Meetings ▸ Minutes
City Council — Minutes, Feb 23, 2023
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Meeting Minutes
7:00 PM
Thursday, February 23, 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 7:00 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen.
1.1.
Call of the Roll.
Roll Call
(ID # 23-0200)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld
City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr.
City Councilor At Large Charlotte Kelly
City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo
City Councilor At Large Jake Wilson
Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin
Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott
Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen
Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan
Present:
Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis
Ward Five City Councilor Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
Absent:
1.2.
Remembrances.
Remembrances
(ID # 23-0287)
President Ewen-Campen and the entire Council requested a moment of
silence in memory of Jim Ballantyne.
Councilor Wilson, on behalf of Councilor Davis, requested a moment of
silence in memory of Dr. George C. Galitis.
Councilor Scott
requested a moment of silence in memory of Joseph F.
Clark.
Councilor Wilson requested a moment of silence in memory of Jean A.
DeAmato.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 1 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, January 26, 2023.
Minutes
(ID # 23-0288)
APPROVED
RESULT:
2.
CITATIONS
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Davis, Councilor Burnley Jr.,
Councilor Clingan, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor
Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson
Celebrating the work of the Somerville Bike Kitchen and supporting their
efforts to find a new home in Somerville.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0267)
President Ewen-Campen gave some background on this all volunteer
organization where bicycle repair and maintenance is taught. Hannah
Goldberg was sponsored to speak. Ms. Goldberg stated that the
organization’s facility will no longer be available, so they are seeking a new
location with at least 200 square feet of space, a slop sink and bathroom
facilities by this August to service the 200 people/month that pass through
their doors and she asked that this need be amplified. Councilor Kelly
implored the administration to do more to keep people and organizations,
such as this, to remain in Somerville.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.2.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Health and Human Services create and distribute an
outgoing participation survey for participants of the Teen Snow Shoveling
program.
Order
(ID # 23-0274)
Councilor Strezo explained that this survey would provide information on
the cost of the services being provided.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Housing and Community Development Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.3.
Withdrawn.
Order
(ID # 23-0275)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
Page 2 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
4.4.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Human Resources provide a written demographic
breakdown, including the age, gender, and race/ethnicity of Customer
Service Representatives in the Constituent Services Department (311).
Order
(ID # 23-0281)
Councilor Strezo provided some back history saying that in 2020, a
demographic breakdown of gender was 77% female. The breakdown is
consistent and she thinks that this fact could be used to support the 311
operators’ efforts to join the SMEA’s Unit B.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Housing and Community Development Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.5.
By Councilor Strezo
Conveying a report of the Children's Cabinet meeting of February 14, 2023.
Communication
(ID # 23-0276)
Councilor Strezo reported that the Cabinet has been discussing out of school
time, transportation, the lack of state infrastructure, online registration
program barriers, before school time voids, school day ending time, program
affordability, funding concerns, tuition assistance, the lack of available slots,
space availability, limited staffing capacity, and lack of special needs
programming.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
4.6.
By Councilor Kelly, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Wilson
That this Council discuss alternative emergency response methods with local
mental health care providers.
Order
(ID # 23-0278)
See agenda item 4.7.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.7.
By Councilor Kelly, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Wilson
That this Council discuss alternative emergency response and/or other
non-police emergency response methods that other municipalities have
pursued.
Order
(ID # 23-0279)
Councilor Kelly intends to discuss this topic at the next Public Health and
Public Safety Committee meeting. Councilor Wilson commented that this
will be a positive step in the right direction and he would like to have trained
clinicians in the field to respond to incidents.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 3 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
4.8.
By Councilor Kelly
That the Director of Finance provide a written report detailing all
Stabilization Funds and the current balance in each fund.
Order
(ID # 23-0280)
Councilor Kelly noted that the city has $39 million in free cash and
Councilor Burnley commented that it’s important for the Council to exercise
its oversight of the city’s finances.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.9.
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
Supporting the Somerville Municipal Employees Association (SMEA) in its
efforts to bring the 311 Operators into SMEA Unit B.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0277)
Councilor Clingan reported that an impasse has been reached and he feels
that it’s important to support the 311 operators. Ed Halloran, President of
SMEA, was sponsored to speak. He thanked the Council for its support in
this effort. A petition to unionize has been filed with the Division of Labor
for the 311 operators to join SMEA Unit B. He said that there are
similarities in the duties of the 311 operators and other members of Unit B.
Councilor Strezo read 2 statements from 311 operators in support of joining
the union’s Unit B. Councilor Scott commented that, up until about 10
years ago, the 311 operators were members of SMEA Unit B. Councilor
Kelly asked what the city’s opposition is and Mr. Halloran said that the city
feels that the operators should be placed in some bargaining unit, but not in
Unit B.
APPROVED
RESULT:
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
CHARTER REVIEW SPECIAL COMMITTEE
6.A.1.
Report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a
Committee of the Whole on February 22, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0262)
Councilor Scott presented the Committee Report and stated that discussions
continued on the balance of power issue. Long standing vacancies for
boards and commissions were addressed as well as budgetary issues and the
budget structure. Hiring of an independent auditor yearly was
recommended. The next meeting of this committee will be on March 8th.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 4 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
6.A.2.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to
change the appointment of the independent auditor to the City Council and
mandate the appointment.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0291)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.3.
By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Scott
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to
implement a Capital Improvement Plan, amended to add “or reject” after
“shall by resolution adopt” in Section 6-6.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0292)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.
CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.B.1.
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel
Matters, meeting on February 15, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0254)
Councilor Pineda Neufeld presented the Committee Report and commented
on the appointments that were recommended for approval.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.2.
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Alan Bishop as Constable.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-2125)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.3.
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Catello Battinelli II as
Constable.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-2126)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.4.
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Mary Battinelli as
Constable.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-2128)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.5.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Deborah Haber to the
Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-2135)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.6.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Pauline Downing to the
Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-2137)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 5 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
6.B.7.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Harriotte Ranvig to the
Commission for Person with Disabilities.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-2138)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.8.
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of F. Kelley
Landolphi to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0040)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
6.B.9.
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Potere to
the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0041)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.10.
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)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.C.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
6.C.1.
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 21, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0261)
Councilor Wilson presented the Committee Report and said that several
items were recommended for approval, including the Lease Agreement with
the MBTA, which he said would not be a hinderance to future access points.
The city will try to keep the path open after snow events, if possible. Safety
concerns were discussed, e.g., call boxes (which are currently being
installed). The main event of the meeting was the UCH-TIF discussion that
would allow the mayor to enter into an agreement with the developer of the
Winter Hill Star Market site. The city would receive taxes on the land,
however, the buildings being built would receive a 20 year tax exemption.
Councilor Wilson noted that the city would be able to tax the improvements
until the UCH-TIF, which would trigger when a 92% occupancy rate is
achieved, kicks in.
See agenda item 10.2 (item #23-0294).
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 6 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
6.C.2.
Requesting approval of the Alternative Transportation Corridor Lease
Agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-2041)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, City Councilor
At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson,
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City
Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen,
and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City
Councilor Gomez Mouakad
ABSENT:
6.C.3.
Requesting approval of the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing
(UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan, and Form of Agreement for Winter Hill.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0110)
The administration submitted and amended version, as requested in
Committee, and this item was placed on file.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
6.C.4.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,348.18 grant with no new
match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire
Department for the purchase of residential lock boxes.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0185)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.C.5.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $45,406.77 grant with no new
match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire
Department for maritime related equipment.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0186)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.D.
LAND USE COMMITTEE
6.D.1.
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on February 16, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0260)
Councilor McLaughlin presented the Committee Report and gave a brief
summary of the items recommended for approval.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.D.2.
Planning Board proposing an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances Section
15.1.3, Neighborhood Meeting.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 22-1645)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
RESULT:
Page 7 of 17
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Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, City Councilor
At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson,
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City
Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen,
and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City
Councilor Gomez Mouakad
ABSENT:
6.D.3.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 6.1 Commercial
Districts: Fabrication of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to permit
additional uses for ground story commercial spaces fronting a Pedestrian
Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1771)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
RESULT:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, City Councilor
At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson,
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City
Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen,
and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City
Councilor Gomez Mouakad
ABSENT:
6.D.4.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 10.8 Commercial Signs,
of the Zoning Ordinances, to permit commercial signs by right.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0095)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
RESULT:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, City Councilor
At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson,
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City
Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen,
and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City
Councilor Gomez Mouakad
ABSENT:
6.E.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
Page 8 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
6.E.1.
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 14,
2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0252)
Councilor Kelly presented the Committee Report saying that amendments to
several ordinances were discussed and those items were kept in committee
to recheck for any conflicts/errors. Several traffic issues were also
discussed. Councilor Wilson questioned the fine structure relating to
sidewalks.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.E.2.
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)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
RESULT:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, City Councilor
At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson,
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City
Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen,
and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City
Councilor Gomez Mouakad
ABSENT:
6.F.
OPEN SPACE, ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE
6.F.1.
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting
on February 16, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0259)
Councilor Burnley presented the Committee Report and said that electric
vehicle charging and composting were discussed.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.G.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
6.G.1.
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on
February 13, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0246)
Councilor Kelly presented the Committee Report and said that members
were given a presentation on the eradication of medical debt. Safe
consumption site timelines were discussed along with the services the city
would like to offer. Finally, the committee discussed spiked drinks and the
administration’s response to the problem. Councilor Pineda Neufeld
commented that an ABCC advisory was sent to drinking establishments last
year. Councilor Strezo would like signage utilized, as is done in Cambridge,
to make the public aware of the problem.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 9 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
6.G.2.
By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Director of Health and Human Services and the City Solicitor
report to this Council on steps that may be taken to address the reports of
spiked drinks in the region, including whether the city can require
restaurants and bars to post warning signage, encourage vigilance, and detail
the criminal consequences for tampering with another patron’s beverage.
Order
(ID # 22-1201)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.G.3.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly, Councilor Clingan, Councilor
Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda
Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson
Supporting the Eradication of Medical Debt.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0079)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.G.4.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Wilson, Councilor Gomez Mouakad,
Councilor Davis, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor
Clingan
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.
Order
(ID # 23-0166)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.H.
PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
6.H.1.
Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on
February 13, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0245)
Councilor Clingan presented the Committee Report and noted that the
administration had made an announcement earlier that day regarding cable
franchise fees, i.e., the full amount of fees would be given to the Somerville
Media Center. Councilor Clingan noted that the fee amount has been
decreasing each year. He also noted that the administration will be
expecting to fund CityTV through the city’s operating budget.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.H.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)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
Page 10 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
6.H.3.
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)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.H.4.
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)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.H.5.
By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Strezo
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.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0138)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.H.6.
By Councilor Strezo and Councilor McLaughlin
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.
Order
(ID # 23-0142)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.H.7.
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.
Order
(ID # 23-0143)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.H.8.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on current and
future maintenance plans for the Armory building.
Order
(ID # 23-0149)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition Authorizing the City to
Appoint an Alternate Member to the Somerville Licensing Commission.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0256)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 11 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
7.2.
Requesting approval of a multi-year lease agreement with Hanhal Realty for
a West Somerville Police Substation.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0165)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.3.
Requesting approval of a three-year extension to the lease with BwB-Square
LLC for Nibble Community Kitchen.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0268)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.4.
Requesting the appropriation of $1,847,374 from the Unreserved Fund
Balance ("Free Cash") to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Account for
supplemental funding for the Municipal Voucher Program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0272)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.5.
Requesting the appropriation of $805,000 from the Unreserved Fund
Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to purchase
and install prefabricated standalone public toilets.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0258)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.6.
Requesting the appropriation of $702,500 from the Unreserved Fund
Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and
Property Account to fund the settlement of Kathryn McDaid v. City of
Somerville, et al.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0285)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 12 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
7.7.
Requesting the appropriation of $137,500 from the Unreserved Fund
Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and
Property Account to fund the settlement of Carlos Melo v. City of
Somerville.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0284)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.8.
Requesting the appropriation of $805,675 from the Capital Stabilization
Fund for the purchase and installation of outdoor prefabricated toilet
facilities.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0282)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.9.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $306.05 from the IAM-Engineering
Personal Services-Overtime Account to the Department of Public Works
Custodians Personal Services-Overtime Account for DPW staff time related
to Engineering work.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0243)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.10.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Colliers
Project Leaders USA NE LLC for Owner's Project Manager Services on the
Public Safety Facility project.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0231)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.11.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Consigli
Construction Co. Incorporated for Construction Manager At-Risk Services
on the Public Safety Facility project.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0232)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 13 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
7.12.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Context
Architecture Incorporated for Architectural & Engineering Services on the
Public Safety Facility project.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0233)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.13.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new
match required, from the Fenway Community Health Center to the Police
Department for staffing costs related to the post overdose support team
program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0251)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1.
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from
Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Carlos Melo v. City of
Somerville.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0269)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.2.
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from
Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Kathryn McDaid v. City
of Somerville, et al.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0270)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.3.
Director of Infrastructure & Asset Management presenting the FY2023
Capital Investment Plan update.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0271)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer
them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 14 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
8.4.
Planning Board conveying recommendations for items 22-1771, 22-1645,
and 23-0095.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0273)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union
Square Farmers Market on Wednesdays May 13-October 28 from 6:45am to
2pm.
Public Event
(ID # 23-0257)
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.2.
Somerville Stands Together submitting comments re: 311 employees'
request to join the Somerville Municipal Employees Association (SMEA).
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-0249)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
9.3.
Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) submitting comments re:
medical debt cancellation proposal.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-0250)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Burnley Jr.
and Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Commissioner of Public Works install high visibility flexible
bollards at all entrances to the Community Path from a vehicular road, to
prevent the entry of non-authorized vehicles into the path.
Order
(ID # 23-0289)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 15 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
10.2.
Requesting approval of the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing
(UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan and Negotiated Agreement for Winter Hill.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0294)
Acting Director of Economic Development Rachel Nadkarni explained the
changes that were made to accommodate the concerns of the City Council
and that the developer has committed to keeping the property for the long
term. A change section to 7.6 allows the city to review the occupancy rate
of the development over time. Councilor Scott reflected that this has
resulted in a huge win for affordable housing in the city. Councilor Clingan
inquired if a condition could be imposed such that the developer would have
to maintain a certain percentage of occupancy in order to continue receiving
the tax breaks on the improvements over the 20 year period. Director
Nadkarni replied that the concern is that an ‘appropriate’ number is hard to
predict and also that extenuating circumstances, e.g., COVID, could affect
the occupancy rate. Damian Chaviano, a principal from the development
company, commented that sometimes perception becomes reality, adding
that if a minimum threshold was imposed that could cause the developer to
default, it might make the project untenable for them.
Councilor Scott moved for approval of the item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, City Councilor
At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson,
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City
Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen,
and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City
Councilor Gomez Mouakad
ABSENT:
10.3.
Finance Director conveying the FY 2023 Mid-Year Financial Report in
accordance with Section 2-48 of the Code of Ordinances.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0283)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the
Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.4.
Paul Collyer applying for a Public Event License for Race of Ireland 5K on
March 19 from 7am to 1pm.
Public Event
(ID # 23-0286)
APPROVED
RESULT:
11.
LATE ITEMS
Page 16 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2023
11.1.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Parking replace the missing No Left Turn sign at the
intersection of Mt. Pleasant Street and Perkins Street.
Order
(ID # 23-0295)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
12.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 9:12 PM.
Page 17 of 17