WORCESTER—The Worcester City Council will address multiple governance-related issues at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, including an alleged Open Meeting Law violation, a push for a Charter Review Commission, and a proposal for recall elections in municipal government.
Open meeting law and charter review efforts
Under business under suspension of rules, Councilor Khrystian King introduced an order requesting the city manager direct the city solicitor to provide a report detailing documentation related to a response to an alleged open meeting law violation involving members of the City Council Standing Committee on Education: Chairperson Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, Councilor Thu Nguyen, and King. The order was adopted.
Additionally, Haxhiaj proposed a resolution supporting resident-led efforts to place a question on the ballot regarding the creation of a Charter Review Commission, which would allow for a comprehensive review of the City Charter. The resolution was adopted on a roll call vote of 10-0.
The best way to get rid of the snow
Several councilors have put forth orders seeking more transparency on the city’s snow removal operations and DPW equipment. Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson has requested a report on snowplow and street sweeping equipment purchased over the past four years.
Haxhiaj is looking for details on DPW operations during snowstorms, including truck deployment and response timelines, as well as a plan to address operational concerns. Meanwhile, Councilor Khrystian E. King asked for a staffing analysis for the DPW and a report on prioritization of side streets and inclined roads during plowing.
Other council agenda highlights
- Better street systems: Resident Yenni Desroches has requested that the city manager work with the commissioner of Public Works and Parks to evaluate the benefits of implementing an alternate side parking (ASP) system, aimed at improving snow removal, street cleanups, and regular street sweeping.
- Utility costs under scrutiny: With rising gas and electric bills affecting residents, Haxhiaj has proposed that the Standing Committee on Public Works invite representatives from Eversource and National Grid to a public forum to discuss recent utility rate increases.
- Urban chicken initiative: Two councilors are revisiting the discussion on allowing backyard chickens in Worcester. King has requested a report on previous planning board recommendations regarding raising chickens for egg production, while Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey has asked the city to explore the feasibility of establishing community chicken coops.
- Federal funding oversight: King has introduced an order requesting the city manager immediately notify the city council if there are any indications that Worcester may receive less than expected federal funding.
- Polar Park progress: Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson has requested a report on the anticipated sale timelines for unbuilt properties within the Ballpark District, including the Left Field Building and hotel, currently owned by Madison Properties.
Worcester City Council meets on Tuesday, March 4, at City Hall in the Esther Howland (south) Chamber at 6:30 p.m. It is also live streamed on the city’s website.
