Council plows into snow removal, traffic, utility cost concerns

WORCESTER—Snow removal challenges, traffic and fire safety, and utility costs are among the key issues on the agenda for the Worcester City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The meeting tackles several concerns raised by councilors and residents regarding winter storm response, public works resources, and policy changes affecting the city.

Several snowstorm-related issues are set to plow into the discussion. Councilor Kathleen Toomey has requested a report from the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks on snow removal and road treatment during the Feb. 16 snowstorm, including potential solutions to prevent future issues.

Toomey is also asking the city to explore the feasibility of using “snow boots,” a type of plow attachment used in Alaska that clears driveways while plowing streets.

Councilor George Russell has requested a detailed report on what additional resources the Department of Public Works and Parks needs to better manage snow and ice events, as well as whether those resources are already budgeted.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj is seeking data on the number of snow-related 311 requests from District 5, including how many were resolved and why some may not have been addressed.

Updates for safer streets

Traffic and parking issues also get some air time, with several items from the Committee on Traffic and Parking making their way onto the agenda. These include a request to properly mark two handicap parking spaces on Ashmont Avenue, a truck exclusion study on Holden Street, and updates to lane markings and signage on major roadways such as West Boylston Street and Gold Star Boulevard. Additional traffic safety measures, including the installation of new “One Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs near Burncoat Street and Mountain Street East, are also on the docket.

Vice Chair Khrystian King has introduced several items focused on public safety and social services. He has requested data on the number of people who used city warming centers during the recent frigid temperatures, along with details on their hours of operation and policies for activation.

King is also asking for an enhanced policy on how the Department of Health and Human Services coordinates with state agencies during homeless encampment sweeps, and is requesting funding for speed monitor radars in the FY26 budget to support traffic calming efforts.

The council is set to vote on a resolution supporting the Massachusetts State Legislature and the Department of Public Utilities’ directive for a 5% reduction in residential utility bills through at least April 2025. The resolution also calls for an assessment of recent rate increases and potential long-term solutions to lessen the financial impact on residents.

Sprinklers for fire safety

Worcester Fire Chief Martin Dyer is calling on city leaders to adopt a policy requiring automatic fire sprinklers in residential buildings with four or more units, citing fire safety concerns and the need to close potential gaps in current regulations.

In a letter to City Manager Eric Batista dated Feb. 4, Dyer urged the local adoption of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148, Section 26I, which mandates the installation of sprinkler systems in multi-family homes. While modern building codes already require such systems in new construction, Dyer noted that some older buildings undergoing renovations may fall into regulatory gray areas.

“By adopting Section 26I locally, we ensure that no gaps in fire safety remain, particularly in these vulnerable structures,” Dyer wrote, adding that fire sprinklers have proven effective in saving lives, reducing injuries, and limiting property damage.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj’s order asks the manager and the chief to provide council with a recommendation to adopt the state statute. Councilor George Russell introduced an order requesting a report from the city manager comparing Worcester’s current sprinkler policies with those that would take effect if the city adopted the law.

Batista has forwarded the recommendation to the city council.

In his communication to councilors, Batista echoed Dyer’s argument that the measure would enhance fire safety without placing excessive financial burdens on property owners.

The fire chief acknowledged concerns about installation costs but emphasized potential long-term benefits, including lower insurance premiums and increased property values.

“Worcester has made great strides in fire safety, and adopting MGL Chapter 148, Section 26I will allow us to continue that progress while ensuring that no vulnerable structures are overlooked,” Dyer wrote.

The city council will review the requested report and determine whether to move forward with the proposal in the coming weeks.

Other council agenda highlights:

Allowing recall elections: Former councilor at-large candidate Johanna L. Hampton-Dance has requested that the city council petition the State Legislature to amend the city’s charter to allow recall elections in municipal government. The proposed amendment would establish specific criteria for initiating a recall, including incompetence, neglect of duties, and corruption.
Fair housing issues: Resident Fred Nathan has requested the city establish a rent control policy in cases where excessive prices are paid for three-deckers. Additionally, Robert Bilotta has asked council to consider raising income and estate eligibility limits for the city’s senior homeowner tax exemption.
Polar Park progress: Councilor Etel Haxhiaj has requested regular updates on the Ballpark District Improvement Financing (DIF) revenues, collaboration with Madison Properties, and efforts to address the unbuilt left-field office building, hotel, and other promised developments at Polar Park.
Lightening the load: Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson has requested that city officials collaborate with Eversource, National Grid, the governor, and the business community to explore ways to reduce utility delivery fees for electricity and gas.

Worcester City Council meets on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 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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