a Black Music Fest, and a Food Truck Festival. The commission also approved a community outreach event, an Eagle Scout kiosk project, and a revised public communication postcard. The minutes for the March 31, 2022 meeting were tabled.

• Approved alcohol service for 3rd Annual Beats & Barbecue Festival (5-0)
• Approved alcohol service for Black Music Fest (4-0)
• Approved alcohol service for Food Truck Festival (5-0)
• Approved Called out of the Dark Ministries community outreach event (4-0)
• Approved Eagle Scout kiosk project at Newton Hill (4-0)
• Approved revised public communication postcard (4-0)
• Tabled acceptance of March 31, 2022 minutes

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the plaintiffs' proposed six-district map for the Worcester School Committee, which would create two majority-minority districts and require roughly 26 split precincts and 17 ballot styles. The board also discussed proposed polling locations for the 2022 State Election, including new precincts and location changes. No formal votes were recorded on these items.

• Discussed plaintiffs' proposed 6-district school committee map requiring ~26 split precincts
• Discussed proposed polling locations for the 2022 State Election, including new precincts and changes
• Discussed nomination papers, primary preparation, poll workers, and postcard design for the September 6, 2022 State Primary
• Reviewed CVAP vs VAP data and census block data for Hispanic/Latino/a and Black residents

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission met on May 26, 2022, and the only substantive item was a violation hearing for Paku Paku Corporation dba Paku Lounge at 215 Chandler Street, cited for violations of Rules #7, #14, #17, #28, #37, and 204 CMR 2.04. The minutes do not record any decision or outcome from this hearing, so it is unclear whether any action was taken.

• Held violation hearing for Paku Paku Corporation dba Paku Lounge (215 Chandler Street) — outcome not recorded

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Worcester Retirement Board accepted the actuarial valuation funding schedule based on a 6.8% assumed rate of return, changing the system's assumed rate from 6.9% to 6.8%. The board reviewed the 1/1/2022 valuation, which showed a $422 million unfunded liability, a 5.85% increase in funded status to 72.98%, and a FY 2023 appropriation of $62,761,035. The plan aims for full funding by June 30, 2034.

• Accepted actuarial valuation funding schedule with 6.8% IRR (5-0)
• Changed assumed rate of return to 6.8%

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The board approved adjusting the last day of school to June 15, 2022, pending no additional closures, and eliminated the mandatory one year of Latin for graduation. A motion to establish a faculty representative position was also approved. The minutes from April 27, 2022, were approved.

• Approved minutes from April 27, 2022
• Adjusted last day of school to June 15, 2022 (pending no additional closures)
• Eliminated mandatory one year of Latin for graduation
• Established a faculty representative position

Public Library Finance Committee

The minutes contain only the agenda for the May 25, 2022 Library Finance Committee meeting, with no record of actions taken, votes, or discussion outcomes. No substantive decisions are documented.

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee convened a public budget hearing for the FY23 budget as proposed by Mayor Petty. The hearing was held to discuss the budget, but no specific decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes. The meeting followed a standard agenda with public participation allowed.

• Conducted FY23 budget hearing (no vote recorded)

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The meeting was largely procedural, with no substantive policy decisions made. The board approved meeting minutes from May 11, 2022, and approved warrants totaling $367,722.59 for May 16 and May 22, 2022. Other agenda items were updates or discussions only, including a COVID-19 update, chemical bids due June 1, and an operations report with no effluent exceedances.

• Approved meeting minutes from May 11, 2022
• Approved warrants totaling $367,722.59 (May 16 and May 22, 2022)

Public Library Board of Directors

The Worcester Public Library Board of Directors met on May 25, 2022, but the minutes contain only the agenda and no record of decisions or actions taken. No motions, votes, or resolutions were documented.

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee voted 3-0 to file several informational communications, including FY22 financial updates and the DCU Special District Improvement Fund certification. It also held two orders related to the permanent city manager selection process, recommending they be held for further discussion.

• Approved minutes of May 19, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Filed FY22 financial update as of Jan 31, 2022 (3-0)
• Filed FY22 financial update as of Feb 28, 2022 (3-0)
• Filed FY22 financial update as of Mar 31, 2022 (3-0)
• Filed DCU Special District Improvement Fund certification (3-0)
• Filed FY23 health insurance procurement summary (3-0)
• Filed Eric Batista transition plan (3-0)
• Held order on permanent city manager selection process (3-0)

Standing Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee approved the FY2023 Worcester Public Schools budget after discussion, and also approved the Health and Human Services, City Auditor, and Retirement budgets. Several other budget items were held for further review. A request was made to review student growth data from standardized testing.

• Approved FY2023 Worcester Public Schools budget
• Approved Health and Human Services budget (items #4a, #4b, #4c)
• Approved City Auditor budget
• Approved Retirement budget
• Held Legislative Offices, Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion, FY2023 Budget, and Capital Improvement Plan items
• Requested City Manager to review student growth data from standardized testing (Colorio)
• Requested City Auditor to report on feasibility of independent budget review (Russell)

City Council

The City Council approved a $23 million loan order to fund construction of a replacement Doherty High School, and also adopted a $73.09 million loan order advertisement for the FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan. The council confirmed appointments to the Community Development Advisory Committee and adopted several finance transfers, including $600,000 for police overtime. Several items were tabled, including a rental registry ordinance and a resolution supporting sanctuary laws for trans individuals.

• Approved $23M loan order for Doherty High School replacement (11-0)
• Voted to advertise $73.092M loan order for FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan (11-0)
• Confirmed appointments to Community Development Advisory Committee (10-0, Toomey absent)
• Adopted $600,000 transfer for police overtime (11-0)
• Adopted $2.335M transfer for unanticipated FY2022 costs (11-0)
• Adopted order to advertise RFP for City Manager search (10-1, Russell nay)
• Adopted surveillance technology order as amended for Assessor's Office only (10-1, King nay)
• Tabled rental registry and inspection ordinances

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Commission on Elder Affairs approved the minutes of the April 25, 2022 meeting and the Senior Center Committee report from May 10, 2022. The committee recommended preliminary FY23 allocations totaling $903,253, including $347,707 for fitness center operations and $192,535 for COA personnel, contingent on funding. No final decisions were made on transportation or food delivery allocations, which are pending further review.

• Approved minutes of April 25, 2022 meeting (m/s/a)
• Approved Senior Center Committee report from May 10, 2022 (m/s/a)
• Recommended preliminary FY23 allocations totaling $903,253 (m/s/a)
• Deferred transportation allocation pending RFP review
• Deferred food delivery allocation pending pandemic impact assessment

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals denied an administrative appeal by Country Club Acres Trust seeking a cease-and-desist order against additional construction at the partially built CCRC complex. The board also approved a special permit for a three-unit townhouse development at 9 Dalton Street, and approved several other variances and special permits, including retroactive approvals for a treehouse and porch enclosure. One item, 21 Ascension Street, was continued to July 11, 2022.

• Denied appeal for cease-and-desist at Country Club Acres (3-2)
• Approved special permit for 3-unit townhouse at 9 Dalton Street (5-0)
• Approved variances and special permits for 5 & 7-9 Richards Street (5-0)
• Approved special permit and variance for 26 June Street with fencing condition (5-0)
• Continued 21 Ascension Street fill/excavation hearing to July 11, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved special permit and variance withdrawal for 123 Hope Avenue (5-0)
• Approved lot division variances for 45 & 45A Pilgrim Avenue (5-0)
• Approved height variance for treehouse at 50 South Flagg Street (5-0)

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

The committee voted to file an informational communication on COVID-19 updates after discussion, and held two items related to the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and the REACH program for further review. A resolution supporting state legislation for a hunger-free campus initiative was introduced and the item was held.

• Approved minutes of March 29, 2022 meeting
• Filed COVID-19 update communication (8.18A CM)
• Held CHIP update item (9.18A CM)
• Held REACH project item (9.18B CM)
• Held quarterly meetings request (10f CC)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee met digitally and approved the minutes from its April 13, 2022 meeting. The meeting included financial reports, updates on the elementary school flood project, SG/WBC, cleaning bid, facilities, and IT, but no substantive decisions were recorded beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved April 13, 2022 meeting minutes

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the proposed six-district map for the Worcester School Committee, as required by the consent decree in Worcester Interfaith, Inc. et al. v. City of Worcester. The board also discussed proposed polling locations for the 2022 State Election, including 12 new polling places. No formal votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Discussed plaintiffs' proposed 6 district school committee lines
• Discussed proposed polling locations for the 2022 State Election Season
• Heard public comment on redistricting and polling place changes

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission denied a demolition delay waiver for a garage at 46 Wachusett Street, voting 5-0 against the motion that the demolition would not be detrimental to historical resources. The Commission approved demolition waivers for several other properties, including 794-796 Main Street, 8 Sycamore Street, 16 Salisbury Street, 215 Harding Street, and 205 Summer Street, and issued a Certificate of Appropriateness for 13 Montvale Road. It also approved three Certificates of Non-Applicability for maintenance work and allowed a withdrawal for 40 Southbridge Street.

• Denied demolition waiver for garage at 46 Wachusett Street (0-5)
• Approved demolition waiver for chimney removal at 794-796 Main Street (4-1)
• Approved demolition waiver for retroactive work at 8 Sycamore Street (4-1)
• Approved demolition waiver for masonry and window work at 16 Salisbury Street (5-0)
• Approved demolition waiver for sign relocation at 215 Harding Street (5-0)
• Approved demolition waiver for window and masonry work at 205 Summer Street (5-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for basement windows at 13 Montvale Road (5-0)
• Approved Certificates of Non-Applicability for 12 Monadnock Road, 10 Oxford Street, and 8-10 Regent Street (5-0 each)

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved a series of one-day liquor and entertainment licenses, including for a seasonal beer garden at Mercantile Plaza, a car show, and several common victualer licenses. It also approved new restaurant licenses for 107 Tap and Ruth's Chris Steak House, and an alteration for a patio at Anagrams for Everything. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved one-day entertainment license for Sanchez & Sons car show on June 26, 2022 (3-0); other dates continued to July 14 meeting
• Approved common victualer license for Burritos Tossaint, 377 Park Avenue (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for New Golden Dragon Island, Inc., 1328 Main Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Latitude Beverage, 138 Green Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Michael Rubino, 500 Salisbury Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor licenses for SSJ Management, Mercantile Plaza (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment licenses for Harpoon Worcester Beer Garden, Mercantile Plaza (3-0)
• Approved restaurant all alcohol, common victualer, and entertainment licenses for JMAR, LLC dba 107 Tap (3-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The Worcester Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved the minutes from the April 21, 2022 meeting, financial statements through March 31, 2022, and tenant accounts payable write-offs for Federal programs. The board also approved the Capitalization Policy, Investment Policy, SEMAP management operations certification for FY22, and several contracts and change orders, including for constable services, facade renovations, and a real estate purchase. All items were approved as presented, with no votes recorded in the minutes.

• Approved minutes from April 21, 2022 regular meeting
• Approved financial statements through March 31, 2022
• Approved tenant accounts payable write-offs for Federal
• Approved Capitalization Policy
• Approved Investment Policy
• Approved SEMAP management operations certification for FY22
• Approved Amendment 23 to Capital Improvement Work Plan 5001
• Approved Change Order No. 2 with Greenwood Industries for Facade Renovations

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee agenda for May 19, 2022, included votes to execute employment contracts for Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez as Superintendent of Schools and Kay Seale as Manager of Special Education and Intervention Services, both for July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. The minutes also record the approval of the consent agenda, which included personnel appointments, resignations, and retirements, and the referral of several items to standing committees. The document is an agenda with backup materials; it does not contain the final vote tallies or outcomes for the May 19 meeting itself.

• Vote to execute Superintendent contract for Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez (2022-2025) - listed on agenda
• Vote to execute contract for Kay Seale, Manager of Special Education (2022-2025) - listed on agenda
• Consent agenda approved, including personnel appointments, resignations, and retirements - listed on agenda
• Public petition on sick day donation referred to Governance and Employee Issues committee
• Public petition on student dysregulation feedback referred to Governance and Employee Issues committee
• Reggio Emilia pilot report accepted and filed - listed on agenda
• Standing committee reports approved on roll call - listed on agenda
• Resolution on sanctuary laws proposed for MASC Delegate Assembly - listed on agenda

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The minutes only contain the meeting notice and agenda, with no record of decisions made. The agenda includes an Administrator's Report on public hearings, a meeting with City Council's Standing Committee, and service impacts during Worcester's Tricentennial Celebration, but no outcomes are recorded.

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council appoint Eric D. Batista as Acting City Manager, effective June 1, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., and authorize Mayor Joseph M. Petty to execute his employment contract and a salary ordinance amendment. The committee also approved the minutes of its May 13, 2022 meeting and recessed to executive session to discuss the contract and salary.

• Approved minutes of May 13, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Recessed to executive session to discuss Acting City Manager contract and salary (3-0)
• Recommended appointment of Eric D. Batista as Acting City Manager effective June 1, 2022 (3-0)
• Recommended authorizing Mayor to execute Batista's employment contract and salary ordinance amendment (3-0)

Citizen Advisory Council

The Citizen Advisory Council interviewed candidates and approved appointments to various city commissions, including the Urban Forestry Tree Commission, Historical Commission, Conservation Commission, Parks Commission, Elder Affairs Commission, Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, Planning Board, and Green Worcester Advisory Committee. Several candidates were no-shows and not appointed. The council also discussed future agenda items, including renaming the CAC and transitioning to hybrid meetings.

• Approved Paul Popinchalk to Urban Forestry Tree Commission (6-0)
• Approved Maria Stella Fiore to Historical Commission (5-1) and Conservation Commission (6-0)
• Approved Joseph Johnson, Joy Winbourne to Urban Forestry Tree Commission (7-0 each)
• Approved Nicholas Chacharone to Parks Commission (7-0)
• Approved Stephen Corridori to Elder Affairs Commission (7-0)
• Approved German Chiriboga, Laura Martinez, Raquel Castro-Corazzini to Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (7-0 each)
• Approved Adrian Angus to Planning Board (7-0)
• No action on no-shows: Nathanial Lewis, Maritza Cruz, Margarita Navarro, Michelle Phenix

Worcester Ballpark Commission

The Worcester Ballpark Commission approved the minutes from the March 8, 2022 meeting. The commission discussed event coordination for Community and Revenue Generating Days, including a potential RFP for event management, and heard updates from the WooSox on ballpark improvements. No formal votes were taken on these topics, and the meeting was adjourned by rollcall vote.

• Approved minutes from 3-8-2022 meeting
• Discussed potential RFP for event management (no vote)
• Discussed scheduling of Community and Revenue Generating Days (no vote)
• Adjourned by rollcall vote

Planning Board

The Worcester Planning Board's special meeting scheduled for May 18, 2022, was cancelled. All agenda items, including public hearings and meetings on site plans, special permits, parking plans, and zoning map amendments, were postponed to the board's next meeting on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at 5:30 PM in the Levi Lincoln Chamber. No decisions were made at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled; all agenda items postponed to June 8, 2022

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization approved Amendment #4 to the FFY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Highway Project Listing and released Amendment #5 for a 21-day public review. The board also approved the FFY 2023-2027 TIP and released the draft FFY 2023 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for a 21-day public comment period. Presentations on the Worcester E-Bike Project and MassDOT's Long Range Transportation Plan were given and discussed.

• Approved Amendment #4 to FFY 2022-2026 TIP Highway Project Listing
• Released Amendment #5 to FFY 2022-2026 TIP for 21-day public review
• Approved FFY 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program
• Released draft FFY 2023 UPWP for 21-day public comment period

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee approved several handicap parking space installations and removals, recommended approval for a no parking zone and a 15-minute parking zone, and held several items for further evaluation. The minutes were approved unanimously.

• Approved minutes of April 27, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Approved handicap parking space at 3 Hawthorne St.
• Approved handicap parking space on Brookfield Dr. near 48 Great Brook Valley Ave.
• Approved handicap parking space on Agate Ave. near Lakeview St.
• Approved removal of handicap parking space at 161 Providence St.
• Approved handicap parking space at 5 Merrifield St.
• Held handicap parking petition for Genesis Club House (274 Lincoln St.)
• Held crosswalk petition between 64 and 65 Beacon St.

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The Accessibility Advisory Commission received updates on the city's new metered parking system and the Complete Streets Prioritization Plan, which would make Worcester eligible for up to $400,000 in state funding. No formal votes were taken on these items. The Commission unanimously approved the April 12, 2022 minutes and discussed future recommendations on universal design for housing.

• Approved April 12, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Heard update on new metered parking system, including license plate-based payment and no change for handicap parking
• Heard presentation on Complete Streets Prioritization Plan, with public input due by June 10, 2022
• Discussed universal design training and plans to recommend accessible housing policies
• Heard update on Polar Park accessibility issues, including entrance signage and lighting
• No action taken on AAB notices or applications

Standing Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee approved the FY2023 budgets for the Police, Fire, Emergency Communications, and Worcester Public Library departments, with the police budget approved pending receipt of several requested reports. The committee held the budgets for Inspectional Services, City Auditor, Retirement, Legislative Offices, Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the overall FY23 operating budget, and the Capital Improvement Plan for further review.

• Approved FY23 Police Department budget, pending receipt of requested reports
• Approved FY23 Fire Department budget
• Approved FY23 Emergency Communications budget
• Approved FY23 Worcester Public Library budget
• Held FY23 budgets for Inspectional Services, City Auditor, Retirement, Legislative Offices, and Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Held FY23 overall operating budget and Capital Improvement Plan
• Approved minutes of June 8, 2021 Finance Committee meeting (9-0)

Board of Health

The Worcester Board of Health met on May 16, 2022, and heard a presentation from Brandon Marshall on supervised consumption sites (SCS). No formal action was taken on the topic. The board also received COVID-19 updates and deferred approval of the April minutes due to unavailability.

• Deferred approval of April 4, 2022 meeting minutes to June meeting
• Heard presentation on supervised consumption sites (no vote)
• Discussed COVID-19 surge and vaccination rates (no vote)

Conservation Commission

The Worcester Conservation Commission approved several Orders of Conditions and negative determinations of applicability, and continued multiple hearings. Key approvals included amended conditions for the Modoc Street subdivision, an Order of Conditions for 66 Tory Fort Lane, and a negative determination for tree removal at 7 Hemlock Street. Several hearings were continued to June 6 or June 27, 2022, for revised plans or additional information.

• Approved amended Order of Conditions for Modoc Street Extension Subdivision (3-0)
• Approved Order of Conditions for 66 Tory Fort Lane paving project (4-0)
• Approved Order of Conditions for transmission line upgrades at multiple streets (5-0)
• Approved amended Order of Conditions for Arboretum Village (5-0)
• Approved Order of Conditions for Worcester Country Club (3-0, two recused)
• Issued negative determinations of applicability for 7 Hemlock St, 633 Park Ave, 8 Winter Hill Dr, and Webster/Cambridge/Illinois Sts (4-0 each)
• Continued hearings for 500 Salisbury St and 300 Southbridge St to June 6, 2022
• Continued Certificate of Compliance request for 1087/1089 Millbury St to June 6, 2022

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The joint meeting of the Worcester School Committee's Finance and Operations and the City Council's Education Committee discussed four items, but no new decisions were made. The items included a proposal to remove School Resource Officers in favor of a School Liaison Officer model, a request to update School Committee member compensation, and a request to align City Council and School Committee districts. All items were previously referred to this joint meeting and were only discussed, with no votes taken.

• No formal votes taken; all items discussed only
• Discussed School Safety Task Force recommendation to replace SROs with School Liaison Officers
• Discussed request to evaluate School Committee member compensation at 50% of City Council level
• Discussed request to align City Council and School Committee districts

Standing Committee on Education

The Education Committee voted to hold (table) all three substantive items on its agenda: a request for a joint meeting with the School Committee's Finance and Operations Committee, a communication on School Resource Officer recommendations, and approval of the April 29, 2021 minutes. The committee also issued several Chairman's Orders requesting reports and legal opinions on charter changes, district alignment, polling places, and School Liaison Officer policies. No final decisions were made on the underlying topics.

• Approved minutes of April 29, 2021 meeting (2-0, Toomey absent)
• Held item on joint meeting with School Committee Finance and Operations (2-0)
• Held item on School Safety Taskforce recommendations on SROs (2-0)
• Issued Chairman's Order requesting legal opinion on charter change process for salaries
• Issued Chairman's Order requesting City Council work to align City Council and School Committee districts
• Issued Chairman's Order requesting City Clerk review polling places for diversity
• Issued Chairman's Order requesting report on WPD training for School Liaison Officer model
• Issued Chairman's Order requesting report on school disciplinary data and SLO incidents

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved two amendments to the Downtown/Theater District Planning Cooperation Agreement: Amendment No. 17 authorizes $6.8 million for the acquisition of the Denholm Building at 484-500 Main Street (approved 3-0, with Sumner Tilton recused), and Amendment No. 18 authorizes transferring $3 million in surplus land sale proceeds to the City of Worcester (approved 4-0). The board also acknowledged the workforce diversity report for Polar Park and the garage project, and received a financial update showing $1.957 million in April expenditures.

• Approved Amendment No. 17: $6.8M for Denholm Building acquisition (3-0, Tilton recused)
• Approved Amendment No. 18: $3M transfer of surplus land sale proceeds to City (4-0)
• Approved minutes of April 14, 2022 meeting (4-0)
• Acknowledged workforce diversity report for Polar Park and garage project
• Received financial update: $1.957M in expenditures for April 12-May 10, 2022

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The Education Committee met digitally and approved the minutes from the April 8, 2022 meeting. The meeting included discussions on the school's mission, Latin and French programs, college and career counseling, and summer school, but no formal decisions were made on these topics.

• Approved April 8, 2022 meeting minutes

City Council

The City Council referred the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Operating Budget and the proposed Capital Improvement Plan to the Finance Committee for review. A motion to reconsider the referral was denied. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Referred FY2023 Annual Operating Budget to Finance Committee (9-0)
• Referred FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan to Finance Committee (9-0)
• Denied motion to reconsider referral of budget and capital plan (0-9)

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee approved the minutes of its May 10, 2022 meeting and recessed to executive session to discuss the contract and salary for Acting City Manager Eric D. Batista. After reconvening, the committee held the item and issued two chairman's orders requesting the city solicitor to report on the exact language for appointing acting city managers and on the status of Batista's nomination. No final decision was made on the contract or salary.

• Approved minutes of May 10, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Recessed to executive session to discuss Acting City Manager contract and salary (3-0)
• Held item on Acting City Manager contract and salary (3-0)
• Issued chairman's order for report on nomination/appointment language for acting city managers
• Issued chairman's order for report on status of Eric D. Batista's nomination to Acting City Manager

Worcester Arts Council

The Worcester Arts Council approved grant reimbursement of $5,000 to The Hanover Theatre and set NEA grant award amounts at $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000. They also approved an additional $360 for shipping expenses and made provisional approvals for grant modifications, including for Pakachoag Music School with conditions. The meeting was held virtually and included discussion of NEA guidelines and a public comment about a regional planning survey.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting
• Approved budget report
• Approved $5,000 grant reimbursement to The Hanover Theatre (WAC-91)
• Approved NEA grant amounts of $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000
• Approved up to $360 additional for shipping expenses (hoodies)
• Provisionally approved grant modification for Brooklyn Flores (dates confirmed)
• Provisionally approved payment for Pakachoag teacher, conditional on employee status check

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the proposed six district lines for the Worcester School Committee, as part of the Worcester Interfaith consent decree, and to receive feedback on proposed polling locations for the 2022 State Election. The plaintiffs' proposed map was presented, and the board discussed the increase in precincts from 50 to 62. No formal votes were recorded on these items during this meeting.

• Held public hearing on proposed 6 school committee district lines
• Discussed proposed 2022 State Election polling locations
• Reviewed plaintiffs' proposed map for school committee districts
• Noted precinct increase from 50 to 62 for upcoming elections

Retirement Board

The Worcester Retirement Board approved six superannuation retirement benefits and four warrants, including $7.93M in April retiree benefits. The board also set meeting dates, accepted minutes, and discussed cybersecurity, COLA changes, and staff vacancies. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

• Approved six superannuation retirements (5-0)
• Approved warrants 22-07 through 22-10 totaling $881,000
• Approved April retiree benefits of $7,933,079.67
• Accepted April COLA and regular minutes (5-0)
• Set next meeting dates for May 26 and June 9, 2022
• Filed monthly financials
• Discussed cybersecurity plans and COLA approval
• Reviewed job descriptions for vacant positions

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues met on May 12, 2022, and took action on several items. The committee voted 3-0 to file the proposed 2022-23 Student Handbook, which had been previously reviewed. The committee also held items related to the Rennie Center's Strategic Plan reports and considered, but did not vote on, several other items including sick day donations and vaccination requirements.

• Filed proposed 2022-23 Student Handbook (3-0)
• Held Rennie Center Strategic Plan reports (ros #0-9, ros #1-7)
• Considered sick day donations for staff at Worcester Technical High School, Burncoat High School, and systemwide teachers
• Discussed eliminating test-out option for employee vaccination requirement
• Discussed student vaccination requirement for extracurricular activities

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The Upper Blackstone Clean Water board approved warrants totaling $1,486,989.86 for May 2022. The meeting was held via Zoom and included updates on COVID-19 monitoring, standby power interviews, and an integrated planning update. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved warrants of $1,159,496.61 (05/02/2022) and $327,493.25 (05/09/2022), totaling $1,486,989.86

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The Finance and Operations Standing Committee meeting on May 11, 2022, was an agenda and backup document review; no votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes. The agenda included updates on the Student Information System (SIS) procurement, transportation, FY22 budget transfers, and facilities projects. The minutes consist of prior actions and backup materials, with no new actions taken at this meeting.

• No decisions recorded at this meeting

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization announced a virtual public meeting to discuss the Draft 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Proposed Amendment #4 to the 2022-2026 TIP. The amendment adds a bridge maintenance project in Oxford at a cost of $8,741,567. No decisions were made; the meeting was for public comment, with a deadline of May 11, 2022 at 4:30 PM.

• Released Draft 2023-2027 TIP for 21-day public review and comment
• Proposed Amendment #4 to 2022-2026 TIP adding Oxford bridge project (I-395) at $8,741,567
• Scheduled virtual public meeting for May 10, 2022 at 5:00 PM
• Set public comment deadline for May 11, 2022 at 4:30 PM

Chapter 139 Hearing

The May 10, 2022 Chapter 139 hearing agenda listed 12 properties in Worcester for review under the city's abandoned building procedures. Of these, 11 were previously condemned and one (234 Pleasant Street) was listed as vacant. No votes or decisions are recorded in the minutes; the document serves as the agenda for the hearing.

• Listed 103 Blackstone River Road (condemned 3-16-2022, $30,000)
• Listed 23 Ferdinand Street (condemned 8-16-2021)
• Listed 2 Ford Street (condemned 8-25-2020, $25,000)
• Listed 70 Hamilton Street (condemned 3-14-2021)
• Listed 63 Harrison Street (condemned 8-6-2019)
• Listed 15 Hawley Street (condemned 7-6-2021)
• Listed 12 B Joseph Street (condemned 4-23-2021)
• Listed 12 Marsh Avenue (condemned 12-8-2016)

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Worcester Local Emergency Planning Committee met virtually and reviewed the Hazard Mitigation Plan, inviting public suggestions for additions. The committee also approved the minutes from October 26, 2021, and appointed new officers: Diana Rawles as Deputy Chairperson, Mike Onofrio as Secretary, and Alisa Deleo-Laperle as Treasurer. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Reviewed Hazard Mitigation Plan and opened forum for recommended additions
• Approved minutes from October 26, 2021
• Appointed Diana Rawles as Deputy Chairperson
• Appointed Mike Onofrio as Secretary
• Appointed Alisa Deleo-Laperle as Treasurer

Senior Center Committee

The Senior Center Committee met on May 10, 2022, and approved the minutes from the April 21, 2022 meeting. They confirmed the next meeting for June 14 at noon. The committee discussed using FY'22 surplus funds to purchase technology items, including computers, laptops, and digital signage, and approved the renewal of two licenses for space at the Senior Center with no changes.

• Approved minutes of April 21, 2022 meeting
• Confirmed next meeting for June 14 at noon
• Approved renewal of SMCH Meditation Association license for space at Senior Center
• Approved renewal of Prime Movement license for space at Senior Center
• Discussed using FY'22 surplus funds for technology purchases (computers, laptops, people counting system, digital signage, privacy seats, multi-media upgrades)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports met on May 10, 2022, and held all items on its agenda without taking final action. The committee reviewed updates on virtual tutoring programs (Catapult and Ignite), the lack of elementary school librarians, a mental health framework (MTSS), and Night Life adult education programs. No new decisions were made; all items were held for further discussion.

• Held virtual tutoring update (gb #1-312) for further discussion
• Held elementary librarian request (c&p #2-4) for further discussion
• Held mental health framework update (gb #2-42) for further discussion
• Held library programs update (gb #2-56) for further discussion
• Held Night Life programs update (gb #2-108) for further discussion

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The committee approved the minutes from the May 4, 2022 meeting. It then held an item regarding the contract and salary for Acting City Manager Eric D. Batista, after discussing it in executive session. The committee voted to hold the item and scheduled another executive session for May 13, 2022.

• Approved minutes of May 4, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Recessed to executive session to discuss acting city manager contract (3-0)
• Recommended holding item on acting city manager contract (3-0)

Standing Committee on Public Works

The Public Works Committee recommended approval of the FY23 water and sewer rate increase, as detailed in a communication from the City Manager. A related supplemental communication was filed, as it was covered by the main item. The committee also approved the minutes of its April 6, 2022 meeting.

• Approved minutes of April 6, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Recommended approval of FY23 water and sewer rates (3-0)
• Filed supplemental FY23 water and sewer rate communication (3-0)

City Council

The Worcester City Council adopted an order prohibiting the approval of an Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) until a comprehensive civil liberties-focused policy is submitted. The council also referred related drone communications to the Public Safety Committee after a motion to table them failed. Additionally, the council reaffirmed its support for keeping WRTA bus service fare-free and requested reports on funding and ridership data.

• Adopted order blocking police drone purchase until policy submitted (7-4)
• Referred drone communications to Public Safety Committee (8-3)
• Reaffirmed support for fare-free WRTA bus service (11-0)
• Adopted order for Haitian refugee support and funding (11-0)
• Adopted order for executive search firm RFP for permanent City Manager (11-0)
• Tabled FY2023 operating budget and capital improvement plan
• Ordained 16 parking ordinance amendments (11-0)
• Adopted order for report on WRA responsible employer policy enforcement (11-0)

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee discussed strategies for achieving the goal of 100% zero-carbon buildings by 2045, including incentives and education. Members agreed to draft a letter to the mayor recommending qualifications for the new City Manager, with Ted Conna and Stefanie Covino leading the effort. The committee also approved the April 11 minutes and rescheduled the June 20 meeting to June 27.

• Approved April 11, 2022 minutes with typo correction (unanimous)
• Agreed to draft letter to mayor on City Manager qualifications
• Rescheduled June 20 meeting to June 27
• Discussed strategy for zero-carbon buildings by 2045

Historical Commission

The May 5, 2022 meeting of the Worcester Historical Commission was canceled, and all agenda items were postponed to the next meeting on May 19, 2022. No decisions were made at this meeting.

• Meeting canceled; all agenda items postponed to May 19, 2022

License Commission

The Worcester License Commission approved several common victualer, one-day liquor, entertainment, and outdoor dining licenses, along with transfers and changes of officers. A few applications were postponed or continued for further review. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved common victualer license for Queiroz Meat Market (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Holy Family Parish festival (3-0)
• Approved multiple one-day liquor licenses for College of the Holy Cross events (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Marc Guinette (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for St. George Cathedral fundraiser (3-0)
• Continued Sanchez & Sons car show entertainment license to May 19 (3-0)
• Approved temporary outdoor dining for Tee Up Taproom (3-0)
• Approved transfer of package store license to New England Convenience (3-0)

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee met on May 5, 2022, and approved a prior-year salary correction of $100,110.63 for a Navy JROTC instructor, covering FY13-FY21. The committee also approved the consent agenda, which included donations and minutes from previous meetings. Several items were referred to standing committees or the administration for further review.

• Approved $100,110.63 prior-year salary correction for JROTC instructor (roll call)
• Approved consent agenda including donations and meeting minutes (roll call)
• Referred Chandler Magnet bilingual school petition to Governance and Employee Issues committee
• Referred school safety evacuation update request to Administration
• Referred high school non-MCAS programs update to Teaching, Learning and Student Supports committee
• Referred social-emotional support caseload update to Governance and Employee Issues committee
• Referred Fundamentals of Cybersecurity course to Governance and Employee Issues committee
• Held COVID-19 update for next meeting

Standing Committee on Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment

The Standing Committee on Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment recommended approval of a communication from the City Manager regarding an Executive Order establishing oversight and control over surveillance technology and the use of orthographic imagery from Nearmap US Inc. The recommendation passed on a roll call vote of 2 yeas and 0 nays, with Councilor Russell abstaining. The committee also approved the minutes of the April 25, 2022 meeting.

• Approved minutes of April 25, 2022 meeting
• Recommended approval of Nearmap orthographic imagery use (2-0, Russell abstained)

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The Cable Television Advisory Committee met on May 4, 2022, and reviewed a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for an ascertainment study consultant. The committee discussed adding an 'open clause' to the Worcester contract to include new technology, as requested by member Keough, and expressed concerns about high-speed internet access across the city. No formal vote was taken on the RFP; the committee planned to continue review at a future meeting. The minutes were approved from the March 2, 2022 meeting, and the meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes from March 2, 2022 meeting
• Reviewed draft Ascertainment Study Consultant RFP
• Discussed adding 'open clause' for new technology in Spectrum contract
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Planning Board

The Worcester Planning Board approved several site plans and special permits, including a Definitive Site Plan for 75 Quinsigamond Avenue and a special permit for an adult-use marijuana microbusiness at 41 Fremont Street. The Board denied a Definitive Site Plan Amendment for Salisbury Hill CCRC that would have allowed temporary rock crushing on site, voting 3-1. The Board also granted continuances for several projects and approved an extension of time for the Blaire House project.

• Approved continuances for 1103 Millbury St, 9 Dalton St, 0 Meadow Lane/Pleasant St, 490 Shrewsbury St, and 248 & 253 Mill St to May 18, 2022 (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for White Birch Village to May 18, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 75 Quinsigamond Avenue with conditions (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Subdivision Plan amendment for 34-52 Modoc Street with conditions (4-0)
• Approved CCRC Special Permit amendment for Salisbury Hill CCRC (4-0)
• Denied Definitive Site Plan Amendment for Salisbury Hill CCRC (3-1, LaValley opposed)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 8 Harvard Street (4-0)
• Approved Special Permit for adult-use marijuana microbusiness at 41 Fremont Street (4-0)

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee voted to file a communication reviewing past City Manager search processes (1993, 2004, 2014) and held three related orders on the selection process, including Mayor Petty's proposal for an Ad Hoc Committee and Councilor Nguyen's community engagement plan. The committee also approved the minutes of the April 27, 2022 meeting. No final decisions were made on the City Manager selection process itself.

• Approved minutes of April 27, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Filed communication on past City Manager search processes (3-0)
• Held Mayor Petty's order for Ad Hoc Committee on City Manager selection (3-0)
• Held Councilor Nguyen's order for community ad-hoc committee (3-0)
• Held order for Executive Session on Acting City Manager contract (3-0)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee on the Status of Women's May 3, 2022 meeting was cancelled. No decisions were made; the agenda included discussion of women in city employment and volunteer opportunities, but no actions were taken.

Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation

The committee held a public discussion on WRTA passenger usage, funding, routes, and potential permanent fare-free service. It voted to hold the main item (#3a) for further review and filed a related informational order (#3b). Several chairman's orders were issued requesting reports on yellow cab usage, ridership charts, top employer routes, labor costs, and accessible vehicles.

• Approved minutes of Dec 13, 2021 meeting (2-0, Nguyen absent)
• Held item #3a on WRTA fare-free discussion for further review
• Filed item #3b (informational order on accessible buses and para transit)
• Issued order for report on daily yellow cab usage by WRTA
• Issued order for monthly ridership charts from Jan 2019 to present
• Issued order to provide WRTA with list of top 10 employers for route alignment
• Issued order for report on anticipated labor costs from new collective bargaining agreement
• Issued order for report on number of accessible buses and para transit vehicles

City Council

The Worcester City Council voted to advertise a $23 million loan order to fund construction of a replacement Doherty Memorial High School, and approved a $1.32 million state grant for climate resilience work. The council also authorized the police department to award five-year contracts for body-worn cameras and Tasers, and confirmed Michael Angelini as chair of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority. Several items related to the police drone program and other matters were tabled.

• Voted to advertise $23M loan order for Doherty High School construction (10-0)
• Authorized police to award 5-year body-worn camera and Taser contracts (10-0)
• Approved $1.32M state grant for Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program (10-0)
• Confirmed Michael Angelini as Worcester Redevelopment Authority chair (10-0)
• Adopted resolution approving Body Worn Camera program timeline (9-1)
• Referred 378 Plantation St. zoning change from RL-7 to IN-H to committee (10-0)
• Approved $95,623.32 transfer for Worcester Fire Department capital purchases (10-0)
• Tabled drone-related items and several handicap parking ordinance proposals

Human Rights Commission

The Worcester Human Rights Commission met on May 2, 2022, and heard presentations from the Regional Environmental Council on food justice programs and from the Worcester Fair Housing Project on housing discrimination. The commission also received updates on police body-worn camera policy, public records access, and the racial equity audit, and elected new officers.

• Approved meeting minutes for April 4, 2022
• Elected Guillermo Creamer Jr. as Chairperson
• Elected Elizabeth O'Callahan as Vice Chairperson
• Clerk position left vacant

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for a 7-story, 210-unit multifamily building at 0, 9, & 19 Hemans Street, 7 Hemans Court, and 40R Milton Street, allowing a 9.3% parking reduction (4-1). The board also approved a temporary shelter conversion at 21-23 Crown Street and a residential conversion at 60 Alvarado Avenue, both 5-0. Several items were postponed to May 23, 2022, and the appeal regarding Country Club Acres was postponed without a decision.

• Approved special permit for 210-unit building at Hemans Street with parking reduction (4-1)
• Approved temporary shelter special permit at 21-23 Crown Street (5-0)
• Approved residential conversion special permit at 60 Alvarado Avenue (5-0)
• Postponed special permit/variance requests for 77 Seymour St, 9 Dalton St, 21 Ascension St, 45 Pilgrim Ave to May 23 (5-0)
• Postponed administrative appeal for Country Club Acres to next meeting (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 2/28, 3/21, 4/11 meetings (5-0)

Standing Committee on Public Safety

The committee voted to approve the April 20, 2022 minutes (2-0). It held the Fire Department Strategic Plan communication and two drone-related communications, recommending they be held. Two chairman's orders were introduced: one requesting the Fire Chief work with QCC marketing students on a social media campaign for the WFD summer boot camp, and another requesting a report on equipment usage including PFAS.

• Approved minutes of April 20, 2022 meeting (2-0)
• Held Fire Department Strategic Plan communication
• Held Unmanned Aircraft System Proposal communication
• Held facial recognition technology and drone use communication
• Introduced order for Fire Chief to work with QCC marketing students on boot camp campaign
• Introduced order for Fire Chief to report on equipment usage including PFAS

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee met on April 29, 2022, but the minutes contain only an agenda with no recorded decisions, votes, or discussion outcomes. The meeting covered introductions, attendance, faculty on the board, member recruitment, committee composition, vision/mission, and board policy comments. No substantive actions were taken.

Civic Center Commission

The Civic Center Commission approved a rent-free day for the Worcester Tercentennial Celebration featuring the Boston Pops and Brian McKnight on June 12. The commission also accepted the March 24 meeting minutes and received project updates on electrical vault work, camera and phone system upgrades, and HVAC controls. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved rent-free day for Worcester Tercentennial Celebration (unanimous)
• Accepted March 24, 2022 meeting minutes

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on April 28, 2022, was largely procedural. The commission tabled the acceptance of the March 31, 2022 minutes. The Assistant Commissioner's report listed several grant applications that were awarded, including the Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant for Columbus Park and Coal Mine Brook, and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant for Tacoma St Playground. The report also noted requests for event permits, including a request from The Black Music Fest to allow alcoholic beverages at the Worcester Common, and a request from Jeffrey Watson for a community outreach event. No formal votes on these items were recorded in the minutes.

• Tabled acceptance of March 31, 2022 minutes
• Noted Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant awarded for Columbus Park
• Noted Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant awarded for Coal Mine Brook
• Noted Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant awarded for Tacoma St Playground
• Noted PARC & LAND Grant awarded for Coes Pond Beach
• Reviewed request from The Black Music Fest for alcohol at Worcester Common
• Reviewed request from Jeffrey Watson for community outreach event
• Reviewed Sean Bellin's Eagle Scout Project proposal for Newton Hill