Last step for Batista, City Council: contract

WORCESTER - The City Council is scheduled to go into executive session Tuesday night to negotiate a contract with new City Manager Eric D. Batista. But unlike in the previous two meetings, the council is scheduled to reconvene afterward - suggesting that negotiations may be wrapped up.

If so, expect details of a contract to be announced Tuesday night.

Batista was appointed acting city manager in early April, effective after the departure of former City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. at the end of May. 

In September, Mayor Joseph M. Petty said he favored forgoing a search and giving the permanent job to Batista, the first Latino to serve as city manager. 

The City Council voted 8-3 at its Nov. 15 meeting to make Batista the permanent city manager.  

The council has since closed its meetings by going into executive session to negotiate a contract “of about two years, subject to negotiation.”

Expect the results of those negotiations to be presented Tuesday night.

Proposed charter school

In other business, the council is being asked to adopt a resolution that “the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby go on record in disapproving the creation of the Worcester Cultural Academy Charter School in the City of Worcester.” 

The proposed charter school has filed an application with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with the hopes of serving 360 students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

If approved, the school would open in August 2023 at 81 Plantation St. starting with kindergarten through fourth grade, and eventually expanding to fifth through eighth grades.

The school's website said that it hopes to provide a similar education model as the Old Sturbridge Academy Public Charter School, which provides education to students at Old Sturbridge Village through a partnership between the school and museum.

But last week, Schools Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez said the proposed charter school is not necessary and the School Committee voiced opposition to the plan.

The resolution for Tuesday’s City Council meeting was proposed by Petty, who is also a member of the School Committee by virtue of his role as mayor. 

Inclusionary zoning

Finally, the report from the Planning Board on inclusionary zoning returns to the council. It is scheduled to be referred to the Economic Development Subcommittee along with several other matters, so it is possible that it will generate no discussion.

But then again, one never knows.