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City Council — Agenda, Jan 26, 2023

City Council meeting, Jan 26, 2023·13 pages·📄 Original PDF (city portal)
City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Regular Meeting Agenda City Council Chamber and Remote Participation 7:00 PM Thursday, January 26, 2023 Published January 24, 2023 5:05 PM. Revised January 26, 2023 1:35 PM. Revised January 26, 2023 2:00 PM (additional item in Legislative Matters Committee). NOTICE: Pursuant to Chapter 107 of the Acts of 2022, this meeting of the City Council may be conducted and via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audiovideo recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Register at the following website to view this meeting live or to testify at any public hearing: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3336284844585163609. Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at [phone removed] x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES 1.1. Roll Call (ID # 23-0156) Call of the Roll. 1.2. Remembrances (ID # 23-0151) Remembrances. 1.3. Minutes (ID # 23-0124) Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, December 8, 2022. 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location (ID # 23-0114) Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 33 feet of conduit in Morrison Avenue, from Utility Pole 238/24A to a point of pickup at 195 Morrison Avenue. Page 1 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order (ID # 23-0127) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That this City Council invites Somerville resident David Gibbs to speak about the youth mental health crisis in the city. 4.2. Order (ID # 23-0128) By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Wilson That the Director of Engineering build an ADA-compliant sidewalk bump-out around the large tree on Walnut Street, just south of Summit Avenue. 4.3. Order (ID # 23-0129) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of Engineering expand the traffic island at Spring and Atherton Streets to remove the slip lane, and connect the green space to the west side of Spring Street. 4.4. Order (ID # 23-0131) By Councilor Kelly That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Environmental Health Coordinator update this Council on the SMART box program and other rodent control measures. 4.5. Resolution (ID # 23-0130) By Councilor Kelly That the Participatory Budgeting Working Group update this Council on the status of the participatory budgeting process. 4.6. Order (ID # 23-0136) By Councilor Clingan That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the pothole on Ten Hills Road, near Governor Winthrop Road. 4.7. Order (ID # 23-0137) By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson That the Director of Communications provide this Council with an accounting of how the cable franchise fees have been expended over the past five years. 4.8. Order (ID # 23-0157) By Councilor Clingan That the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works hold a public hearing regarding the cable franchise agreements at its February 13, 2023 meeting. 4.9. Resolution (ID # 23-0138) By Councilor Clingan That the Administration provide an update on contract negotiations with local cable providers at the February 13, 2023 meeting of this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works. 4.10. Resolution (ID # 23-0139) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Strezo Recognizing January 27, 2023 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Page 2 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 4.11. Order (ID # 23-0140) By Councilor Strezo That the Chief of Police report to this Council, in writing, the number of drink-spiking incidents reported in the past two years. 4.12. Order (ID # 23-0141) By Councilor Strezo That the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Director of Health and Human Services, and the Director of Libraries work with the School Department to discuss creating a Somerville restaurant surplus supply program, in collaboration with the Teen Center. 4.13. Order (ID # 23-0142) By Councilor Strezo That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires hanging from the pole and tied to the porch railing at 9 Pearl Street Place, and report to this Council who owns the pole. 4.14. Order (ID # 23-0143) By Councilor Strezo That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires wrapped around a telephone pole and in the street in front of 19 Church Street, and report to this Council who owns the pole. 4.15. Order (ID # 23-0144) By Councilor Gomez Mouakad That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on issues with the High School Field House track flooring material and bleachers. 4.16. Order (ID # 23-0145) By Councilor Gomez Mouakad That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain the selections of surface materials for school parks and playgrounds. 4.17. Order (ID # 23-0146) By Councilor Gomez Mouakad That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the status of the Cummings School, and the potential for future occupancies and uses. 4.18. Order (ID # 23-0147) By Councilor Gomez Mouakad That the Director of Economic Development provide an update on Use and Occupancy agreements for all Armory tenants, and explain how extensions are being coordinated with the Master Plan process. Page 3 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 4.19. Order (ID # 23-0148) By Councilor Gomez Mouakad That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide updates on any capital projects or improvements planned for the Armory building as part of the Master Plan process. 4.20. Order (ID # 23-0149) By Councilor Gomez Mouakad That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on current and future maintenance plans for the Armory building. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. CHARTER REVIEW SPECIAL COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report (ID # 23-0135) Report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on January 25, 2023. 6.A.2. Resolution (ID # 23-0168) By Councilor Scott Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to maintain the Mayor-Council system of governance. 6.A.3. Resolution (ID # 23-0169) By Councilor McLaughlin Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to retain the current City Council structure. 6.A.4. Resolution (ID # 23-0170) By Councilor Burnley Jr. Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to retain a two-year City Council term. 6.A.5. Resolution (ID # 23-0171) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the proposed Charter be revised to change the language to a two-year mayoral term, and to revise the proposed vacancy process to align with that change. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report (ID # 23-0134) Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 24, 2023. Page 4 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 6.B.2. Resolution (ID # 22-1798) 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 Administration update this Council on efforts to use District Improvement Financing to capture new tax growth, specifically for new affordable housing. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 22-2060) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $358 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services Account for pre-employment placement exams and drug screens. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 22-2061) Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $3,012.03 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services Account for May 2021 Employee Assistance Program. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 22-2062) Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $4,950 using available funds in the Human Resources Arbitration Services Account for FY 2022 arbitration services. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 22-2083) Requesting approval to appropriate $75,000 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for a Blue Bike Station at Boynton Yards at 101 South Street. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0016) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0017) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 5 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 6.B.9. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0035) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.10.Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0037) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.11.Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0043) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.12.Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0044) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $796.67 using available funds in the City Clerk Office Supplies Account for various supplies. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.13.Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0046) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.14.Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0049) Requesting authorization to borrow $4,545,827 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for streets and sidewalk reconstruction. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report (ID # 23-0132) Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on January 17, 2023. 6.C.2. Order (ID # 22-1056) By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Chief of Police report to this Council, any verified or suspected false reports of gunshots by ShotSpotter. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 6 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 6.C.3. Order (ID # 22-1057) By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Chief of Police report to this Council, any communications between the Police Department and ShotSpotter regarding ambiguous or contested detections. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.C.4. Order (ID # 22-1452) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the City hereby rescinds its adoption of the provisions of Chapter 90, Section 20A½ of the Massachusetts General Laws. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.C.5. Order (ID # 22-1453) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the City hereby adopts the provisions of Chapter 90, Section 20A of the Massachusetts General Laws. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.C.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 22-2050) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 7, Article X of the Code of Ordinances, to add a registry component to the short-term rentals ordinance. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved as amended. 6.C.7. Officer's Communication (ID # 23-0085) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.C.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0101) Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to require the adoption of Institutional Master Plans. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.C.9. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0103) Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for residents aged 16 and 17 years old. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.C.10.Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0104) Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition further defining the purposes of the Affordable Housing Trust. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.C.11.Order (ID # 23-0172) By Councilor Davis That the Council amend the Surveillance Technology Ordinance to clarify that it covers cameras used for automated traffic or parking enforcement. Page 7 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 6.D. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report (ID # 23-0133) Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on January 23, 2023. 6.D.2. Order (ID # 22-0058) By Councilor Kelly and Councilor Scott That the Director of Inspectional Services discuss with this Council how to increase reliability and frequency of enforcement of public health violations in the City. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.3. Order (ID # 22-0959) By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Gomez Mouakad That the Chief of Police provide this Council with a list of confirmed shootings between April 2018 and April 2022. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.4. Order (ID # 22-1055) By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Davis and Councilor Wilson That the Chief of Police deliver to this Council, a written report of the Police Department's protocol for addressing encampments of un-housed individuals, including any resources that are offered, and whether those individuals are transported and to where. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.5. Order (ID # 22-1307) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Chief of Police provide this Council with a written report on the number of calls for service related to un-housed individuals, the nature of those calls, and the number directed toward or responded to in collaboration with the Somerville Homeless Coalition. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.6. Order (ID # 22-1359) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Community Outreach, Help and Recovery (COHR) team work in conjunction with the Homeless Coalition to address homelessness in East Somerville open spaces. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 8 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 6.D.7. Order (ID # 22-1445) By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Wilson That the Director of Inspectional Services report on the status of the enforcement of Section 11-111 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding Registration and maintenance of vacant property. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.8. Order (ID # 22-1739) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Housing and the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council regarding repeated requests to provide shelter to homeless residents. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.9. Order (ID # 22-1757) By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly and Councilor Davis That the ARPA Specialist update this Council on the City's plans to use ARPA funding to address chronic homelessness. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.10.Order (ID # 22-1761) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Chief of Police work with the Office of Housing Stability to submit a written report answering the questions contained within. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.11.Order (ID # 22-1767) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Council on COVID and flu vaccination clinics and strategies to increase opportunities for residents to access vaccines. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.12.Order (ID # 22-1932) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Burnley Jr., City Council Organizational Meeting, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Chief Fire Engineer inform the appropriate Ward Councilor and Councilors-at-Large, as soon as safely practicable, when a major fire has occurred in their Ward, including the number of residents impacted. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 9 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 6.D.13.Order (ID # 22-1933) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott and Councilor Kelly That the Director of Emergency Management, the Director of the Office of Housing Stability, the Director of Health and Human Services, the Chief Fire Engineer, and other relevant staff, discuss with this Council the resources and support services provided to residents impacted by a disaster or crisis such as fire or flood. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.14.Resolution (ID # 22-1934) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott and Councilor Kelly That the Mayor designate a central point of contact for providing on-site response for mass displacement events such as fires and floods, and coordinating efforts to assist impacted residents. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.15.Order (ID # 22-2123) By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Kelly and Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Director of Health and Human Services and the Superintendent of Water and Sewer update this Council on the feasibility of partnering with a vendor to conduct COVID-19 wastewater testing. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.16.Order (ID # 23-0081) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.17.Order (ID # 23-0094) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 10 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0095) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 10.8 Commercial Signs, of the Zoning Ordinances, to permit commercial signs by right. 7.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0111) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ryan Kiracofe to the Community Preservation Committee. 7.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0110) Requesting approval of the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan, and Form of Agreement for Winter Hill. 7.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0125) Requesting approval to create the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Stabilization Fund. 7.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0109) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $91,211.79 grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for staffing costs. 7.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0119) Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Barletta Heavy Division, for work on the Somerville Avenue Utilities and Streetscape Improvements project. 7.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0058) Requesting approval to extend the Invoice Cloud contract for credit card processing for over-the-counter and meter transactions. 7.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0155) Requesting that City Councilors submit budget funding priorities by March 29, 2023. 7.9. Mayor's Communication (ID # 23-0123) Conveying an update on Participatory Budgeting. 7.10. Mayor's Communication (ID # 23-0159) Conveying updates to the FY 2023 City Council budget requests and requesting budget priorities for FY 2024. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License (ID # 23-0153) Amending Dog Kennel License, RiverDog Daycare, 321 Somerville Ave, expanding to increase capacity to 45 dogs. 9.2. License (ID # 23-0115) Renewing Outdoor Goods License, 130 Broadway LLC, 130 Broadway. Page 11 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 9.3. License (ID # 23-0154) Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Star Market, 275 Beacon St. 9.4. License (ID # 23-0120) Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from Lochmere Taxi Inc to Pierre Michel, Medallion #91. 9.5. License (ID # 23-0117) Renewing Taxi Medallion License, V.I.N.L. Transportation Inc, Med #65. 9.6. License (ID # 23-0118) Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Pearl Street Auto Sales, 182 Pearl St. 9.7. Public Event (ID # 23-0116) Zachary Chang-Otanez applying for a Public Event License for Engineers Without Borders 6K Run on April 23 from 12pm to 5:30pm (raindate April 30). 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Resolution (ID # 23-0163) By Councilor Scott, Councilor Kelly and Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Administration provide an update regarding the progress in establishing a Warming Center for un-housed residents. 10.2. Resolution (ID # 23-0164) By Councilor Scott Urging the Mayor to move forward without further delay on the Purchasing Parity Study. 10.3. Order (ID # 23-0166) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on the progress toward a Safe Consumption Site and provide a timeline for establishment. 10.4. Order (ID # 23-0167) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Director of Mobility provide a report on acquiring e-bikes through the city's BlueBike partnership. 10.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0074) Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the continued employment of Acting Somerville Police Chief Charles J. Femino. 10.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0096) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $6,318.46 using available funds in the Information Technology Computer Supplies Account for computer supplies, internet services, and phone services. 10.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0121) Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for CBA Landscape Architects, for the Henry Hansen Memorial Park design services beyond the three year maximum, to 9/30/2024. Page 12 of 13
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 26, 2023 10.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 23-0126) Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for the Weston and Sampson Engineering and Licensed Site Professional contract for Conway park beyond the three year maximum, to 12/31/2023. 10.9. Officer's Communication (ID # 23-0042) Economic Development Director conveying a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and accompanying memorandum on the 90 Washington Street Demonstration Project Plan. 10.10. Public Communication (ID # 23-0152) Somerville Stands Together submitting comments re: Comcast franchise negotiations. 11. LATE ITEMS 12. ADJOURNMENT Page 13 of 13