Meetings ▸ Minutes
City Council — Minutes, Jul 13, 2023
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Meeting Minutes
7:00 PM
Thursday, July 13, 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 Executive Session at 7:50 PM and returned at 8:53 PM.
1.1.
Call of the Roll.
Roll Call
(ID # 23-1173)
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 Five City Councilor Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis
Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld
Present:
Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan
Absent:
1.2.
Remembrances.
Remembrances
(ID # 23-1174)
Councilor McLaughlin offered a remembrance for Bob Pettinelli.
Councilor McLaughlin offered a remembrance for Mike Ivy.
Councilor McLaughlin offered a remembrance for Chris White.
President Ewen-Campen offered a remembrance on behalf of Councilor
Clingan and the entire Council for Evelyn "Evie" LeSage, Councilor
Clingan's mother-in-law.
Councilor Wilson offered a remembrance on behalf of Councilor Clingan
for James "Jimmy" McCallum, former Ward 4 Alderman and Housing
Authority Commissioner.
APPROVED
RESULT:
1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, June 8, 2023.
Minutes
(ID # 23-1175)
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APPROVED
RESULT:
2.
CITATIONS
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1.
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 158 feet of conduit in
Washington Street, from Utility Pole 358/18 to Manhole 15060 near the
intersection of Knowlton Street, Tufts Street, and Washington Street.
Grant of Location
(ID # 23-1132)
The President opened the public hearing.
Jacqueline Duffy, representing Eversource, presented the proposal to supply
electric service to 121 Washington Street.
Robert Schofield requested information about the specific manhole location.
There being no other speakers, the President closed the public hearing.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
Withdrawn.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1128)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
4.2.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Chief of Police adopt a policy of de-prioritizing enforcement
against cyclists who treat red lights as stop signs when it is safe to do so (the
“Idaho Stop”) in recognition of the compelling United States Department of
Transportation data supporting this practice.
Resolution
(ID # 23-1162)
Councilor Pineda Neufeld assumed the Chair.
Councilor Ewen-Campen noted that he is not advocating to throw traffic
laws out the window, but the Police Department has been issuing tickets to
cyclists running red lights. He has learned that there are now 8 states that
have legalized the "Idaho stop", which allows cyclists to treat a stop sign as
a yield and a red light as a stop sign. In all cases, cyclists must still yield to
pedestrians. The Department of Transportation has analyzed street safety
data in the 8 states and concluded that the Idaho stop leads to an increase in
safety and no increased risk for pedestrians, people using mobility devices,
or vehicles. People not getting hurt is the most important issue.
Councilor Ewen-Campen noted that while the city does not have authority
over the legality, it does have discretion around enforcement. Any decisions
will be determined by the Mayor and Chief of Police, but this resolution is
introduced to begin the important public conversation.
Councilor Ewen-Campen sponsored Alessandra Seiter to speak. Alessandra
Seiter, Ward 5 resident, voiced strong support, noting recent efforts to
de-criminalize jaywalking and de-prioritize enforcement of drug use and
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possession. The Idaho stop is a common-sense, inexpensive, and immediate
way to make streets safer.
Councilor Ewen-Campen sponsored Mark Chase to speak. Mark Chase,
lecturer in transportation planning at Tufts University, highlighted that
Somerville is a VisionZero city, and has limited resources. This is a valuable
way to ensure safety of cyclists as well as pedestrians and a better use of
resources.
Councilor McLaughlin expressed appreciation for giving a name to
something that is frequently done. He emphasized common sense and safety.
He also highlighted that the grant funding focused on fliers to educate
people about bicycle safety.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.3.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Administration immediately begin the design and community
outreach process for the redesign of Highland Avenue from McGrath
Highway to Central Street, which is the highest priority route on the Bike
Network Plan that is under municipal control.
Resolution
(ID # 23-1164)
Councilor Gomez Mouakad assumed the chair.
Councilor Ewen-Campen expressed his frustrations with the delays to the
Highland Ave reconstruction. He asked that the administration share his
sense of urgency for the reconstruction considering Highland Ave’s priority
within the bike network plan.
Councilor Wilson shared similar frustrations as Councilor Ewen-Campen
and was dismayed with the loss of two years of this project.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.4.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Chief of Police and the Commissioner of Public Works address the
dumping of trash, and the overgrowth of state properties near Maine
Terrace, close to Interstate-93.
Order
(ID # 23-1168)
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.5.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works address the overgrowth along
McGrath Highway that is impeding pedestrian use.
Order
(ID # 23-1170)
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.6.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works address the trash around 165
Broadway.
Order
(ID # 23-1171)
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APPROVED
RESULT:
4.7.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Administration consider working with the Commonwealth to utilize
vacant, vegetated state lands close to Interstate-93 that are currently blighted,
for open space and pollution mitigation.
Resolution
(ID # 23-1169)
Councilor McLaughlin stated there are small plots of land along the state
street right up to I-93 that are owned by the state. Councilor McLaughlin
believes the city should have the conversation regarding taking over the land
for possible open space for the city.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Housing and Community Development Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.8.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That this City Council declares Somerville a Purple Heart Community and
recognizes August 7 annually as Purple Heart Day.
Resolution
(ID # 23-1166)
Councilor McLaughlin gave some history regarding the purple heart and its
significance. Councilor McLaughlin shared his gratitude for Director of
Veteran Services Ted Louis-Jacques and his work with the city. Director
Louis-Jaques stated that he spent time with Tom Kelly, a purple heart
recipient, and returned to his department with the desire to have the city
recognize those who have received a purple heart.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.9.
By Councilor Kelly and Councilor McLaughlin
That the Administration update this Council on locations of sharps
collection stations and work with the Commissioner of Public Works to
install sharps collection stations in all public restrooms.
Resolution
(ID # 23-1172)
Councilor Kelly stated they did receive an update on the overdose
prevention center. While receiving this update Councilor Kelly spoke about
sharps collection stations being located in public spaces and the city is
looking to include them in the new Portland loos. Councilor Kelly also
requested that a list of where sharps collection stations currently exist for the
public.
Councilor Wilson stated his support of this request as he has heard from
constituents regarding their worries around needing spaces for injectables to
be disposed of.
Councilor Pineda Neufeld also added to the conversation that this requests
goes further than those who may be using drugs but also those who have
medical reasons for sharps.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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5.1.
By Councilor Wilson
That the City Solicitor appear in executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter
30A, Section 21(a)(3) to update this council on the status of collective
bargaining negotiations with all municipal bargaining units.
Order
(ID # 23-0922)
The council returned from executive session at 8:53PM.
No votes were taken in executive session except the vote to return to open
session.
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 Five City Councilor
Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Four City Councilor Clingan
ABSENT:
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.A.1.
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel
Matters, meeting on July 10, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-1140)
Councilor Pineda Neufeld reported on the actions taken by the committee.
Councilor Pineda Neufeld stated the committee took up three appointments.
One appointment with the Condominium Review Board and two
appointments with the Biosafety Committee. The Biosafety Committee is
currently going through a revamp which will change the structure of the
committee to include seats for city department representatives.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.2.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Switkez to the
Biosafety Committee.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1059)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.3.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Francine Rogers to the
Biosafety Committee.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1064)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.4.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Elizabeth Champion to the
Condominium Review Board.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1075)
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APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.B.1.
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on July 12, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-1159)
Councilor Davis reported on the actions taken by the Committee. Councilor
Davis stated the committee proposed amendment to the condominium
conversion ordinance. The committee made a few changes to the ordinance.
Councilor Davis wanted to point out three primary objectives of the
amendment. One being the introduction of an alternate member on the
condo review board. The second objective is to provide improvements to the
language as needed. The third objective is to remove the city’s right to
purchase a unit if a tenant elects not to exercise their right purchase a unit
that will be converted. The ordinance was challenged in court and was
mostly upheld except for the city’s right to purchase a unit. Thus making
that portion of the ordinance unenforceable. The Committee recommended
the proposed amendment for approval as amended.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.2.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 7-63 through 7-67 of
the Code of Ordinances, the Condominium Conversion Ordinance.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1104)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
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 Five City Councilor
Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Four City Councilor Clingan
ABSENT:
6.C.
LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
6.C.1.
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on July 12,
2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-1142)
Councilor Burnley reported on the actions taken by the committee.
Councilor Burnley stated the committee took up four items although two
items were not voted on as the applicant did not appear despite numerous
attempts to contact them. There was also a vote on a new garage license with
the condition that they reduce the number of cars the applicant can store
outside.
APPROVED
RESULT:
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6.C.2.
Renewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 141 Beacon St.
License
(ID # 23-0582)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.C.3.
New Garage License, New England Collision Center Inc, 224 Somerville
Ave, 10 cars inside, 4 cars outside for mechanical repairs, autobody work,
spray painting, and washing vehicles, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm,
and Sun: closed.
License
(ID # 23-1062)
3 cars outside and no vehicle may be on the sidewalk
APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
RESULT:
6.D.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
6.D.1.
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on
July 10, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-1148)
Councilor Kelly reported on the actions taken by the committee. The
committee discussed the methodology regarding pedestrian and cyclists
stops. They received data regarding how many stops were made to
pedestrians and cyclists, also how many written warnings were issued.
Another issue discussed was the use of unmarked vehicles for traffic
enforcement. There was a conversation in committee regarding a gun buy
back program. The item regarding the pilot agreements was kept in
committee. The item regarding traffic details was also kept in committee.
The last issue discussed was the overdose prevention site. Councilor Kelly
was grateful to hear that the administration is moving forward to have an
overdose prevention site hopefully by the fall.
Councilor Davis added that the use of the new term of the Overdose
Prevention Site is to emphasize that there are a lot of approaches hoping to
be accomplished at the site. The Councilor was thrilled to hear there is a
broader range of services that the city is looking to provide at the site.
Councilor Burnley voiced his gratitude to hear there is progress from the city
on the site. Councilor Burnley stated that even with that progress being
announced, he has heard from residents stating that the city should be
moving even more quickly on the site. Councilor Burnley reiterated his
desire that the city move quicker on the creation of the site. Councilor
Burnley also stated his disagreement with the Chief of Police’s statement
that speaking on mental illness and doing targeted outreach is
over-stigmatizing. The Councilor believes that without being intentional
they will not attract the type of people the resolution was looking to attract.
Although the city is looking to have a gun buy back program during the
summer, Councilor Burnley stated the desire to have one during suicide
prevention week.
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APPROVED
RESULT:
6.D.2.
By Councilor Kelly and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That this Council discuss the unmet public health needs that have been
identified by Somerville's non-profits and service providers.
Order
(ID # 22-0367)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.D.3.
By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Clingan
That the Chief of Police provide this Council with a report containing the
information requested within for all incidents where a firearm was
discharged since January 1, 2018.
Order
(ID # 23-0608)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.D.4.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Davis
That the Chief of Police and the Director of Communications and
Community Engagement discuss with this Council the viability of
establishing a gun buyback event, focused on those who may be a danger to
themselves, including strategic outreach involving community partners in
the healthcare industry.
Order
(ID # 23-0616)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.D.5.
By Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Davis and Councilor
McLaughlin
That the Administration update this Council on the progress and timeline for
establishing a safe consumption site.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0796)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.D.6.
By Councilor Kelly
That the Chief of Police halt the use of unmarked patrol vehicles for all
traffic enforcement.
Order
(ID # 23-0912)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.D.7.
By Councilor Kelly
That the Chief of Police and the Director of Mobility report to this Council
on the methodology used for pedestrian and cyclist stops made by Police
Department officers.
Order
(ID # 23-0913)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.D.8.
By Councilor Scott
Urging the Mayor to fill the two vacancies on the Biosafety Committee and
restore it to a functional body.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0921)
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WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.E.
SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
6.E.1.
Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and
Maintenance, meeting on June 28, 2023.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-1138)
Councilor Gomez Mouakad reported on the actions taken by the committee.
The committee reiterated the need to expedite the planning and design of the
winter hill construction. The committee discussed the report on the building
although it was only a structural and visual inspection. There is still more
work to be done to do a more in-depth inspection. There was a conversation
regarding request for proposals and a new project manager. The committee
discussed whether the Department of Public Works needs more support to
maintain city buildings. The Committee also received an update that there is
a budget for an exterior envelope consultant to better understand building
failures.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.E.2.
By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Davis, Councilor
Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor McLaughlin,
Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor
Wilson
That the Administration expedite the planning, design and construction of
the Winter Hill Community Innovation School to ensure the re-opening of
said school as soon as possible.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0972)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.E.3.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the
Commissioner of Public Works present to this City Council, the building
failures that took place in the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and
a plan for assessing those failures.
Order
(ID # 23-0984)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.E.4.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management dedicate full time
staff and/or create new position(s) to the planning, design and construction
process for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and the Benjamin
Brown School and include this position in the FY 2024 budget.
Order
(ID # 23-0985)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
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6.E.5.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain what
Request for Proposals (RFP) will be necessary for consultant services for
planning and architectural services for any future school building
programming and planning, and expedite those RFPs.
Order
(ID # 23-0987)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.E.6.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson
That the Administration create a permanent staff position for a
Superintendent of School Buildings within the Department of Public Works
to oversee all maintenance, repairs and assessments of school buildings, and
include this position in the FY 2024 Budget.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0989)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.E.7.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson
That the Administration evaluate the need to create permanent staff
positions within the Department of Public Works for school buildings that
address the highest needs of our school buildings including, but not limited
to: mechanical systems, plumbing systems, fire alarm and electrical systems
and exterior envelope and structural systems.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0990)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.E.8.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson
That the Administration include in the FY 2024 budget, $150,000 for an
exterior envelope consultant to assess ongoing leaks in school buildings.
Resolution
(ID # 23-0991)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Requesting approval of a Sidewalk Easement and Maintenance Agreement
at 100 Chestnut Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-0779)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 and 7.3 and
refer them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.2.
Requesting the appropriation of $119,032.68 from the Parks Stabilization
Fund for additional construction services for Reavis Field at the High
School.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1156)
Director of Infrstructure & Asset Management, Rich Raiche, gave an update
on the construction of Revis Field. Director Raiche stated the city is looking
to change the crumb rubber infill material and underlying supporting pad to
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July 13, 2023
an organic infill material.
Councilor Jake Wilson spoke in support of the request to pay for the change
of infill material. Councilor Wilson stated the organic infill material will
make a drastic difference and be extremely helpful.
Councilor Lance Davis stated that he was not in support of the decision to
no longer build the field above a parking garage which would have provided
parking for City and School staff. Councilor Davis stated his although he has
opposed the construction of the field as it is currently planned with no
parking, he will support the decision to replace the crumb rubber.
President Ewen-Campen asked for an expected date of completion for the
field.
Director Raiche stated the expected date of completion for the field is
September 26 although there is an expected completion date of November
13 for the entire project which includes the surrounding area of the field.
Director Raiche also stated they are aiming to open the bike path for the
beginning of the school year on August 30 although no promises can be
made.
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 Five City Councilor
Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and
Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Four City Councilor Clingan
ABSENT:
7.3.
Requesting approval to accept and expend an additional $300,000, with no
new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
Bureau of Infectious Disease & Laboratory Sciences to the Health and
Human Services Department for COVID-19 case investigation and contact
tracing.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1127)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 and 7.3 and
refer them to the Committee on Finance.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
Renewing Billiards and Bowling License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St.
License
(ID # 23-1129)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
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- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.2.
New Drainlayer's License, GVC Construction Inc.
License
(ID # 23-1158)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.3.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Galway Excavation LLC.
License
(ID # 23-1150)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.4.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, L.V.M.J. Corporation.
License
(ID # 23-1130)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.5.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tascon Corporation.
License
(ID # 23-1131)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.6.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, W.L. French Excavating.
License
(ID # 23-1152)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.7.
New Sign/Awning License, Gong Cha, 418 Highland Ave, replacing 1
awning cover.
License
(ID # 23-1137)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
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9.8.
Withdrawn.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1154)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
9.9.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica
Music in the Park on July 14 from 5pm to 9pm (raindate July 20).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1153)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.10.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for ArtBeat: Pulse on July
15 from 8am to 11pm (raindate July 16).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1151)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.11.
Dalbir Singh applying for a Public Event License for Shabeel on July 15
from 8am to 7pm (raindate July 22).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1161)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.12.
Yessenia Lopez applying for a Public Event License for St Benedict Feast
Day on July 16 from 8am to 12:30pm.
Public Event
(ID # 23-1133)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.13.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Anbdu on July 29 from
3pm to 9:30pm (raindate July 30).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1157)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.14.
Richard Lawson applying for a Public Event License for Glendale Ave BP
on August 12 from 11am to 6:30pm (raindate August 13).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1134)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
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APPROVED
RESULT:
9.15.
Cortney Kirk applying for a Public Event License for Spring St BP on
August 13 from 11:30am to 4:30pm (raindate August 20).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1135)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.16.
Anthony Leccese applying for a Public Event License for Procession for S.S.
Comas & Damian on September 10 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm (raindate
September 17).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1136)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.17.
Megan Smith applying for a Public Event License for Adrian St/Joseph St
BP on September 16 from 12pm to 6pm (raindate September 17).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1155)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.18.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: Strike
up the Bands on September 17 from 12pm to 8pm.
Public Event
(ID # 23-1167)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.19.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for What the Fluff? on
September 23 from 12pm to 9pm (raindate September 24).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1163)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.20.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Ignite Festival on
September 30 from 2pm to 11pm (raindate October 1).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1165)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 14 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2023
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of Water and Sewer and the Director of Infrastructure and
Asset Management explain what maintenance will be required for the new
Poplar Street Pump Station and Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project, and
how these maintenance requirements will be staffed to ensure their proper
upkeep.
Order
(ID # 23-1183)
Councilor Gomez Mouakad stated the desire for a discussion to understand
what the plans are to maintain the projects especially regarding staff needs.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.2.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure
and Asset Management report on recent air conditioning failures in City Hall
and what repairs have been or will be completed to address those issues.
Order
(ID # 23-1184)
Councilor Gomez Mouakad has heard that there are issues with air
conditioning in city hall and would like some updates as to what is
occurring.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.3.
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That this Council and the Administration, resolve to support all programs to
ensure that all youth reach their full potential and to eliminate all academic
gaps between our white students and our students of color, starting at the
early stages of development.
Resolution
(ID # 23-1185)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.4.
By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Administration utilize city and community space for cooling centers
this summer for homeless community members while we await long term
warming and cooling centers.
Resolution
(ID # 23-1186)
Councilor McLaughlin stated this comes from conversations held with
residents addressing homelessness issues and there was a focus on warming
centers during the winter and now the need for identifying cooling centers
for the homeless community.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 15 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2023
10.5.
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Commissioner of Public Works appear before this Council to
discuss what actions have and can be taken to ensure that trash and recycling
barrels do not obstruct sidewalks after pick-up.
Order
(ID # 23-1187)
Councilor Burnley stated the desire to have a conversation on how to
approach this issue with the director whether that be using contractors or city
staff.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.6.
Withdrawn.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-0697)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
10.7.
Withdrawn.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1124)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
10.8.
Emma Garfinkel applying for a Public Event License for Pomi's at the Park
on July 15 from 8am to 2pm.
Public Event
(ID # 23-1182)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.9.
Noah Pestana applying for a Public Event License for OnPoint Improv on
July 23 and July 30 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (raindates July 26 and August
2).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1176)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.10.
Rob Moir applying for a Public Event License for Climate Action Table on
July 25 from 1:30pm to 5:30pm (raindate July 26).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1180)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.11.
Hannah O'Brien applying for a Public Event License for Pan Mass
Challenge X SmartBear on August 3 from 2:45pm to 5:15pm (raindate
August 8).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1179)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
Page 16 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2023
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.12.
Council on Aging applying for a Public Event License for Mayor
Ballantyne's Senior Picnic on August 8 from 8:30am to 2pm (raindate
August 9).
Public Event
(ID # 23-1181)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 - 9.20 and 10.8
- 10.12 and approve them tonight.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.13.
Aaron Kaplowitz submitting comments re: item #23-1162, a resolution
regarding the "Idaho Stop”.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1178)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
11.
LATE ITEMS
12.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 9:30 PM.
Page 17 of 17