Meetings ▸ Minutes
City Council — Minutes, Apr 27, 2023
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Meeting Minutes
7:00 PM
Thursday, April 27, 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 7:02 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen.
The Council entered into Executive Session at 7:47 PM and returned at 8:42 PM.
1.1.
Call of the Roll.
Roll Call
(ID # 23-0670)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
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
Ward Five City Councilor Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis
Present:
Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent:
1.2.
Remembrances.
Remembrances
(ID # 23-0671)
APPROVED
RESULT:
1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, March 23, 2023.
Minutes
(ID # 23-0672)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 1 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
2.
CITATIONS
2.1.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Clingan
Commending Anne Irwin for her contributions as a School Adjustment
Councilor, providing therapeutic and emotional support to high school
students.
Citation
(ID # 23-0659)
Councilor Gomez Mouakad spoke about Ms. Irwin’s work as a counselor at
Somerville High School, praising her understanding and dedication to the
students.
President Ewen-Campen also congratulated Director of Intergovernmental
Affairs Aneesh Sahni on his new position with the Department of Education.
Director Sahni thanked the Council for working with the administration to
keep the city moving forward.
APPROVED
RESULT:
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1.
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a new sidewalk vault
and 20 feet of conduit in Linwood Street, from Manhole 44/19 to a point of
pickup at 10 Poplar Street.
Grant of Location
(ID # 23-0682)
Dave Flewelling, representing Comcast, explained the reason for the request.
There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. Councilor
Scott thanked Comcast for including a traffic management plan at the site.
APPROVED
RESULT:
3.2.
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 38 feet of conduit in
Tufts Street, from Utility Pole 5 to a point of pickup at 31 Tufts Street.
Grant of Location
(ID # 23-0683)
Dave Flewelling, representing Comcast, explained the reason for the request.
There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 2 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That this City Council invites Cobble Hill residents Bill Mahaney and Anne
Ryan to speak about 90 Washington Street.
Order
(ID # 23-0669)
Councilor McLaughlin noted that this property has been abandoned since
2014 and now that the city is proposing to develop the parcel, there are a
number of concerns. He sponsored two residents of Cobble Hill to speak on
this item. Ms. Ryan said that she wanted to focus on Cobble Hill Park,
which she said might qualify as an ecological unit in and of itself.
According to Ms. Ryan, Somerville has benefited from the park’s
environmental contributions for over 40 years. The park supports 300
residents as well as off-street parking for residents and guests. A major
portion of the west end of the park taken by eminent domain by the city
should be recognized as part of an environmental capital asset. Ms. Ryan
said that the plan is to divide the park into three parcels which she said
would destroy the integrity of Cobble Hill Park and lessen the quality of life
for all of the tenants of Cobble Hill. She asked that city, state and federal
mandates to protect the sustainability of the environment and the health and
safety of tenants. Mr. Mahaney referenced the court case going on involving
the property in question and spoke about the Civic Advisory Committee and
its attempts to garner input for what residents would like to see be developed
at the site. Councilor McLaughlin stated that residents don’t want to lose
the trees, nor the berm, at the park and he commented that the city should
not be taking away green space.
APPROVED
RESULT:
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1.
By Councilor Strezo
Conveying a report of the Children's Cabinet meetings of March 14, 2023
and April 11, 2023.
Communication
(ID # 23-0547)
Councilor Strezo reported that the Cabinet discussed a letter submitted by
Winter Hill Neighborhood School administration, students and parents
regarding incidents of fear and violence and calling for an increase of
support from the city to address those concerns as well as others, including
summer jobs and student homelessness.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
Page 3 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
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 April 26, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0664)
Councilor Scott reported on the actions taken by the committee including the
discussions about open seats on boards and commissions and constable
appointments. A public hearing on the recommendations and proposed
Charter text, conveyed by the Charter Review Committee, is scheduled for
May 10th.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.2.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
Amending Section 2-8 (a) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed
Charter text to read: The city council shall not unreasonably reject such an
appointment unless the candidate does not have the experience, training,
and/or education to perform the duties of the office or position.
Order
(ID # 23-0707)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.3.
By Councilor Scott
Amending Section 1-7 (18) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed
Charter text to update the definition of “posting or post” to read: means
making available publicly on the city website, at city hall, and in a local
newspaper, and/or as otherwise may be required by law under the General
Laws. For the purposes of this definition, a local newspaper shall be a
newspaper of general circulation within the city, with either weekly or daily
circulation. The city council president may, from time to time, select a local
newspaper for posting according to a procedure that shall be set forth in the
rules of the city council.
Order
(ID # 23-0709)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 4 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
6.A.4.
By Councilor Scott
Amending Section 2-8 (b) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed
Charter text to add: (1) In the event of a vacancy on a multiple member body
where the seat has remained vacant in excess of one year and the mayor has
not referred to the city council any proposed appointees to fill the vacancy,
the city council president may present to the mayor the names of no more
than three individuals as recommendations for appointment. The procedure
for selecting names for presentation to the mayor shall be established within
the rules of the city council. (2) The mayor shall twice annually, in February
and August, post a complete list of the vacancies within all multiple member
bodies, as well as the procedures for individuals to apply to become a
member of those bodies.
Order
(ID # 23-0710)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.5.
By Councilor Scott
That the proposed Charter be revised to include a provision that Police and
Fire appointments and promotions are subject to City Council confirmation.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0711)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.6.
By Councilor Scott
Amending Section 2-8 of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter
text to add: (c) Constables - The mayor shall refer to the city council and
simultaneously file with the city clerk the name of each person the mayor
desires to appoint as a constable within the city. The city council shall not
unreasonably withhold confirmation of such appointments and shall
accompany a rejection with a written statement describing the reason, which
shall be delivered to and placed on file with the city clerk within 30 days of
filing. The question on confirmation of any appointment submitted by the
mayor shall not be subject to the procedure of charter objection provided in
section 2-9 (b) of this charter.
Order
(ID # 23-0712)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.7.
By Councilor Davis
That the proposed Charter be revised to include language to establish a
three-year term for constables and to ensure that applicants for constable
appointment are submitted for confirmation with sufficient time for City
Council review prior to the expiration of the term.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0713)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 5 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
6.A.8.
By Councilor Scott
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee
for a simple majority requirement for approving the administrative code.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0714)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.9.
By Councilor Scott
That the proposed Charter be revised to add language to Section 5-1 to
provide that if no city council meeting is held within the subsequent 30 days
of the first meeting, the city council shall instead have 30 days from the
second regularly scheduled meeting after the submission to approve an
administrative order.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0715)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
6.B.1.
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 25, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0662)
Councilor Wilson reported on the actions taken by the committee, listing the
financial transactions that were recommended for approval. He noted that
the FY 2024 budget session is fast approaching.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.2.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $30,000 from the DPW Electrical
Account to the DPW Fleet Account for costs related to motor parts and
accessories.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0507)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.3.
Requesting the appropriation of $1,618,683 from the Community
Preservation Act Fund Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable
Housing Trust.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0510)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.4.
Requesting approval to accept and expend an $18,840 grant with no new
match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection to the Department of Public Works for mattress recycling.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0521)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.5.
Requesting the use of $14,154.88 in available funds from the Health and
Human Services Salaries Account to fund a Finance Manager position.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0526)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 6 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
6.B.6.
Requesting the appropriation of $180,000 from the Medical Marijuana
Stabilization Fund for the Substance Use Prevention Coordinator position
for FY 2024 and FY 2025.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0527)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
6.B.7.
Requesting authorization to borrow $4,200,000 in a bond, and to appropriate
the same amount for additional work on the Somerville Ave Streetscape &
Utilities project.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0530)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
6.B.8.
Requesting authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond, and to appropriate
the same amount for additional work on the Somerville Ave Streetscape &
Utilities project.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0531)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
Page 7 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
6.B.9.
Requesting authorization to borrow $2,840,000 in a bond, and to appropriate
the same amount for the recurring FY 2023 Building Improvements
program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0532)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
6.B.10.
Requesting authorization to borrow $7,110,000 in a bond, and to appropriate
the same amount for participation in the Massachusetts Water Resources
Authority’s Local Water System Assistance Program for Water Main
Rehabilitation projects.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0533)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
6.B.11.
Requesting the appropriation of $135,050.89 from the Parks and Open
Space Stabilization fund for completion of the 25% design services for
Union Square Plaza and Streetscape project.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0539)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
Page 8 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
6.B.12.
Requesting the transfer of $12,729.52 in available funds from the Parks &
Recreation Uniforms Account to the Department of Public Works Interior
Building Maintenance Account for the installation of a buzzer system with a
security camera at the Edgerly Building.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0542)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.13.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a grant of $2,500 from the
Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Public Library for a Library Comix
Con event.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0544)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.14.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $1,000 from the Engineering Personal
Services Salaries Account to the Infrastructure & Asset Management
Personal Services Salaries Account to fund the IAM Administrative
Assistant position reclassification.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0633)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.15.
By Councilor Wilson
Conveying the draft schedule for the FY 2024 Budget Review.
Communication
(ID # 23-0642)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.C.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
6.C.1.
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development,
meeting on April 19, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-0657)
Councilor Strezo reported on the actions taken by the committee and noted
that many items were kept in committee due to the lack of availability of city
staff.
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Requesting the appropriation of $26,279.51 from the Medical Marijuana
Stabilization Fund for the Supervised Consumption Plan.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0673)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked
that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 9 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
7.2.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $60,000 from the Fire Department
Salaries Account to the Fire Alarm Overtime Account to cover a deficit in
the Fire Alarm Overtime account.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0549)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked
that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.3.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $27,200 from the Office of Strategic
Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Housing Division
Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Administration Division Personal
Services Account to fund temporary salaries to cover the OSPCD special
counsel vacancy.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0656)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked
that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.4.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $17,590.52 from the Office of Strategic
Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Economic Development
Division Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Administration Personal
Services Account to fund a grants and procurement analyst position.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0655)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked
that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.5.
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for PMA Consultants
LLC, for owner's project manager (OPM) services for the Building Master
Plan project.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0643)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked
that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.6.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $65,040 grant with no new
match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to
the Police Department for the traffic safety program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0668)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked
that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 10 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
7.7.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $17,950 grant with no new
match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural
Resources to the Health and Human Services Department for produce for the
Mobile Market.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0661)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked
that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1.
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session pursuant to MGL
Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) regarding Cobble Hill Center, LLC v.
Somerville Redevelopment Authority.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-0666)
City Solicitor Cindy Amara stated her opinion that this matter should be
addressed in Executive Session. The issue is about the value of the property
and its taking.
The Council recessed at 7:47 to enter into Executive Session.
The Council returned to Open Session at 8:43 PM. President Ewen-Campen
stated that no votes were taken in Executive Session other than the vote to
adjourn.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
New Drainlayer's License, Cavalieri Construction Co., Inc.
License
(ID # 23-0674)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.2.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Classic Site Solutions Inc.
License
(ID # 23-0675)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.3.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Raffaele Construction Corp.
License
(ID # 23-0677)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 11 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
9.4.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, The Welch Corp.
License
(ID # 23-0676)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.5.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Domino's, 201 Elm St.
License
(ID # 23-0678)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.6.
Renewing Extended Hours Operating License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution
Dr.
License
(ID # 23-0679)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.7.
Renewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway.
License
(ID # 23-0699)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.8.
Renewing Flammables License, Somerville Mobil, 360 Medford St.
License
(ID # 23-0698)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.9.
Renewing Flammables License, Trum Field Sunoco, 541 Broadway.
License
(ID # 23-0700)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 12 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
9.10.
Renewing Garage License, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway.
License
(ID # 23-0680)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.11.
Renewing Open Air Vendor License, The Somerville Flea, Buena Vista
Parking Lot.
License
(ID # 23-0681)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.12.
Winter Hill Community AIM Program applying for a Public Event License
for AIM Walk and Roll on April 30 from 11am to 3pm.
Public Event
(ID # 23-0694)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.13.
Francesca Broekman applying for a Public Event License for Holi Festival
of Colors on April 30 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate May 6 and 7).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0695)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.14.
Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event
License for Community Growing Center Calendar on various dates and
times from May-December.
Public Event
(ID # 23-0696)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.15.
Chuck Lechien, Jr. applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on
Prospect Hill on May 13 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm (raindate May 14).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0684)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 13 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
9.16.
Garden Club applying for a Public Event License for Garden Club Plant Sale
on May 14 from 8:30am to 5pm.
Public Event
(ID # 23-0685)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.17.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica
Performance on May 18 from 11am to 3pm (raindate May 19 from
5:30pm-9:30pm).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0686)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.18.
Nancy O'Connor applying for a Public Event License for Browning Rd BP
on May 20 from 3pm to 8pm (raindate May 21).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0687)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.19.
Ann Peralta applying for a Public Event License for Warwick St BP on June
3 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate June 4, 10, 11).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0688)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.20.
Marla Wessland applying for a Public Event License for 19th Wallace St BP
on June 3 from 3:30pm to 9:30pm (raindate June 4).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0689)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.21.
Arts Council and East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event
License for SomerStreets: Carnaval on June 4 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate
June 11).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0690)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 14 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
9.22.
Meredith Jones applying for a Public Event License for Trull St BP on June
17 from 12pm to 8:30pm (raindate June 18).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0691)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.23.
Tadhg Pearson applying for a Public Event License for Munroe St BP on
June 17 from 1:30pm to 9pm (raindate June 18).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0692)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.24.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big Gay Dance Party
on June 17 from 3pm to 9pm (raindate June 18).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0693)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Scott
That this Council work with community partners to hold an educational
session on forming worker cooperatives.
Order
(ID # 23-0702)
Councilor Burnley commented that this would provide democracy in the
workplace and he would like to investigate how the city could assist.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Licenses and Permits Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.2.
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Director of Parks and Recreation ensure a notice is posted on every
community board in parks advertising city job postings.
Order
(ID # 23-0703)
Councilor Burnley commented that this is another way to make the public
aware of employment opportunities with the city.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
FOLLOWUP:
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City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
10.3.
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment update
this Council on the Administration's Inflation Reduction Act application and
its funding status, particularly targeted toward people of color and
low-income residents.
Order
(ID # 23-0704)
Councilor Burnley commented that the city should explore and publicize the
opportunities that may be available.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.4.
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
Demanding Harvard University come to the bargaining table.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0701)
President Ewen-Campen recused himself from any participation on this item
and Councilor Gomez Mouakad assumed the Chair. Councilor Burnley
spoke about Harvard University’s wealth and its refusal to pay its workers a
living wage. He sponsored two speakers from the Harvard Union of Clerical
and Technical Workers (HUCTW) to speak on the item. Will Lombard
spoke about Harvard’s insistence on paying market rates and said that
Harvard should be setting the market labor rate and showing workers that
they are valuable. Kerry Barbash, President of HUCTW, addressed the
Council and said that their union has 5,000 members working at Harvard.
Due to inflation, members have seen their pay cover less of their expenses,
with some members living paycheck to paycheck. Harvard has refused to
provide pay increases to keep pace with inflation. Councilor Strezo asked
that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Board of Overseers at Harvard
University. Councilor Clingan noted that many universities don’t value their
workers and Councilor Kelly stated that Harvard is exploiting its workers.
Councilor Gomez Mouakad noted that a key piece of sustainability includes
having your employees being able to live near where they work.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 16 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
10.5.
By Councilor Scott, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Burnley Jr.,
Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor
Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson
Urging the Mayor to move forward tomorrow on the Letter of Intent to apply
for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant
to help pay for major capital improvements to the Central Library.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0705)
Councilor Scott spoke about the benefits of the Central Library to the city
and pointed out that it was last renovated in the 1970’s. The application for
this grant which could provide over $20 million in project funding,
(including planning, design, and construction assistance), isn’t due until May
of 2024, but in order to apply, a letter of intent must be sent by tomorrow.
The letter commits the city to nothing and he suggested that everyone
contact the mayor to urge her to sign and send the letter of intent.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.6.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 8.1, Affordable
Housing, of the Zoning Ordinances to remove errant text and amend the
dimensional standards.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0660)
Councilor Scott stated that these are some minor modifications being
requested for an affordable housing development.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Land Use Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.7.
New Drainlayer's License, D&R General Contracting Inc.
License
(ID # 23-0708)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.8.
Somernova applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Open
Studios @ Somernova on May 6 from 12pm to 11pm.
Public Event
(ID # 23-0706)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.9.
Toriah Mimms applying for a Public Event License for The Curl Bar BP on
May 21 from 9am to 6pm (raindate May 27).
Public Event
(ID # 23-0717)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and
10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 17 of 18
City Council
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
10.10.
Urban Forestry Committee submitting comments re: reaffirming support for
retaining the trees at 90 Washington Street.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-0716)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
11.
LATE ITEMS
12.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 9:08 PM.
Page 18 of 18