WORCESTER—The Worcester City Council will convene Tuesday evening to address a broad agenda that spans international advocacy, municipal funding updates, and community development initiatives. Highlights include a resolution urging action in Gaza, updates on affordable housing proposals, and neighborhood-level projects aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
The meeting’s humanitarian focus is led by Patricia Kirkpatrick and Claire Schaeffer-Duffy, who have submitted a resolution asking the council to call on the U.S. government to facilitate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution also urges the release of hostages and detainees, the delivery of unhindered humanitarian aid, and the enforcement of U.S. laws governing arms sales. The council is expected to deliberate the merits of this resolution during the evening session.
City councilors also vote on changes to the city’s salary ordinance, implementing recently negotiated agreements with Local 490-NAGE (Clerks Union). The changes include a 3% salary increase for fiscal year 2025, a 2% increase for fiscal year 2026, and a shift to a modernized paid time off (PTO) model. These updates aim to ensure fair compensation and provide consistent, equitable leave policies for municipal employees.
Another key financial item on the agenda is the acceptance of a $799,583 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. The grant, which runs through June 2026, will fund programs addressing substance use disorder prevention, harm reduction, and recovery. Additionally, councilors will consider a $97,500 grant from MassDEP’s Recycling Dividend Program to support sustainable waste management efforts.
Other Council Agenda Highlights:
- Affordable housing updates: Councilor Khrystian King is seeking updates on two longstanding issues. The first concerns the creation of a Civilian Review Board with subpoena power to investigate law enforcement misconduct, an initiative first proposed in June 2020. The second request is for data transparency from the Worcester Police Department, particularly regarding field interrogations and observations, which councilors originally requested in 2020. Both updates are expected to reignite discussions around public safety and community trust.
- Trashing homes: Worcester resident and real estate agent Isaac Dube has filed a petition urging updates to trash collection practices citywide. Among the proposals are the issuance of 96-gallon trash and recycling bins to all homes with four or fewer units, automated trash collection programs, a system for scheduling bulk-item pickups with associated fees, and a relaxation of rules prohibiting curbside bin placement before dusk the day prior to collection.
- Neighborhood speed concerns: Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson has requested a review of speeding issues along Holden Street between Grove Street and Shore Drive. Proposed solutions include the installation of speed humps and a blinking traffic light at the intersection of Holden and Grove Streets. The council’s discussion will focus on balancing safety improvements with the needs of drivers and nearby residents.
- New appointments: The city considers several new appointments, including Francisco J. Trapasso as a constable for civil and criminal business and Lawrence Abramoff to the Zoning Board of Appeals. These appointments are routine but essential for ensuring the city’s boards and offices function effectively.
- Snowplowing conflicts: As the Department of Public Works prepares for the snow season, it has identified a conflict of interest for some municipal employees applying to work as snowplow contractors. To resolve this issue, these employees must receive exemptions under Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Laws, which require City Council approval. The council will decide whether to grant these exemptions to address staffing shortages while ensuring transparency.
- Recreational updates: The council takes on several initiatives aimed at enhancing recreational spaces across the city. Proposals include rebuilding the tennis courts at Newton Square Rotary, adding a basketball court at Logan Field, and addressing lighting concerns at Beaver Brook Dog Park. Public hearings and outreach to local residents will guide the decision-making process on these projects.
- Bringing back First Night: Councilor King has requested an update on efforts to revive the “First Night Worcester” celebration, which ended in 2017. King’s proposal includes a report from the city’s Cultural Development Office on past and current efforts to reintroduce this New Year’s Eve tradition or create a similar event to bolster community engagement and cultural offerings.
- Urban Forest Master Plan: The council reviews and potentially adopts the Urban Forest Master Plan, a comprehensive strategy to manage and expand Worcester’s tree canopy. This plan outlines goals for planting, protecting, and maintaining the city’s urban forest as part of broader environmental sustainability efforts.
Worcester City Council meets on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at City Hall in the Esther Howland (south) Chamber at 6:30 p.m. It is also live streamed on the city’s website.
