Worcester public meetings in 2023

Chapter 139 Hearing

The September 12, 2023 Chapter 139 hearing listed several condemned properties with owners, addresses, condemnation dates, and MBL numbers. One property (63 Mason Street) also noted a $30,000 amount. The minutes did not record any approvals, denials, votes, or other actions on the items.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The committee reviewed two government requests regarding early education and driver's education. No new votes or final decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.

City Council

The City Council granted permission for National Grid, Verizon New England, and Crown Castle NG East, LLC to install conduits and joint poles at eight different locations. Various resident petitions regarding road resurfacing, parking, and traffic signage were referred to the appropriate committees for review.

• Approved conduit location for Crown Castle NG East, LLC on Plantation St.
• Approved joint pole location for National Grid and Verizon New England on Tacoma St.
• Approved conduit location for National Grid on Jaques A Ve.
• Approved conduit location for National Grid on May St. and June St.
• Approved joint pole location for National Grid and Verizon New England on Uncatena A Ve.
• Approved conduit location for National Grid on Newton A Ve.
• Approved conduit location for National Grid on Randolph Rd.
• Approved conduit location for National Grid on Albany St.

Board of Health

The Board approved the meeting minutes from June and July. A public hearing was held regarding proposed tobacco regulations and density caps, but no vote was taken on the regulations during this session.

• Approved June meeting minutes (3-1)
• Approved July 31st meeting minutes (2-1)

Hope Cemetery Commission

The commission met to discuss the 5 Year Capital Plan and a request from the Islamic Society of Greater Worcester for 3,000 additional graves. The provided document is an agenda and report outline; it does not record specific votes or final decisions made during the meeting.

Human Rights Commission

The Commission approved the August 7, 2023, meeting minutes. Members questioned Worcester Police Department officials regarding inconsistencies between internal misconduct data and POST reporting, as well as the status of hate crime dispositions.

• Approved August 7, 2023, minutes (unanimous)
• Requested WPD provide updates on hate crime cases in six months
• Requested WPD provide communication regarding POST reporting criteria
• Requested WPD provide detailed BOPS reports including all complaints and discipline
• Requested WPD provide internal affairs review and disciplinary records for Officer Justin Martin
• Scheduled a September follow-up meeting to review the Community Healthlink/WPD pilot program

Parks and Recreation Commission

The provided document is an agenda and report outline for the September 11, 2023, meeting. It includes a request from the Islamic Society of Greater Worcester for an additional 3,000 graves, but the record does not state if any decisions were made.

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued Orders of Conditions for projects at 1059 Grafton Street and 34-38 Blackstone River Road. It also granted Negative Determinations of Applicability for utility work on Grove Street and Tobias Boland Way. Several other public hearings were postponed or continued.

• Issued Negative Determination of Applicability for Grove Street manhole sensors (5-0)
• Issued Negative Determination of Applicability for 25 Tobias Boland Way fiber optic cable (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 1059 Grafton Street (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 34-38 Blackstone River Road (5-0)
• Continued public hearing for 255 Lake Avenue to 10/2/23 (5-0)
• Granted withdrawal for Salisbury Street Right-of-Way and 633 & 646 Salisbury Street (5-0)
• Postponed hearings and extended deadlines for 121 Russell Street, 26 Apthorp Street, 0 Meadowbrook Road, 133 Granite Street, and 173 Lake Avenue North (5-0)

License Commission

The License Commission approved requests for a one-day liquor license and a one-day entertainment license for an event held by the CASA Project. The event is scheduled for September 14, 2023, at 446 Main Street.

• Approved one-day liquor license for CASA Project at 446 Main Street (2-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for live music for CASA Project at 446 Main Street (2-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

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

• Approved August 11, 2023 Meeting Minutes

Historical Commission

The Commission approved demolition delay waivers for exterior renovations at 54 West Street, 5 Richardson Terrace, 44 Salisbury Street, and 4 Germain Street. A Certificate of Non-Applicability was granted for 6 Whitman Road. A request for window replacement at 9 Cedar Street was continued to October 5, 2023.

• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for 6 Whitman Road (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 54 West Street (6-0)
• Continued hearing for 9 Cedar Street to October 5, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 5 Richardson Terrace (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 44 Salisbury Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 4 Germain Street (6-0)
• Continued violation status update for 100 Chandler Street to November 16, 2023

License Commission

The Commission approved several one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for local events and five common victualer licenses for restaurants. It also granted a restaurant malt and wine license and approved a package store license transfer.

• Approved one-day entertainment license for Leukemia Lymphona Society (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for Beats & Barbeque (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Megan Horgan (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Justin Kazmierczak (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Julie Toupin (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Greg Califano (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Corey’s Famous Hot Dog & Sandwich, Stop Café Pizza & Grill, Phoever, Un Toque Boriken, and Papa Flame Pizza (all 3-0)
• Approved restaurant malt & wine license for Lara Hookah Bar, Inc. (3-0)

School Committee

The School Committee approved several grants, including $300,000 for the Early College Promise Pilot. The board also approved a three-year parking lease at 6 Richards Street and various prior-year payments. Several items regarding district policy and polling locations were referred to committees or filed.

• Approved $300,000 for Early College Promise Pilot (roll call)
• Approved $32,959.56 for Worcester Recreational Social Program (roll call)
• Approved $3,000 donation of coding robots to Claremont Academy (roll call)
• Approved $10,000 donation for 3D printer packages to Worcester Technical High School (roll call)
• Approved three-year lease for parking at 6 Richards Street
• Approved commitment to state school committee code of ethics (roll call)
• Approved 13 prior-year payments to various vendors (roll call)
• Referred AVID program update to Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

The committee met to review previous minutes and discuss board member recruitment and professional development. No votes or final decisions on these topics were recorded in the provided text.

• Motion to approve June 20, 2023 meeting minutes (outcome not recorded)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board authorized a conditional commitment of $2 million for the Lagrange Lofts project to create 63 mixed-income rental units. Members also adopted a new policy requiring a one-year wait and substantial revisions before a declined project proposal can be resubmitted. An application for the Merrick at the Square project was tabled for the next meeting.

• Approved $2,000,000 conditional commitment for Lagrange Lofts (7-0)
• Approved minutes from June 21 and July 26, 2023 (7-0)
• Adopted application resubmission policy requiring substantial revision and one-year wait (7-0)
• Tabled vote on Merrick at the Square $1.8M application to next agenda (7-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved site plan amendments for residential and commercial properties and granted two frontage subdivisions. The board also approved a phased redevelopment project for the Worcester Housing Authority and a site plan for Worcester Academy.

• Approved site plan amendment and surety for 128 Alvarado Avenue (5-0)
• Approved special permit and site plan amendment for 1511 Main Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive frontage subdivision for 19 Chequesset Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive frontage subdivision for 77 Cohasset Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 124 Providence Street (5-0)
• Approved site plan, subdivision, and ANR Plan for Worcester Housing Authority project (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 342-360 Franklin Street (5-0)
• Granted postponements for 790 Salisbury St, 224 Shrewsbury St, and 112 & 116 Rodney St (5-0)

Retirement Board

The Board met for a special session to discuss litigation strategy for pending cases. The meeting included an executive session to conduct disability hearings and further discuss litigation strategy.

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists proposed items for discussion, including boat ramp closures for rowing events and updates to the Lake Management Plan, but does not record any decisions or outcomes.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board voted to postpone several special permit and variance applications to future dates. One applicant withdrew a proposal for a single-family dwelling on Longmeadow Avenue without prejudice. A proposal for a multi-family high-rise at 224 Shrewsbury Street was discussed, but no final decision was recorded in the provided text.

• Approved postponements for items at 2 Milton Street, 784/796 Salisbury Street, 11 Earle Terrace, 2 Northboro Street, 309 Shrewsbury Street, 4 Barrows Road, and 77 Amherst Street (5-0)
• Approved Leave to Withdraw without Prejudice for 9 Longmeadow Avenue (4-1)

Historical Commission

The Commission approved four Building Demolition Delay Waivers for property alterations and additions. The board also discussed transitioning to an age-based system for protecting historic buildings.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window replacements at 100 Chandler Street (5-1)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for addition and material replacements at 88 Webster Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for porch and decking repairs at 4 Meade Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for door and sidelight replacement at 23 Germain Street (6-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board received a status update on the Now Next draft plan, including public engagement results and proposed growth frameworks. Consultants presented recommendations for zoning changes, such as legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) city-wide and reducing parking requirements. No formal votes were taken on the plan's contents during this meeting.

• Voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 p.m.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The meeting followed a set agenda including reports from the Executive Director and committees. The record does not list specific outcomes or vote tallies for the items discussed.

• Motion to approve June 28, 2023, meeting minutes (outcome not recorded)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The committee held a meeting to consider the reorganization of School Committee support staff and the approval of the Superintendent’s Strategic Plan/Goals. The provided minutes do not record the outcomes or votes for these items.

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The committee recommended approval of the Elm Park Neighborhood Local Historic District. It also recommended filing updated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) policies after issuing three Chairman's Orders for further reports and a draft ordinance on apprenticeship requirements.

• Approved minutes of June 27, 2023 meeting (2-0)
• Recommended approval of Elm Park Neighborhood Local Historic District (3-0)
• Recommended filing updated TIF and TIE Policy # 9.4A CM (3-0)
• Recommended filing semi-annual TIF/TIE reporting # 10.4C CM (3-0)
• Recommended filing semi-annual TIF/TIE reporting # 9.4C CM (3-0)
• Ordered City Manager to provide updated TIF/TIE policy and draft apprenticeship ordinance
• Ordered City Manager and City Solicitor to report on legal concerns and apprenticeship requirements
• Ordered City Manager to report on compliance officer workflow and funding

City Council

The City Council approved a request for National Grid and Verizon New England to place a joint pole on Hemans St. Several other petitions regarding sidewalks, road resurfacing, and traffic signage were referred to committees or the City Manager for review.

• Approved joint pole location on Hemans St. for National Grid and Verizon New England (11-0)
• Tabled joint pole location on Trahan A Ve. under privilege
• Approved minutes of June 27, 2023 meeting (11-0)
• Referred requests for 'Do Not Litter' signage to Department of Public Works and Parks (11-0)
• Referred multiple sidewalk and sewer requests to Public Works Committee (11-0)
• Referred guardrail and sidewalk requests on Heywood St. to City Manager (11-0)
• Referred Germain St. repaving and historic preservation request to City Manager (11-0)
• Referred multiple traffic signage and speed hump requests to Traffic and Parking Committee (11-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The committee accepted the meeting minutes from June 16, 2023. The session included presentations of a financial report, an audit update, a facilities report, and an IT report.

• Approved June 16, 2023 meeting minutes

MCRWB Executive Committee

The committee unanimously approved the hiring of Jason Matthews as the WIOA Operator for a two-year base contract with a $10,000 annual fee. Staff provided updates on the YouthWorks program audit and a corrective action probationary period for the career center regarding Veterans services data compliance.

• Approved hiring Jason Matthews as WIOA Operator (unanimous)

Worcester Housing Authority

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists requests for approvals regarding tenant write-offs, procurement policies, security services, and several construction contracts, but does not record the outcomes or votes.

Retirement Board

The Board reviewed portfolio performance and economic market updates from Meketa Investment Group. The Board voted to interview three specific respondents following an Infrastructure RFP process.

• Voted to interview GIP, Stonepeak, and IFM at the next manager review meeting
• Requested Meketa schedule Entrust for the next manager review due to underperformance

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 June 16, 2023 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.

Public Library Committee on Administration

The meeting consisted of a call to order, a move into executive session for performance management, and adjournment. No substantive public decisions were recorded.

• Moved into executive session for performance management

School Committee

The School Committee met to review a large volume of prior-year invoices for vendors and staff. The meeting also included discussions on collective bargaining strategies and the potential replacement of Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day.

• Approved $2,500 donation from Voya Services Company
• Approved $8,900 in funds for school leadership teams' Applied Learning
• Approved prior-year payment of $37,241.64 to Aqua Barriers
• Approved prior-year payment of $65,885.99 to WB Mason
• Approved prior-year payment of $41,438.82 to Genuine Auto Parts
• Approved prior-year payment of $16,000.00 to the Learning Center for the Deaf
• Approved prior-year payment of $12,286.00 to Norfolk Agricultural High School
• Approved prior-year payment of $8,198.08 to Capital Carpet and Flooring

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Board reviewed portfolio performance and the results of an Infrastructure RFP. It was decided that three of the five RFP respondents will be interviewed at the next manager review meeting.

• Voted to interview GIP, Stonepeak, and IFM for infrastructure management
• Requested Meketa schedule Entrust for the next manager review due to underperformance

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The committee recommended approval for amendments to the Organizational Ordinance regarding the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women and the reorganization of the Cultural Development Division, Arts Council, and License Commission. Members also issued orders to investigate legal support and hiring authority for City Council staff.

• Approved minutes of July 20, 2023
• Recommended approval of amendment to Organizational Ordinance for Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (2-0)
• Recommended approval of organizational ordinance amendments for Cultural Development Division, Arts Council, and License Commission (2-0)
• Ordered City Clerk and City Solicitor to report on language for City Council legal support and salary parameters
• Ordered City Manager to request draft language for a Special Act granting City Council hiring authority over support staff (2-0)
• Ordered City Clerk to provide a staffing survey and report on potential additional job descriptions
• Recommended filing items #4a and #5a regarding Chief of Council job description and staffing (2-0)
• Recommended filing communication regarding Assistant City Clerk appointment (2-0)

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The commission discussed renaming the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to include Accessibility. Members reviewed the Chief DEIA Officer's job description and received accessibility updates regarding Polar Park and the DCU Center.

• Approved July 18, 2023 meeting minutes

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued Orders of Conditions for a Walmart restoration project and a duplex development on Upland Street. Several other public hearings were continued or postponed to September 11, 2023.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 25 & 35R Tobias Boland Way, 0 McKeon Road, and 0 Millbury Street (6-0)
• Lifted enforcement order for 25 & 35R Tobias Boland Way, 0 McKeon Road, and 0 Millbury Street (6-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 69 Upland Street (6-0)
• Postponed public hearings and extended grant deadlines for items 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 to 9/11/2023 (5-0)
• Continued public hearing for 255 Lake Avenue to 9/11/2023 (6-0)
• Continued public hearing for 121 Russell Street (6-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists topics for discussion including DESE updates, handbooks, and school openings, but does not record any decisions or vote outcomes.

Worcester Arts Council

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

Historical Commission

The Commission approved Certificates of Non-Applicability for minor exterior work at three properties. A request for a building demolition delay waiver for Clark University was discussed, though the provided minutes do not record a final vote on that item.

• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for deck board replacement at 9 Crown Street (4-0)
• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for fence replacement at 96 Sagamore Road (4-0)
• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for fence replacement at 88 Sagamore Road (4-0)
• Approved minutes of June 1, 2023 (4-0)
• Continued building demolition delay waiver for 88 Webster Street to August 24, 2023 (4-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for weddings, sports events, and festivals. It also granted common victualer licenses to three new food establishments. Applications for Mayoush Enterprises and Fat Chops were postponed.

• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Kenneth Howell (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor licenses for The Bartending Service of New England, LLC (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Worcester Hibernian Cultural Center (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Pride Worcester (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Thomas Lee with amended date of Sept 8, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Lucky Gourmet, Mrs. Moriconi’s, and Dan’s Rockin Deli (3-0)
• Approved general on premises all alcohol and common victualer licenses for Kazahiyah’s Hair Studio (3-0)
• Postponed applications for Mayoush Enterprises, LLC and Fat Chops, LLC to Sept 7, 2023 (3-0)

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority selected the Menkiti Group as the preferred developer for the former Denholm property. The board also discussed a lease agreement for retail space in the Union Station Garage for a new restaurant.

• Approved selection of Menkiti Group as preferred developer for 484-500 Main Street (2-0-2)
• Authorized CEO to negotiate Land Disposition and Development Agreement with Menkiti Group (2-0-2)
• Approved minutes of July 13, 2023 (4-0)

School Committee

The School Committee approved motions to reorganize its office and begin the recruitment process for a full-time Clerk of the School Committee. The new role will report directly to the School Committee and handle legal records, agendas, and day-to-day operations.

• Approved reorganization of the School Committee office so the Clerk reports directly to the Committee (7-0)
• Approved starting the recruitment and interviewing process for the next Clerk (7-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission and Board of Election Commissioners held a joint meeting to discuss the 2023 School Committee District election process. The City Clerk provided updates on the 2023 Municipal Election Process.

• Held voter informational meeting regarding 2023 School Committee District election process
• Received updates from City Clerk on 2023 Municipal Election Process

Board of Election Commissioners

The board held a joint meeting with the Human Rights Commission to explain the 2023 School Committee District election process. Members discussed preparations for the September 5th Municipal Preliminary and the October 10th and November 7th Special State Elections.

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved a definitive site plan for a car wash at 1059 Grafton Street and favorably recommended a zoning map amendment for 0 Grafton Street. The Board also granted time extensions for projects on Pullman Street and Hermitage Lane and approved several other site and subdivision plans.

• Approved car wash definitive site plan at 1059 Grafton Street (5-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment for 0 Grafton Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive frontage subdivision at 15A & 15B Mars Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan at 0 (aka 414 & 422) Granite Street (5-0)
• Granted two-year extension of time for 30 Pullman Street (5-0)
• Granted extension of time for 0 (aka 26) Hermitage Lane (5-0)
• Granted postponements for 128 Alvarado Ave, 34-38 Blackstone River Rd, 790 Salisbury St, and 224 Shrewsbury St (5-0)
• Endorsed Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for 727 Salisbury Street (5-0)

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Department of Inspectional Services held a Chapter 139 hearing on August 8, 2023. The provided record lists the agenda items and properties involved but does not record specific decisions, votes, or outcomes for the properties listed.

Public Library Committee on Administration

The minutes for the August 8, 2023, meeting of the Committee on Administration record no substantive decisions, votes, or actions. The document lists the agenda items but does not provide a record of the discussions or outcomes.

Human Rights Commission

The board approved the meeting minutes from July 10, 2023, but tabled the June 12, 2023, minutes due to a lack of quorum. The commission met with Worcester Police Department Diversity Officers to discuss recruitment and data requests, though several items were tabled to September 11, 2023.

• Approved July 10, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled June 12, 2023 meeting minutes (no quorum)
• Tabled annual meeting with Worcester Police Department to September 11, 2023

Zoning Board of Appeals

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists proposed special permits and variances for residential and commercial properties, but does not record any decisions or votes.

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee reviewed findings comparing the 2013 Ascertainment Report with the 2013 contract. Members recommended specific improvements for PEG channels, fiber-optic connections, and Charter Communications' reporting and accountability. The committee also approved the July 12, 2023, meeting minutes.

• Approved July 12, 2023 minutes (6-0)
• Recommended 3 PEG channels with HD options
• Recommended more fiber-optic connections
• Recommended improved accountability for Charter regarding communication expectations
• Recommended Charter conduct bi-annual consumer surveys
• Recommended quarterly reports on service calls and responses
• Recommended network upgrades as city technology improves

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee unanimously recommended that the city adopt the Specialized Stretch Code for new construction. The committee also approved the meeting minutes from June 26, 2023.

• Recommended city adoption of the Specialized Stretch Code (unanimous)
• Approved June 26, 2023 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board approved the minutes from the May meeting. The remainder of the session consisted of a presentation by the Chief Academic Support Officer of Worcester Public Schools regarding student mental health and social-emotional competencies.

• Approved May meeting minutes

Historical Commission

The Commission denied demolition delay waivers for properties at 75 William Street and 36 Butler Street. It approved a replacement building at 114 Austin Street and exterior repairs at 17 Russell Street. One request for 88 Webster Street was postponed.

• Denied Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 75 William Street (0-5)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 114 Austin Street (5-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 114 Austin Street (5-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 17 Russell Street (6-0)
• Denied Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 36 Butler Street (0-6)
• Postponed 88 Webster Street request to August 10, 2023 (6-0)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board reviewed a $2 million application from Worcester Lagrange LLC for 63 mixed-income rental units. A decision on funding was deferred to the next meeting. The Board also approved sending a memo regarding the application due diligence process to City Council.

• Moved Lagrange Lofts application to next agenda for scoring and funding vote (5-0)
• Approved sending AHTF Application Due Diligence Process memo to City Council (5-0)
• Held approval of June 21, 2023, minutes due to lack of quorum
• Tabled AHTF Application Resubmission Moratorium until August 2023 meeting (5-0)

Planning Board

The Board voted to recommend zoning changes for properties on Cambridge Street and Grove Street to the City Council. Additionally, the Board granted six requests to postpone public meetings and hearings for various site plans.

• Recommended zoning change from RG-5 to MG-2 for 546 Cambridge Street (4-0)
• Recommended zoning change to BG-3.0 for 440-474 Grove Street (3-1)
• Approved postponements for 128 Alvarado Avenue to August 9, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved postponements for 34, 36 & 38 Blackstone River Road to August 9, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved postponements for 1511 Main Street to August 30, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved postponements for 790 Salisbury Street to August 9, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved postponements for 224 Shrewsbury Street to August 9, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved postponements for 30 Pullman Street to August 9, 2023 (4-0)

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes of action. It lists items for review and update, but does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued an Order of Conditions for park improvements at Blithewood Avenue and granted two one-year extensions for projects at Leesville Pond and Salisbury Hills. It also amended enforcement orders and issued a $300 fine for repeated violations at 215 Lake Avenue.

• Issued Order of Conditions for park improvements at 10 Blithewood Avenue (3-0)
• Issued $300 fine for violations at 215 Lake Avenue (3-0)
• Amended Enforcement Order for 215 Lake Avenue (3-0)
• Amended Enforcement Order for 133 Granite Street (3-0)
• Granted one-year extension for Leesville Pond through 9/11/2024 (3-0)
• Granted one-year extension for 727 Salisbury Street through 9/11/2024 (3-0)
• Postponed public hearings and extended deadlines for four properties to 8/14/2023 (3-0)
• Tabled project change request for 500 Salisbury Street until 8/14/2023 (3-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners met to review several approval requests for construction contracts, change orders, and a redevelopment term sheet. The record also notes the receipt of a $10,000 foundation award and a $2,175,000 federalization program grant.

• Requested final payment and closeout for General Mechanical Contractors, Inc. (GBV Basement Dehumidifiers)
• Requested construction contract award to Campora Construction for Addison Apartments door replacement
• Requested Change Order No. 1 for RCE Co., Inc. (357-day no-cost time extension)
• Requested construction contract award to JJ Cardosi for Wellington Apartments elevator upgrades
• Requested construction contract award to JJ Cardosi for Murray Avenue Apartments elevator upgrades
• Requested construction contract award to Ventrano Construction for Elm Park Towers Fire Alarm Command Center
• Requested Addendum No. 1 to A/E contract with Garofalo Design Associates Inc.
• Requested approval of Lakeside Apartments Redevelopment Term Sheet with Tremont Development/E3 Development

School Committee

The provided document is an agenda and partial minutes record. It lists items for consideration including ARPA job training grants, job descriptions for VoIP positions, and various donations, but does not record the final vote outcomes for these items.

• Proposed approval of $100,000 ARPA Job Training Program grant
• Proposed approval of $98,328 ARPA Job Training Program for Innovation Pathways Diver Education
• Proposed approval of VoIP System Administrator job description
• Proposed approval of VoIP IT Technician job description
• Proposed approval of Elementary World Cultures & Language Course
• Proposed approval of Innovation School Annual Evaluation Reports
• Proposed approval of $5,000 Paul Germain Jr. Scholarship Fund
• Proposed approval of mileage reimbursement for Nicole Kazarian ($317.95)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided text is a meeting notice and agenda rather than minutes. It lists a proposed action item to ratify the contract for Joshua Rickman as Administrator, but records no decisions or outcomes.

MCRWB Full Board

The board met to receive program updates regarding Summer YouthWorks, the Worcester Jobs Fund, and the new Worcester office. The minutes do not record specific votes or outcomes for the agenda items listed.

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The committee approved the June 22 minutes and recommended filing an ARPA budget update. Members issued several Chairman's Orders requesting reports on special process servers, police body-worn cameras during evictions, and the status of racial equity audits.

• Approved June 22, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Recommended filing ARPA budget update (3-0)
• Recommended filing report on special process servers (2-0)
• Recommended holding request to review letter from Sarah McKee (2-0)
• Recommended filing legal opinion from Mass Alliance Against Predatory Lending (2-0)
• Recommended holding Racial Equity Audit Report for HR and Health & Human Services (3-0)
• Recommended holding discussion on pending state legislation (3-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Division held a public hearing to consider the removal of four public shade trees at three different locations. The provided record does not state the final decision or vote on these removals.

• Held public hearing for removal of one Sugar Maple at 17 Quaboag St
• Held public hearing for removal of one Ginko at 371 Shrewsbury St
• Held public hearing for removal of one Pin Oak and one Red Maple at 62 Florence St

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is an agenda for the July 19, 2023, meeting. It does not record any votes, approvals, or substantive decisions made by the CMMPO.

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee voted on several petitions regarding handicap parking, resident permit parking, and signage. Most requests were recommended to be filed or held, while one request to remove a child safety sign was approved.

• Approved removal of 'Deaf Child' signage at 110 Coolidge Rd. (2-0)
• Recommended filing handicap parking request at 16 Groton Pl. (2-0)
• Recommended holding handicap parking request at 83 Richland St. (2-0)
• Recommended holding handicap parking request at 29 Shamrock St. (2-0)
• Recommended filing handicap parking request at 10 Merrifield St. (2-0)
• Recommended filing bus stop request at 365 Lake Ave. (2-0)
• Recommended filing resident permit parking at 537 Burncoat St. (2-0)
• Recommended filing resident permit parking on Arthur St. (2-0)

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

The committee recommended filing a petition to moratorium encampment sweeps, though it issued two orders for the City Manager to assess housing needs and tax incentives for vouchers. Other items regarding the Family Health Center and public health meetings were either recommended for filing or held.

• Approved minutes of May 9, 2023
• Recommended filing petition to moratorium encampment sweeps
• Ordered City Manager to meet with partner agencies to evaluate housing needs
• Ordered City Manager and City Assessor to research tax incentives for continuum of care vouchers
• Recommended filing request for Family Health Center presentation
• Recommended holding request for quarterly public health meetings
• Ordered City Manager to provide report on Department of Public Health initiatives

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The Commission elected its leadership for the upcoming term and approved a recommendation for a member to represent the accessibility perspective during the Chief Equity Officer hiring process. The meeting also included presentations on accessible housing and downtown event planning.

• Approved June 20, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Recommended Chairperson Robert Bureau to represent accessibility perspective for Chief Equity Officer hiring (Unanimous)
• Elected Robert Bureau as Chairperson (5-0-0)
• Elected Elizabeth Myska as Vice Chairperson (5-0-0)
• Elected James Delage as Secretary (5-0-0)

City Council

The City Council granted permission for a utility conduit on Grove St. and confirmed several appointments to city boards and commissions. Multiple petitions for traffic calming and signage were referred to relevant committees, while a request for a public hearing on Mill St. road work was placed on file.

• Approved conduit location for Charter Communications on Grove St. (11-0)
• Confirmed Michael Richard to Citizen Advisory Council (11-0)
• Confirmed Francisco Valdes to Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees (11-0)
• Confirmed Barry Fradkin, Frank Callahan, Diane Long, Edward Moynihan and Bill Eddy to Community Preservation Committee (11-0)
• Confirmed reappointment of Robert Bureau to Accessibility Advisory Committee (11-0)
• Placed request for Mill St. road work public hearing on file (11-0)
• Referred 13 traffic and parking petitions to Traffic and Parking Committee (11-0)
• Voted to advertise 11 proposed salary ordinance amendments (11-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved several requests to postpone public meetings and extend grant deadlines. A proposal by Kendall Homes, Inc. to build approximately 50 single-family homes was continued to August 7, 2023, after the Board determined the plan lacked sufficient detail.

• Approved postponements and deadline extensions for 8 Earle Terrace, 2 Milton Street, 9 Longmeadow Avenue, 2 Northboro Street, and 224 Shrewsbury Street (5-0)
• Continued public hearing for 784 & 796 Salisbury Street proposal to August 7, 2023

Worcester Arts Council

The council approved the final report for Hank Von Hellion and granted amendment requests for Jammie Louise Glenn and Kimberly Rose Mowers. A grant amendment request for Guardians of Tradition was denied. The council also approved the budget report.

• Approved previous meeting minutes
• Approved budget report
• Approved final report for Hank Von Hellion (NEA)
• Denied grant amendment request for Guardians of tradition (FY23)
• Approved grant amendment request for Jammie Louise Glenn
• Approved grant amendment request for Kimberly Rose Mowers contingent upon completion by June 30th, 2023

Historical Commission

The Commission granted retroactive approval for window replacements at 151 Hope Avenue with a $300 fine and approved a new fire escape at 95 Prescott Street. It approved staining but denied painting for doors at 10 Irving Street. Two properties were granted leave to withdraw without prejudice due to lack of architectural integrity.

• Continued 100 Chandler Street window replacement item to August 24, 2023 (6-0)
• Denied painting of doors at 10 Irving Street (1-5)
• Approved staining of doors at 10 Irving Street (6-0)
• Approved retroactive window replacement at 151 Hope Avenue with $300 fine (6-0)
• Granted Leave to Withdraw Without Prejudice for 234 Heard Street (6-0)
• Approved fire escape replacement at 95 Prescott Street (6-0)
• Granted Leave to Withdraw Without Prejudice for 20 Catharine Street (6-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for community events and granted common victualer licenses to three new food businesses. It also approved a premises alteration for an outdoor patio and updated rules regarding server training certifications.

• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Worcester Public Library Foundation, Pride Kickoff Party, Worcester Beer Garden, and WICN Public Radio (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment licenses for APW Summer Slam 2023 and Worcester Bazaar (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Worcester Regional Food Hub (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Mochinut, Team Elite Pizza LLC, and Imperio Brazil Meat Market (3-0)
• Approved change of manager for 1121 LLC (3-0)
• Approved alteration of premises for Bocado, Inc. outdoor patio (3-0)
• Approved outdoor dining for Unique Café & Catering (3-0)
• Amended Rule 28 to allow online Server Training certifications for liquor service

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved two cooperation agreements with the City of Worcester for Union Station funding. The board also held a discussion regarding the selection of a redevelopment partner for the Denholm property, though no final decision was recorded in the provided text.

• Approved FY2024 Union Station Operating Funds of $528,305.00 (4-0)
• Approved FY2024 Union Station Capital Funds of $537,100.00 (4-0)
• Approved minutes of June 8, 2023, and June 29, 2023 (4-0)

Retirement Board

The Board approved an updated annual budget including a 3% COLA raise effective July 1, 2023. Members also approved 15 superannuation benefits and several payment warrants. The Board decided not to participate in the NCPERS Securities Fraud Recovery Services pilot program.

• Approved updated annual budget and 3% COLA raise
• Approved 15 superannuation benefits (subject to PERAC final approval)
• Denied participation in NCPERS Securities Fraud Recovery Services pilot program
• Approved June expenses warrant for $6,613.25
• Approved member refunds warrant for $112,975.34
• Approved 3(8)c payables warrants for $193,804.53 and $393,035.95
• Approved June retiree benefits warrant for $8,169,013.85
• Accepted June Financial, Actuarial, and Regular Minutes

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the June 14, 2023 meeting. Members discussed the status of a community needs assessment and the lack of response from Spectrum regarding broadcast fees and PEG channel transmission. No other substantive votes were taken.

• Approved June 14, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Personnel Committee met in open session to enter an executive session. The purpose was to negotiate a contract with finalist Joshua Rickman for the Administrator position and prepare a recommendation for the WRTA Advisory Board.

• Entered executive session to negotiate contract with Joshua Rickman for Administrator position

Standing Committee on Public Works

The Public Works Committee recommended the conversion of Wayne St. to a public road and approved several honorary street names. The committee denied a request to make Garrison Ave. public and denied two street assessment abatements for Delmont Ave.

• Recommended approval of honorary street name Dr. Ogretta V. McNeil Way for Irving St.
• Recommended approval of honorary street name Judge Luis G. Perez Way for Main St. (3-0)
• Recommended approval of honorary street name 'John the Barber' Way for Plantation Terrace (3-0)
• Recommended approval to make Wayne St. from Baker St. to Gates Ln. a public street (3-0)
• Recommended denial of request to make Garrison Ave. from Governors southeast public (3-0)
• Recommended denial of two street assessment abatements of $18,248.40 each for Delmont Ave.
• Recommended approval of sewer and surface drain line extensions at 0 Lovell St.
• Recommended leave to withdraw for water/sewer requests at 60 Wall St. and 2 Freeman St.

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Department of Inspectional Services held a Chapter 139 hearing on July 11, 2023. The provided record lists properties and owners for the agenda, but does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Citizen Advisory Council

The council interviewed applicants and voted on their placement for various city boards and commissions. The council also approved the minutes from the May 10, 2023 meeting.

• Approved May 10, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Mark Borenstein approved for Community Preservation Committee (6-0)
• Kataneuy Couamin approved for Board of Health (6-0), Worcester Redevelopment Authority (6-0), and Zoning Board of Appeals (4-2)
• Roxana Gomez Vargas approved for Elder Affairs Commission (6-0)
• Joseph Johnson approved for Parks Commission (6-0) and Community Preservation Commission (5-1)
• Abigail Ware approved for Human Rights Commission (6-0)
• Randy Feldman approved for Human Rights Commission (6-0) and Community Preservation Committee (6-0)
• Walter Weeks approved for Worcester Redevelopment Authority (6-0) and Trust Funds Commission (6-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Commission approved meeting minutes from May 1, 2023, but tabled the June 12 minutes due to a lack of quorum. Captain Kenneth J. D’Andrea presented WPD data on hate crimes, use of force, and diversity recruitment initiatives.

• Approved May 1, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0-1)
• Tabled June 12, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0-3, quorum not met)

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda for a virtual public meeting. It outlines proposed changes to the 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan: 2050 Connections. No decisions were recorded in this document.

Designer Selection Board

The board conducted interviews and ranking for design services for the So. Division Firehouse & Emergency Communications Facility. The provided record lists the scheduled interviews but does not state the final ranking or selection outcome.

• Interviewed Context Architecture for DSB-2-W3
• Interviewed Dore & Whittier for DSB-2-W3
• Interviewed Kaestle Boos Associates for DSB-2-W3
• Interviewed Perkins & Will Architects for DSB-2-W3

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved Orders of Conditions for drainage improvements at Foley Stadium and a residential project at 348 Salisbury Street. Several other public hearings were postponed to July 24, 2023. The Commission discussed a wetland delineation request for 4 Brandt Lane but did not reach a final decision on third-party review.

• Approved Order of Conditions for 305 Chandler Street (Foley Stadium) with requirement for 6" stone base beneath piping (4-0)
• Approved Order of Conditions for 348 Salisbury Street (4-0)
• Postponed public hearings and extended constructive grant deadlines to 7/24/2023 for 25 & 35R Tobias Boland Way, 0 McKeon Road, and 0 Millbury Street (5-0)
• Postponed public hearings and extended constructive grant deadlines to 7/24/2023 for Salisbury Street Right-of-Way and 633 & 646 Salisbury Street (5-0)
• Postponed public hearings and extended constructive grant deadlines to 7/24/2023 for 34-38 Blackstone River Road (5-0)
• Postponed public hearings and extended constructive grant deadlines to 7/24/2023 for 26 Apthorp Street (5-0)

School Committee

The committee met to consider the approval of adjusted academic calendars based on new union contracts and the process for the Superintendent Evaluation. The board also reviewed job descriptions for a Communications Specialist and Communications Coordinator, while withdrawing the Digital Content Specialist position. Additionally, the committee considered $34,186.84 in UMass Mini Grants for North Quadrant Schools.

• Approved $34,186.84 in UMass Mini Grants for North Quadrant Schools
• Approved adjusted academic calendars based on new union contracts
• Approved process and date for Superintendent Evaluation
• Approved Job Description for Communications Specialist
• Withdrew/Filed Job Description for Digital Content Specialist

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided document is an open meeting notice for a Special Advisory Board Meeting. It contains no record of actions taken, votes, or decisions.

Historical Commission

The Commission granted a demolition delay waiver for Buildings D and E at 360 Franklin Street due to structural deterioration. Several other requests for window replacements, painting, and masonry repairs in historic districts were approved. One item regarding 88 Webster Street was continued to the next meeting.

• Approved demolition of Building D and Building E at 360 Franklin Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window replacement at 53 Houghton Street (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for painting at 88 Sagamore Road (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for railing replacement at 9 Regent Street (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness and Demolition Delay Waiver for stucco and stair work at 4 Regent Street (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for retaining wall material change at 10 Crown Street (7-0)
• Continued 88 Webster Street petition to July 27, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved May 18, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several one-day entertainment and liquor licenses for local events and businesses. It also granted new common victualer and alcohol licenses to multiple establishments and revoked one license due to business cessation.

• Approved one-day entertainment license for Worcester Center For Crafts (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for H.2.0 Car & Bike Show (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor, entertainment, and rain date licenses for SSJ Harpoon/Harpoon Beer Garden (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for African Festival (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Maker to Main and Jim’s Pizza and Sub (3-0)
• Approved outdoor dining for Worcester Regional Food Hub (3-0)
• Approved malt & wine, common victualer, and entertainment licenses for LUNO Pizzeria (3-0)
• Revoked restaurant all alcohol license for Nuve Lounge due to cessation of business (3-0)

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved a two-year lease extension for Maxwell Silverman’s Banquet & Conference Center and authorized a sublease between Greyhound and Amtrak. The board also tabled the selection of a development partner for Denholm.

• Approved written consent for Amtrak to sublease from Greyhound (3-0)
• Approved two-year lease extension for Maxwell Silverman’s Banquet & Conference Center subject to payment of $11,995.97 rent arrearage (3-0)
• Approved a conditional one-year lease extension option for Luciano's based on a marketing plan for the Grand Hall to be submitted by June 24, 2024 (3-0)
• Tabled selection of Denholm development partner until July 13, 2023
• Approved minutes of two prior meetings with corrections (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved several definitive site plans for residential and commercial projects, including a trucking logistics center and a mill-to-housing conversion. The Board also granted a two-year time extension for one project and postponed four other hearings to July 26, 2023.

• Approved trucking logistics and distribution center at 25 Eskow Road (5-0)
• Approved three-family dwelling at 129 Eastern Ave (5-0)
• Approved site plan at 21 Westwood Drive (5-0)
• Approved mill building conversion to residential housing at 70 Webster Street (5-0)
• Approved mixed-use multi-family residential dwelling at 393-397 Shrewsbury Street (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit, site plan amendment, and removal of portions of Arctic and Keese Streets (5-0)
• Approved single-family structure at 150 Wildwood Avenue (5-0)
• Granted two-year extension of time for 5 Madison Street (5-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees held an annual meeting to appoint members to three-year terms and elect officers. The board also approved the 2023-2024 meeting calendar and the minutes from May 24, 2023.

• Approved Patrick Royce for a new three-year term
• Approved Shelly Yarnie for a new three-year term
• Approved Bibiche Zagabe-Ndiku for a new three-year term
• Approved Board of Trustees & Committee Meetings Calendar for 2023-2024
• Approved meeting minutes from May 24, 2023

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists planned discussions on lake management, weed mapping, and drawdown permits, but does not record any decisions or outcomes.

Public Library Board of Directors

The provided document contains the agenda for the June 28, 2023, meeting. There are no recorded minutes detailing decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The committee recommended approving a zoning change for several properties on Castle Street. Two requests regarding the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance and a request for a public discussion on electric vehicles were recommended to be filed. A zoning amendment for 39 Lamartine St. was recommended to be held.

• Approved minutes from June 21, 2023
• Recommended approval of zoning change from BG-3 to RG-5 and removal from CCOD-E for 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 Castle St.
• Recommended hold on zoning amendment to include 39 Lamartine St. in CCOD-C
• Recommended filing request to increase affordability restriction in Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance from 30 to 99 years
• Recommended filing request for report on inclusionary zoning exemption criteria
• Recommended filing request for public discussion on the future of electric vehicles

City Council

The City Council adopted a resolution urging UMass Memorial Health - Community Healthlink (CHL) to reopen services and release a public plan. Several requests regarding affordable housing and homeless encampments were tabled. The Council also approved various traffic safety measures on Lovell St. and Beaver Brook Pkwy.

• Adopted resolution urging UMass Memorial Health - CHL to reopen services (10-0, 1 recused)
• Approved solar-powered speed feedback sign on Lovell St.
• Approved speed humps on Lovell St.
• Approved enhanced lane markings at Beaver Brook Pkwy and Maywood St.
• Tabled request for Affordable Housing Trust Fund applicants to follow TIF policy and wage theft ordinance
• Tabled request for tracking mechanism for Affordable Housing Trust Fund recipients
• Tabled request for report on homeless encampment sweeps and body-worn camera footage
• Approved Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations with N.E.P.B.A. Local 9-1-1 (11-0)

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The committee unanimously approved the May 15, 2023, meeting minutes. Staff provided updates on a $23 million Urban and Community Forestry Program grant application and plans to recommend a specialized stretch building code to the city council in July.

• Approved May 15, 2023 minutes (Unanimous)

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Commission approved minutes from the April 24 meeting and the May 9 Senior Center Committee report. Members received updates on the Senior Center's fitness center membership and the relocation of the Consumer Rights unit to the center.

• Approved April 24, 2023 Commission meeting minutes
• Approved May 9, 2023 Senior Center Committee meeting report

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved a petition to convert a former dormitory at 54 Elm Street into a lodging house with 24 bedrooms and a total occupancy of 28 persons. Several other applications were postponed or withdrawn, and a request for a motor vehicle sales use was continued for further information.

• Approved conversion of 54 Elm Street to a lodging house (5-0)
• Granted postponements for 2 Milton Street, 2 Northboro Street, 27 Edgeworth Street, and 36 Standish Street (5-0)
• Granted leave to withdraw without prejudice for 49 West Street (5-0)
• Continued application for motor vehicle sales/repair at 11 (aka 8) Earle Terrace to July 17, 2023 (5-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Accountability and Student Performance

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Student Performance met to consider the approval of innovation school renewal plans for Goddard Scholars Academy, University Park Campus School, and Worcester Technical High School. The provided record contains the agenda and presentation materials but does not record a final vote or decision.

School Committee

The School Committee met in executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategies. The session focused on successor contract negotiations for three different employee units.

• Discussed bargaining strategy for Educational Secretaries (Local Union 272)
• Discussed bargaining strategy for 52-Week Administrative Secretaries Unit (NAGER 1-156)
• Discussed bargaining strategy for Therapy Assistants Unit (Educational Association of Worcester)

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Local Emergency Planning Committee hosted a guest speaker from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to discuss threats and vulnerabilities facing critical infrastructure. The meeting also included updates regarding the LEPC Training Workgroup and LEPC Bylaws.

School Committee

The School Committee met in executive session to discuss bargaining strategies for successor contracts. The discussions involved the Worcester Public Service Employees Local Union 272, NAGE R1-156, and the Educational Association of Worcester.

• Discussed bargaining strategy for Educational Secretaries (Worcester Public Service Employees Local Union 272)
• Discussed bargaining strategy for 52 Week Administrative Secretaries Unit (NAGE R1-156)
• Discussed bargaining strategy for Therapy Assistants Unit (Educational Association of Worcester)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided text contains meeting notices and agendas for the Personnel Committee and the Advisory Board. No minutes recording the actual outcomes, votes, or decisions of these meetings were provided.

MCRWB Worcester Jobs Fund Oversight Committee

The meeting followed a set agenda including budget and program updates. No substantive decisions or vote tallies were recorded in the provided minutes.

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The committee recommended that the City Council consider opting into the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program once detailed reports on fiscal and legal impacts are provided. Several other communications and orders, including a request for a city manager hiring committee, were recommended to be filed.

• Recommended approval to consider opting into Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program pending detailed reports (3-0)
• Recommended filing of 2023 Municipal Elections informational communication (3-0)
• Recommended filing of Worcester Home Rule Charter amendment communication (3-0)
• Recommended filing of charter change and ballot question process communication (3-0)
• Recommended filing of Organizational Ordinance amendment for Technical Services Department (3-0)
• Recommended filing of request for annual performance evaluation tool for City Clerk and City Auditor (3-0)
• Recommended filing of request to create community ad-hoc committee for hiring a city manager (3-0)
• Approved minutes of the April 10, 2023 meeting (3-0)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board reviewed an application from 2 Gage Worcester LLC for $471,770 to build seven rental units at 2 Gage Street. A motion to place the application on the next agenda for scoring and a funding vote was denied. The Board also received a financial update reporting $5,069,463 in committed funding.

• Approved April 19, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0 with 1 abstention)
• Denied motion to schedule 2 Gage Street project scoring and funding vote (0-8)

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided text is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists potential actions regarding transportation programs and plans, but does not record any votes or final decisions.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues reviewed the proposed 2023-2024 Student Handbook. The committee requested a redlined copy of the document from the Administration to address specific updates and legal amendments before approval.

• Held approval of the 2023-2024 Student Handbook (3-0)

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee recommended approval for multiple handicap parking spaces, 'No Parking' zones, and a truck weight limit on Gilman St. Several truck ban requests were recommended for filing because they did not meet MassDOT standards. The committee also approved a stop sign on Beaver Brook Pkwy.

• Approved minutes of May 17, 2023 (2-0)
• Recommended approval of handicap parking at 39 Perry Ave, Claremont St, 55 Plantation St, 13 Greendale Ave, 15 Jacques Ave, 57 Laurel St, and 25 Arlington St
• Recommended hold for handicap parking at 16 Groton Pl
• Recommended approval of 'No Parking Anytime' signage on Short St and a 20-foot zone at 192 Lincoln St
• Recommended approval to reverse winter parking ban on Harmon St
• Recommended approval of 5-ton truck weight limit on Gilman St
• Recommended filing truck ban requests for Ernest Ave, Lovell St, Hadwen St, and Bauer St
• Recommended approval of stop sign on Beaver Brook Pkwy facing southbound traffic

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The committee approved the minutes from the March 22, 2023 meeting. Members voted to recommend filing several informational communications, including reports on federal tax credits, ARPA funding, and city rental research.

• Approved minutes of the March 22, 2023 meeting
• Recommended filing National Park Service FY2022 federal historic tax credit report
• Recommended filing update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding
• Recommended filing Architectural Heritage Foundation update regarding the Auditorium
• Recommended filing report regarding Worcester License Commission licensing
• Recommended filing communications on housing, neighborhood activities, and economic development initiatives
• Recommended filing Worcester Research Bureau report on renting in Worcester

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the April 11, 2023 meeting. The session included a presentation on the Worcester Consumer Rights Program and an update on several upcoming park accessibility and construction projects.

• Approved April 11, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists intended topics including the review of March 3, 2023, minutes and term renewal recommendations, but records no decisions or outcomes.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The committee received a quarterly report on building maintenance, staffing, and environmental safety. The report detailed the hiring of new facilities leadership and the current status of custodial vacancies and water sampling.

City Council

The City Council approved conduit locations for National Grid and Verizon New England. The council also requested updates from the City Manager regarding cooling centers and the Senior Work off Program. Several resident petitions for traffic and parking changes were referred to committees.

• Approved National Grid conduit location on Houghton St. (10-0)
• Approved Verizon New England conduit location on Seymour St. (10-0)
• Tabled National Grid conduit location on Mill St. and Chandler St.
• Referred rent control program request to City Manager (9-1)
• Approved request for water and sewer rate abatement using free cash (10-0)
• Approved request for traffic calming measures on Fourth St. (10-0)
• Approved amended request for update on warming and cooling centers (10-0)
• Approved request for update on Senior Work off Program usage (10-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The committee met to review investment and facilities planning updates. The only recorded action was a motion to accept the May 19, 2023, meeting minutes.

• Motion to accept May 19, 2023, meeting minutes

MCRWB Executive Committee

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 17, 2023 meeting. Staff provided updates on regional workforce programming, career center staffing, and an upcoming office relocation. The committee discussed the use of funding for the cannabis industry and potential topics for the summer Board meeting.

• Approved March 17, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission approved the Lake View Playground and 149 Collaborative Conceptual master plans. It also granted permits for a car show at Green Hill Park and the Beats & Barbecue festival on the Worcester Common, and approved revised park naming policies.

• Approved Lake View Playground Master Plan (5-0)
• Approved 149 Collaborative Conceptual Master Plan (5-0)
• Approved alcohol use on Worcester Common for 4th Annual Beats & Barbecue festival (5-0)
• Conditionally approved Institute Park use for National Caribbean Heritage Month (5-0)
• Approved Green Hill Park car show (5-0)
• Approved revised policy and procedure on Park Facility Naming (5-0)
• Approved beach operating times (12:00 PM to 7:00 PM) and parking lot times (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM) (5-0)

Historical Commission

The Commission approved building demolition delay waivers for properties on Elm Street and William Street. It also granted certificates of appropriateness for accessibility modifications at 10 Crown Street and new signage at 86 Austin Street.

• Continued 88 Webster Street petition to June 29, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for insulation work at 15 Oxford Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window and fire escape work at 54 Elm Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for synthetic overlay on timbers at 84 William Street (6-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for handicap accessibility changes at 10 Crown Street (6-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for replacement signage at 86 Austin Street (6-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for festivals and fundraisers. It also granted common victualer licenses to two businesses and a package store malt and wine license to Albino’s Market, Inc.

• Approved one-day entertainment license for 118 Green Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for 30 Exchange Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for 34 Boynton Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for 222 Harrington Way (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for 30 Elm Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for 179 Shrewsbury Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment licenses for 278 Shrewsbury Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for 222 Harrington Way (3-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists requests for approval regarding tenant write-offs, roof replacement payments, boiler room improvements, and fire alarm upgrades, but does not record the outcomes or votes.

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors met to review the financial statement through March 31, 2023. The meeting included requests for the approval of April 30, 2023, minutes and a change order for a project at 38 Lewis Street. The provided text does not record the final outcomes of these requests.

Designer Selection Board

The board met to shortlist and rank proposals for the South Division Firehouse & Emergency Communications Facility (DSB-2-W3). The provided record does not list the final rankings or the specific firms selected.

• Shortlisted and ranked proposals for DSB-2-W3 Design Services – South Division Firehouse & Emergency Communications Facility

School Committee

The provided minutes primarily consist of the meeting agenda and a partial record of a previous session. No final votes or decisions were recorded for the June 15, 2023, session items, including the FY24 budget.

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from May 5, 2023. Members discussed a meeting with City Manager Batista regarding the Charter-Spectrum contract and the progress of the ascertainment report. The committee voted to hold the July and August meetings virtually.

• Approved May 5, 2023 minutes (5-0)
• Approved motion to meet virtually for July and August meetings (5-0)

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Department of Inspectional Services held a Chapter 139 hearing on June 13, 2023. The provided record lists 11 properties with condemnation dates and owner information, but does not record any final decisions or votes.

Senior Center Committee

The committee approved recommended FY’24 program allocations totaling $1,032,399, contingent on available funding. The committee also recommended one-year lease extensions for three tenants. The provided text contains the agenda for June 13, 2023, and the minutes for the May 9, 2023, meeting.

• Approved FY’24 program allocations totaling $1,032,399 (m/s/a)
• Recommended one-year lease extensions for Quinsigamond Community College, SMCH Meditation Association, and Prime Movement (m/s/a)
• Approved minutes of the April 11, 2023 meeting (m/s/a)

City Council

The City Council granted permissions for utility conduit and pole locations on South Flagg St., Plymouth St., Moreland St., and Mill St. The council also confirmed a new appointment to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees and approved the abandonment of a street easement on Eskow Road.

• Approved conduit locations for Charter Communications on South Flagg St. and Plymouth St.
• Approved conduit location for Eversource on Moreland St.
• Approved pole location for National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. on Mill St.
• Confirmed appointment of Jason Pincomb to Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees (10-0)
• Adopted Disclosure of Financial Interest for a Municipal Employee (10-0)
• Voted to advertise Salary Ordinance Amendments for FY 2024 Budget (10-0)
• Approved abandonment of a street purpose easement on Eskow Road (10-0)
• Referred request for legal opinion on noise ordinance to City Manager

Human Rights Commission

City Clerk Niko Vangjeli presented initiatives to increase municipal voter turnout, including mail-in ballots and tailored postcards. No formal actions were taken as quorum was not established for votes on meeting minutes or a proposed joint meeting with the Election Commission.

• Approval of May 1, 2023 minutes failed due to lack of quorum (4-0-1)
• Proposed joint meeting with Election Commission tabled due to lack of quorum

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued a Negative Determination of Applicability for tree removal at White Birch Commons and an Order of Conditions for a project at 21 Westwood Drive. Four other public hearings were postponed to July 3, 2023.

• Approved removal of 8 trees at White Birch Commons with condition to plant 6 three-gallon shrubs within one year (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 21 Westwood Drive including requirements for rain barrels, 15 shrubs, and revised grading plans (3-0)
• Postponed public hearings and extended grant deadlines to 7/3/2023 and 7/25/2023 for 305 Chandler Street, 25 & 35R Tobias Boland Way, 0 McKeon Road, 0 Millbury Street, 633 & 646 Salisbury Street, and 34-38 Blackstone River Road (4-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists items for discussion and a grant for acceptance, but records no final decisions or vote outcomes.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The committee met to receive updates on iReady and Access testing. The May 11, 2023, meeting minutes were presented for approval. A draft of the 2023-2024 Committee and Board of Trustees calendar was reviewed.

• Motion to approve May 11, 2023, meeting minutes

Worcester Arts Council

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. No decisions, votes, or outcomes were recorded.

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board of Election Commissioners established the dates and times for early voting at the Worcester Public Library Saxe Room for September 2023, November 2023, and March 2024. The meeting also addressed preparations for the September 5th Municipal Preliminary election.

• Set early voting for Sept 28-Sept 1, 2023, at Worcester Public Library Saxe Room
• Set early voting for Oct 28-Nov 3, 2023, at Worcester Public Library Saxe Room
• Set early voting for Feb 24-March 1, 2024, at Worcester Public Library Saxe Room
• Approved minutes of the May 23rd meeting

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved transferring ballpark fund revenues and the Green Island Boulevard garage parcel to the city. The board also authorized funding for demolition at 36 Washington Square and extended a grounds maintenance contract for Union Station.

• Authorized CFO to transfer revenues payable to the Worcester Ballpark Fund (4-0)
• Approved deed conveying Green Island Boulevard Garage Parcel and lease assignment to City of Worcester (4-0)
• Approved $58,334 amendment for demolition at 36 Washington Square (4-0)
• Approved one-year extension for LEI Corporation grounds maintenance at Union Station (4-0)

Retirement Board

The Board approved superannuation benefits for nine individuals and a survivor benefit for the widow of Robert Halloran. Members reviewed the 1/1/2023 actuarial valuation, which shows the system is 73.5% funded with an unfunded liability of $449M. The Board also approved several payment warrants, including $8.7M for May retiree benefits.

• Approved superannuation benefits for 9 employees
• Approved Member Survivor Benefit for widow of Robert Halloran
• Approved May expenses warrant (23-19) for $200.00
• Approved member transfers warrant (23-20) for $126,673.18
• Approved May expenses warrant (23-21) for $60,906.61
• Approved member refunds warrant (22-23) for $57,076.78
• Approved May retiree benefits payment of $8,716,899.29
• Accepted May Regular Minutes

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Board reviewed portfolio performance and economic market updates provided by Meketa Investment Group. The Board voted to adopt a specific policy change among three options presented. No other formal votes were recorded.

• Approved investment policy C (5-0)

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The provided document contains the agenda for the June 7, 2023 meeting and the full minutes for previous meetings on April 12 and May 3, 2023. No substantive decisions or vote outcomes are recorded for the June 7 meeting.

• Approved April 12 minutes (3-0)
• Approved May 3 minutes (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved several definitive site plans and a preliminary subdivision plan. The board also recommended a zoning map amendment and a street conversion to City Council.

• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 149 Plantation & 2 LaPierre Street (3-0)
• Approved Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Burnside Court Extension (3-0)
• Granted one-year extension of time for 21-23 Crown Street (3-0)
• Approved Definitive Frontage Subdivision Plan for 37-39 Chilmark Street (3-0)
• Approved Parking Plan Amendment for 500 Salisbury Street (3-0)
• Favorably recommended Zoning Map Amendment for 104 Armory Street (3-0)
• Recommended conversion of Peacedale Avenue to public with Priority #2 (3-0)
• Endorsed six Approval Not Required (ANR) plans (3-0)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Personnel Committee held a meeting to enter into executive session to review resumes and interview applicants for the Administrator position. The document does not record any decisions or outcomes from this session.

Standing Committee on Public Works

The committee recommended the approval of several infrastructure projects, including sidewalk construction on Sunderland Rd. and a water main extension on Kenwood Ave. It recommended denying four requests to convert private streets to public roads. The committee also approved a street name change and a street assessment abatement.

• Recommended approval to rename Mulberry St. to Mount Carmel Way
• Recommended approval for sidewalks on Sunderland Rd.
• Recommended approval for water main extension on Kenwood Ave.
• Recommended approval for $18,381.60 street assessment abatement for Delmont Ave.
• Recommended approval to relocate streetlight at 204 Dana Ave. at petitioner's expense
• Recommended approval for Brookview Dr. and Great Brook Valley Ave. street discontinuance
• Recommended approval to make Forsberg St. (portion) a public road (3-0)
• Recommended denial of public road requests for Kenyon Ave., Steele St., Denmark St., and Locust Ave. (3-0 each)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Committee held a follow-up conversation with the Worcester Police Department regarding recommendations from a May 2022 report on Gender Based Violence. WPD officials provided data on domestic and sexual assault crimes, gender diversity within the force, and current trauma-informed training protocols. The meeting included a review and approval of previous minutes.

• Approved April 4, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0-0)

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided text is a meeting notice and agenda rather than minutes. It outlines a virtual public meeting held on June 6, 2023, to present the Draft 2024 Unified Planning Work Program and collect public comment.

Standing Committee on Finance

The Standing Committee on Finance approved the FY 2024 budgets for several city departments, including the Law Department, Public Facilities, and the City Auditor. The committee also issued several requests for reports regarding election mailings, legal settlements, and the financial status of the DCU Center and Polar Park.

• Approved budgets for City Council, Mayor, City Clerk, and Election Commission
• Approved budget for City Auditor
• Approved budget for Contributory and Non-Contributory Pensions
• Approved budget for Executive Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Approved budgets for Law Department, Property and Casualty Insurance, and Court Judgments
• Approved budgets for Public Facilities and DCU Center
• Requested report on costs for appealing court judgments and city settlements
• Requested report on DCU Center future revenues and Polar Park financial details

City Council

The City Council voted to adopt the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets. Additionally, the council approved several grants, including a $9.5 million MassWorks grant and a $2.7 million EPA grant.

• Approved FY2024 Operating and Capital Budgets (10-0)
• Approved $9.5M MassWorks grant from Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (10-0)
• Approved $2.7M Brownsfield Revolving Loan Fund grant from U.S. EPA (10-0)
• Approved $136,818.26 transfer from Shore Park to Hadwen Park for boardwalk repairs (10-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Joseph Prochilo to Accessibility Advisory Committee (10-0)
• Approved National Grid conduit locations on Beatrice Dr. and Windsor St.
• Tabled National Grid pole location on Apricot St.
• Referred five zoning and street public access petitions to the Planning Board

Board of Health

The Board of Health discussed proposed amendments to tobacco regulations, including a cap of 13 smoking bars and 228 total tobacco retailer permits. A final vote was deferred to the next meeting to allow for a public forum and community comments. The board also reviewed preliminary data on water fluoridation.

• Tabled review of March meeting minutes due to technical issues
• Tabled vote on tobacco regulation amendments pending a public forum

Hope Cemetery Commission

The provided document contains an agenda for the June 5, 2023 meeting and full minutes for the April 10, 2023 meeting. No substantive decisions were recorded for the June 5 date. The April 10 minutes record the approval of previous meeting minutes and discussions on burial policies.

• Approved February 6 and March 6, 2023 minutes (April 10 meeting)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved a petition for a six-unit temporary shelter, professional offices, and a social hall at 39 & 41 Whitmarsh Avenue. It also approved a variance and special permit for a three-family detached dwelling at 129 Eastern Avenue. Several other items were postponed to future dates.

• Approved temporary shelter, professional office, and social hall at 39 & 41 Whitmarsh Avenue (4-0)
• Approved variance and special permit for three-family dwelling at 129 Eastern Avenue (5-0)
• Granted postponements for 2 Milton Street, 11 Earle Terrace, 25 Eskow Road, 2 Northboro Street, and 49 West Street (5-0)

Public Library Marketing Committee

The provided document contains the agenda for the Development/Marketing Committee meeting but does not record any decisions, votes, or discussion outcomes. The record is procedural.

Public Library Marketing Committee

The provided minutes for the June 5, 2023, meeting consist of the agenda and administrative headers. No votes, decisions, or discussion outcomes were recorded.

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Personnel Committee met via Zoom to review resumes and consider applicants for the Administrator position. The meeting was held entirely in executive session and did not return to open session.

• Entered executive session to review resumes and interview Administrator applicants

License Commission

The meeting record lists a one-day liquor and entertainment request for the Worcester Chapter of the Order of Hepa. No final decisions or vote tallies are recorded in the provided text.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

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

Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Board of Trustees

The Board approved fund transfers to the City for former airport retirees' benefits for FY23 and FY24. Trustees also reviewed the trust's net position, which totaled $35,700,445 as of March 31, 2023.

• Approved transfer for FY24 airport retiree OPEB costs ($43,356)
• Approved additional appropriation for FY23 airport retiree OPEB costs ($3,039.14)
• Accepted meeting minutes from January 12, 2022 and May 5, 2021

Historical Commission

The Commission approved several demolition delay waivers and a certificate of appropriateness for home repairs. However, it denied a request to demolish two buildings at 360 Franklin Street while approving window replacements for that site. The Commission also appointed Diane Long to the Community Preservation Committee.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for repairs and painting at 34 Monadnock Road (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 16 Salisbury Street (6-0)
• Approved partial Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window replacement at 360 Franklin Street (6-0)
• Denied partial Building Demolition Delay Waiver for demolition of two buildings at 360 Franklin Street (1-5)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 21–23 Crown Street (6-0)
• Continued 100 Chandler Street window replacement item to July 13 meeting (6-0)
• Appointed Diane Long to the Community Preservation Committee (6-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved multiple one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for local events and festivals. It also granted two common victualer licenses and approved a premises alteration for a parklet. Several other applications were postponed or continued to future meetings.

• Approved one-day liquor license for Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for St. George Cathedral (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for Breen’s Café (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Christian Stone at 346 Shrewsbury Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Kaitlin Williams (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Family Ties Pizzeria and Mia Cane (3-0)
• Approved premises alteration for parklet and entertainment license for Ziggy Bombs (3-0)
• Approved change of manager for Beer Garden, MA, LLC (3-0)

Public Library Committee on Administration

The provided document contains the agenda for the meeting but does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes. It is a procedural record of the scheduled items.

School Committee

The committee conducted a budget deliberation session and executive sessions to discuss collective bargaining strategies for multiple employee units. The meeting agenda included proposals for the FY24 budget, personnel changes, and various student and staff recognitions.

• Approved $5,000 donation for Loi Huu Ha Scholarship
• Approved minutes from April 27, 2023 meeting
• Proposed approval of Worcester Public Schools FY24 budget
• Proposed removal of medical waiting room CNAs
• Proposed annual authorization for Superintendent to make year-end transfers

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority heard a proposal from the Menkiti Group to redevelop the Denholm Building. The project would include 233 mixed-income residential units and retail space. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during the meeting.

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

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

Public Library Board of Directors

The board convened for a special meeting to discuss the budget. The provided record does not list any votes, motions, or specific outcomes resulting from the discussion.

Standing Committee on Finance

The Committee approved the FY 2024 budgets for Worcester Public Schools, the Police Department, the Fire Department, and Emergency Communications. Several requests for reports on staffing, traffic, and DEI initiatives were issued. The overall FY 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets were recommended to be held.

• Approved Worcester Public Schools FY 2024 budget (9-0)
• Approved Emergency Communications FY 2024 budget (11-0)
• Approved Police Department FY 2024 budget (11-0)
• Approved Fire Department FY 2024 budget (11-0)
• Recommended hold on FY 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets (9-0)
• Approved minutes from May 23, 2023 meeting (10-0)
• Requested report on Roosevelt Elementary traffic and parking lot estimates
• Requested list of all WPS administrative positions and salaries

School Committee

The School Committee met in an emergency executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The session focused on successor contract negotiations with the Educational Association of Worcester, Instructional Assistants.

Civic Center Commission

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda. It does not contain records of decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission approved requests to allow alcohol on the Worcester Common for the Black Music Festival, the Craft Brew 5K Road Race & Festival, and the Food Truck Festival of America. The board also accepted minutes from previous meetings.

• Approved alcohol on Worcester Common for Black Music Festival (5-0)
• Approved alcohol on Worcester Common for Craft Brew 5K Road Race & Festival (5-0)
• Approved alcohol on Worcester Common for Food Truck Festival of America (6-0)
• Approved March 2, 2023 minutes (4-1)
• Approved February 2, 2023 minutes (5-0-1)

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Authority received a presentation from RMS Companies regarding the redevelopment of 484-500 Main Street. No formal vote was taken on the proposal. The board approved the minutes from the April 13, 2023 meeting.

• Approved April 13, 2023 minutes (3-0)

MCRWB Worcester Jobs Fund Oversight Committee

The committee approved the meeting minutes from March 23 and April 27, 2023. Members discussed ARPA award recommendations, budget carry-overs for the Building Pathways cohort, and FY 24 training plans for CDL and healthcare programs.

• Approved March 23, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved April 27, 2023 meeting minutes with edits

Standing Committee on Public Safety

The committee reviewed several informational reports from the Fire Department and Emergency Communications and Management, recommending most be filed. One report regarding Disaster Relief Funds was recommended to be held. Several Chairman's Orders were issued to request additional data on smoke alarms, volunteer recruitment, and housing codes.

• Approved minutes of the February 27, 2023 meeting
• Recommended filing 2022 Worcester Fire Department Annual Report
• Recommended filing report on Fire Department personnel, facilities, and training
• Recommended filing report on line-of-duty deaths and tri-data
• Recommended filing report on accreditation process updates
• Recommended filing report on Emergency Management response and recovery program changes
• Recommended holding research report on Disaster Relief Funds
• Recommended filing reports on condemned building protocols, rodent control, and Community Crisis Response Model

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved a bonus for staff members employed for over 90 days. The board also reviewed meeting minutes from April 26, 2023.

• Approved $1,500.00 bonus for all AKFCS staff members employed for over 90 days
• Motion to approve April 26, 2023, meeting minutes

School Committee

The School Committee conducted a public hearing to review the FY24 Worcester Public Schools Budget. The provided document is an agenda and does not record specific decisions or vote outcomes.

Public Library Board of Directors

The provided document contains the agenda for the meeting but does not record any substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes. It is a procedural record of the scheduled items.

Board of Election Commissioners

The minutes for the May 23, 2023, meeting list agenda items regarding municipal election preparations and budget discussions, but do not record specific votes or outcomes for those items. The document includes a separate record of the April 18, 2023, meeting where officers were elected.

• Approved minutes of the April 18th meeting
• Elected Kimberley Vanderspek as Chair (April 18 meeting)
• Elected John DiCicco as secretary (April 18 meeting)
• Selected Paul Franco as vice-chair (April 18 meeting)
• Approved minutes from March 21, 2023 meeting (April 18 meeting)

Standing Committee on Finance

The committee approved FY 2024 budgets for the City Manager's Office, Human Resources, Health and Human Services, and Innovation and Technology. The Emergency Communications budget and the overall FY 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets were held. Three requests for reports from the City Manager were issued regarding health staffing, recreation sites, and state earmarks.

• Approved FY 2024 budgets for City Manager's Office, Contingency, and Cable Services
• Approved FY 2024 budgets for Human Resources, Worker's Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and Health Insurance
• Approved FY 2024 budgets for Health and Human Services, Public Health, and Elder Affairs
• Approved FY 2024 budget for Innovation and Technology
• Held FY 2024 budget for Emergency Communications
• Recommended hold for FY 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets
• Requested staffing analysis of the Department of Health and Human Services
• Requested report on 2023 summer Recreation Worcester sites and requested State earmarks

City Council

The City Council processed numerous resident petitions regarding street repaving, honorary street naming, and parking installations, referring most to the relevant committees. The Council also confirmed one appointment to the Accessibility Advisory Committee and set hearings for National Grid conduit and pole locations.

• Confirmed reappointment of Linda Larrivee to Accessibility Advisory Committee (10-0)
• Referred request to rename Indian Hill Park to Sara Robertson Sports Facility at Indian Lake Park to DPW and Parks
• Referred honorary street naming requests for Dr. Ogretta V. McNeil Way and Judge Luis G. Perez Way to Public Works Committee
• Referred requests for speed humps and handicap parking at various locations to Traffic and Parking Committee
• Set hearings for June 6, 2023, regarding National Grid conduit and pole locations on Beatrice Dr., Windsor St., and Apricot St.
• Referred request for library staff CPR certification and defibrillators to the City Manager
• Referred request for City Manager's future vision for the city to the City Manager
• Approved minutes of the May 2, 2023 meeting

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Senior Center Committee approved recommended FY'24 funding allocations totaling $1,032,399, contingent on available funding. The committee also recommended one-year rental extensions for three tenants. The Commission on Elder Affairs reviewed reports on fitness center participation and dementia training.

• Approved recommended FY'24 allocations totaling $1,032,399 (m/s/a)
• Approved one-year rental extensions for Quinsigamond Community College, SMCH Meditation Association, and Prime Movement (m/s/a)
• Approved April 24, 2023 Commission meeting minutes (m/s/a)
• Approved April 11, 2023 Senior Center Committee meeting minutes (m/s/a)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued an Order of Conditions for parking reconstruction at Notre Dame Academy and condo construction at Kettle Brook Lofts. It also approved a transformer pad installation at 88 Webster Street and a negative determination of applicability for utility work on Park Avenue.

• Issued negative determination of applicability for Verizon utility work at Park Avenue Right-of-Way & 585 Park Avenue (4-0)
• Approved Order of Conditions for parking area reconstruction at 425 Salisbury Street & 425B Salisbury Lane (4-0)
• Approved Order of Conditions for 111-unit condo project at 1511 Main Street (4-0)
• Approved Order of Conditions for transformer pad installation at 88 Webster Street (4-0)
• Postponed public hearings and extended grant deadlines for four properties (4-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The committee considered a proposal from the Goddard School Student Council to install three water refilling stations to reduce plastic waste. The meeting also included a review of monthly updates regarding the implementation of district-operated transportation for the 2022-23 school year.

• Considered Goddard School Student Council request for 3 water refilling stations
• Reviewed monthly updates on district-operated transportation implementation

Standing Committee on Education

The Standing Committee on Education approved the minutes from November 21, 2022. The committee issued three Chairman's Orders regarding the school budget and legislative priorities, then recommended that the request for joint meetings with the School Committee be held.

• Approved minutes of the November 21, 2022 meeting
• Ordered City Manager and Superintendent to review budget formula components not updated in 5 years
• Ordered City Clerk and Superintendent to provide City Council with the Worcester Public Schools budget presentation
• Ordered City Manager and Superintendent to provide a report on legislative agenda and priorities for Worcester Public Schools
• Recommended hold on request for joint meetings with School Committee’s Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

Worcester Ballpark Commission

The Commission approved a transition from eight meetings per year to four quarterly meetings. The board also received maintenance and operational updates from the WooSox regarding ballpark facilities and parking.

• Approved transition to quarterly meeting schedule (September, January, March, and May)
• Approved meeting minutes from previous session
• Confirmed Chair approval of YWCA of Central Mass Community Day event

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists planned discussions on facilities, finances, and a bonus proposal, but does not record any decisions or vote outcomes.

MCRWB Executive Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the March 17, 2023 meeting. Members received updates on regional workforce programming, the upcoming move to 554 Main Street in July, and a draft state policy regarding federal funds and the cannabis industry.

• Approved March 17, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Commission approved certificates of appropriateness for a fence and a home addition in the Montvale Local Historic District. It also determined that the James Montgomery House is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The board discussed the Design Review Guidelines project and deferred an appointment to the Community Preservation Committee.

• Approved minutes of November 17, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved black aluminum fence installation at 30 Waconah Road (5-0)
• Approved kitchen addition and deck at 10 Whitman Road (5-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 10 Whitman Road (5-0)
• Found James Montgomery House at 22 Richards Street eligible for National Register of Historic Places (5-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for community festivals and alumni events. It also granted common victualer licenses to six food businesses and approved manager changes for two entities.

• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Kristyn Dyer (1 College St) and Khalid Karachi (100 Institute Rd) (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel & Our Lady of Loreto Parish (3-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment licenses for Queiroz Meat Market, Worcester Caribbean American Heritage Festival, and Whole Kids (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Black Music Festival and Saint Paul’s Cathedral (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Harvest Moon, II, Miranda Bread, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Wholly Cannoli, Inc., 7 Vibes Nutrition, and Domino’s Pizza (3-0)
• Approved change of manager for College of the Holy Cross and Alhambra Acres of Worcester, Inc. (3-0)
• Postponed applications for Leila Jachimczyk, Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association, and Gina Migliozzi to June 1, 2023 (3-0)
• Postponed Ziggy Bombs applications for parklet alteration and entertainment to June 1, 2023 (3-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists requests for approval regarding tenant write-offs, HUD plan amendments, and various construction and maintenance contracts, but does not record the outcomes or votes of these items.

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors met to review financial statements and request a one-year extension for a housing grant. The meeting included a request to approve the April 20, 2023, minutes.

• Requested extension of Massachusetts DHCD Housing Trust Fund grant for 38 Lewis Street through June 30, 2024
• Requested approval of April 20, 2023, meeting minutes

School Committee

The School Committee met to review several donation requests for athletic rings and school programs, as well as STEM and food pantry grants. The meeting included an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategies for multiple employee unions.

• Proposed $12,000 and $4,999 donations for North High Boys Basketball team rings
• Proposed $3,012.88 donation to Worcester Technical High School Cosmetology Department
• Proposed $3,500 donation to Doherty Memorial High School ETA Program
• Proposed $2,000 MA STEM High Quality Internship Grant
• Proposed $6,000 UNUM Equitable Pathways Program grant for Sullivan Middle School Food Pantry
• Proposed $747.45 payment to Stericycle Shred-it
• Proposed approval of Job Description for ParaPro Preparation Instructor

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda rather than minutes of action. It lists planned discussions regarding an administrator's search, budget updates, and a new webpage, but records no decisions.

Planning Board

The Board approved definitive site plans for projects at 135 Brooks Street, Lot 2A Aurora Street, 85 Boston Avenue, and 153 Green Street. It also approved a preliminary subdivision plan for 4 Brandt Lane and favorably recommended a zoning map amendment for 12 Jackson Street. Three public meetings were postponed to June dates.

• Approved preliminary subdivision plan for 4 Brandt Lane (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 135 Brooks Street (3-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for Lot 2A Aurora Street (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 85 Boston Avenue (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 153 Green Street (4-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment for 12 Jackson Street (4-0)
• Granted two-year extension of time for 3 Oriol Drive (4-0)
• Endorsed four Approval Not Required (ANR) plans (4-0)

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists potential actions regarding transportation programs and safety plans, but it does not record any votes or final decisions.

Public Library Finance Committee

The provided document contains the agenda for the Library Finance Committee meeting but does not include the minutes or record of actions taken. No decisions, votes, or budget approvals are documented.

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Personnel Committee met in open session to enter an executive session for the purpose of reviewing resumes for the Administrator position. The meeting concluded with an adjournment in open session.

• Entered executive session to review Administrator resumes
• Adjourned meeting

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee reviewed multiple petitions for handicap parking and pedestrian safety improvements. Several requests for flashing crosswalk lights at elementary schools were recommended to be filed, while others for new crosswalks and handicap spaces were recommended for approval.

• Recommended approval of handicap parking on Orne St. and 6 Clover St.
• Recommended filing request for handicap parking on Mendon St.
• Recommended approval of 'No Parking Anytime' signage at 59 Spofford Rd.
• Recommended filing flashing crosswalk requests for Chandler, Clark, Gates Lane, Vernon Hill, Midland St., and Canterbury St. schools
• Recommended approval of crosswalk at Southgate St. and Southbridge St.
• Recommended approval, pending funding, of crosswalks at Salisbury St./Barry Rd./Salisbury Hill Blvd. and Grafton St. at Lamar Ave.
• Recommended filing warning lights on Grafton St. near Standish St. with a request for a traffic study
• Recommended filing flashing signal at 335 Chandler St. with a request for standard signage

Public Schools Standing Committee on Accountability and Student Performance

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Student Performance reviewed survey data regarding high school student responsibilities after school. The data was collected to inform discussions on potentially adjusting secondary school start times.

Standing Committee on Finance

The Standing Committee on Finance approved the FY 2024 budgets for the Department of Public Works and Parks, as well as the Department of Transportation and Mobility. The committee also issued several requests for reports on city accessibility, staffing, and traffic management.

• Approved FY 2024 budgets for Administration and Finance, Engineering, Streets and Sanitation, Fleet Management, Parks, Recreation and Hope Cemetery, Green Hill Golf Course, Snow Removal, Streetlights, Sewer, and Water
• Approved FY 2024 budgets for Transportation and Mobility (11-0)
• Approved minutes from June 14, 2022
• Requested report on accessibility, safety, and playability of city fields
• Requested report on Parks Department Master Plan and staffing analysis
• Requested report on city-wide diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) framework
• Requested ADA audit of crosswalks, sidewalks, and streets with cost analysis
• Requested feasibility report on making temporary speed humps permanent

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee approved several recommendations to strengthen the city's urban forestry goals, including tree planting targets and protection policies. The committee also endorsed a written statement regarding the draft plan's scope.

• Approved April 25, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Endorsed Member Herwitz's statement on the Draft Urban Forestry Master Plan (5-1-1)
• Recommended UFMP include a target of net gain of 2,000 trees per year (unanimous)
• Recommended UFMP include additional attention to the entire urban forest beyond street trees (unanimous)
• Recommended UFMP establish a goal of no-net-loss of trees for public and private development (unanimous)
• Recommended UFMP require preserving and planting trees in street and sidewalk work where feasible (unanimous)
• Recommended policy to avoid planting shade trees in front of solar collectors or permitting collectors that shade existing trees (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board discussed water fluoridation and received a presentation on dental services from Kennedy Community Health. The Board decided to postpone a vote on the Tobacco Retail Cap and Smoking Bar Cap to ensure the proposal is published and a public forum is held.

• Tabled vote on Tobacco Retail Cap and Smoking Bar Cap until July to allow for public notice and a forum

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved a special permit for a jewelry store on Shrewsbury Street and residential projects on Rodney Street and Lake Avenue North. Four other items were postponed to June 5, 2023.

• Approved retail use (jewelry store) at 365 Shrewsbury Street (5-0)
• Approved driveway and site improvements at 112 Rodney Street (5-0)
• Approved construction of a three-family dwelling at 116 Rodney Street (5-0)
• Approved demolition and construction of four units at 173 Lake Avenue North (5-0)
• Granted postponements for 2 Milton Street, 8 Earle Terrace, 25 Eskow Street, and 2 Northboro Street (5-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The provided document is an agenda for the Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues. It does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes from the meeting.

School Committee

The School Committee met in executive session to discuss strategy regarding successor contract negotiations with the Educational Association of Worcester, Units A/B. No public decisions or votes were recorded.

Worcester Arts Council

The council unanimously approved a proposed reporting timeline for NEA/ARPA grants, pending approval from the agencies. The budget report was provisionally approved, and three final reports for FY23 were accepted. A grant amendment request for Claudia Bastante was provisionally approved.

• Approved previous meeting minutes
• Provisionally approved budget report
• Unanimously approved proposed NEA/ARPA reporting timeline (pending agency approval)
• Approved ArtsWorcester FY23 final report
• Approved Worcester Chamber Music Society FY23 final report
• Approved Worcester County Mechanics Association FY23 final report
• Provisionally approved Claudia Bastante grant amendment request (pending NEA/ARPA approval)

Retirement Board

The Board approved superannuation for two employees and authorized several payment warrants, including $8.17M for April retiree benefits. The Board also reviewed cybersecurity products and the annual statement.

• Approved superannuation for Sandra Flynn (Treasurer) and Paul Laino (WFD Captain)
• Approved warrant 23-12b for Member Transfers ($276,978.13)
• Approved warrant 23-13 for Member Transfers ($225,063.17)
• Approved warrant 23-14 for Member Refunds ($52,070.73)
• Approved warrant 23-15 for Office Expenses ($35,637.28)
• Approved warrant 23-17 for Member Refunds ($144.47)
• Approved warrant 23-18 for Member Transfer ($26,222.93)
• Approved April Retiree Benefits ($8,177,000.92)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The committee met to review administrative updates and school programming. The only recorded decisions were the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Approved February 16, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved April 6, 2023 meeting minutes

School Committee

The School Committee met in an emergency executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The session focused on successor contract negotiations with the Educational Association of Worcester, Units A/B.

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The provided minutes consist of the meeting agenda only. There is no record of decisions, votes, or discussions regarding the proposed City Manager Communication.

Citizen Advisory Council

The council interviewed applicants and voted to recommend several individuals for various city boards and commissions. The council also approved the previous meeting's minutes and rescheduled the June meeting to July.

• Approved minutes from 4/11/23 (7-0)
• Approved Frank Callahan for Community Preservation Committee (8-0)
• Approved Barry Fradkin for Community Preservation Committee (8-0) and Affordable Housing (8-0)
• Approved Eshua Mbua for Health Board (8-0)
• Approved Jack Newton for Affordable Housing (8-0)
• Approved Jason Pincomb for Affordable Housing (8-0)
• Approved Joseph Prochilo for Accessibility (8-0)
• Approved Andy Truman for Conservation Commission (8-0) and Francisco Valdes for Affordable Housing (8-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The committee received administrative responses regarding high school driver's education, educator childcare resources, and a petition for a bilingual school. The Administration requested that the petition to convert Chandler Magnet School to a bilingual school be filed due to an upcoming merger with La Familia.

• Received report on driver's education costs and ARPA funding application
• Received response on educator childcare resources via Seven Hills Foundation
• Administration requested to file petition to convert Chandler Magnet School to bilingual school
• Administration requested referral of student subgroup test data to School & Student Performance

Standing Committee on Public Works

The committee approved sidewalk repaving at 1 Stratton Rd. and street repaving at 365 Lake Ave. Several requests for new streetlights and utility pole removals were denied, while one streetlight installation at Claffey Ave. was approved. Multiple petitions regarding private street conversions and school-zone sidewalks were held for further review.

• Approved sidewalk repaving at 1 Stratton Rd.
• Approved street repaving at 365 Lake Ave.
• Approved streetlight installation on pole #9 near 26 and 28 Claffey Ave.
• Denied streetlight installation at Cohasset St. dead end circle
• Denied utility pole removal at 1211 Main St.
• Denied light pole relocation on Homer St.
• Held petition to convert Forsberg St. and Steele St. to public roads
• Held petition to convert Denmark St. to public road

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Department of Inspectional Services held a Chapter 139 hearing regarding six 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.

School Committee

The School Committee met in an emergency executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The discussion focused on successor contract negotiations for the Educational Association of Worcester, Units A/B.

Senior Center Committee

The Senior Center Committee recommended maintaining FY'24 funding levels for three subcontracted elder service programs, contingent on budget availability. The committee also discussed facility maintenance and program updates.

• Recommended FY'24 allocation of $18,355 for Elder Home Maintenance (m/s/a)
• Recommended FY'24 allocation of $24,223 for New American Elder Outreach (m/s/a)
• Recommended FY'24 allocation of $113,533 for St. Paul’s Elder Outreach (m/s/a)
• Approved minutes of the March 14, 2023 meeting (m/s/a)

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

The Committee approved the minutes from January 10, 2023. Several items, including communications regarding crisis intervention and youth violence prevention, were recommended to be held. The Committee also recommended holding petitions requesting a moratorium on homeless encampment sweeps.

• Approved January 10, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Recommended hold on grant to Community Health Link for crisis intervention
• Recommended hold on Worcester Youth Violence Prevention Initiative Year One Plan
• Recommended hold on request for quarterly meetings with Department of Public Health and Board of Health
• Recommended hold on petition to stop homeless encampment sweeps (#8q CC)
• Recommended hold on petition for encampment sweep moratorium or suitable sites (#13p CC)

City Council

The City Council granted permission for Eversource to place a conduit on Institute Rd. The council also confirmed one appointment and referred several resident petitions regarding road and traffic improvements to committee review.

• Approved Eversource conduit location on Institute Rd
• Confirmed appointment of Taylor Rich to the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (11-0)
• Referred requests for hydrant installation and road repaving to Public Works Committee
• Referred traffic light, stop sign, and speed hump requests to Traffic and Parking Committee
• Referred request for City Manager to opt-in to Paid Family and Medical Leave Program to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee
• Referred FY24 water and sewer rate recommendation to Public Works Committee
• Referred Speed Hump Program communication to Traffic and Parking Committee
• Referred Economic Development Housing Strategy to Economic Development Committee

Hope Cemetery Commission

The meeting was largely procedural and discussion-based, with no formal votes or decisions recorded. Commissioners discussed the Hope Cemetery Master Plan, potential fee increases for interment services, and concepts for a garden cemetery. The next regular meeting was scheduled for June 5, 2023.

• No formal votes or decisions recorded; meeting was discussion-only
• Discussed Hope Cemetery Master Plan and updated map
• Reviewed proposed interment fee increases effective July 1, 2023
• Continued discussion on garden cemetery concepts and beautification of Hope Avenue
• Scheduled next meeting for June 5, 2023

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization announced the availability of the Draft 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Proposed Amendment #6 to the 2023-2027 TIP for a 21-day public review and comment period. The proposed amendment includes cost increases for three highway projects: $2.5M for Holden pavement rehabilitation, $3.3M for Spencer roadway rehabilitation, and $1.0M for Sturbridge bridge replacement. A virtual public meeting was held on May 8, 2023, to accept public comment, with written comments accepted until May 10, 2023. No votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Released Draft 2024-2028 TIP for 21-day public review and comment
• Proposed Amendment #6 to 2023-2027 TIP with cost increases for three highway projects
• Held virtual public meeting on May 8, 2023 to accept public input
• Set written comment deadline for May 10, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Zoning Board of Appeals

The May 5, 2023 special meeting of the Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals was cancelled. All items on the agenda, including the petition for a special permit and variances at 116 Rodney Street, have been postponed to the Monday, May 15, 2023 meeting.

• Meeting cancelled; all agenda items postponed to May 15, 2023

Parks and Recreation Commission

The meeting was largely procedural, with no substantive votes or decisions recorded. The commission discussed the Urban Forestry Master Plan and a federal grant opportunity under the Inflation Reduction Act. No motions were passed, and no items were approved or denied.

Historical Commission

The Worcester Historical Commission voted on four demolition-related applications. It approved a retroactive Certificate of Non-Applicability for a roof replacement at 3 Irving Street, and granted Building Demolition Delay Waivers for 7 Circuit Avenue East and 701 Main Street (the latter retroactively, 6-1). A hearing for 88 Webster Street was continued to June 15, 2023. The Commission also discussed mitigation measures for the Saint Gobain campus redevelopment.

• Approved retroactive Certificate of Non-Applicability for roof replacement at 3 Irving Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 7 Circuit Avenue East (7-0)
• Approved retroactive Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 701 Main Street (6-1)
• Continued hearing for 88 Webster Street to June 15, 2023 (7-0)
• Granted leave to withdraw application for 45 Cedar Street without prejudice (7-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Arts Worcester, Artifakt LLC, and John Ethier, as well as common victualer licenses for Toro Loco, Grafton Hill Market, The Protein Studio, and Che Empanada. It also approved a change of manager for Quinsigamond Post #318, an amended entertainment license for Black Sheep Bah-Bah Q & Kitchen, an alteration of premises for Hanover Theatre, and a change of officer/director for 99 Restaurant & Pub. Violation hearings resulted in a two-day suspended suspension for Smokey Joe’s Cigar Bar for rules violations related to a disturbance and manager responsibility, and a two-day suspension for Austin Liquors for selling to a minor.

• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Arts Worcester (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Artifakt LLC (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor licenses for John Ethier (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Toro Loco, Grafton Hill Market, The Protein Studio, and Che Empanada (3-0 each)
• Approved change of manager for Quinsigamond Post #318 (3-0)
• Approved amended entertainment license for Black Sheep Bah-Bah Q & Kitchen (3-0)
• Approved alteration of premises for Hanover Theatre (3-0)
• Issued two-day suspended suspension for Smokey Joe’s Cigar Bar (3-0) and two-day suspension for Austin Liquors (3-0)

School Committee

The Worcester School Committee approved a $16,000 Homeless Emergency Support Grant to provide school supplies, clothing, and hygiene products for students in emergency shelters. The meeting also included executive session discussions on collective bargaining with multiple labor units and a report from the superintendent on budget preparations. No votes were recorded on the consent agenda items, including the grant approval.

• Approved $16,000 Homeless Emergency Support Grant for student supplies and hygiene products
• Held executive session to discuss collective bargaining with Educational Association of Worcester (Units A/B, Instructional Assistants, Aides, Parent Liaisons) and Laborers Local 272
• Accepted and filed superintendent's budget preparation report 'From Here, Anywhere…Together'
• Accepted and filed minutes from five standing committee meetings

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The meeting was largely informational. The commission reviewed the Urban Forestry Master Plan and heard the Assistant Commissioner's report covering topics like tree planting, the Tree City USA application, and pest management (Asian Longhorned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer). No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Planning Board

The Worcester Planning Board approved four definitive site plans and a frontage subdivision, all with staff-recommended conditions. The board also granted continuances and postponements for other projects and endorsed several Approval Not Required plans.

• Approved parking plan at 425 Salisbury Street (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for Worcester Academy at 121 Providence Street (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan at 204 Main Street & 5 George Street (4-0)
• Approved definitive frontage subdivision at 143 Blithewood Avenue (4-0)
• Approved definitive site plan at 48 Mason Street (4-0)
• Granted continuance for 135 Brooks Street and postponements for 25 Eskow Road and 149 Plantation/2 LaPierre Street (4-0)
• Endorsed seven Approval Not Required plans, one conditional on mylar revisions (4-0)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The May 2, 2023 meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women was cancelled and will be rescheduled. No substantive decisions or actions were taken.

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The Cable Television Advisory Committee voted unanimously to draft a letter to the City Manager expressing concerns about his public statements on renewing the cable license with Charter/Spectrum. The committee also discussed signal quality issues, a legislative update on streaming bills, and unresolved questions from a prior meeting with Spectrum.

• Approved minutes from April 5, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved motion to draft a letter to the City Manager regarding cable license renewal, with amendments to add a CTAC member to the negotiation team, hire a cable attorney, request the City Manager to appear before CTAC, and consider changing the committee to a commission (6-0)
• Discussed but no vote on fiber upgrade for Education Channel; staff to follow up with Charter
• No decision on Spectrum compliance issues; to be addressed with Law Department after compliance table is completed

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a 4-1 vote to convert a static billboard to digital at 67 Millbrook Street, and granted a time extension for a new 87-bed nursing home at Houghton Street. The board also approved a drive-through amendment at 268 Chandler Street and a lot division at 37-39 Chilmark Street, while continuing a hearing on a four-unit dwelling at 2 Milton Street.

• Approved digital billboard conversion at 67 Millbrook Street (4-1)
• Approved extension of time for 87-bed nursing home at 112-120 Houghton Street (5-0)
• Approved amendment for full-service drive-through at 268 Chandler Street (4-0)
• Approved lot division variances at 37-39 Chilmark Street (5-0)
• Approved extension of time for 220-unit multi-family project at 3 Oriol Drive (4-0)
• Continued hearing on four-unit dwelling at 2 Milton Street to June 5, 2023 (5-0)
• Granted postponement for 173 Lake Avenue North variances (4-0)

City Council

The City Council approved two grants totaling $11,273.20 and two operational budget transfers for overtime costs. The council also granted Eversource permission for conduit locations on Institute Road and Ha Viland Street.

• Approved $1,000 grant from National Grid (11-0)
• Approved $10,273.20 SCALE Planning and Design grant (11-0)
• Approved $8,500 transfer for Transportation & Mobility overtime (11-0)
• Approved $6,000 transfer for City Clerk overtime (11-0)
• Approved conduit locations for Eversource on Institute Rd and Ha Viland St
• Referred zoning map amendment for 104 Armory Street to Planning Board (11-0)
• Recommitted driveway and parking ordinance amendments to City Manager
• Referred Police Cadet Program to Public Safety Committee and approved renaming it the 'Sgt. Derrick Leto Cadet Program'

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued Orders of Conditions for projects at 25 Eskow Road and 48 Mason Street. Negative determinations of applicability were granted for work at 124 Malden Street, 40 Mann Street, and National Grid transmission lines. A public hearing for a residential project at 21 Westwood Drive was continued to June 12, 2023.

• Issued negative determination of applicability for pool at 124 Malden Street (4-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for National Grid transmission line maintenance (4-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for deck at 40 Mann Street (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 25 Eskow Road (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for multi-family building at 48 Mason Street (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for 21 Westwood Drive to 6/12/2023 (4-0)
• Issued partial Certificate of Compliance for 2 Quaker Road (4-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 500 Salisbury Street (4-0)

Trust Funds Commission

The Commission met to continue the April 14 meeting. The record lists a funding request from Dr. Timothy Sippel of the School Department for $26,100.00 from various trust funds, but no final vote or decision is recorded in the provided text.

Civic Center Commission

The Commission approved the 2022 Financial Report, which noted a $3M liability owed to the City due to pandemic-era funding. Members also reviewed a facility master plan and received updates on several ongoing capital improvement projects.

• Approved March 23, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved 2022 Financial Report

School Committee

The School Committee processed personnel appointments, resignations, and retirements. The committee also considered a proposal from the Goddard School Student Council to install water refilling stations to reduce plastic waste.

• Approved donation of $5,316.69 from American Tower to Doherty Memorial High School Art Program
• Approved donation of $1,500.00 from Bright Horizons UMass University for cubby shelves at Worcester Technical High School
• Approved donation of $9,700.00 for Woodland Academy's Annual Spree Day
• Approved prior year payment to the ACCO in the amount of $464.70
• Referred Goddard School Student Council's water bottle refilling station request to the Standing Committee on Finance and Operations
• Approved personnel records including appointments for Junior Custodians, Word Processor, Principal Clerk Typist, School Bus Attendants, Aides to the Physically Handicapped, and Bus Drivers

MCRWB Worcester Jobs Fund Oversight Committee

The committee did not reach a quorum, resulting in no formal decisions or approvals. Members discussed workforce training programs, federal grant opportunities, and budget updates.

• Tabled approval of March 23, 2023 meeting minutes due to lack of quorum

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved the FY’24 budget as presented. The board also approved the meeting minutes from March 29, 2023.

• Approved FY’24 budget
• Approved March 29, 2023 meeting minutes

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The committee considered monthly updates on the implementation of district-operated transportation for the 2022-23 school year. The provided text contains the agenda and historical prior actions, but does not record a final decision or vote for the April 26, 2023 meeting.

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee recommended approval for the one-way conversion of Tyson Rd. and several new 'No Parking' signs. It recommended filing requests for four-way stop signs at three different intersections and a traffic study for the Montvale Historic District, though some alternative traffic calming measures were ordered.

• Recommended approval to make Tyson Rd. a one-way street flowing eastbound (Approved)
• Recommended approval for 'No Parking' and 15-minute loading zone signage at 48 Water St. (Approved)
• Recommended approval for 'No Parking from Here to Corner' signage at 796 and 800 Main St. (Approved)
• Recommended filing request for 'No Parking' signage at 83 Morningside Rd. (Filed)
• Recommended filing request for traffic review in Montvale Historic District (Filed)
• Recommended filing requests for four-way stop signs at Arthur St./Dorchester St. and Alvarado Ave./Wigwam Ave. (Filed)
• Recommended hold on crosswalk installation on Rexhame Rd. to determine specific location (Hold)
• Recommended hold as amended for 'No Parking Anytime' signage at 59 Spofford Rd. (Hold)

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The committee approved the March 13, 2023, meeting minutes. Members discussed the Urban Forestry Master Plan draft and the city's preparation of an MVP grant application for Miyawaki Forest pilot sites. Staff provided updates on the new Green Worcester Dashboard and rain barrel pre-orders.

• Approved March 13, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous)

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 record is procedural.

Standing Committee on Public Works

The Public Works Committee recommended approving an amended request to designate a portion of Salisbury St. as Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Way. The committee also approved the minutes from the March 1, 2023 meeting.

• Approved minutes of the March 1, 2023 meeting (3-0)
• Recommended approval as amended to designate Salisbury St. from Moreland St. to Flagg St. as Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Way (3-0)

City Council

The City Council approved a conduit location for Crown Castle NG East, LLC on Canterbury St. and officially recognized April as Autism Acceptance Month. Several resident petitions regarding street resurfacing and signage were referred to committees for further review.

• Approved conduit location for Crown Castle NG East, LLC on Canterbury St. (10-0)
• Adopted resolution recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month (10-0)
• Confirmed appointment of William Nay to Cable Television Advisory Committee (10-0)
• Voted to advertise salary ordinance amendment for City Clerk annual salary increase (10-0)
• Tabled salary ordinance amendment for Local 911-NEPBA collective bargaining agreement
• Referred request for sound permit amendments in parks to Veterans’ Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee (10-0)
• Referred request to make Wayne St. public to the Planning Board (10-0)
• Referred requests for street resurfacing and guardrail removal to Public Works Committee (10-0)

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Senior Center Committee recommended maintaining FY'24 funding levels for three subcontracted elder service programs, contingent on budget availability. The Commission on Elder Affairs also approved previous meeting minutes and reports.

• Recommended $18,355 for Elder Home Maintenance FY'24 (m/s/a)
• Recommended $24,223 for New American Elder Outreach FY'24 (m/s/a)
• Recommended $113,533 for St. Paul’s Elder Outreach FY'24 (m/s/a)
• Approved Commission meeting minutes of February 27th (m/s/a)
• Approved Senior Center Committee report from March 14th (m/s/a)
• Approved Senior Center Committee meeting minutes of March 14, 2023 (m/s/a)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved several applications for residential additions, lot divisions, and commercial developments, including a Starbucks and a Chick-Fil-A expansion. The board also postponed six other applications to future dates in May and June 2023.

• Approved addition and setback relief at 79 Sussex Lane (4-0)
• Approved lot division and new dwelling at 29 Tennyson Street (5-0)
• Approved conversion of single-family to two-family dwelling at 28 Westfield Street (5-0)
• Approved Starbucks with drive-thru at 105, 115, and 117 Stafford Street (5-0)
• Postponed 6 applications including 11 Earle Terrace and 112 Rodney Street (5-0)

Public Library Committee on Administration

The provided document contains the agenda for the April 24, 2023, meeting but does not record any actions, votes, or decisions. The record is procedural only.

School Committee

The meeting consisted of procedural items and an executive session. No substantive public decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports reviewed a request for the School Committee to formally recommend an elementary English Language Arts (ELA) core curriculum for the 2023-2024 school year. The administration and maker recommended approval of the Amplify CKLA program following a pilot process involving 43 classrooms across multiple schools.

• Reviewed recommendation to approve Amplify CKLA as the elementary ELA core curriculum

Standing Committee on Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment

The committee recommended approval of a resolution supporting the Blackstone River Watershed Collaborative. Members also requested reports on heat risk assessment implementation and municipal broadband feasibility.

• Approved minutes of September 12, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Recommended filing Heat Risk Assessment communication (3-0)
• Recommended filing municipal broadband infrastructure item (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Blackstone River Watershed Collaborative resolution (3-0)
• Ordered City Manager to report on costs and timeline for planting 30,000-35,000 trees and establishing heat surveillance
• Ordered City Manager to coordinate with Eversource regarding tree planting and gas lines
• Ordered City Manager to procure a municipal broadband feasibility study
• Ordered City Manager to apply for the Municipal Digital Planning Program

Historical Commission

The Commission approved building demolition delay waivers for 526 Main Street and 204 Main Street. It also approved a certificate of appropriateness for retaining walls and fencing at 86 Austin Street. A request for window replacement at 100 Chandler Street was continued to June 1, 2023.

• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for roof replacement at 86 Austin Street (6-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for retaining walls, fencing, and ADA ramp at 86 Austin Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for roof and window replacement at 526 Main Street (6-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for façade restoration and window/door replacement at 204 Main Street (6-0)
• Continued window replacement request for 100 Chandler Street to June 1, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved updated letters of support for various Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax credit allocations (6-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for events at locations including Mercantile Plaza and the Worcester Common. Three common victualer licenses were also approved. One request for a liquor and entertainment license was postponed to May 4, 2023.

• Approved one-day liquor license for Kim McElroy at 950 Main Street for May 20, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Tapped Beer Truck and Michael Rubino at 500 Salisbury Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for SSJ, LLC and Harpoon Beer Garden at Mercantile Plaza (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Holy Family Parish/St. Joseph Church (3-0)
• Postponed liquor and entertainment license requests for Leila Jachimczyk to May 4, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Marc Guinette at 236 Franklin Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for Gina Migliozzi at 30 Exchange Street (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Pizza Deli and Grill, Village Store, and Doho Café, LLC (3-0)

Worcester Housing Authority

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists requests for approval regarding tenant write-offs, construction contracts, and development partners, but does not record the outcomes or votes of these items.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee met to review the FY'23-24 budget and the March financial report. The committee also received updates on facilities planning and IT. The minutes for the April 14, 2023 meeting were accepted.

• Accepted April 14, 2023 Meeting Minutes

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The board met to review a $100,000 award for the Food Matters Program and consider approval requests for a contract change order and a bridge loan guarantee. The provided text is an agenda and does not record the final votes or outcomes of these requests.

• Approval requested for March 16, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approval requested for Change Order No. 5 with Stutman Contracting Inc. for 38 Lewis Street
• Approval requested for resolutions regarding a $1 million bridge loan guarantee from Worcester Housing Authority

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda rather than minutes. It lists proposed actions regarding the FY`24 Budget and the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan, but records no outcomes or votes.

MCRWB Full Board

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

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved conditional funding commitments for a rental project at 24 Jackson Street and a homebuyer project at 521 Sunderland Road. The Board also updated the bonus funding structure to provide higher incentives for the creation of ADA accessible units.

• Approved revised bonus funding for ADA units, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 per unit (6-0)
• Approved $580,963 conditional commitment to T.G. 24 Jackson LLC for 24 Jackson Street (6-0)
• Approved $276,000 conditional commitment to Habitat for Humanity MetroWest – Greater Worcester for 521 Sunderland Road (6-0)
• Approved March 29, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is an agenda for the April 19, 2023 meeting. It does not record any votes, approvals, or substantive decisions made by the body.

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

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

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board announced a hybrid forum and online survey to gather user input on the skills and experience required for the next WRTA Administrator. The board has contracted Community Paradigm Associates to assist in the search process.

• Scheduled hybrid forum for April 19, 2023, at Worcester Public Library
• Contracted Community Paradigm Associates to assist in the Administrator search process
• Opened online survey for users to provide input on Administrator qualifications

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board held its annual organization to elect a Chair, Secretary, and appoint a Vice Chair. The meeting included updates and discussions regarding the 2023 Municipal Elections, including nomination papers and poll worker staffing.

• Approved minutes of the March 21st meeting
• Elected Chair
• Elected Secretary
• Appointed Vice Chair

Trust Funds Commission

The Trust Fund Commission approved a debt service payment for Hope Cemetery and multiple funding requests for the School Department. Some school requests were amended to be funded by the Local Education Fund to ensure sufficient balance. The commission also accepted the minutes from August 12, 2022.

• Approved $59,589.00 from Hope Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust Fund for Debt Service
• Approved funding requests 2-18 for the School Department
• Amended Bieber, Pauline Baker Memorial, and Persky Fund requests to be paid from the Local Education Fund
• Accepted minutes from August 12, 2022

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The Facilities and Finance Committee met to review the budget and receive reports on facilities and IT. The committee moved to accept the minutes from the March 17, 2023, meeting.

• Accepted March 17, 2023, meeting minutes

Community Development Advisory Committee

The committee held a virtual meeting to review application scoring totals and discuss a letter to the City Manager. No votes or final decisions on these items were recorded in the minutes.

Worcester Arts Council

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It records no substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority authorized a subrecipient agreement with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority for Federal Transit Administration funding. The board also reviewed proposals for the redevelopment of 484-500 Main Street, narrowing the field to two qualified developers.

• Approved FFY2022 Subrecipient Agreement for Union Station capital projects (3-0)
• Approved minutes from March 16, 2023 (3-0)
• Disqualified Joseph J. Corcoran Company and Criterion Group from 484-500 Main Street redevelopment process

School Committee

The provided document is an agenda and partial record for the April 13, 2023, meeting. It lists items for consideration, including several grants and donations, but does not record the final decisions or vote tallies for the April 13 session.

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The Board received a portfolio update from Meketa Investment Group reporting a year-to-date return of 2.1%. Members discussed options regarding the portfolio's expected return rate in relation to MGL Regulation 840 CMR 18. No formal votes were taken on asset allocation or appropriations.

• Discussed options for aligning expected return rates with MGL Regulation 840 CMR 18
• Tabled asset allocation and appropriation recommendations until the next meeting

MCRWB Youth Council

The Council unanimously approved the minutes from the February 9, 2023 meeting. The session included presentations from the Department of Youth Services and Springpod, as well as updates on YouthWorks enrollments and WIOA funding recommendations.

• Approved February 9, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Retirement Board

The Board received a portfolio update from Meketa Investment Group reporting a year-to-date return of 2.1%. Members discussed options regarding a return objective that may exceed MGL Regulation 840 CMR 18 limits. No formal votes were recorded.

• Discussed options for return objective compliance with MGL Regulation 840 CMR 18
• Deferred asset allocation and appropriation recommendations to the next meeting

Retirement Board

The Board met to determine the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). They voted to approve a 3% increase on $15,000 effective July 1, 2023.

• Approved 3% on $15,000 COLA effective 7/1/2023

Retirement Board

The Board approved superannuation benefits for six individuals and a survivor allowance for the survivor of Derrick Leto. It also approved several warrants for member refunds, transfers, and office expenses. The Board authorized expenses for members or staff to attend the Spring MACRS conference.

• Approved superannuation benefits for James Crosby, James Ducharme, Candith Gammal, James Malloy, James Petruzzi, and Kevin Reed
• Approved Member Survivor Allowance for survivor of Derrick Leto
• Approved warrant 23-01 for Member Refunds ($244,785.73)
• Approved warrant 23-08 for Office Expenses ($60,085.71)
• Approved warrant 23-10 for Member Refund ($29,704.79)
• Approved warrant 23-11 for Member Transfers ($161,087.02)
• Approved March Retiree Benefits ($8,237,419.44)
• Approved expenses for Board Members or Staff to attend Spring MACRS conference

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The provided document contains the agenda for the April 12, 2023 meeting and the minutes from the previous March 22, 2023 meeting. No substantive decisions for the April 12 session are recorded in the text.

• Approved March 1, 2023 minutes with one amendment (3-0)

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The Commission recommended approval for a walkway variance at 378 Plantation Street and approved plans for an ADA Anniversary event in July. Leadership also voted to request a meeting with the City Manager regarding the reorganization of the Office of Human Rights & Accessibility.

• Recommended approval for AAB variance at 378 Plantation Street to allow walkway slope up to 12%
• Approved plans for ADA Anniversary celebration on July 26, 2023
• Approved request for Commission leadership to meet with City Manager regarding reorganization
• Approved February 28, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Citizen Advisory Council

The council approved the minutes from the March 13, 2023 meeting. Members discussed plans for community outreach and recruitment at various local festivals and events. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from 3/13/23 (6-0)

Chapter 139 Hearing

The Department of Inspectional Services held a Chapter 139 hearing on April 11, 2023. The agenda listed nine properties that had been condemned between 2019 and 2023. The document does not record specific decisions or outcomes for these items.

Senior Center Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the February 14, 2023 meeting. Members discussed budget requests for FY’24, facility maintenance including a summer roof replacement, and the installation of an AutoLend library.

• Approved February 14, 2023 meeting minutes (m/s/a)

City Council

The City Council approved several large grants, including $8.6M from FEMA and $6M from HUD. The council also voted to advertise a proposed Inclusionary Zoning ordinance with specific amendments regarding accessible units and income restrictions. Additionally, the council established the Community Preservation Committee.

• Approved $8,622,323.40 FEMA SAFER grant (11-0)
• Approved $6,000,000.00 HUD Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control grant (11-0)
• Approved $7,500,000.00 CDC REACH grant over five years (11-0)
• Adopted ordinance establishing the Community Preservation Committee (11-0)
• Adopted ordinance renaming the Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion to the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (11-0)
• Approved $1,000,000.00 in ARPA funding for rental assistance (11-0)
• Approved motion to advertise Inclusionary Zoning ordinance with amendments to comparability and incentives (11-0)
• Approved request for a feasibility study on implementing an Inclusionary Zoning ordinance (10-1)

Hope Cemetery Commission

The provided text contains an agenda for the April 10, 2023 meeting and the full minutes for a previous meeting held on February 6, 2023. No decisions or outcomes are recorded for the April 10 session. The February 6 minutes record the approval of January 2023 minutes and discussions on garden cemetery concepts and green burials.

• Approved January 9, 2023 minutes (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued Orders of Conditions for redevelopment projects at Tacoma Street Playground, Institute Park, University Park, and Bell Hill Park. It also approved a project change for alum dosing at Indian Lake and granted a one-year extension for a project at 261 Clover Street.

• Issued Order of Conditions for Tacoma Street Playground redevelopment (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Salisbury Pond water quality improvements at Institute Park (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for University Park playground and splash pad (3-1)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 148 Tory Fort Lane single-family home (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Bell Hill Park improvements (5-0)
• Approved project change request for Indian Lake alum dosing (5-0)
• Granted one-year extension for 261 Clover Street project (5-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for 10 Dogwood Road home renovations (5-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The provided document is an agenda for the Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports. It does not record any votes, decisions, or outcomes from the meeting.

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The committee recommended holding an item regarding City Council support staffing and issued several orders to the City Manager and City Clerk to evaluate staffing levels and charter amendments. The committee also requested reports and oversight reviews regarding the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

• Approved minutes of March 2, 2023 (3-0)
• Recommended filing FY2023 financial updates as of October 31, 2022 and January 31, 2023 (3-0)
• Recommended filing ARPA funds update (3-0)
• Issued 7 Chairman's Orders regarding ARPA fund oversight, reimbursement models, and demographic breakdowns of awardees (3-0)
• Recommended holding item on City Council support staffing (3-0)
• Issued 6 Chairman's Orders/Resolutions to evaluate City Council staffing levels and request a City Charter amendment to allow Council to hire its own staff (3-0)
• Recommended holding items on 2023 Municipal Elections and Home Rule Charter amendments (3-0)
• Recommended holding request for annual performance evaluation tools for City Clerk and City Auditor (3-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists proposed discussion items but does not record decisions, vote tallies, or outcomes.

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the March 1, 2023 meeting. The remainder of the session consisted of updates on consultants and membership, and a question-and-answer session with Spectrum representatives regarding service quality and costs.

• Approved March 1, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved six definitive site plans and one parking plan for various city locations. The Board also favorably recommended a zoning map amendment for 325 Greenwood Street and voted to pilot a new parking plan application.

• Approved parking plan for Chick-Fil-A expansion at 80 Gold Star Boulevard (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 101, 105 & 115 Stafford Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 35 Portland Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 1103 Main Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 54 Plantation Street (5-0)
• Approved definitive site plan for 100 Institute Road (5-0)
• Favorably recommended zoning map amendment for 325 Greenwood Street (5-0)
• Voted to pilot new draft of Revised Parking Plan Application (5-0)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Committee approved the speaker, plaque wording, and a podcast appearance for an upcoming Arbor Day event. Members discussed recruiting new members and the future election of officers following a resignation.

• Approved February 7 and March 14, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
• Appointed Jennifer Hernandez as speaker for April 28 Arbor Day Event (6-0-0)
• Approved appearance on Unsolved Worcester podcast to promote Arbor Day Event (6-0-0)
• Approved final wording and font size for the memorial plaque (6-0-0)

Community Development Advisory Committee

The provided minutes list the agenda items for the meeting, including the review of previous meeting minutes and application scoring. No substantive decisions or vote outcomes are recorded in the document.

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The committee unanimously approved the meeting minutes from January 23, 2023. The session primarily consisted of staff updates on electric vehicle charging, energy grants, and the opening of a Zero Waste Coordinator position.

• Approved January 23, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Health

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists proposed items for discussion, including a vote on tobacco and smoking bar caps, but does not record any decisions or outcomes.

Human Rights Commission

The Commission elected Ellen Shemitz as Chairperson and Elizabeth O’Callahan as Vice Chairperson. Members also received reports on fair housing challenges from Community Legal Aid and an update on affordable housing initiatives from the Chief Economic Development Officer.

• Approved meeting minutes from March 7, 2023 (5-0-0)
• Elected Ellen Shemitz as Chairperson (5-0-0)
• Elected Elizabeth O’Callahan as Vice Chairperson (5-0-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved a one-day liquor and entertainment license for an event at the Worcester Public Library. The board also approved the minutes from the March 23, 2023 meeting.

• Approved minutes of March 23, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment license for Worcester Public Library/WPL Foundation for April 26, 2023 (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved a special permit for a car wash at 1059 Grafton Street with specific conditions regarding operating hours and driveway width. Additionally, the Board authorized a pilot program for updated zoning application forms. Several other zoning requests were postponed to April 24, 2023.

• Approved special permit for car wash at 1059 Grafton Street (4-1)
• Approved pilot program for updated Zoning Board application forms through July 17 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 3/13/2023 (3-0)
• Postponed public meetings for 79 Sussex Lane, 29 Tennyson Street, 112 Rodney Street, and 116 Rodney Street to April 24, 2023
• Postponed public meetings for 2 Milton Street, 28 Westfield Street, 105/101/115/117 Stafford Street, 70/80 Gold Star Blvd/32 Millbrook Street, 45 Brattle Street, and 4 North Worcester Avenue to April 24, 2023

Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation

The Committee approved the minutes from January 5, 2023. It recommended filing a request for the City Manager to coordinate bus stop signage and recommended holding requests regarding bus stop parking enforcement and public transit usage discussions.

• Approved January 5, 2023 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Recommended filing request for City Manager to ensure bus stop signage is present and readable
• Recommended holding request for Police Chief and WRTA Director to collaborate on illegal parking at bus stops
• Recommended holding public discussion on passenger usage, funding, and bus routes
• Requested City Solicitor review penalties for parking in bus stops
• Requested City Clerk provide City Council with the North High School Transportation Youth Plan

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board authorized a conditional commitment of $462,500 for the rehabilitation of 49 West Street into seven affordable rental units. Two additional project applications for 24 Jackson Street and 521 Sunderland Road were tabled for scoring and funding votes at the next meeting.

• Approved $462,500 conditional commitment for 49 West Street project (5-0)
• Approved February 15, 2023, meeting minutes (5-0)
• Tabled funding vote for 24 Jackson Street project to next agenda (5-0)
• Tabled funding vote for 521 Sunderland Road project to next agenda (5-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved the meeting minutes from March 1, 2023, and the 2023-2024 Academic Calendar. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to review confidential attorney-client communication.

• Approved March 1, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved 2023-2024 Academic Calendar
• Entered executive session to review confidential attorney-client communication

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda rather than minutes. It outlines a plan to review the FY’24 Budget and vote on a recommendation for the full board meeting in April 2023.

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda rather than minutes. It outlines a plan to review the FY'24 budget and vote on a recommendation for the full Advisory Board meeting in April 2023.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The committee reviewed proposed updates to the Voluntary Controlled Transfer Policy and the Attendance Policy. The meeting also addressed policies regarding service animals and emotional support dogs in schools, as well as student input on bathroom facilities.

• Approved amended Attendance Policy (3-0)
• Reviewed proposed Voluntary Controlled Transfer Policy
• Reviewed Service Animal and Emotional Support Dog policies
• Considered student input on single-use bathrooms and HVAC systems

City Council

The City Council set the City Clerk's annual salary at $180,000 effective March 21, 2023, with a planned increase to $190,000 in March 2024. The council also approved a resolution for a Housing Development Incentive Program and various traffic safety orders. Several items regarding inclusionary zoning and rental assistance were tabled.

• Approved City Clerk annual salary of $180,000 (11-0)
• Approved City Clerk salary increase to $190,000 effective March 17, 2024 (11-0)
• Approved resolution for Housing Development Incentive Program and Tax Increment Exemption Plan for properties on Franklin, Hygeia, and Arctic Streets (11-0)
• Approved conduit location for National Grid on Burgess Rd
• Approved crosswalks at Holden St. (Tuxedo Rd./Dogwood Rd.) and Cambridge St. (Freeland St./Exeter St.)
• Approved request for Police Chief to increase speed enforcement on Plantation St.
• Tabled $1M ARPA rental assistance request
• Tabled Inclusionary Zoning ordinance

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Commission on Elder Affairs unanimously approved a draft letter to state legislators requesting an increase in the COA formula grant. The body also approved meeting minutes and a committee report. Staff provided updates on senior center facility repairs and upcoming wellness programs.

• Approved draft letter to legislators to increase COA formula grant from $12 to $14 per elder resident (unanimous)
• Approved January 23, 2023 Commission meeting minutes
• Approved February 14, 2023 Senior Center Committee meeting report

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The committee considered the addition of elementary school librarians and a review of the district homework policy. The meeting also included a proposal to approve 11 new courses, including AP Precalculus and EMT introductions. No final votes on these items were recorded in the provided minutes.

• Considered request for update on library programs and elementary librarian staffing
• Considered review of Homework Policy and 'no homework' dates
• Considered approval of 11 courses including AP Precalculus and Portuguese 1

School Committee

The School Committee met for a workshop regarding Roles and Responsibilities Training with MASC. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the document.

• Conducted Roles and Responsibilities Training with MASC

Civic Center Commission

The Civic Center Commission approved two ballroom days for the United States of Africa Consultancy, Inc. following a request for more. The Commission also voted to dispose of non-salvageable banquet chairs by donating them to 501C3 organizations.

• Approved two ballroom days for United States of Africa Consultancy, Inc. (rollcall vote passed)
• Approved donation of non-salvageable arena and ballroom chairs to 501C3 organizations (motion passed)
• Accepted meeting minutes from February 23, 2023 (motion passed)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The provided document contains an agenda for the March 23, 2023, meeting and full minutes for a previous meeting held on March 2, 2023. No substantive decisions for the March 23 meeting are recorded in the text.

• Approved minutes for June 16, September 8, November 17, 2022, and January 19, 2023 (March 2 meeting)
• Approved motion to file Mr. Geoff Killebrew Question Review (5-0, March 2 meeting)
• Approved motion to file noise ordinance review (5-0, March 2 meeting)
• Approved motion to file Green Hill Park Handball Courts fencing letter (5-0, March 2 meeting)

Historical Commission

The Commission approved the final study report for the Elm Park Neighborhood Local Historic District to be sent to City Council. Several Certificates of Non-Applicability and Appropriateness were granted for property repairs and siding. One demolition application was withdrawn by the petitioner.

• Approved Elm Park Neighborhood Local Historic District final study report for City Council transmission (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for fiber cement siding at 49 West Street (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for sign, paving, and fence at 18-24 Oxford Street (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for walkway and railing repairs at 64-68 & 86 Austin St, 61-65 & 67-69 Chatham St, 29-33 & 38-42 Oxford St (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for deck and window replacement at 64-68 Austin St, 61-65 & 67-69 Chatham St, 29-33 & 38-42 Oxford St (7-0)
• Issued Leave to Withdraw without Prejudice for demolition application at 114 Austin Street (6-0)
• Approved minutes of January 26, 2023 and February 9, 2023 (7-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several restaurant and entertainment licenses but denied a package store application at 369 Burncoat Street. Whiskey on Water LLC was found in violation of occupancy and minor-related rules, resulting in a multi-day suspension. Several other outdoor dining and liquor applications were postponed to April 20, 2023.

• Denied package store malt & wine license for Dream 6 Estate, LLC at 369 Burncoat Street (2-1)
• Found Whiskey on Water LLC in violation of Rules #14 and #27; ordered a two-day suspension for April 13-14 and a one-day suspension for April 20 (3-0)
• Found Whiskey on Water LLC did not violate Rule #36 regarding promoted events (3-0)
• Approved restaurant all alcohol and entertainment license for Donana Food Services, Inc. at 257 Park Avenue (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Jusstevin, Inc. at 266 Park Avenue with outdoor entertainment ending by 11:00 p.m. (3-0)
• Approved malt & wine, common victualer, and entertainment licenses for 1121 LLC dba Brick & Stone at 1121 Grafton Street (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Khalid Karachi at 100 Institute Road for April 18, 2023 (3-0)
• Allowed Catanese Entertainment, LLC at 287 Grove Street to open Sundays at 8:00 a.m. for food only (3-0)

MCRWB Worcester Jobs Fund Oversight Committee

The committee approved the meeting minutes from February 23, 2023. Members discussed the review process for 19 ARPA applications totaling just under $1 million and reviewed current program enrollment and budget statuses.

• Approved February 23, 2023 meeting minutes

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The commission held a meeting on March 22, 2023, where the only substantive action was to table the solar item until the next meeting. No other decisions were recorded for this date.

• Tabled solar item until April 12, 2023

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

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

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee reviewed numerous petitions for handicap parking, stop signs, and crosswalks. Several requests were approved, while others were filed or held pending further information. The committee also issued several Chairman's Orders for traffic safety studies and public education.

• Approved handicap parking at 49 Abbott St., 15 King Philip Rd., 10 Merrifield St., and Leon St. opposite 18 Plantation St.
• Approved 'No Parking Anytime' signage at 6-8 Sever St. and across from 2 Lanesboro Rd.
• Approved 2-hour parking zone near 281 Shrewsbury St. and 15-minute zone on Chandler St.
• Approved crosswalks at Holden St. (Tuxedo Rd./Dogwood Rd.) and Cambridge St. (Freeland St./Exeter St.)
• Approved stop sign at Seymour St. and Millbury St.
• Approved 'No Left Turn' signage from Lincoln St. onto Burncoat St.
• Filed requests for one-way streets on Richards St. and Portland St.
• Filed requests for stop signs at June St./Hadwen Rd. and Kinnicutt Rd./Westbrook Rd.

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The committee recommended approval for multiple zoning map amendments, an adult use marijuana ordinance, and a housing development incentive project. One rezoning request was recommended to be filed, and another was held.

• Recommended filing rezoning of block by Mayfield, Parker, Winfield, and May St. from BG-4 to RL-7 (3-0)
• Recommended holding rezoning of 4-9 Castle St. from BG-3 to RG-5 (3-0)
• Recommended approval to extend RG-5 zoning to 53-54 Mason St. and 11 Parker St. (2-0)
• Recommended approval of ordinance amending adult use marijuana zoning (2-0)
• Recommended approval to include 38 Harlow St. and 24 New St. in Adaptive Reuse Overlay District (2-0)
• Recommended approval of zoning amendments for Multi-Family Dwelling parking and permits in Adaptive Reuse Overlay District (2-0)
• Recommended approval of HDIP designation and Tax Increment Exemption Plan for properties on Franklin, Hygeia, and Arctic Streets (2-0)
• Approved minutes of March 15, 2023 meeting (3-0)

Board of Election Commissioners

The board unanimously approved a $50 across-the-board increase for poll worker stipends. Other business included updates on the state voter registration database, polling locations, and the 2023 municipal election calendar.

• Approved $50.00 across-the-board increase for poll worker stipends (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 18, 2023

City Council

The City Council approved a new salary scale for the City Clerk and elected a new member to the Library Board of Directors. The council also authorized several property acquisitions and approved various parking and traffic ordinances.

• Set City Clerk annual salary to $180,000 effective March 21, 2023 (11-0)
• Set City Clerk salary to $190,000 effective March 17, 2024 upon successful evaluation (11-0)
• Elected Harriette Chandler to the Library Board of Directors for a term ending Dec 31, 2026
• Approved acquisition of real property at 5 Emerson Street (11-0)
• Authorized deed execution for city-owned property at 0 Aldrich Place (11-0)
• Increased Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for retirees to 5% for FY 23 (11-0)
• Approved $60,760 VAWA STOP grant (10-0)
• Ordained 20 parking and traffic amendments including handicap spaces and a right turn lane on Francis J. McGrath Blvd (10-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued Orders of Conditions for demolition and renovation projects and granted negative determinations for septic grading and a pond remediation pilot. It also issued three Certificates of Compliance and one new enforcement order.

• Issued negative determination of applicability for septic grading at 0 (Lot 2) Granite Street (4-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for barley straw pilot at Burncoat Pond (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for demolition at 70 Webster Street (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Stratton Hall renovation at 100 Institute Road (4-0)
• Issued Certificates of Compliance for 167 West Boylston St, 348 Salisbury St, and 630 Plantation St (4-0)
• Set $5,000 cash performance security deposit for 47R Fourth Street (4-0)
• Lifted enforcement order for Hospital Drive FKA 305 Belmont Street (4-0)
• Issued enforcement order for 115 McKeon Road (4-0)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Advisory Board Personnel Committee held a working meeting to discuss and direct a recruitment firm regarding the hiring of a new Administrator. No other business was conducted.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The committee considered monthly updates on district-operated transportation for the 2022-23 school year. The record provides staffing and fleet data as of March 15, 2023, but does not list a final vote or decision for the March 20 meeting.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The committee met to review financial, facilities, and IT reports. The February 17, 2023, meeting minutes were presented for acceptance. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Motioned to accept February 17, 2023, Meeting Minutes

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The committee provided reminders regarding 2022 Tier II Reporting deadlines and discussed continuity planning risk assessments. The meeting also included updates on the LEPC Training Workgroup and CERT volunteering opportunities.

• Reviewed and approved minutes from the 11.21.2022 meeting

MCRWB Executive Committee

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the February 17, 2023 meeting. Staff provided updates on youth programming, industry pathway grants, and career center operations. No other substantive votes were taken.

• Approved Feb. 17, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Worcester Housing Authority

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists requests for approval regarding the FY2024 budget, Juneteenth as a paid holiday, and development contracts, but does not record the outcomes or votes of these items.

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Authority approved a 10-year lease for the Worcester Regional Food Hub at Union Station and authorized funding for property management and fire alarm design. The board also elected officers for the 2023 fiscal year.

• Elected David Minasian as Vice Chair and Sherri Pitcher as Secretary (4-0)
• Approved $30,625 amendment for property management at 484-500 Main Street (4-0)
• Approved 10-year lease for Worcester Regional Food Hub at Union Station at $8.00 per sq ft (4-0)
• Approved $29,530 amendment for Nault Architects for Union Station fire alarm improvements (4-0)
• Approved minutes from February 9, 2023 (4-0)

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The meeting agenda lists requests for the approval of a $1,000,000 bank loan and several contract change orders. The record does not state whether these items were approved, denied, or tabled.

School Committee

The School Committee referred the proposed 2023-2024 Student Handbook, CORI screening updates, and several new course proposals to the Standing Committee on Governance & Employee Issues and the Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning, and Student Supports. The committee also considered endorsements for vocational education and school meal legislation.

• Referred 2023-2024 Student Handbook to Standing Committee on Governance & Employee Issues
• Referred CORI screening update for volunteers to Standing Committee on Governance & Employee Issues
• Referred 12 proposed new courses to Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning, and Student Supports
• Referred revisions to Chief Human Resources, Chief Diversity, and Director of School Safety job descriptions to Standing Committee on Governance & Employee Issues
• Referred Homework Policy review to Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning, and Student Supports
• Referred Chapter 74 program review to Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning, and Student Supports
• Referred request for student chromebook update to Administration

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda announcement. It contains no record of actions taken, votes cast, or decisions made.

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved several preliminary and definitive site plans for residential and mixed-use developments. The board also granted a special permit for a car wash drive-thru and recommended two street petitions to the City Council.

• Approved Definitive Frontage Subdivision at 5 Reeves Street (4-0)
• Approved Preliminary Site Plan for 7-story mixed-use project at 5 Salem Square (4-0)
• Approved Preliminary Site Plan for 7-story mixed-use building at Eaton Place (4-0)
• Approved Preliminary Site Plan for mixed-use project at 153 Green Street (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plans for Lots 1-4 at 69 Upland Street (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for Economic Opportunity Center at 67-69 Tacoma Street (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 11-unit building at 111 Austin Street (4-0)
• Approved Special Permit for car wash drive-thru at 1103 Main Street (4-0)

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists potential actions for bridge and pavement targets and TIP amendments, but records no actual decisions or outcomes.

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

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

Standing Committee on Economic Development

The committee recommended approval of an Inclusionary Zoning ordinance with amendments regarding affordable unit splits and duration of restrictions. The committee also voted to file a previous informational communication on the same topic.

• Approved minutes of January 31, 2022 (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Inclusionary Zoning ordinance as amended to include a 50/50 split between 60% and 80% AMI units, 10% set-aside for multi-family developments of 12+ units, and affordability restrictions extended to 99 years (2-1)
• Recommended filing informational communication # 8.4A CM May 24, 2022 relative to inclusionary zoning (3-0)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Committee decided on the wording and tree species for a memorial at University Park. Members authorized staff to make alternate decisions on tree type or location if necessary to meet the Arbor Day timeline.

• Approved plaque wording 'Remember the women' and 'in memory of women victims of violence' (6-0-0)
• Approved planting a Vase Zelkova or White Oak tree (6-0-0)
• Approved placing the memorial as close to the original location as possible (6-0-0)
• Authorized Jayna Turchek and Jennifer Hernandez to make alternate tree or location decisions if necessary (6-0-0)
• Agreed to invite Police Chief Sargent to the Arbor Day event

Chapter 139 Hearing

The provided document is an agenda for a Chapter 139 hearing held on March 14, 2023. It lists 11 properties with condemnation dates and associated owners or representatives, but does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Senior Center Committee

The committee met via Zoom to review staff reports on finances, facility maintenance, and programming. No substantive policy decisions or budget approvals were recorded beyond the approval of previous minutes.

• Approved minutes of the January 10, 2023 meeting

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports met to consider a citizen communication and a request for an administrative update regarding district library programs and librarian use. The provided record does not list any votes or final decisions.

Citizen Advisory Council

The council elected Rachel Brown as Chairperson and Theodore Kostas as Vice Chairperson. The body also voted to appoint several individuals to various city boards and commissions.

• Elected Rachel Brown as chairperson (6-0)
• Elected Theodore Kostas as vice chairperson (6-0)
• Approved William Nay for Cable TV Advisory Commission (7-0)
• Approved John Fresolo for Worcester Redevelopment Authority (6-0)
• Approved Jennifer Gaskin for Board of Health (7-0)
• Approved Taylor Rich for Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (7-0)
• Approved Gerardo Schiano for Other Post-Employment Benefits Board, Trust Funds Commission, and Worcester Redevelopment Authority (6-0)
• Approved Michael Rushman for Worcester Redevelopment Authority (6-0)

Community Development Advisory Committee

The committee reached a consensus to forego in-person presentations for CDBG applicants due to logistical and venue limitations. Instead, city staff will email questions to applicants and forward the responses to committee members. A timeline for scoring applications was established, with final scores due by March 29, 2023.

• Approved 2/27/2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Deferred approval of 2/13/2023 meeting minutes
• Decided to forego in-person applicant presentations in favor of email inquiries
• Set deadline of 3/15/2023 for city staff to email questions to applicants
• Set deadline of 3/22/2023 for applicants to return answers to the city
• Set deadline of 3/24/2023 for city staff to forward answers to CDAC members
• Set deadline of 3/29/2023 for final application scores to be submitted to the city

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The committee approved the January 23, 2023 minutes and discussed plans for the first Green Worcester Summit. The Department of Sustainability and Resilience (DSR) reported the launch of free electric vehicle charging stations and the opening of a Zero Waste Coordinator position.

• Approved January 23, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Launched 18 public EV charging stations at Common, Federal Plaza, and Pearl Elm garages
• Opened Zero Waste Coordinator position with salary range $68,500 - $76,159
• Awarded $120,000 grant from National Grid and Eversource for two part-time Energy Advocates

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved a variance for a 123-unit senior housing community and a special permit for the Worcester Housing Authority's Economic Opportunity Center. Several residential lot divisions and additions were also approved or postponed. The Board approved the meeting minutes from February 13, 2023.

• Approved 123-unit senior housing at 757 Salisbury Street with added landscaping conditions (5-0)
• Approved Economic Opportunity Center at 67 & 69 Tacoma Street (5-0)
• Approved retroactive parking expansion at 119 May Street (5-0)
• Approved lot division and semi-detached structure at 77 Cohasset Street (5-0)
• Approved lot division for new dwelling at 143 Blithewood Avenue (5-0)
• Approved two-family dwellings at 45 & 47 Westminster Street with landscaping conditions (5-0)
• Postponed applications for 11 Earle Terrace, 112 Rodney St, 116 Rodney St, and 1059 Grafton St (5-0)
• Continued application for addition at 79 Sussex Lane to April 3, 2023 (5-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The committee met to review i-Ready data and the draft 2023-2024 academic calendar. The meeting included updates on Executive Director goals and reports from school principals. No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded beyond the motion to approve previous minutes.

• Motion to approve February 16, 2023, meeting minutes

Historical Commission

The Commission approved several Building Demolition Delay Waivers for window and facade work at various city locations. It also granted a Certificate of Non-Applicability for a roof replacement and a Certificate of Appropriateness for a fence installation. One demolition request for 114 Austin Street was postponed.

• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for roof replacement at 64–68 Austin St, 61–65 & 67–69 Chatham St, 29–33 & 38–42 Oxford St (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for fence installation at 8 Massachusetts Avenue (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window replacement at 130 Woodland Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for storefront infill at 166 Harding Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window and facade work at 20 Harrison Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for entryway modification at 18 Chestnut Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for addition and roof replacement at 185 West Street (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for window, roof, and siding work at 33 Hermon Street (7-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for local events and granted common victualer licenses to six establishments. It also approved a temporary premises alteration for Professional Sports Catering, Inc. and a license transfer for Havana Holdings, LLC.

• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment licenses for GMM/Preservation Worcester, Stephen Hopkins, and Alumni Reunion Committee (2-0)
• Approved one-day entertainment license for Black Sheep BBQ (2-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Divine Creations & Nutrition, Hacienda Don Juan, Ace Sushi at WPI, Benny’s Caribbean Restaurant, My Rancho Restaurante, and Garden Pizza and Sub (2-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Next Level Hospitality LLC with outdoor music ending at 9:00 p.m. (2-0)
• Approved premises alteration for Professional Sports Catering, Inc. with condition that premises revert to original extent after October 31, 2023 (2-0)
• Approved license transfer, common victualer license, and entertainment license for Havana Holdings, LLC (2-0)
• Approved leave to withdraw for Femme Enterprises, LLC (2-0)
• Postponed entertainment license application for Jusstevin, Inc. to March 23, 2023 (2-0)

Retirement Board

The Board approved superannuation benefits for four individuals and a survivor allowance for the survivors of Isaac Beauge. The Board also approved several office expense and payroll warrants, including $8,191,354.80 for February retiree benefits.

• Approved superannuation for Pingsheng Chen, John Doherty, Mike Moore, and John Santimaw
• Approved Member Survivor Allowance for survivors of Isaac Beauge
• Approved warrants 23-04 through 23-07 for office expenses and payroll
• Approved $8,191,354.80 for February Retiree Benefits
• Accepted February Regular and Financial Minutes
• Established meeting dates for April 13, 2023

Worcester Arts Council

The Council approved the budget and a grant amendment for Push Worcester. Brandon Lewis was unanimously voted into the Vice Chair role. The Council also authorized up to $500 for a new grant application platform subscription.

• Approved meeting minutes
• Approved budget report
• Conditionally approved Theresa Monteith final report pending receipts
• Approved Push Worcester grant amendment request
• Voted unanimously to appoint Brandon Lewis as Vice Chair
• Approved expenditure up to $500 for grant application platform subscription

Human Rights Commission

The Commission voted to request a meeting with the City Manager to clarify the role and time commitments of members following a proposed city reorganization. The board also approved previous meeting minutes and received updates from the MCAD and the Worcester Consumer Rights Program.

• Approved meeting minutes from January 9, 2023 and February 6, 2023 (6-0-0)
• Approved request for meeting with City Manager and Commission leadership regarding reorganization (6-0-0)

Board of Health

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists proposed discussion topics including communicable diseases, infant and maternal mortality, and a tobacco cap, but records no decisions.

Hope Cemetery Commission

The meeting consisted of procedural items and reports. No votes or formal actions were recorded in the minutes.

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 #4. The amendment proposes a cost increase for a road project in New Braintree. No final decisions or vote tallies are recorded in this document.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

The Governance Committee met to review board onboarding and voting practices. The meeting record does not list the outcomes of the motions to approve previous meeting minutes or other agenda items.

• Motion to approve September 19, 2022 minutes (outcome not recorded)
• Motion to approve December 13, 2022 minutes (outcome not recorded)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission approved several new policies regarding facility reservations for pools, beaches, and splash pads, as well as requirements for fireplaces and fireworks. The meeting also included reports on awarded grants for playgrounds and park improvements.

• Approved fireplace requirements for Salisbury Park — Bancroft Tower (5-0)
• Approved fireworks requirements for Bell Pond (5-0)
• Approved facility reservations for beaches (5-0)
• Approved facility reservations for pools (5-0)
• Approved facility reservations for splash pads/spray parks (5-0)
• Approved policy to attend recreational programs in city parks and open spaces (5-0)
• Approved Eagle Scout Projects policy (5-0)
• Approved motion to file Mr. Geoff Killebrew question review (5-0)

School Committee

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists items for consideration, including donations, prior year payments, and budget hearing scheduling, but does not record any decisions or vote outcomes.

Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations

The committee recommended approval of organizational ordinances for the Community Preservation Act and the Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Several financial reports were filed, and a request for a report on college property purchases was held.

• Approved Organizational Ordinance for the Community Preservation Act (3-0)
• Approved Reorganizational Ordinance for the Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Department of Health & Human Services (3-0)
• Recommended filing of the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (3-0)
• Recommended filing of four FY2023 financial updates (3-0)
• Recommended holding request for report on college/university property purchases (3-0)
• Recommended filing of Community Preservation Act election results notice (3-0)
• Recommended filing of DEI framework communication (3-0)
• Recommended holding the Racial Equity Audit Report for Human Resources and Health & Human Services (3-0)

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee approved a motion for Chairman Levering to contact Worcester's representatives to urge co-sponsorship of streaming bills in the House and Senate. This action aims to address declining franchise fee revenue for public access channels. The committee also received an update on the Ascertainment Consultant's review of PEG facilities.

• Approved minutes from 1/11/2023, 1/18/2023, and 1/31/2023 (4-0)
• Approved motion for Chairman Levering to write to representatives and represent CTAC in legislative meetings regarding streaming bills (4-0)

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

The commission approved the election of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. The meeting also included a report on the Urban Forestry Master Plan update and the enforcement of tree ordinances.

• Approved Commissioner Winbourne as Chairperson (4-0)
• Approved Commissioner Mogel as Vice Chairperson (4-0)
• Approved minutes from November 30, 2022, meeting with wording changes (4-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved the school's Wellness Policy. The board also reviewed meeting minutes from January 25, 2023.

• Approved AKFCS Wellness Policy
• Approved January 25, 2023 meeting minutes

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The board approved the meeting minutes from February 15, 2023, and the executive session minutes from the same date. A warrant for $600,888.33 dated February 23, 2023, was processed. The meeting included updates on the Regional Biosolids Study, integrated planning, and capital projects.

• Approved February 15, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved February 15, 2023 executive session meeting minutes
• Approved warrant for $600,888.33 (02/23/2023)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda rather than minutes. It schedules a working session to discuss and possibly select a recruitment agency; no decisions are recorded.

Standing Committee on Public Works

The committee recommended approval for several sidewalk repairs and two new street light installations. Requests to make Kenyon Ave and Evergreen Ln public streets were held for further research. A request to extend water and sewer lines to Natural History Dr was recommended for approval.

• Approved minutes from January 11, 2023
• Recommended hold on making Kenyon Ave a public street
• Recommended hold on making Evergreen Ln public for drainage installation
• Recommended approval for sidewalk repairs at 48 and 52 Thorndyke Rd, New York St, Delaware St, and Shattuck St
• Recommended approval for new street light on Westborough St near Pioneer Rd
• Recommended approval for new street light on Officer Manny Familia Way
• Recommended approval for water and sewer line extension to Natural History Dr
• Recommended filing of request for public meeting on private-to-public street conversion

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The Commission voted to support a developer's application for American Trust Housing Fund funding for a 9-unit project. Members also approved alternative solutions for five variances at 1 Green Island Blvd and reviewed Worcester Housing Authority's plans to increase accessible units.

• Approved January 17, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved support for Steve Rothschild's accessible housing project at 24 Jackson Street for AHTF funding (unanimous)
• Approved agreement with proposed alternative solutions for five variances at 1 Green Island Blvd (roll call vote; Commissioner Myska recused)

City Council

The City Council approved several million dollars in capital and operational transfers, including $900,000 for police overtime and $1.04M for road resurfacing. The council also passed a resolution supporting the Act to Strengthen Justice and Support for Sex Trade Survivors and approved various traffic and parking ordinances.

• Approved $1,046,977.33 transfer for road resurfacing (11-0)
• Approved $900,000 transfer for police overtime (11-0)
• Approved $323,149.79 transfer for Inspectional Services renovation work (11-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting HD.3295/ SD.2050 for sex trade survivors (11-0)
• Approved DPW membership in Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition (11-0)
• Ordained salary amendment for Emergency Shift Coverage (11-0)
• Tabled report on Chief of Council position (7-4)
• Approved various handicap parking and 'No Parking' ordinances (11-0)

Community Development Advisory Committee

The committee discussed nine funding applications for public facility renovations and interdepartmental services. No final funding decisions were made; members reviewed project eligibility and funding sources for various non-profits and city departments. The approval of the February 13, 2023, meeting minutes was deferred.

• Deferred approval of 2/13/2023 meeting minutes
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Commission on Elder Affairs

The provided text contains a meeting notice and agenda for February 27, 2023, and minutes from a previous meeting on January 23, 2023. There are no records of decisions made during the February 27 meeting.

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved Orders of Conditions for five different property developments and issued two one-year time extensions. It also granted a Certificate of Compliance for a site where work never commenced and updated a standard inspection condition.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 47R Fourth Street (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 81 Hope Avenue (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 410 Granite Street (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 757 Salisbury Street (3-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 67 & 69 Tacoma Street (3-0)
• Issued 1-year extensions for 158 Dorchester Street and 181 Lake Avenue (3-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 79 Joppa Road (3-0)
• Updated standard condition #29 regarding SWPPP inspector requirements (3-0)

School Committee

The provided document is an agenda for the February 27, 2023, meeting. It does not record any decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Standing Committee on Public Safety

The committee approved the minutes from the February 8, 2023 meeting. Members reviewed a report on the implementation and structural organization of the Police Department's Body Worn Camera Program before voting to recommend the item be filed.

• Approved minutes of the February 8, 2023 meeting (2-0)
• Recommended filing the report on the Body Worn Camera Program (2-0)

Civic Center Commission

The Commission accepted the minutes from the January 26, 2023 meeting. The session primarily consisted of status updates on facility capital projects and a monthly performance report from ASM Global.

• Approved minutes of the January 26, 2023 meeting

Historical Commission

The meeting scheduled for February 23, 2023, was canceled. All agenda items have been postponed to the next meeting on March 9, 2023.

License Commission

The Commission approved several one-day liquor licenses for community events and granted permanent common victualer and alcohol licenses to new businesses. It also approved fee waivers for temporary-to-permanent outdoor dining conversions and a new application form for outdoor dining.

• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Worcester Center For Crafts, Ecotarium, Lupus Foundation of New England, Sir Loin Catering, Student Affairs Committee, Worcester Public Library Foundation, and Worcester Police Relief Association (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Big League Nutrition and Urban Spice World dba Edenish (3-0)
• Approved restaurant all alcohol and common victualer licenses for Next Level Hospitality, LLC (3-0)
• Approved transfer of package store all alcohol license to Shri Krishna Hari Corporation (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license amendments for Thacura, Inc. (3-0)
• Approved alteration of premises for Jusstevin, Inc. (3-0)
• Approved fee waivers for license holders converting temporary Covid-19 outdoor dining to permanent (3-0)
• Approved new Outdoor Dining Application Form (3-0)

MCRWB Worcester Jobs Fund Oversight Committee

The committee voted to release the ARPA scoring rubric to all applicants to ensure equal footing. Members discussed modifications to the rubric regarding experience requirements and employer partnerships. A subcommittee was authorized to further discuss rubric weighting and city reporting standards.

• Approved January 26, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved motion to release the ARPA scoring rubric to all applicants
• Authorized a subcommittee meeting to discuss rubric weighting and metrics

Planning Board

The February 22, 2023, meeting was cancelled. All agenda items have been postponed to the March 15, 2023, meeting.

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

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

Public Library Board of Directors

The provided document contains the agenda for the meeting but does not record any substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes. It is a procedural record of the scheduled items.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The committee met digitally to review reports and proposals. The only recorded action was a motion to accept the minutes from the January 20, 2023, meeting.

• Accepted January 20, 2023, Meeting Minutes

MCRWB Executive Committee

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the November 18, 2022 meeting. Members received updates on state-funded STEM and intern projects, a new electronic job referral process, and the July 1 move-in date for a new facility.

• Approved November 18, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Worcester Housing Authority

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists requests for approval regarding tenant write-offs, payment method consolidation, administrative plan amendments, and K9 bed bug detection services, but does not record the outcomes or decisions.

Retirement Board

The Board approved a motion to allow Meketa Investment Group to issue an Infrastructure RFP and present the results mid-year. The meeting also included performance reviews from six investment managers and a report on portfolio performance through December 31, 2022.

• Approved Meketa to issue an Infrastructure RFP (3-0)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists planned discussions on charter renewal, SEL data, and wellness policy, but does not record any decisions or outcomes.

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors met to review financial statements through December 31, 2022. The meeting included requests for the approval of January 19, 2023 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 requests.

School Committee

The committee reviewed several items for approval, including student tablets and sports donations, as well as three prior year payments. The meeting also included personnel updates and discussions on collective bargaining strategy in executive session.

• Considered approval of $11,204.72 donation for Sullivan Middle School tablets
• Considered approval of $2,000 donation from Brooks Sports for Worcester Technical High School
• Considered approval of $426.20 prior year payment to Amazon
• Considered approval of $549.90 prior year payment for a Cafeteria Helper
• Considered approval of $11,611.87 prior year payment to Springdale Education Center, Inc.
• Superintendent approved resignations of Audra Gaul and Sarah Shepro
• Superintendent approved retirements of Eileen Clarke, Anne Lynch-Clark, and Dinh Pham
• Superintendent approved 16 personnel appointments

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board approved a motion for City staff to provide recommendations on incentivizing the creation of accessible units. A funding application for 49 West Street was moved to the March 2023 agenda for scoring and a funding vote. Discussions on AHTF bonus funding were held until staff recommendations on accessibility are available.

• Approved minutes from January 18, 2023 (8-0)
• Moved 49 West Street project application to March 2023 agenda for scoring and funding vote (8-0)
• Approved motion for City staff to provide recommendations for incentivizing accessible units (8-0)
• Held AHTF Bonus Funding discussion until staff provides accessibility incentive recommendations (8-0)

Worcester Ballpark Commission

The Commission reviewed a request from the Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division for training on March 10, 2023. Members discussed a new application process for City Event Days and received a maintenance update on ballpark systems and upgrades.

• Tentatively approved training request from Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division for March 10, 2023

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is an agenda rather than minutes of action. It lists potential actions regarding transportation amendments and safety targets, but does not record any final decisions or vote tallies.

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The board met via Zoom to review financial reports and operational updates. The meeting included a discussion on warrants and an executive session regarding union negotiations.

• Reviewed warrants totaling $1,028,918.60
• Held executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with Public Employee Local Union 272

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee recommended approval for multiple handicap parking spaces, no-parking zones, and a crosswalk installation. It also recommended approval of an ordinance to reconcile lane markings for the Blackstone River Bikeway extension. Several other petitions for signage and parking changes were filed or held.

• Recommended approval of handicap parking at 18 Plantation St., 100 Plantation St., 1 Berkmans St., and 24 New Vista Ln.
• Recommended filing of handicap parking requests for 87 Pleasant St. and 119 Chino Ave.
• Recommended approval of 1-hour parking signage at 269 Lincoln St.
• Recommended approval of 'No Parking Anytime' signage at 21 Adams St., 7 Camp St., and Fairfield St. (between May St. and Park Ave.)
• Recommended approval of a crosswalk on Shattuck St. near Uxbridge St.
• Recommended approval of ordinance for Blackstone River Bikeway lane markings on Francis J. McGrath Blvd.
• Recommended filing of request to increase zoned parking time limits to 4 hours
• Recommended filing of stop sign request at Pineland Ave. and Hara St.

Chapter 139 Hearing

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

Senior Center Committee

The committee approved the FY’24 budget request, which includes upgrading eight positions and converting two part-time coordinators to full-time roles. Members also voted to extend one-year licenses for five center tenants. The meeting included reviews of facility renovations and current program offerings.

• Approved FY’24 budget request (unanimous)
• Approved one-year license extensions for RSVP, Senior Companion, Wellness Works Yoga, Pastoral Counseling, and Our Deaf Survivors Center (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from November 8, 2022 meeting

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

The meeting record contains an agenda of general business items for consideration, but does not list any votes, motions, or final decisions. The document is procedural in nature.

City Council

The City Council ordained amendments to the salary of the City Auditor and updated zoning ordinances for commercial corridors and specific residential districts. The council also approved conduit locations for Crown Castle and National Grid. Several requests for reports on potholes, private roads, and police body cameras were adopted.

• Ordained salary amendment for City Auditor (10-0)
• Ordained zoning amendments for Commercial Corridors Overlay District (10-0)
• Ordained zoning extension for Residence General (RG-5) district (10-0)
• Approved conduit location for Crown Castle on Oak Ave (10-0)
• Approved conduit location for National Grid on Cambridge St (10-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting Emergency Management disaster response (10-0)
• Approved requests for reports on pothole fill and private road legislation
• Tabled items regarding Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance and warming centers

Community Development Advisory Committee

The committee reviewed 17 public service applications for Year 49 RFP funding, including renewals and one new proposal from Living in Freedom Together. Members discussed program outcomes, cost increases, and the 15% CDBG cap on public services. No final funding decisions were made during this session.

• Approved 2/6/2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Agreed to receive CDBG Scoring Rubrics and Instructions from City Staff within one week
• Scheduled review of remaining Year 49 applications for 2/27/2023
• Scheduled applicant presentations for 3/2/2023
• Set deadline for application scores for 3/8/2023
• Scheduled score review meeting for 3/13/2023
• Scheduled meeting to discuss recommendations to City Manager for 3/20/2023

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved several residential projects, including a 32-unit renovation on Blackstone River Road and a 12-bed lodging house on Perry Avenue. A proposal for a 123-unit senior community was continued to March 13, 2023, following Board concerns regarding affordability and site design.

• Approved 6FT setback relief for deck at 16 Alden Street (5-0)
• Approved conversion of 19 Perry Avenue into a 12-bed lodging house (4-0)
• Approved height and setback relief for 32-unit project at 34, 36 & 38 Blackstone River Road (5-0)
• Approved residential conversion to five units at 93 Fairfax Road (5-0)
• Approved special permit for floral shop at 177 Grafton Street (5-0)
• Continued 123-unit senior community application at 757 Salisbury Street to March 13, 2023 (5-0)
• Continued parking expansion application at 119 May Street to March 13, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved 2024 meeting dates and filing deadlines (5-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The meeting minutes list several agenda items for consideration, including budget reviews and facilities projects. However, the document contains no record of votes, motions, or final decisions made on these items.

Historical Commission

The Commission approved a demolition delay waiver and certificate of appropriateness for window and porch repairs at 23 Newbury Street. The board also agreed to support a grant application for Preservation Worcester.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 23 Newbury Street (5-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 23 Newbury Street (5-0)
• Voted to provide letter of support for Preservation Worcester grant application (5-0)
• Continued application for 114 Austin Street to February 23, 2023 (5-0)

License Commission

The Commission issued a three-day suspension to Whiskey on Water following violations for underage drinking and overcrowding. Several one-day liquor licenses and common victualer licenses were approved. One application for a package store license was continued to a later date.

• Issued 3-day suspension to Whiskey on Water (3-0), with one day served Feb 23, 2023
• Approved one-day liquor/entertainment licenses for Elizabeth Purdy, Behram J Khaled, and Men’s/Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor licenses for St Spyridon Cathedral, Michael Rubino, and Khalid Karachi (3-0)
• Approved common victualer licenses for Family Farms (4 locations), Jahveh Mekaddesh Gift Shop, All In Poke, Belen, Annie’s Clark Brunch Diner, Perry’s Tatnuck Deli, and The Cozy Bakery & Coffee (3-0)
• Approved change of manager and dba to Femme for Nap LLC (3-0)
• Approved all alcohol, common victualer, and entertainment licenses for Aelux Lounge, LLC (2-1)
• Approved change of manager and dba to Jack’s Tiki Tavern for Thacura, Inc. (3-0)
• Continued My Liquors, Inc. package store application to February 23, 2023

Retirement Board

The Board approved superannuation benefits for 15 employees and authorized several office and benefit warrants. The Board voted to waive interest on a late $5M appropriation from the WHA. A COLA meeting was scheduled for April.

• Approved superannuation benefits for 15 employees (collective vote)
• Waived interest on late $5M WHA FY23 Appropriation funding (collective vote)
• Scheduled COLA meeting for the April Board meeting date (collective vote)
• Approved warrants for office expenses, payroll, and board stipends (collective vote)
• Approved January retiree benefits totaling $8,113,881.18 (collective vote)
• Accepted January regular minutes (collective vote)

MCRWB Youth Council

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the December 8, 2022 meeting. Members received presentations on Quinsigamond Community College services and updates regarding YouthWorks and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programming.

• Approved December 8, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Citizen Advisory Council

The council met to approve previous minutes and review a list of community events for recruitment and outreach scheduled between March and August 2023. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved minutes from 1/11/23 meeting

Learning First Charter Public School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees held a special meeting on February 8, 2023. The session moved into executive session to review the Richland St. Building Project update, including sources and uses and timelines for the Permanent Occupancy Permit.

Standing Committee on Public Safety

The committee voted to recommend filing several informational reports from the police and fire departments. Two items regarding building condemnation protocols and the Community Crisis Response Model were recommended to be held. The committee also requested an update on the Fire Department Strategic Plan.

• Approved minutes of June 1, 2022 meeting (2-0)
• Recommended filing Emergency Management disaster response and recovery procedure (2-0)
• Recommended filing TRAINFO Railroad Crossing Sensors communication (2-0)
• Recommended filing Blue Card system training report (2-0)
• Recommended filing Fire Department Strategic Plan with request for update (2-0)
• Recommended holding emergency response protocol for condemned buildings (2-0)
• Recommended holding Community Crisis Response Model initiation (2-0)
• Recommended filing $51,000 appropriation for police safety equipment (2-0)

Status of Women Advisory Committee

The Committee approved the selection of primary and alternate candidates for the Women of Consequence awards. Members also agreed to participate in an Arbor Day tree planting and memorial plaque project to honor women murdered in the 1990s.

• Approved January 10, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0-0)
• Accepted city offer to plant a memorial tree and plaque for April 28 Arbor Day Celebration (6-0-0)
• Recommended candidate 4 as Young Woman of Consequence and candidate 6 as alternate (6-0-0)
• Recommended candidate 42 as Woman of Consequence and candidate 52 as alternate (6-0-0)
• Approved inviting Deborah Hall and Nicole Bell as speakers (6-0-0)
• Approved asking Senator Kennedy to be the backup speaker (6-0-0)

Standing Committee on Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation

The committee recommended filing several informational communications regarding stadium and park improvements. The Chairperson issued orders for the City Manager to update the city's tree ordinance and analyze the Urban Forestry master plan.

• Approved minutes of January 24, 2023 (2-0)
• Recommended filing update on Foley Stadium improvements (2-0)
• Recommended filing Foley Stadium design process and milestones (3-0)
• Recommended filing Master Plan for former Becker College Property park (3-0)
• Recommended filing 2022 opening of Athletic Fields communication (3-0)
• Recommended filing 2022 Summer Recreation and Safety Initiatives report (3-0)
• Recommended filing tree removal communication (3-0)
• Issued Chairman's Orders to update tree ordinance and analyze Urban Forestry master plan

Community Development Advisory Committee

The committee elected a new chairperson and vice chairperson and approved the minutes from the March 2022 meeting. Members received binders for Year 49 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications and reviewed funding request totals for public services and facilities.

• Elected Jack Newton as Chairperson (7-0)
• Elected Bryan Milward as Vice-Chairperson (7-0)
• Appointed Emmanuel Larbi as Recorder
• Approved 3/22/2022 meeting minutes (6-0-1)

Board of Health

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists proposed topics for discussion, including retail and smoking bar caps, but records no decisions or outcomes.

Hope Cemetery Commission

The Commission elected a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Assistant Commissioner Robert Antonelli provided updates on the cemetery's capital budget, entrance renovations, and the status of the master plan.

• Elected Commissioner Curewitz as Chairperson (3-0)
• Elected Commissioner Lizotte as Vice Chairperson (3-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Commission voted to request that the City Manager postpone a reorganization plan that would eliminate the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. The Commission will solicit public feedback via survey and requested a presentation from the City Manager regarding his vision and job descriptions. Additionally, the body requested a review of the city's zoning ordinance to include fair housing requirements.

• Requested City Manager postpone reorganization and elimination of Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (6-0-0)
• Approved launching a public survey to gather input on the reorganization proposal (6-0-0)
• Approved resubmitting 14 outstanding information requests (Items A-N) to City Administration (6-0-0)
• Approved request for City Manager to update the City of Worcester Affirmative Action Policy and Plan (6-0-0)
• Approved request for City Manager to review zoning ordinance for affirmatively fair housing requirements and present findings in April (6-0-0)
• Tabled January 9, 2023 meeting minutes

Worcester Arts Council

The Council approved the budget report and 12 final reports from grant recipients. Several grant amendment requests for date extensions were approved, while one was denied. The Council also set a new deadline for future grant paperwork.

• Approved minutes from 1/12 and 1/23
• Approved budget report
• Approved 12 final reports including Worcester Art Museum and Boys and Girls Club
• Approved date extensions to June 1st for ArtReach, Christopher Bettencourt, and Ferdinand Nazario
• Approved grant amendment for Christopher G. King and Piyali Mazumdar
• Denied grant amendment for Living in Freedom Together
• Established new grant paperwork deadline of the Sunday before Thanksgiving (November 19th)
• Approved up to $2,600 for grant reception

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is a notice and agenda for a virtual public meeting to discuss proposed changes to the 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The document does not record the meeting's outcomes or any final decisions.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The meeting held on February 2, 2023, contained no recorded votes or substantive decisions. The provided text consists of the agenda and reports from previous meetings.

School Committee

The School Committee approved multiple educational grants and private donations for school programs. The board also authorized prior fiscal year payments and a request to donate sick days for a staff member.

• Approved $57,120 Genocide Education Grant
• Approved $15,000 Financial Literacy Planning and Implementation Grant
• Accepted $45,756 Teacher Diversification Pilot Program Grant
• Accepted $20,000 ParentChild+ Pipeline Program Launch Grant
• Approved $1,500 donation from Milton CAT for South High Diesel Program
• Approved $500 donation from United AG & Turf NE, LLC for South High Diesel Program
• Approved $500 donation from Sunbelt rentals for South High Diesel Program
• Approved $1,000 donation from Girls on the Run to Burncoat Middle School

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee held an informational meeting to prepare for community focus groups scheduled for April. The session, led by The Buske Group, focused on gathering data for a Community Needs Assessment regarding the Spectrum-Charter franchise agreement.

Planning Board

The Board approved site plans for residential and commercial projects on Honeysuckle Road, Hermon Street, and Olean Street. A preliminary site plan for a mixed-use building and parking garage on Green Street was approved with modifications. Several other items were postponed to February 22, 2023.

• Approved site plan for 1L & 1R Honeysuckle Road (4-0)
• Approved Special Permit and Site Plan amendments for 26-39 Hermon Street (5-0)
• Approved site plan for 17 Hermon Street (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit amendment for 757 Salisbury Street (5-0)
• Approved Preliminary Site Plan for 139 & 153 Green Street with modifications (5-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 157 Olean Street (5-0)
• Endorsed ANR plans for 65 Chatanika Ave, 40 Brattle St, and 612 Grove St (5-0)
• Continued 135 Brooks Street meeting to February 22, 2023 (5-0)

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee held a study session on the cable renewal process and upcoming focus group meetings. Members discussed potential revenue sources, billing issues with Charter-Spectrum, and the number of PEG channels. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Minutes from January 11 and January 18, 2023: No action
• Adjourned meeting at 7:10pm (4-0)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

The provided document is an agenda for the Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues. It does not record the outcomes, votes, or decisions made during the meeting.

City Council

The City Council approved a new annual salary for the City Auditor and passed a resolution supporting increased funding for Regional Transit Authorities. The council also approved several public works projects, including street resurfacing and water main extensions, and requested multiple reports from the City Manager regarding city services and senior resident support.

• Set City Auditor annual salary to $170,000 (11-0)
• Approved resolution supporting SD.1762 and HD.2385 for regional transit funding (11-0)
• Approved street betterment assessment for Delmont Avenue (11-0)
• Approved making Bittersweet Boulevard a public street (11-0)
• Approved resurfacing Copley Rd. and repaving Willard Ave. (11-0)
• Approved water main extension on Hooper St. and sewer extension on Salisbury St. (11-0)
• Approved installation of flashing crosswalk lights at 75 Webster St. (voice vote)
• Approved memorial for Private John Kelleher at June St. and Chandler St. (voice vote)

Community Development Advisory Committee

The committee met virtually to conduct administrative business and review applications. The provided minutes list the agenda items but do not record the outcomes of the votes or the specific results of the discussions.

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued Orders of Conditions for residential developments on Alvarado Avenue and Sunderland Road. It also approved a fiber optic conduit installation and a project change for Malden Woods. Several other hearings were continued to February 27, 2023.

• Issued negative Determination of Applicability with conditions for fiber conduit at 2 Coppage Drive (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for duplexes and single-family unit at 128-136 Alvarado Avenue (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for septic system replacement at 540 Sunderland Road (5-0)
• Approved 1-year extension of time for 90 Barber Avenue (5-0)
• Approved project change for turbidity monitoring at Malden Woods (5-0)
• Voted to lift Enforcement Order for 128 Alvarado Avenue upon Order of Conditions becoming valid (5-0)
• Continued public hearings for 47R Fourth Street, 81 Hope Avenue, and 410 Granite Street to 2/27/2023 (5-0)
• Approved minutes for 11/7/2022 and 1/9/2023 meetings (5-0)

Historical Commission

The Commission denied a Building Demolition Delay Waiver for vinyl window installation at 41 Burncoat Street. It approved a Certificate of Non-Applicability for work at 1 Drury Lane and determined that proposed interior work at 70 Webster Street would not affect its historic designation.

• Approved minutes of Dec 1, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of Dec 15, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved minutes of Jan 12, 2023 (5-0)
• Continued application for 114 Austin Street to Feb 9, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for 1 Drury Lane (5-0)
• Denied Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 41 Burncoat Street (0-5)
• Voted not to comment on telecommunications facility at 1092 Pleasant Street (5-0)
• Approved Diane Long as Chair, Janet Theerman as Vice Chair, and Steven Taylor as Clerk (5-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved common victualer licenses for three businesses and a one-day liquor and entertainment request for St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church. Hotel Vernon received a two-day suspension for a manager violation. Multiple other liquor and status hearings were postponed due to construction delays.

• Approved one-day liquor and entertainment request for St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Domino’s Pizza at 1413 Grafton Street (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Unique Café at 322 Cambridge Street (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Infused at 112 Harding Street (3-0)
• Approved change of manager and ownership interest for Torito Worcester LLC (3-0)
• Approved change of manager for MDL Enterprises, Inc. dba Hotel Vernon (3-0)
• Found MDL Enterprises Inc. dba Hotel Vernon in violation of Rules #8 and #14; issued two-day suspension, one day served and one suspended (3-0)
• Postponed liquor and entertainment requests for Lupus Foundation of New England and Femme Enterprises, LLC (3-0)

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The board met to review financial reports, including a $3,132,041.79 warrant and the FY24 budget. The meeting included updates on integrated planning, capital projects, and workforce COVID-19 status. No specific vote tallies or final decision outcomes were recorded in the provided agenda.

• Reviewed warrant for $3,132,041.79
• Reviewed FY24 Budget BAI#1 and BAI#2
• Discussed Integrated Planning and Capital Projects updates
• Reviewed December Effluent Summary Report

MCRWB Worcester Jobs Fund Oversight Committee

The meeting consisted of agenda items including updates on ARPA and the Worcester Jobs Fund. No substantive decisions or vote tallies were recorded in the provided minutes.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of a new member and updated the public comments policy. The board also approved the meeting minutes from December 14, 2022.

• Approved December 14, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved Noah Ligeti for a three-year term on the Board of Trustees
• Approved updated Comments to the Board Policy

Public Library Finance Committee

The provided minutes consist of an agenda and meeting notice. There are no records of decisions, votes, or actions taken during the meeting.

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 Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation

The committee recommended approval for the Blithewood Park master plan initiative and a memorial for Private John Kelleher pending funding. Other memorial requests were either filed or held pending further reports from the Director of Veterans’ Services.

• Approved Blithewood Park Master Plan Initiative (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Private John Kelleher memorial at June St. and Chandler St. pending funding (3-0)
• Recommended filing of memorial request for Private John Kelleher on traffic island (3-0)
• Recommended hold on WWII soldiers memorial on the Common pending a report from Director of Veterans’ Services (3-0)
• Recommended hold on William J. Ormond memorial pending a feasibility report from Director of Veterans’ Services and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks (3-0)
• Approved minutes from January 9, 2023 meeting (2-0)

City Council

The City Council approved a salary of $170,000 for the City Auditor and amended the City Manager's employment agreement. The council also authorized several million dollars in water main transfers and accepted grants for elder affairs and cultural programs.

• Set City Auditor annual salary at $170,000 (11-0)
• Amended City Manager Eric D. Batista's employment agreement (11-0)
• Approved $2M transfer for Water Mains (11-0)
• Approved $300,000 transfer for Water Ordinary Maintenance (11-0)
• Accepted $530,000 grant from MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs (11-0)
• Accepted $226,600 grant from Massachusetts Cultural Council (11-0)
• Accepted $25,000 donation from Friends of Worcester's Senior Center, Inc. (11-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Amaris Gonzalez to Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (11-0)

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

The committee received a presentation on the completed Urban Heat Risk Assessment Study for Worcester. Members discussed high priority items for the Green Worcester Plan's first annual report and received updates on the Miyawaki Forest Pilot and astroturf fields.

• Approved minutes from October 24, 2022 and December 12, 2022

Commission on Elder Affairs

The Senior Center Committee unanimously supported the FY'24 budget request, which includes converting two part-time coordinators to full-time and upgrading eight positions. The committee also unanimously supported one-year license extensions for five center tenants. The full Commission on Elder Affairs meeting was scheduled for January 23, 2023.

• Approved FY'24 budget request including two new full-time positions (unanimous)
• Approved one-year license extensions for RSVP, Senior Companion, Wellness Works Yoga, Pastoral Counseling, and Our Deaf Survivors Center (unanimous)
• Approved September 19, 2022 Commission minutes (m/s/a)
• Approved October 11, 2022 Senior Center Committee report (m/s/a)
• Approved November 8, 2022 Senior Center Committee minutes (m/s/a)

Worcester Arts Council

The provided minutes record the meeting agenda and attendance for January 23, 2022. No decisions, votes, or funding determinations are documented in the text.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The meeting was canceled. All agenda items were postponed to the next meeting scheduled for February 13, 2023.

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

The committee met to consider monthly updates regarding the implementation of district-operated transportation for the 2022-23 school year. The provided minutes record the agenda and historical updates but do not list a final vote or decision for the January 23, 2023 meeting.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

The committee met to review financial, facilities, and IT reports. The meeting included presentations on building a school budget and investment allocations. The December 16, 2022, meeting minutes were proposed for acceptance.

• Motion to accept December 16, 2022, Meeting Minutes

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission approved a conceptual master plan for Blithewood Park and authorized several fee increases for the city golf course. Additionally, the board approved alcohol use for the Festival of Lights and dissolved all commission subcommittees.

• Approved Blithewood Park conceptual master plan (4-0)
• Approved alcohol use on Worcester Common for Festival of Lights (4-0)
• Approved removal of all Parks & Recreation Commission Subcommittees (4-0)
• Approved golf course fee increases and policy changes (4-0)
• Approved all permit application updates and fee increases (4-0)
• Tabled acceptance of minutes for June 16, 2022 and September 8, 2022
• Tabled review of Mr. Geoff Killebrew's question

Worcester Housing Authority

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes. It lists requests for approval regarding construction contracts, voucher awards, and financial reports, but does not record the outcomes or votes of these items.

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors met to review financial statements and a contract closeout request. The provided minutes list the agenda items but do not record the final votes or outcomes of the approval requests.

• Requested approval of December 15, 2022 meeting minutes (outcome not recorded)
• Requested approval to closeout Strategic Environmental Service contract for 38 Lewis Street soil remediation (outcome not recorded)

School Committee

The School Committee authorized long-term leases for the Special Education Alternative School and the Special Education Transitions Program. The board also approved several grants and updated job descriptions for district administrators.

• Authorized lease for Special Education Alternative School for up to nine years
• Authorized lease for Special Education Transitions Program for up to twenty years
• Approved resubmitting Statement of Interest to MSBA for Burncoat High School renovation/replacement
• Approved $421,326 FC181 English Learner Education Support grant
• Approved $5,950 FY23 STARS Residency Grant for Worcester Technical High School
• Approved job description for Physical Security Systems Administrator
• Approved job description for WorkDay Implementation Specialist
• Authorized $5,000 for Iandoli Desai & Cronin P.C. for H-1B visa legal services

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The provided document is a meeting notice and agenda announcement rather than minutes. No decisions, votes, or actions were recorded.

MCRWB Full Board

The Board unanimously elected Paul Gilbody as Chair for 2023 and approved the meeting minutes from October 20, 2022. Members received updates on career center staffing, a planned July 2023 move to 554 Main Street, and new regional training programs.

• Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Paul Gilbody as 2023 MCRWB Chair (unanimous)

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee reviewed a survey report from ETC regarding community opinions on Charter-Spectrum services and PEG channels. The data is intended for use in franchise agreement negotiations. No formal votes were taken on the survey findings.

• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved a conditional commitment of $2,000,000 in ARPA funding for the redevelopment of Curtis Apartments. The project will include 129 units, with 39 designated as affordable units at 60% and 80% of area median income. The Board also discussed strategies to increase accessible and adaptable housing units in future projects.

• Approved minutes from December 14, 2022 meeting (8-0)
• Approved $2,000,000 conditional commitment to Trinity Curtis Phase One Limited Partnership for affordable rental housing development (7-1)

Board of Election Commissioners

The Board established key dates for the 2023 Municipal Election, including nomination paper deadlines and election dates. The meeting also addressed the 2023 street listing and sample ballots for non-aligned City Council and School Committee districts.

• Approved minutes from November 15, 2023
• Set nomination paper access date for April 4, 2023
• Set nomination paper submission deadline for May 30, 2023
• Set Preliminary Election date for September 5, 2023
• Set Municipal Election date for November 7, 2023
• Set voter registration deadline for Preliminary Election as August 26, 2023
• Set voter registration deadline for Municipal Election as October 28, 2023

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

The provided document is an agenda rather than minutes of a meeting. It lists proposed actions and presentations, but does not record any final decisions, votes, or outcomes.

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

The committee recommended approval for multiple handicap parking spaces, no-parking zones, and pedestrian crosswalks. A request to make Tyson Rd. a one-way street was amended and held pending a traffic study. Several other signage and crosswalk requests were filed or held for further review.

• Recommended approval for handicap parking at 1 Woodbine St., 30 Kosta St., 14 Crown St. (removal), 28 Mendon St., and 5 Berkeley St. (3-0)
• Recommended hold for handicap parking at 52 Plantation St. due to winter parking ban (3-0)
• Recommended approval for flashing crosswalk lights at 75 Webster St. pending funding (3-0)
• Recommended approval for crosswalk across Chester St. at Holden St. (3-0)
• Recommended approval for 'No Parking Anytime' signs on Ives St. and Clement St. (3-0)
• Recommended hold on Tyson Rd. one-way conversion as amended to flow eastbound; requested traffic study (3-0)
• Recommended approval for 'Steep Hill' signage on Eames Rd. (3-0)
• Recommended filing for pedestrian signage at Freeland St./Cambridge St. and Grove St. (3-0)

Accessibility Advisory Commission

The Commission approved the November 2022 meeting minutes. Members reviewed proposed ADA accessibility features for the Endicott and Bigelow Streets project and a new DPW&P evaluation process to limit the installation of apex curb ramps.

• Approved November 15, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

City Council

The City Council elected Robert V. Stearns to a two-year term as City Auditor. The council also approved several requests for reports from the City Manager regarding public transit, nonprofit property taxes, and public safety. Multiple items concerning the WRTA and city infrastructure were adopted or referred to committees.

• Elected Robert V. Stearns to a two-year term as City Auditor (10-0)
• Approved request for report on college/university property purchases and PILOT agreements (10-0)
• Approved request for report on city residency requirements for employees (10-0)
• Approved request for report on catalytic converter thefts (10-0)
• Approved plan to construct new sidewalks near all public schools at city expense (10-0)
• Referred request to make Jackson St. a one-way street to Traffic and Parking Committee (10-0)
• Approved request for report on federal and state housing funding (11-0)
• Approved request for AED implementation plan at all city ball fields (11-0)

Worcester Arts Council

The provided document is a meeting agenda and does not contain records of decisions, votes, or discussions. No substantive actions were recorded in this text.

Historical Commission

The Commission approved Building Demolition Delay Waivers for properties on Florence and West Streets, and a combined waiver and Certificate of Appropriateness for Montvale Road. Two letters of support for MHRTC allocations were issued, and 2024 meeting dates were approved.

• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 79 Florence Street (7-0)
• Postponed Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 41 Burncoat Street to Feb 9, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 49 West Street (7-0)
• Continued Certificate of Appropriateness and Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 114 Austin Street to Jan 26, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness and Building Demolition Delay Waiver for 15 Montvale Road (7-0)
• Approved updated letter of support for 205 Summer Street (7-0)
• Approved new letter of support for 21 Cedar Street (7-0)
• Approved 2024 meeting dates and filing deadlines (7-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved common victualer licenses for four businesses and approved a manager for a lodging house at 14 Oread Street. Several liquor and entertainment applications were continued or postponed to future meetings.

• Approved common victualer license for Ecuacolombia Bakery and Restaurant, Inc. (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Los 3 Reyes Magos Sandwiches (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Kimochi Bubble Tea Worcester (3-0)
• Approved common victualer license for Spanish American Food (3-0)
• Approved manager for 14 Oread Street lodging house (3-0)
• Postponed Lupus Foundation of New England liquor and entertainment request to Jan 26, 2023 (3-0)
• Continued Aelux Lounge, LLC application to Jan 26, 2023 (3-0)
• Continued Femme Enterprises, LLC and My Liquors, Inc. applications to Jan 26, 2023 (3-0)

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority approved new goals for minority and women-owned business enterprises and authorized additional funding for demolition at 36 Washington Square. The board also received updates on the vacancy status of 484-500 Main Street and the Union Station Food Hub.

• Approved amendment to Responsible Employer & Inclusionary Participation Policy setting goals of 15% for women-owned and 10% for minority-owned enterprises (5-0)
• Approved $94,162.50 for Amendment 3 to the 36 Washington Square demolition contract (5-0)
• Approved minutes from November 10, 2022, with corrections (5-0)

Retirement Board

The Board approved the 2023 Office Budget and the 2023 Board Meeting Calendar. It collectively approved 15 superannuation benefits and several payment warrants. The Board also reviewed PERAC memos and discussed earnings limitations.

• Approved 15 superannuation benefits (subject to PERAC final approval)
• Approved proposed 2023 Office Budget
• Approved 2023 Board Meeting Calendar
• Approved December Financial and Regular minutes
• Approved warrants including $8,080,569.68 for December Retiree Benefits
• Approved warrant 22-41 for Member Transfers ($685,394.64)
• Approved warrant 22-43 for 3(8)c Payables ($2,447,372.89)

Cable Television Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from November 9 and December 7, 2022. Members discussed the franchise renewal ascertainment process, including upcoming focus groups and a report review scheduled for January 18. The committee also reviewed requests sent to Charter regarding franchise fee increases and billing issues.

• Approved minutes from November 9, 2022 and December 7, 2022 (5-0)
• Denied motion to hold a second public meeting for the ascertainment process (no second)
• Confirmed next meeting for January 31, 2023
• Scheduled virtual report review meeting for January 18

Citizen Advisory Council

The council approved several candidates for appointment to various city commissions and boards. The meeting also included a status update on a request to change the council's name, which is currently with the City Manager.

• Approved minutes from 12/13/22 (6-0)
• Approved Maritza Cruz for License Commission (6-0)
• Approved Emiljano Beqo for Trust Funds Commission (6-0)
• Approved Elaine Evans for Ballpark Commission (4-2)
• Approved Arlind Fidani for Worcester Redevelopment Authority (6-0) and Parks Commission (6-0)
• Approved Robin Karoway-Waterhouse for Urban Forestry Tree Commission (6-0)
• Approved Timothy Magliaro for Conservation Commission (6-0) and Parks Commission (6-0)
• Approved Mila Montenegro for Thomas Early Scholarship (6-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved several definitive site plans, including a conversion of a motel into 90 units of permanent supportive housing. The Board also granted a street removal and approved various site plan amendments and extensions. Several other items were postponed to February 1, 2023.

• Approved conversion of Quality Inn motel to 90 units of supportive housing at 50 Oriol Drive (5-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 1 & 7 Brattle Street (5-0)
• Approved site plan amendment and private street improvements for Arctic, Hygeia, and Franklin Streets (5-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for two-family dwelling at 17 Perkins Street (5-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 45-47 Westminster Street (5-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plan for 3 Oriol Drive & Benson Ave (5-0)
• Approved two-year time extension for 2 Grove Street site plan (5-0)
• Granted private street removal for Onandaga Street (5-0)

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

The board met to review financial warrants and the FY2024 draft budget. The meeting included updates on capital improvement projects, including a GAP grant award and biosolids disposal concerns. No vote tallies were recorded in the provided text.

• Reviewed warrants totaling $490,651.37
• Discussed FY2024 Draft Budget
• Received GAP Grant Award Notification
• Reviewed Jan 3 meeting with DEP regarding biosolids disposal

Standing Committee on Public Works

The committee recommended approving the conversion of Bittersweet Boulevard to a public street and the repaving of Copley Road and Willard Avenue. Several water and sewer extension requests were approved, while petitions for Holly Terrace and a new sidewalk on Heard Street were held pending further reports.

• Recommended approval to make Bittersweet Boulevard a public street
• Recommended hold on making Holly Terrace a public street
• Recommended hold on Heard St. sidewalk installation and fee waiver
• Recommended approval to resurface Copley Rd. and repave Willard Ave.
• Recommended leave to withdraw for Franklin St. and Durant Way repaving
• Recommended approval for water main extension at 40 Hooper St.
• Recommended approval for sewer extension at 0 Salisbury St.
• Recommended approval for water and sewer extensions at 7-8 Strasburg Rd.

Chapter 139 Hearing

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

Senior Center Committee

The committee discussed the FY'23 state COA funding and reviewed a list of potential expenditures for facility equipment and staffing. No formal votes on spending were recorded; members were asked to provide feedback on spending requests.

• Approved minutes from October 11, 2022
• Confirmed next meeting for January 10, 2023

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

The Committee approved the minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting. Members and residents discussed the Family Health Center of Worcester's “Better Together” Strategic Go-Forward Plan, including staffing and funding. The Committee recommended that the item be held.

• Approved minutes of the October 27, 2022 meeting
• Recommended hold on the request for a presentation from Family Health Center of Worcester regarding the “Better Together” Strategic Go-Forward Plan

City Council

The City Council approved several million-dollar capital transfers, including funding for a new high school. The council also ordained zoning amendments and requested reports on public transit and homeless sheltering. Several petitions for road and parking repairs were referred to committees.

• Approved $5,471,917.23 transfer to Doherty High School Construction (11-0)
• Approved $120,366.84 transfer for Police Capital Rehabilitation access control project (11-0)
• Ordained zoning amendments for 48 Mason Street and the vicinity of 350 Plantation Street (11-0)
• Approved request for zoning amendment to allow accessory dwelling units by Special Permit (11-0)
• Approved request for City Manager to organize stakeholder meeting on chronic homeless sheltering (11-0)
• Granted conduit location permissions to Charter Communications and National Grid (11-0)
• Approved $1M grant application for 2023-2024 YouthWorks program (11-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Patricia E. Austin to Green Worcester Advisory Committee (11-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health voted to issue a statement of support for the WRTA's free ride program. Members also scheduled a public hearing for the next meeting regarding retail and smoking bar caps.

• Approved statement of support for WRTA Zero Fare program (unanimous)
• Approved December meeting minutes
• Scheduled public hearing on retail and smoking bar caps for the next meeting
• Tabled vote on Vice Chair

Hope Cemetery Commission

The meeting was primarily procedural with no substantive decisions recorded. The agenda included elections for Chair and Vice Chair, though no specific outcomes for these elections were listed in the minutes.

Human Rights Commission

The Commission approved the December 5, 2022 meeting minutes. The remainder of the meeting consisted of a presentation and discussion with the Director of Homeless Services regarding city initiatives, shelter capacity, and housing data.

• Approved December 5, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved construction and parking lot projects at 1 & 7 Brattle Street and 29 Endicott Street. Other actions included approving a project change for a dock at 215 Lake Avenue and ratifying an emergency tree removal certification. Several notices of intent were postponed to January 30, 2023.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 1 & 7 Brattle Street (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 29 Endicott Street (4-0)
• Approved project change request for 215 Lake Avenue (4-0)
• Issued partial Certificate of Compliance for 10 Allison Circle (4-0)
• Granted leave to withdraw Certificate of Compliance for 136 Ararat Street (4-0)
• Ratified Emergency Certification for 1 Soheili Circle (4-0)
• Approved cash deposit as surety for Barber Avenue (4-0)
• Denied request to apply previous fees to 47R Fourth Street application (4-0)

Standing Committee on Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation

The committee voted to place the 149 West Boylston Drive master plan, the Urban Forestry Master Plan, and the Indian Lake Walk audit on file. Requests regarding Lake View Park signage and lifeguard recruitment were held for further review.

• Approved minutes from August 29, 2022 (2-0)
• Recommended filing 149 West Boylston Drive master plan (2-0)
• Recommended filing Urban Forestry Master Plan communications (2-0)
• Recommended holding petition for Lake View Park signage (2-0)
• Recommended holding request for lifeguard recruitment review (2-0)
• Recommended filing request for Roosevelt Oak Park improvements (2-0)
• Recommended filing Indian Lake Walk audit review (2-0)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

The Personnel Committee held a meeting via conference call to enter an Executive Session. The session was scheduled to discuss the Administrator’s contract and the search for a consultant to hire an Administrator. No public business was conducted after the session.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved variances and permits for a single-family home, a multi-family rental building, and a mixed-use development. An application for a car wash facility was withdrawn, and a time extension was granted for an affordable housing project.

• Approved variances for single-family dwelling at 300 Coburn Avenue (5-0)
• Approved 11-unit multi-family dwelling at 111 Austin Street (5-0)
• Approved mixed-use structure at 1 & 7 Brattle Street (5-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of car wash application at 1059 Grafton Street (5-0)
• Approved time extension for affordable housing project at 11 Sever Street (5-0)
• Postponed special permits for 119 May Street to January 23, 2023 (5-0)

School Committee

The School Committee approved several grants, including a major funding award for automotive technology and a Connecting Activities grant. The board also approved various prior-year fiscal payments and a series of donations for school programs.

• Approved $1,100,031.00 for WTHS Automotive Technology lab modernization
• Approved $145,043 Connecting Activities Grant from DESE
• Approved $50,000 Innovation Pathways Implementation and Support Grant
• Approved $53,255 for Proficiency-based Outcomes in Languages Other than English
• Approved $5,000 for Credit for Life Fair at Burncoat High School
• Approved $1,650 Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant
• Approved various donations including $6,000 from MassPort to WTHS
• Approved job description for Assistant Director of Intramural and Interscholastic Athletics

Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation

The Committee reviewed discussions regarding WRTA fare-free operations, the removal of a bus route passing the EcoTarium, and winter weather plans for bus stops. Several items were recommended to be held or filed, while new requests were made for the City Manager to investigate driver hiring and bus shelter inventories.

• Approved minutes of the May 3, 2022 meeting
• Recommended hold on public discussion regarding WRTA passenger usage, funding, and routing
• Recommended filing request regarding the removal of a bus route passing the EcoTarium
• Recommended filing request regarding WRTA's winter weather plan and snow removal at bus stops
• Issued Chairman's Order for City Manager to determine actions to help WRTA hire additional drivers
• Issued Chairman's Order for City Manager to report on feasibility of trash receptacles at bus shelters
• Issued Chairman's Order for City Manager to provide an inventory of all city bus shelters