WORCESTER—The Worcester City Council tackles a range of topics at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, including a report on hate crimes, a proposed commission for homelessness, and concerns about council culture.
Resident Michael J. Grandone has petitioned the council with two items: one requesting that all non-Worcester-related items be removed from the council agenda and another calling for the creation of a Commission for the Homeless. The proposed commission would be staffed by experts and serve as a central resource for those seeking assistance.
Councilor Kathleen Toomey is requesting a report from the police chief on all reported hate crimes since the beginning of the year, including crime types, resolutions, and trends over the past five years. She is also calling for LGBTQIA+ health concerns to be included in the city’s Community Health Improvement Plan.
Meanwhile, Councilor Etel Haxhiaj is advocating for an independent third-party investigation into concerns about transphobia and council culture. The request follows Councilor Thu Nguyen’s recent hiatus announcement, during which they cited experiences of discrimination, including allegations that they had been misgendered by fellow councilors.
Councilor Jenny Pacillo is asking for increased transparency in public participation rules at city council meetings. She has requested that the rules—including speaking limits and decorum expectations—be clearly displayed in council chambers and online. Pacillo also wants a visible timer installed to help speakers manage their allotted time.
The council also discusses multiple reports related to the city manager’s annual performance evaluation process, including guidance from municipal organizations and best practices for improving the evaluation framework.
Other council agenda highlights:
- City Manager contingency: Councilor Khrystian King is requesting reconsideration of a $1.2 million transfer from the city manager’s contingency fund to cover court judgments.
- Clearing the streets: A resident has requested a report on the city’s process for managing snow removal contracts and holding contractors accountable.
- Historic preservation funds: Councilor Morris Bergman is seeking an update on available Community Preservation Act funds for historic preservation projects.
- Help paying for gas and electric: Councilor Pacillo is asking the city to work with the Department of Public Utilities to provide financial assistance for residents struggling with rising energy costs.
- Black History Month resolution: The council votes on a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month and honoring the contributions of Black Americans.
- Strategic feedback: The city is launching a public survey to gather feedback on the FY25-29 Municipal Strategic Plan.
- Sanctuary city report: Councilor Donna Colorio is requesting a review of federal executive orders to assess any liabilities related to Worcester’s sanctuary city policies.
- Education costs: Councilor King is asking for a report on how state funding and the Fair Share Amendment could help offset rising education expenses, including clean energy project allocations.
Worcester City Council meets on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at City Hall in the Esther Howland (south) Chamber at 6:30 p.m. It is also live streamed on the city’s website.
Charlene Arsenault can be reached at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
