WORCESTER—The Worcester City Council meets Tuesday, April 1, to discuss a range of issues, including attendance rules for council members, floodplain zoning updates, and traffic enforcement reports. Other topics on the agenda include a grant application for a fire station alerting system and updates on political signage regulations at public meetings.
The Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations is proposing new attendance rules for council members. Under the proposal, councilors would be required to notify the chair and city clerk if they are unable to attend a meeting. If a councilor misses three meetings in a year without notice or good cause, the city clerk would report it to the council. A separate rule would allow the council to withhold a member’s salary and benefits for unauthorized absences.
Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn is requesting an amendment to the city’s floodplain zoning ordinance to align with recent changes from the state and FEMA. The adjustment affects a small area in the Nashua River Watershed, covering about 1,575 square feet in the northern part of the city. FEMA has set a deadline of July 8 for the city to adopt the changes.
City Solicitor Alexandra Kalkounis is expected to provide an informational update on the types of political signage and messaging allowed at public meetings. Additionally, the city manager is requesting authorization to apply for a $426,385 grant from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to fund a new fire station alerting system.
Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson asks for multiple reports, including one on the timeline and funding for the city’s rental registry program. She is also seeking data on the number of traffic stops since the implementation of the citywide 25 mph speed limit, broken down by district and major roads, as well as revenue generated from traffic and parking enforcement.
Other meeting agenda highlights:
- Goddard centennial celebration: Philip Niddrie and Charles Slatkin presents an update on preparations for the Robert H. Goddard Centennial events in March 2026, commemorating the Worcester native and rocketry pioneer.
- Worcester revolution monument: A request to install a monument or plaque outside the Old Courthouse at 2 Main St. to recognize the Worcester Revolution of 1774. The petitioner notes that a similar request was approved in 2022, but no action was taken.
- Historical exhibit on city hall: A proposal to create a historical exhibit at City Hall detailing the history of Worcester City Hall and the old Worcester Town Hall, in collaboration with the Worcester Historical Museum.
- Restoring city hall sconces: A request for the city to restore the sconces on the exterior of City Hall to preserve its historical character.
- Autism Awareness Day declaration: A petition to declare April 2, 2025, as Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day in Worcester to promote education and inclusion.
- Cable program funding increase: A recommendation to increase the city’s cable fund by over $1.5 million to support various cable programs for the upcoming fiscal year.
- Traffic study for Green Island: A request for a comprehensive traffic study to examine the impact of traffic flow on resident and business safety in the Green Island neighborhood, reviewing multiple streets.
- Snow plow contractor payments: A proposal to transfer over $309,000 in city funds to fulfill contractual obligations to private snow plow contractors.
- Gas leak report: A request for a detailed report on gas leaks in Worcester over the past two years, including the number of leaks, repairs, outstanding issues, and an estimated cost of lost gas. The report would also include a map showing leak locations.
Worcester City Council meets on Tuesday, April 1, at City Hall in the Esther Howland (south) Chamber at 6:30 p.m. It is also live streamed on the city’s website.
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