Meetings ▸ Agenda
City Council — Agenda, Dec 14, 2023
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
City Council Chamber and Remote
Participation
7:00 PM
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Published December 12, 2023, 2:00 PM, Revised December 14, 2023, 2:00 PM.
NOTICE: Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of the City Council may be conducted
via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audiovideo recording, transcript, or other
comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of
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1.
OPENING CEREMONIES
1.1.
Roll Call
(ID # 23-1866)
Call of the Roll.
1.2.
Remembrances
(ID # 23-1867)
Remembrances.
1.3.
Minutes
(ID # 23-1868)
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting,
November 9, 2023.
2.
CITATIONS
2.1.
Citation
(ID # 23-1836)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
Commending outgoing Councilor Beatriz Gomez
Mouakad for her outstanding service to the people of
Somerville as Ward 5 City Councilor from 2022 to 2023.
2.2.
Citation
(ID # 23-1837)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
Commending outgoing Councilor Charlotte Kelly for her
outstanding service to the people of Somerville as City
Councilor at Large from 2022 to 2023.
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2.3.
Citation
(ID # 23-1835)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
Commending Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld for her
distinguished service as Vice President of this Council in
2023.
2.4.
Citation
(ID # 23-1834)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld
Commending Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen for his
distinguished service as President of this Council in
2023.
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1.
Grant of Location
(ID # 23-1839)
RCN Telecom applying for a Grant of Location to install
a total of 490 feet of conduit in Columbia Street as
follows: Starting from Utility Pole 362/6 located at the
intersection of Tremont Street and Columbia Street, to
three proposed manholes to a point of pickup at 495
Columbia Street. From third proposed manhole, install
45 feet of conduit to Utility Pole 76/4 located near 510
Columbia Street.
3.2.
Grant of Location
(ID # 23-1841)
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install three
new manholes and a total of 701 feet of conduit in
Columbia Street, to a point of pickup at 495 Columbia
Street and 510 Columbia Street.
3.3.
Grant of Location
(ID # 23-1842)
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 7 feet
of conduit in Cross Street, from proposed Comcast
Manhole to existing Verizon Manhole located near 17
Cross Street.
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
Communication
(ID # 23-1808)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
In his capacity as President, appointing Councilor Jake
Wilson to the Police Chief Selection Committee.
4.2.
Communication
(ID # 23-1809)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
In his capacity as President, appointing Denise Lauers
and Kevin Dickinson to the Police Chief Selection
Committee.
4.3.
Communication
(ID # 23-1860)
By Councilor Strezo
Conveying a report of the Children’s Cabinet meeting.
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.A.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1784)
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of
Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting as a
Committee of the Whole on November 30, 2023.
6.A.2. Order
(ID # 22-1844)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of Racial and Social Justice provide an
update on the Police Staffing Report.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.A.3. Officer's
Communication
(ID # 23-1734)
Director of the Department of Racial and Social Justice
conveying the Police Department Staffing and
Operations Analysis.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.B.
CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.B.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1814)
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of
Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on
December 6, 2023.
6.B.2. Order
(ID # 22-1597)
By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Kelly
That the Director of Racial and Social Justice present an
update to this Council on efforts to hire an Executive
Director for the Human Rights Commission.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.B.3. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1631)
Requesting confirmation of the reappointment of
Michael Flynn to the Board of Assessors.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.B.4. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1633)
Requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Richard
Scanlon to the Board of Assessors.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.B.5. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1763)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alexis
Washburn to the Commission on Energy Use and
Climate Change.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
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6.B.6. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1765)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Helen
Corrigan to the Commission for Persons with
Disabilities.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.B.7. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1766)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ingrid
Schneider to the Commission for Persons with
Disabilities.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.B.8. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1768)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Murshid
Buwembo to the Commission for Persons with
Disabilities.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.B.9. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1769)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sheila
Tracy to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.B.10.Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1770)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nick
Altschuller to the Commission for Persons with
Disabilities.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.B.11.Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1771)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of M.
Michael Shaps to the Commission for Persons with
Disabilities.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.C.
EQUITY, GENDER, FAMILIES AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS COMMITTEE
6.C.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1816)
Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors,
Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on
December 11, 2023.
6.C.2. Order
(ID # 22-0671)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Parks and Recreation report on
enrollment processes, communications, matriculation
data, staffing and programs offered in the past five years.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.3. Order
(ID # 22-0966)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of SomerViva provide the Committee
on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations with an update on translation services.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
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6.C.4. Order
(ID # 22-1272)
By Councilor Scott and Councilor Clingan
That the ADA Coordinator deliver a list of ADA
complaints received from members of the public in FY
2021 and FY 2022.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.5. Order
(ID # 22-1277)
By Councilor Scott and Councilor Clingan
That the ADA Coordinator provide a status on requests
for Braille transcription of materials.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.6. Order
(ID # 22-1306)
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the ADA Coordinator coordinate with the City of
Cambridge or another nearby entity that can provide
Braille translations in less than 3 to 4 weeks until the
City can procure a Brailler.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.7. Resolution
(ID # 22-1458)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Administration update this Council on the
timeline and process for identifying a permanent Teen
Center.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.8. Order
(ID # 22-1571)
By Councilor Strezo
That this Council’s Committee on Equity, Gender,
Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations hold a
public hearing to discuss the feasibility of conducting
CORI and SORI checks for Crisis Pregnancy Centers.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.9. Order
(ID # 22-2120)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Kelly
That the Director of the Office of Racial and Social
Justice, the Director of Infrastructure and Asset
Management and the Executive Director of the Office of
Strategic Planning and Community Development
document compliance with Code of Massachusetts
Regulations (CMR) 521, Sections 3.3 and 3.5.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
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6.C.10.Order
(ID # 23-0080)
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly, Councilor
Scott, Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Gomez
Mouakad
That the Director of Procurement and Contracting
Services update this Council on the status of the citywide
disparity study.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.11.Order
(ID # 23-0484)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of Parks and Recreation consider
giving enrollment priority to low-income families in
Parks and Recreation Programs, including but not limited
to pre-registration priority.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.12.Order
(ID # 23-0485)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of the SomerViva Office of Immigrant
Affairs (SOIA) provide data on the process to connect
immigrant families with legal services and the waitlist to
receive those services vs. the waitlist for follow-up from
government immigrant agencies.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.13.Order
(ID # 23-0486)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Strezo
That this City Council consider options for Committee
meetings like allowing schedule changes to the daytime
or fixing presentation times in the evenings to facilitate
flexibility for staff and Councilors who are new parents
or facing childcare challenges.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.14.Resolution
(ID # 23-1295)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Administration designate a small children's
section in City Hall between the Council Chamber and
the Subcommittee Room for parents and caregivers.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.15.Order
(ID # 23-1438)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Strezo
That the Chief of Police report on the training, education
and policies established for officers to address violence
against LGBTQ and gender non-conforming individuals.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
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6.C.16.Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 23-1557)
Conveying the FY 2023 report of SomerViva: Office of
Immigrant Affairs.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.17.Order
(ID # 23-1622)
By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr. and
Councilor Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of the Office of Racial and Social
Justice update this Council on the implementation of the
FileVine system that was procured to track Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaints.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.18.Order
(ID # 23-1623)
By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr. and
Councilor Scott
That the Director of the Office of Racial and Social
Justice update this Council on the status of the
procurement of a Braille embosser to accommodate
requests for materials in Braille.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.19.Resolution
(ID # 23-1626)
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Administration increase the $55,000 allotted to
support food access to $100,000, in accordance with its
promise to pledge $1 million for participatory budgeting.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.D.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
6.D.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1818)
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on
December 12, 2023.
6.D.2. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1641)
Requesting approval to amend the Community
Preservation Act Fund's FY 2023 grant of $425,000 to
the Somerville Hispanic Association for Community
Development, to change the scope of the building
renovations without increasing the funds.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.D.3. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1718)
Requesting the appropriation of $170,000 from the
Union Square Community Benefits Stabilization Fund,
with $100,000 for workforce development services and
$70,000 for small business technical assistance services.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
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6.D.4. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1720)
Requesting approval to accept an in-kind gift valued at
$15,000 with no new match required, from the SUGi
project to the Parks and Urban Forestry Division for
materials and professional services for the Miyawaki
forest planting.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.D.5. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1721)
Requesting the appropriation of $955,000 from the
Participatory Budgeting Stabilization Fund for the
purpose of implementing the winning projects from
Somerville's first Participatory Budgeting cycle.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be discharged
with no recommendation.
6.D.6. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1722)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $116,800
grant that requires a match, from the MA Department of
Transportation to the Mobility Division for the West
Broadway Vision Zero Implementation project.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.D.7. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1723)
Requesting approval to extend a contract with Janeth
Moreno from Moreno Law for one year, to June 30,
2024, for the provision of immigration legal services.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.D.8. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1732)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $25,000 from
various SomerStat Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to
the SomerStat Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to
fund additional temporary employee time.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.D.9. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1751)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $298,280
grant with no new match required, from the Department
of Mental Health to the Police Department for the Crisis
Intervention Team Training and Technical Assistance
Center (CITT-TAC) jail diversion program.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.D.10.Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1752)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $39,398
grant with no new match required, from the Department
of Mental Health to the Police Department for jail
diversion.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
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6.D.11.Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1753)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500
grant with no new match required, from the State 911
Department of Emergency Medical Dispatch to the
Police Department for Emergency Medical Dispatch
work with Cataldo Ambulance Service of Massachusetts.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.D.12.Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1754)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $120,420.65
grant with no new match required, from the State 911
Department to the Police Department for Emergency
Medical Dispatch training.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.D.13.Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1755)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463
grant with no new match required, from the State 911
Department to the Police Department for enhanced 911
Telecommunicator personnel costs.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.D.14.Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1756)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000
grant with no new match required, from State Opioids
Response to the Police Department for the
Post-Overdose Follow-Up with First Responders
program.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.E.
LAND USE COMMITTEE
6.E.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1815)
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint
Session with the Planning Board on December 7, 2023.
6.E.2. Zoning Ordinance
(ID # 23-0791)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Wilson
Amending the Zoning Ordinances Section 10.3,
Development Standards, and Table 10.4.1. to include
vegetated roofs.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved as
amended.
6.E.3. Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1305)
John Fragione and Agostino Feola, Trustees of Frala
Realty Trust, requesting the adoption of an amendment
to the Zoning Ordinance Map to change the zoning
district of 295-297 Medford Street and 93 Walnut Street
from Mid-Rise 3 (MR3) to Mid-Rise 5 (MR5).
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be withdrawn.
6.F.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.F.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1779)
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting
on November 28, 2023.
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6.F.2. Order
(ID # 23-0318)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Burnley Jr.,
Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Gomez
Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin,
Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor
Strezo and Councilor Wilson
That this Council draft a Home Rule Petition to authorize
Somerville to regulate against rent gouging by
establishing Rent Stabilization.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.F.3. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1694)
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition authorizing
the City of Somerville to regulate rent in residential
dwelling units.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved as
amended.
6.G.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.G.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1813)
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting
on December 5, 2023.
6.G.2. Order
(ID # 22-0036)
By Councilor Davis and Councilor McLaughlin
That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance requiring
pollution mitigation for new housing built along high
transit roads and highways.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.G.3. Order
(ID # 22-0838)
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Strezo, Councilor
Kelly and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the City Solicitor discuss this Council’s ability to
ban landlords from passing real estate agent fees onto
tenants.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.G.4. Order
(ID # 23-0461)
By Councilor Strezo
That the City Solicitor draft an Ordinance to protect
homeowners from developer and realtor mail, phone and
email harassment.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
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6.G.5. Order
(ID # 23-0622)
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the City Solicitor work with this Council to
determine the legality of requiring businesses of a certain
size to post in clearly visible spaces, Worker's Rights
Bills, which shall include the right to form a union
without retaliation and consequences for violating
workers' rights.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.H.
LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
6.H.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1819)
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits,
meeting on December 13, 2023.
6.H.2. License
(ID # 23-1735)
New Garage License, Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville
Avenue, for 5 inside, 0 outside for storing vehicles,
Mon-Sun: 7am-8pm.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.I.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
6.I.1.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-1817)
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public
Safety, meeting on December 11, 2023.
6.I.2.
Order
(ID # 22-2111)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Wilson
That the Chief of Police report to this Council, the
percentage of requested traffic details for construction
projects that have been filled by Somerville Police
Department officers, filled by non-Somerville police
officers, and unfilled, for the past three years.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.I.3.
Resolution
(ID # 23-1283)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Administration update this Council on the
progress toward providing direct homeless services to
East Somerville residents in temporary and permanent
locations within Ward 1.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.I.4.
Resolution
(ID # 23-1393)
By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Wilson
That the Administration update the City Council on the
status of body cameras for police officers.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
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6.I.5.
Order
(ID # 23-1758)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Health and Human Services provide
the Ward 1 City Councilor with monthly updates on
efforts to address homelessness in East Somerville.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.J.
PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
6.J.1.
Committee Report
(ID # 23-1811)
Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public
Works, meeting on December 4, 2023.
6.J.2.
Order
(ID # 22-0336)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Clingan and
Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Engineering and the Director of
Infrastructure and Asset Management consider
implementing a pilot program for Green Infrastructure as
a means to reduce issues of flooding in the Gilman
Square Neighborhood.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.J.3.
Order
(ID # 22-0450)
By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Kelly and
Councilor Strezo
That the Commissioner of Public Works work with the
MA Department of Transportation to address highway
safety measures along I-93 that directly abut the East
Somerville neighborhood.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.J.4.
Order
(ID # 22-1596)
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset
Management present to this Council, a plan to fix the
Somerville Media Center's roof.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.J.5.
Order
(ID # 22-1688)
By Councilor Clingan
That the Director of Engineering develop safety
protocols and notification requirements for any projects,
planned or emergency, taking place within a determined
radius of a school.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
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6.J.6.
Order
(ID # 22-1737)
By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Kelly
That the Commissioner of Public Works update the
Ward 1 City Councilor regarding plans to find a location
for excessive snow other than 90 Washington Street.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.J.7.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1762)
By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Burnley Jr. and
Councilor Scott
That the Administration update this Council on actions
taken related to the possible relocation of the Somerville
Media Center and Massachusetts Alliance for Portuguese
Speakers from the city-owned property at 90 Union
Square.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.J.8.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1763)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Administration update this Council on
developments related to the Request for Proposals for the
disposition of the property located at 90 Union Square.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.J.9.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1797)
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 make information about all
licenses and permits viewable without requiring a
CitizenServ account.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.J.10. Order
(ID # 22-2124)
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Clingan and Councilor
Scott
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset
Management and the Director of Engineering discuss
with this Council, a policy of burying utilities when a
new thoroughfare is constructed.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
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6.J.11. Order
(ID # 23-0548)
By Councilor Clingan
That this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and
Public Works discuss the Somerville Internet Access
Task Force's recommendation regarding Municipal
Broadband.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.J.12. Order
(ID # 23-1183)
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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.K.
RODENT ISSUES SPECIAL COMMITTEE
6.K.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1783)
Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues,
meeting on November 30, 2023.
6.K.2. Order
(ID # 23-0890)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the
narrow alleyway near the Edgerly School for rodent
activity and take appropriate measures.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.K.3. Order
(ID # 23-1724)
By Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor
McLaughlin and Councilor Clingan
That the Director of Inspectional Services update this
Council on the progress of rodent mitigation.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.K.4. Order
(ID # 23-1761)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services address the
rodent holes around the East Branch Library.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.L.
SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
6.L.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1782)
Report of the Special Committee on School Building
Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on November 29,
2023.
Page 14 of 23
City Council
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6.L.2. Order
(ID # 23-1000)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Communications and Community
Engagement create a regularly updated public-facing
website dedicated to the Winter Hill Community
Innovation School plan, with links to publicly filed
documents.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.L.3. Resolution
(ID # 23-1511)
By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Clingan
That the Administration provide an update on the
Edgerly building kitchen equipment, and discuss the plan
to serve the Winter Hill Community Innovation School
youth and future city programs.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.L.4. Order
(ID # 23-1619)
By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Clingan
That the Director of Parks and Recreation provide an
outdoor storage box at the Edgerly School for additional
equipment.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.L.5. Order
(ID # 23-1739)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset
Management provide a list of schools that do not have
solar panels, and a plan including potential grant and
funding sources to install solar panels in those buildings
following any roof repairs and replacements.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.M.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE
6.M.1. Committee Report
(ID # 23-1778)
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting
on November 27, 2023.
6.M.2. Order
(ID # 22-1599)
By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Kelly
That the Director of Mobility provide documentation of
the current process for determining the locations of
traffic calming measures, and communicate this
information to the public via the website.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
Page 15 of 23
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2023
6.M.3. Order
(ID # 22-1600)
By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Davis
That the Director of Engineering provide documentation
of the current process for determining the street selection
for Fall and partial repaving, and communicate this
information via the website.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.M.4. Order
(ID # 23-0097)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Wilson
That the Mobility Department consider adding speed
humps or other traffic calming measures to Packard
Avenue.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.M.5. Order
(ID # 23-0215)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Mobility consider adding speed
humps to Clarendon Avenue to slow down cut-through
traffic from Broadway to Massachusetts Avenue.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.M.6. Order
(ID # 23-0240)
By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Wilson and
Councilor Scott
That the Director of Mobility prioritize the intersection
of Broadway, Lombardi Way and Mt. Vernon Street for
traffic calming measures.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.M.7. Order
(ID # 23-0902)
By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Pineda
Neufeld
That the Director of Mobility, Director of Engineering,
Director of Parking, and Commissioner of Public Works
establish criteria and guidelines for Council orders to be
submitted for traffic calming and mobility related issues
and items that should be submitted to 311 to ensure the
City Council is addressing larger mobility strategic
planning issues.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
Page 16 of 23
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2023
6.M.8. Order
(ID # 23-1281)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Scott, Councilor
Strezo, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Burnley Jr. and
Councilor Kelly
That the Director of Mobility design traffic calming
infrastructure for Laurel Street, which sees large volumes
of high speed, one-way traffic down a steep hill.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.M.9. Order
(ID # 23-1361)
By Councilor Clingan
That the Director of Engineering place speed humps on
School Street, between Broadway and Medford Street.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.M.10
.
Order
(ID # 23-1509)
By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Director of Engineering consider installing
speed humps and additional traffic calming measures to
address excessive speed and cut-through traffic on
Warren Avenue.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.M.11
.
Order
(ID # 23-1665)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Burnley Jr. and
Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Engineering relocate the western
curb cut where the Community Path crosses School
Street so it simply goes straight.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1076)
Withdrawn.
7.2.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1144)
Withdrawn.
7.3.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1145)
Withdrawn.
7.4.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1863)
Requesting that this Council convene in Executive
Session to receive an update on the status of collective
bargaining negotiations with all municipal bargaining
units.
Page 17 of 23
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2023
7.5.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1849)
Requesting authorization to borrow $1,500,000 in a
bond, and to appropriate the same amount, for a pocket
park on the 217 Somerville Avenue site.
7.6.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1858)
Requesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the
Emergency Response Stabilization Fund for temporary
shelter, food, and other common necessities for displaced
individuals and families.
7.7.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1832)
Requesting an appropriation of $13,620 from the
Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Parks and
Recreation Professional & Technical Services account, to
pay prior year invoices for the Learn to Skate Youth
Program.
7.8.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1859)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $35,000 from the
Mayor's Office Personal Services Salaries Account to the
Mayor's Office Special Events Account for official
events.
7.9.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1850)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $500,000
grant that requires a match, from the MA Office of
Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Public Space
and Urban Forestry Division for a pocket park on the 217
Somerville Avenue site.
7.10.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1846)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $135,000
grant with no new match required, from the Executive
Office of Administration and Finance for the
implementation of a records management system.
7.11.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1776)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $37,500
grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas
Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for
maritime related training and equipment.
7.12.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1777)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $15,000
grant with no new match required, from New England
Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) to the Arts Council for
training and funding for a public art project.
7.13.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1848)
Requesting approval to accept a $5,000 gift from the
Cummings Foundation for the Basic Income Pilot.
7.14.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1847)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$16,041.33 using available funds in the Department of
Infrastructure & Asset Management Professional &
Technical Services Account for the Asset Management
Program.
Page 18 of 23
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2023
7.15.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1803)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$13,190.05 using available funds in the Department of
Public Works Moving Services Account for moving of
furniture and equipment.
7.16.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1757)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$2,833.59 using available funds in the Human Resources
Department Professional & Technical Services Account
for investigative services.
7.17.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1772)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$1,175.32 using available funds in the Parks and
Recreation Professional & Technical Services Account
for online payment services.
7.18.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1797)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of John
Tivinis to the position of Police Officer.
7.19.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1798)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brian
Clancy to the position of Police Officer.
7.20.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1799)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Igor
Bitencourt to the position of Police Officer.
7.21.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1801)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Guylerna
Pierre to the position of Police Officer.
7.22.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1802)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Matthew
Lorizio to the position of Police Officer.
7.23.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 23-1861)
Conveying the appointment of Lori Segall to the Police
Chief Selection Committee.
7.24.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 23-1862)
Conveying the appointment of Paula Magnelli to the
Police Chief Selection Committee.
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
License
(ID # 23-1838)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Mary
Battinelli as Constable.
9.2.
License
(ID # 23-1788)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Alan
Bishop as Constable.
9.3.
License
(ID # 23-1787)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Darcy
Haynes as Constable.
Page 19 of 23
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2023
9.4.
License
(ID # 23-1851)
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill
Properties, 126 Packard Ave.
9.5.
License
(ID # 23-1853)
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill
Properties, 14 Sawyer Ave.
9.6.
License
(ID # 23-1796)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, 28
Motorsports Inc, 486R Columbia St.
9.7.
License
(ID # 23-1789)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Automotive
Transport Service, 40 Joy St.
9.8.
License
(ID # 23-1800)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Barnes and
Walsh Company, 224 Somerville Ave.
9.9.
License
(ID # 23-1845)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Broadway
Auto Sales, 525 Broadway.
9.10.
License
(ID # 23-1792)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 1, Mercedes
Benz of Boston, 259 McGrath Hwy.
9.11.
License
(ID # 23-1790)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 1, Mercedes
Benz of Boston Commercial Vans, 161 Linwood St.
9.12.
License
(ID # 23-1793)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 3, Nissenbaum
Auto Parts, 480 Columbia St.
9.13.
License
(ID # 23-1794)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 3, Nissenbaum
Auto Parts, 0 Windsor St.
9.14.
License
(ID # 23-1791)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 1, Smart
Center Boston, 257 McGrath Hwy.
9.15.
License
(ID # 23-1795)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Union Gulf
Service, 231 Washington St.
9.16.
License
(ID # 23-1865)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Valente
Enterprise, 154 Glen St.
9.17.
License
(ID # 23-1854)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Web Motor
Sales, 5 Middlesex Ave.
9.18.
Public Event
(ID # 23-1843)
BA Events Promotions applying for a Public Event
License for Jingle Bell 5K on December 17 from 6am to
1:30pm.
9.19.
Public Event
(ID # 23-1844)
Janine Fay applying for a Public Event License for
Dancing in the Dark on December 21 from 3:30pm to
7:30pm.
Page 20 of 23
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2023
9.20.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1810)
234 Pearl Street Realty Trust and Goodpitch, LLC
requesting the adoption of an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance Map to change the zoning district of 234 and
236 Pearl Street from Mid-Rise 4 (MR4) to Mid-Rise 6
(MR6).
9.21.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1827)
13 registered voters requesting a Zoning Map
Amendment to change the zoning district of 8 Park
Street, 10 Park Street, 504 Somerville Avenue, and 7-9
Properzi Way from Mid-Rise 4 (MR4) to Climate &
Equity Innovation Sub-Area Overlay District, and 15-27
Properzi Way, 29 Properzi Way, 26-32 Park Street, 8-14
Tyler Street, 40 Park Street, 15 Dane Street, 7-9 Tyler
Street, 460 Somerville Avenue, 444 Somerville Avenue,
440 Somerville Avenue, 30 Dane Street, and 24-28 Dane
Street from Fabrication (FAB) to Climate & Equity
Innovation Sub-Area Overlay District.
9.22.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1830)
15 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text
Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinances to add
Section 8.4.19, Climate & Equity Innovation Sub-Area
Overlay District.
9.23.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1775)
Mike Epstein and Beth Pisarik submitting comments re:
166 Boston Ave.
9.24.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1807)
Malte Hoffmann submitting comments re: sidewalk at
Broadway and Boston Ave.
9.25.
Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1833)
Michael Goodnow and Amy Pollard submitting
comments re: item #23-1694, a Home Rule Petition
authorizing regulation of rent in residential dwelling
units.
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1719)
Withdrawn.
10.2.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1764)
Withdrawn.
10.3.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1806)
Withdrawn.
10.4.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1804)
Withdrawn.
Page 21 of 23
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2023
10.5.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1805)
Withdrawn.
10.6.
Withdrawn
(ID # 23-1855)
Withdrawn.
10.7.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1864)
Requesting approval of a grant of easement and
maintenance agreement for US Union Square D2.1
Owner LLC for 10 Prospect Street and Somerville
Avenue.
10.8.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1872)
Requesting the appropriation of $185,774 from the
Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the DPW - School
Custodians Other Lump Sum Payments Account to fund
the retrospective portion of a collective bargaining
settlement with the Firemen and Oilers, Local 3, Service
Employees International Union.
10.9.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1873)
Requesting the appropriation of $65,211 from the Salary
Contingency Account to various DPW - School
Custodians Accounts to fund a collective bargaining
settlement with the Firemen and Oilers, Local 3, Service
Employees International Union.
10.10. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1828)
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of
eight months with Symmes Maini & McKee Associates,
Inc. for design services for the Somerville High School
project.
10.11. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1829)
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of
eight months for PMA, LLC for Owner's Project
Manager services for the Somerville High School
project.
10.12. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1852)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a
$75,000 grant with no new match required, from the
Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the
Police Department for Special Response Team
expenditures and overtime.
10.13. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1840)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a
$48,529.99 grant with no new match required, from the
Boston's Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to
the Police Department for installation of access controls,
card entry access, and indoor fencing.
Page 22 of 23
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2023
10.14. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1857)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a
$42,000 grant with no new match required, from the
Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the
Police Department for partial payment of the police
storage structure.
10.15. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1856)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a
$35,300 grant with no new match required, from the
Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the
Police Department for partial payment of the police
storage structure.
10.16. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1876)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$1632.31 using available funds in the Department of
Public Works Roofing R&M Account for roof repairs.
10.17. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1875)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$420 using available funds in the Department of Public
Works Fire Alarm R&M Account for alarm monitoring.
10.18. Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1877)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$325 using available funds in the Department of Public
Works Towing Account for towing services.
10.19. Public Event
(ID # 23-1874)
Office of Strategic Planning and Community
Development applying for a Public Event License for
Flag Raising at Prospect Hill on January 1 from 8am to
1:30pm.
10.20. Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1869)
24 residents submitting comments re: proposed Zoning
Ordinance Climate & Equity Innovation Sub-Area
Overlay District.
10.21. Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1870)
Amine Yakine and Perri Sheinbaum submitting
comments re: item #23-1694, a Home Rule Petition
authorizing the City of Somerville to regulate rent in
residential dwelling units.
10.22. Public
Communication
(ID # 23-1871)
Heidi Meyer submitting comments re: rent stabilization
and green roofs.
11.
LATE ITEMS
12.
ADJOURNMENT
Page 23 of 23