Meetings ▸ Minutes
City Council — Minutes, Jan 12, 2023
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Meeting Minutes
7:00 PM
Thursday, January 12, 2023
NOTICE: This is NOT the official version of the City Council's minutes. While reasonable efforts have
been made to assure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first
checking with the City Clerk.
1.
OPENING CEREMONIES
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen.
The City Council entered into recess at 9:04 PM and returned at 9:15 PM.
1.1.
Call of the Roll.
Roll Call
(ID # 23-0089)
Councilor Strezo arrived at 7:04PM.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
1.2.
Remembrances.
Remembrances
(ID # 23-0090)
Councilor McLaughlin requested a moment of silence for Alfred “Al’ and
Joan Snow.
President Ewen-Campen requested a moment of silence for Sayed Faisal.
APPROVED
RESULT:
1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, November 22, 2022.
Minutes
(ID # 23-0091)
APPROVED
RESULT:
2.
CITATIONS
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
Page 1 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
4.1.
By Councilor Clingan
That the Director of Engineering and the Superintendent of Water and Sewer
appear before this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public
Works to discuss the notification protocols for street work and water
shutoffs.
Order
(ID # 23-0055)
Councilor Clingan wants to address the timeliness of notification given to
residents so that they can plan for the lack of water.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.2.
By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Davis, Councilor
Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor
McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo
and Councilor Wilson
That the Administration update this Council on the cable franchise contract
negotiations with Comcast and explain what the process entails.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0056)
Councilor Clingan noted that negotiations have been ongoing for months
and he is seeking information on the process and what the city is getting in
return, as this is in the public interest. The current contract expires March
31, 2023. Council Scott spoke about some areas of the city have only one
provider, while some areas have two and he believes that this is a result of
franchise negotiations.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.3.
By Councilor Clingan
That the Administration update this Council on the contract renewal process
with TZE and discuss how the process works.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0057)
Councilor Clingan noted that TZE is the city’s general contractor and he
thinks that they are taking some liberties with how things are done in
Somerville. He wants to know what factors are in the contract renewal and
who is monitoring TZE’s actions. Councilor Wilson spoke about the
number of late invoices submitted to the city by TZE.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 2 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
4.4.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Burnley
Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Gomez Mouakad,
Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo
and Councilor Wilson
That this City Council's Committee on Land Use work with the Director of
Planning, Preservation and Zoning to draft an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinances to remove the prohibition on more than four unrelated adults
living together.
Order
(ID # 23-0052)
Councilor Pineda Neufeld assumed the Chair. Councilor Ewen-Campen
spoke on the item and made a series of arguments why the prohibition
should be removed. He commented that the law is unevenly enforced
throughout the city and believes that it is discriminatory to low-income
people and students. Councilor Wilson asked how this might interact with
the state’s Lodging House laws. Councilor Gomez Mouakad commented
that this is one way to make housing more affordable.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Land Use Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.5.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan,
Councilor Davis, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor
McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo
and Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Mobility formally petition the Massachusetts
Department of Transportation to lower the speed limits on all state roads in
Somerville to 25 miles per hour.
Order
(ID # 23-0054)
Councilor Pineda Neufeld assumed the Chair. Councilor Ewen-Campen
spoke on the item saying that City Councils may now petition MA DOT to
have speed limits lowered within their municipalities. Councilor Wilson
commented that lower speed limits would make the city better and safer.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 3 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
4.6.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Scott, Councilor McLaughlin,
Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor
Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor
Strezo and Councilor Wilson
That this City Council calls on the Administration to reverse its decision to
remove the Somerville Media Center and the Massachusetts Alliance of
Portuguese Speakers from the city-owned building at 90-92 Union Square,
and to work with these community partners to find them suitable homes in
Somerville before any further action is taken.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0053)
Councilor Pineda Neufeld assumed the Chair. Councilor McLaughlin spoke
on the item saying that the point has been reached where someone will get
hurt. He spoke about how the Media Center was influential in his life
growing up in Somerville and he thinks that this is basically a
tenant/landlord issue, with the city being the landlord. He said that the
Media Center and MAPS needs a home and that they are being forced out by
the city to make room for a new non-profit entity. He pointed out that the
Media Center is a Somerville organization that has benefited the city. He
said that if this isn’t resolved, he won’t support the FabLab coming into the
city and he will take steps to keep the building vacant. Councilor Scott
noted that the disrepair of the building has been going on for 5 years and he
believes that the city has used this strategy to displace MAPS and the Media
Center. Councilor Ewen-Campen acknowledged that the current city
administration inherited this problem from the prior administration.
Councilor McLaughlin pointed out that the city has several properties that
were taken by eminent domain, so he feels that there are options available.
Legislative Liaison Carrillo stated that the Administration is committed to
resolving this situation.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.7.
By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Pineda Neufeld,
Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Scott
That this City Council's Committee on Housing and Community
Development discuss the attached letter from the Somerville Fair Housing
Commission regarding the current Massachusetts Commission Against
Discrimination backlog.
Order
(ID # 23-0064)
Councilor Strezo noted that there is a backlog of complaints at MCAD.
Councilors Wilson and Scott commented on the possibility of passing
enabling legislation to help to relieve the problem.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Housing and Community Development Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 4 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
4.8.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Commissioner of Public Works report on the maintenance schedule
of street and traffic lights, including the number damaged or burned out.
Order
(ID # 23-0061)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.9.
By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Kelly, Councilor
Wilson and Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and
Community Development and the Environmental Health Coordinator
discuss the feasibility of including neighborhood-specific rat control funding
in Community Benefits Agreements.
Order
(ID # 23-0062)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Rodent Issues Special Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.10.
By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Scott
and Councilor Clingan
That the Environmental Health Coordinator and the Director of Inspectional
Services discuss resident reports of cars damaged by rats over the past five
years.
Order
(ID # 23-0063)
Councilor Kelly queried how much residents are paying to repair the
damages and believes that the city should be responsible. Several
Councilors related stories of constituents having vehicles damaged by rats.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Rodent Issues Special Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.11.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Housing discuss the feasibility of small home pocket
neighborhoods to help address the affordable housing crisis.
Order
(ID # 23-0067)
Councilor Strezo explained that these are small home collaboratives and
might be useful as a way to aid the housing shortage.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Housing and Community Development Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 5 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
4.12.
By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Director of Parking create a special parking designation for the area
surrounding Holland Street, to accommodate seniors visiting the Council on
Aging between the hours of 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday.
Order
(ID # 23-0066)
Councilor Clingan commented that Tufts has been enforcing parking rules at
their lot and he feels that they should be making concessions for seniors
visiting the Council on Aging facility. Councilor Pineda Neufeld noted that
there will be a meeting next Tuesday to discuss possible options.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.13.
Withdrawn.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-0065)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
4.14.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Kelly,
Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Wilson
That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, the Director
of Inspectional Services, and the Director of Planning, Preservation &
Zoning explain to this Council how the City provides oversight for
compliance with Fair Housing Act Design Guidelines, the Massachusetts
Architectural Access Board CMR 521 and the ADA Standards for
Accessible Design, from plan review through building and occupancy
permits.
Order
(ID # 23-0082)
Councilor Gomez Mouakad spoke about an issue at 165 Cedar Street, saying
that the relevant departments are not on the same page. She feels that
accessibility needs to be looked at during the planning process. Councilor
Scott sponsored Holly Simione, Somerville Commission for Persons with
Disabilities, to address the Council. Ms. Simione spoke about the things
that could be done to make areas accessible and noted that there is a
tremendous backlog in the city of areas needing accessibility and said that
some of the corrections might have been avoided, had things been done right
the first time.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 6 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
4.15.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly and Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Mobility consider improvements to deficient conditions
impacting the safety and pedestrian accessibility of Cedar Street.
Order
(ID # 23-0083)
Councilor Gomez Mouakad listed several deficiencies and would like to
bring them to the attention of the Traffic Commission.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.16.
By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Kelly
Amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 2 of the Code of Ordinances by
adding a new section establishing Paid Leave for Survivors.
Ordinance
(ID # 23-0075)
Councilor Burnley spoke about the number of domestic violence incidents
reported in MA. He feels that Somerville needs to do more than it’s doing
to assist survivors of violence.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.17.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor
Clingan, Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Scott
Amending Chapter 8, Article I of the Code of Ordinances by adding a new
section regarding Closed Captioning Accessibility.
Ordinance
(ID # 23-0076)
Councilor Burnley explained that this would be a way to reduce
communication barriers for people with hearing loss. He sponsored Holly
Simione, who spoke in favor of the proposal and about the importance of
being able to communicate when you can’t hear. She acknowledged that
closed captioning has its limitations, but said it is a valuable resource.
Councilor Gomez Mouakad asked what it would take to have the city change
to the Zoom platform, so that closed captioning made be used. City Clerk
Kimberly Wells responded that the city is close to signing a contract for
closed captioning and expects it to be available for the February Council
meetings.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.18.
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Board of Health deliver its annual report to this City Council in
January, in compliance with Section 6-20 of the Code of Ordinances, with
emphasis on the work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Order
(ID # 23-0081)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 7 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
4.19.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly, Councilor Scott, Councilor
Ewen-Campen and Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of Procurement and Contracting Services update this
Council on the status of the citywide disparity study.
Order
(ID # 23-0080)
Councilor Scott commented that the Administration has not been moving
this matter forward.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.20.
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
In Support of Survivors.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0077)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.21.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor
Clingan, Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Scott
Supporting Closed Captioning Accessibility.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0078)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.22.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly, Councilor Clingan, Councilor
Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor
McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo
and Councilor Wilson
Supporting the Eradication of Medical Debt.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0079)
Councilor Burnley spoke about people drowning in medical debt through no
fault of their own, adding that the impacts are disproportionately felt by
Black, Latino and veteran populations. He believes that the city should take
steps to eradicate medical debt by using ARPA funds, adding that the city
has a moral obligation to do so. He believes that this would be a win for
Somerville and its residents and he called on the city administration to work
on this. Councilor Kelly asked for support from the Council to urge the
administration to allocate funding for this proposal.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 8 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
4.23.
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Kelly and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering update this
Council on the possibility of increasing installation of traffic calming
measures beyond the number of projects currently planned for 2023.
Order
(ID # 23-0068)
Councilor Wilson noted the increase in speed humps in the city and he
would like to ramp up the number this year.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.24.
By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Kelly
That the Environmental Health Coordinator update this Council on any past
pilots and any future plans for use of rodent hormonal birth control.
Order
(ID # 23-0069)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Rodent Issues Special Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.25.
By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment update
this Council on plans for a pilot of on-street direct current fast charging
stations for electric vehicles.
Order
(ID # 23-0070)
Councilor Wilson comment on the need for having available charging
stations.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.26.
By Councilor Wilson
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment and the
Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on plans for household
hazardous waste collection.
Order
(ID # 23-0071)
Councilor Wilson would like to hear the city’s long-term plans on this issue.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.27.
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Kelly
That the Director of Human Resources update this Council on the number of
current job vacancies and the number of positions filled in 2022.
Order
(ID # 23-0072)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 9 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
4.28.
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor
Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor
McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Scott
That the Administration and School Department prioritize fully meeting
Somerville Public Schools families’ demand for after school and vacation
programming in the 2023-24 school year, including expanding the offerings
of after-school enrichment clubs.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0073)
Councilor Wilson wants to begin a conversation on this well before budget
season. He sees a huge demand that exceeds capacity and he wants to
explore alternative of ways of funding community schools. Councilor
Gomez Mouakad noted the lack of staff for after school programs.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
CHARTER REVIEW SPECIAL COMMITTEE
6.A.1.
Report of the Charter Review Special Committee, meeting as a Committee
of the Whole on January 11, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0047)
Councilor Scott presented the Committee Report and spoke about the voting
recommendations of the Review Committee. The next meeting will deal
with some balance of power issues.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.2.
By Councilor Scott
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee
on expanding voting rights to non-citizen residents.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0098)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.3.
By Councilor Davis
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee
on expanding voting rights to 16- and 17-year old residents.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0099)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.4.
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee
on reducing signature requirements for several elected officials.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0100)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 10 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
6.A.5.
By Councilor Kelly
That language be added to the Charter that the City Council President or
designee and School Committee Chair or designee be included in the
composition of all study committees.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0102)
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Section
1-11 (Penalties and violations), to codify Traffic & Parking fines.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0087)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.2.
Requesting the adoption of the Specialized Energy Code, 225 CMR,
Sections 22 and 23, including Appendices RC and CC, in their entirety as
the minimum energy code for the City.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0084)
Liaison Carrillo noted that the expected implementation date is July 1st and
the Administration would like to begin discussions on the matter next week.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.3.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Cynthia L. Amara as City
Solicitor.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0060)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.4.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Charles J. Breen, Jr. as Fire
Chief Engineer.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0059)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.5.
Requesting authorization to borrow $4,545,827 in a bond, and to appropriate
the same amount for streets and sidewalk reconstruction.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0049)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and asked that this item be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 11 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
7.6.
Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and
Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants
to artists, organizations, and schools.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0016)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and asked that this item be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.7.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,000 from the Office of Sustainability
and Environment Ordinary Maintenance Account to the Office of
Sustainability and Environment Personal Services Account to reallocate
approved funding for interns to the appropriate budget line.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0037)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and asked that this item be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.8.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,050 gift with no new match
required, from Tufts University Technology Support Center to the Council
on Aging to reduce the cost of a luncheon for older adults.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0043)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and asked that this item be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.9.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $95,474.26 using
available funds in various Department of Public Works Ordinary
Maintenance Accounts for various services.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0046)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and asked that this item be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.10.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,332 using
available funds in the Office of Sustainability and Environment Ordinary
Maintenance Professional and Technical Services Account for preventative
maintenance of solar arrays.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0017)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and asked that this item be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 12 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
7.11.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $796.67 using
available funds in the City Clerk Office Supplies Account for various
supplies.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0044)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and asked that this item be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.12.
Requesting approval to extend a contract with the Community Action
Agency of Somerville for an additional four months to 2/29/2023 for
housing search and stabilization services.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0035)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and asked that this item be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.13.
Requesting that the City Council petition the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation to modify the posted speed limit on State Route 38 in
Somerville.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0048)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.14.
Requesting that the City Council petition the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation to modify the posted speed limit on State Route 28 in
Somerville.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0050)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.15.
Requesting that the City Council petition the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation to modify the posted speed limit on State Route 16 in
Somerville.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0051)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.16.
Conveying the 2022 Surveillance Technology Annual Report.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 23-0086)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 13 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1.
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Stephanie
Widzowski to the position of Clerk of Committees.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0038)
APPROVED
RESULT:
8.2.
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Peter
Forcellese, Sr. to the position of Legislative Clerk.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0039)
APPROVED
RESULT:
8.3.
Chief of Police conveying a response to item 22-1056, an order that the
Chief of Police report to this Council, any verified or suspected false reports
of gunshots by ShotSpotter.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0085)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.4.
Fair Housing Commission Staff Liaison conveying the Fiscal Year 2021 Fair
Housing Commission Annual Report.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0036)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Housing and Community Development Committee
FOLLOWUP:
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
New Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Top Speed Vehicle, 631 Somerville
Ave, 8 cars inside, 6 outside, Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm, Sun Closed.
License
(ID # 23-0032)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Licenses and Permits Committee
FOLLOWUP:
9.2.
Renewing Automatic Amusement Devices License, Lucky Strike, 325
Revolution Dr.
License
(ID # 23-0018)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.3.
Renewing Dog Kennel License, Riverdog Daycare, 321 Somerville Ave.
License
(ID # 23-0019)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 14 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
9.4.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, F.E. French Construction.
License
(ID # 23-0034)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.5.
Renewing Garage License, Master Used Cars, 121 Prospect St.
License
(ID # 23-0020)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.6.
Renewing Open Air Vendor License, Next Wave-Full Circle School, 8
Bonair St.
License
(ID # 23-0021)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.7.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Aris Auto, 3 Craigie St.
License
(ID # 23-0022)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.8.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Automotive Transport Service,
40 Joy St.
License
(ID # 23-0023)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.9.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy St.
License
(ID # 23-0024)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.10.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Intercar, 39 Webster Ave.
License
(ID # 23-0025)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 15 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
9.11.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Joy St Motors, 24 Joy St.
License
(ID # 23-0033)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.12.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Master Used Cars, 121
Prospect St.
License
(ID # 23-0026)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.13.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Motorcycles & More, 109
Bailey Rd.
License
(ID # 23-0027)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.14.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 3, Nissenbaum Auto Parts, 480
Columbia St.
License
(ID # 23-0028)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.15.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 3, Nissenbaum Auto Parts, 0
Windsor St.
License
(ID # 23-0029)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.16.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Somerville Motors, 182
Washington St.
License
(ID # 23-0030)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.17.
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Web Motor Sales, 5 Middlesex
Ave.
License
(ID # 23-0031)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 16 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
9.18.
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Raymy Inc, Med #59.
License
(ID # 23-0045)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.19.
The Metro Building Trades Council nominating Rodrigo Badaro to the
Wage Theft Advisory Committee.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-0015)
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.20.
The Welcome Project nominating Emilio Cruz to the Wage Theft Advisory
Committee.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-0014)
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.21.
Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC)
submitting the required Fiscal Year 2024 retirement system appropriation.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-0013)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
By Councilor Strezo
Conveying a reporting of the Children's Cabinet.
Communication
(ID # 23-0088)
Councilor Strezo reported that the Cambridge Health Alliance opened
community based mental health centers at Cambridge Hospital, Boston
Medical Center and 1 other location, to treat acute mental health problems.
The crisis line phone number is [phone removed] and is available 24 hours per
day. Walk-in services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM
to 8:00 PM and on weekends from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Councilor Strezo
also reported that the recently opened teen center has been seeing about 50
youths per day and has added life skills programming. She is concerned
about the sustainability of the program since ARPA funds will be running
out.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
Page 17 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
10.2.
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Wilson
That the Directors of Mobility and Traffic and Parking discuss with this
Council the use of meters at electric vehicle charging stations and ability for
the City's vendor to impose a monetary charge after a certain amount of time
that the vehicle is parked there.
Order
(ID # 23-0092)
Councilor Pineda Neufeld commented that some vehicles have been left at
charging stations after being charged, which ties up spaces for other users.
This is an effort to address that problem.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.3.
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Ewen-Campen
and Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of Mobility share and discuss with this Council, the plan to
use the $100,000 in funding secured from the state for a traffic study of the
intersection of Route 16 and Broadway.
Order
(ID # 23-0093)
Councilor Pineda Neufeld reported that the state recently told the city that it
(the city) should perform the study rather than the state.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.4.
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Burnley Jr.,
Councilor Strezo and Councilor Scott
That the Director of Health and Human Services share with this Council any
plans to encourage or require indoor masking in light of the recent
COVID-19 surge.
Order
(ID # 23-0094)
Councilor Pineda Neufeld noted that some communities and schools are
reinstituting mask policies and she would like an update from HHS.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.5.
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Wilson
That the Mobility Department consider adding speed humps or other traffic
calming measures to Packard Avenue.
Order
(ID # 23-0097)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.6.
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to require the adoption of
Institutional Master Plans.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0101)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 18 of 19
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2023
10.7.
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to provide legal voting rights
in municipal elections for residents aged 16 and 17 years old.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0103)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.8.
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition further defining the purposes
of the Affordable Housing Trust.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0104)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.9.
Conveying the 2022 Surveillance Technology Annual Report as it relates to
Somerville Public Schools.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 23-0107)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.10.
Conveying information regarding item 23-0084, a Mayor's Request
requesting the adoption of the Specialized Energy Code.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 23-0106)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.11.
Commissioner of Public Works conveying responses to agenda items listed
within.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0108)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
11.
LATE ITEMS
12.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 10:03 PM.
Page 19 of 19