Worcester public meetings in 2022

License Commission

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

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

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

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

Worcester Arts Council

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

Planning Board

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

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

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

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

Public Library Finance Committee

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

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

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

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

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

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

City Council

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

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

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

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

• Approved November 18, 2022, meeting minutes

MCRWB Executive Committee

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

• Approved November 18, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Worcester Arts Council

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

Historical Commission

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

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

License Commission

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

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

Worcester Housing Authority

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

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

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

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

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

School Committee

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

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

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

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

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

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

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

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

• Approved November 30, 2022 meeting minutes

Public Library Committee on Administration

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

Public Library Board of Directors

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

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

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

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

City Council

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

Citizen Advisory Council

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

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

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Governance Committee

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

Chapter 139 Hearing

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

Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports

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

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

Standing Committee on Economic Development

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

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

City Council

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

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

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

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

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

Conservation Commission

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

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

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

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

City Council

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

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

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

• Approved November 10, 2022, meeting minutes

Worcester Arts Council

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

Retirement Board

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

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

Worcester Retirement Board Finance Committee

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

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

MCRWB Youth Council

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

• Approved October 13, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

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

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

City Council

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

Cable Television Advisory Committee

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

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

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

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

Standing Committee on Public Works

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

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

Status of Women Advisory Committee

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

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

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

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

City Council

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

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

Board of Health

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

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

Human Rights Commission

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

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

Zoning Board of Appeals

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

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

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

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

City Council

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

Civic Center Commission

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

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

Worcester Arts Council

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

Historical Commission

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

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

License Commission

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

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

School Committee

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

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

Urban Forestry Tree Commission

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

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

Planning Board

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

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

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

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

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

Public Library Board of Directors

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

Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking

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

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

City Council

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

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

Standing Committee on Economic Development

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

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

City Council

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

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

Commission on Elder Affairs

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

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

Conservation Commission

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

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

City Council

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

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

Local Emergency Planning Committee

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

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

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

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

Standing Committee on Education

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

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

Board of Election Commissioners

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

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

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

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

• Accepted October 21, 2022, Meeting Minutes

Designer Selection Board

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

MCRWB Executive Committee

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

• Approved August 19, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

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

Worcester Arts Council

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

Historical Commission

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

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

License Commission

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

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

Worcester Housing Authority

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

Building Futures, Inc. Board of Directors

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

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

School Committee

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

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

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

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

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees

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

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

Worcester Ballpark Commission

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

Central MA Metropolitan Planning Organization

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

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

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

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

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

Standing Committee on Public Works

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

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

Accessibility Advisory Commission

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

• Approved October 25, 2022 meeting minutes

Board of Election Commissioners

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

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

City Council

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

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

Citizen Advisory Council

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

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

Board of Health

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

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

Zoning Board of Appeals

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

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

Worcester Arts Council

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

Zoning Board of Appeals

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

Worcester Redevelopment Authority

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

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

Retirement Board

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

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

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Education Committee

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

Designer Selection Board

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

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

School Committee

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

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

Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

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

Cable Television Advisory Committee

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

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

Planning Board

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

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

Public Library Finance Committee

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

Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance and Operations

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

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

Chapter 139 Hearing

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

Senior Center Committee

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

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

Conservation Commission

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

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

Public Schools Standing Committee on Accountability and Student Performance

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

Board of Election Commissioners

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

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

Worcester Arts Council

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

License Commission

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

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

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

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

Historical Commission

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

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

Planning Board

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

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

Public Library Board of Directors

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

Status of Women Advisory Committee

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

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

Lake Quinsigamond Commission

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

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

Designer Selection Board

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

Civic Center Commission

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

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

Worcester Arts Council

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

Historical Commission

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

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

Public Library Board of Directors

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

Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services

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

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

Planning Board

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

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

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Board of Trustees

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

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

Upper Blackstone Clean Water

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

Standing Committee on Public Works

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

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

Accessibility Advisory Commission

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

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

Citizen Advisory Council

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

• Approved minutes from 9/21/22 meeting

Public Schools Standing Committee on Governance and Employee Issues

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

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

City Council

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

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

Green Worcester Advisory Committee

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

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

Commission on Elder Affairs

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

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

License Commission

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

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

Zoning Board of Appeals

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

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

School Committee

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

• Discussed workshop on superintendent evaluation process (no vote)

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Facilities and Finance Committee

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

• Approved September 16, 2022 meeting minutes

School Committee

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

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