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City Council — Agenda, Dec 14, 2023

City Council meeting, Dec 14, 2023·23 pages·📄 Original PDF (city portal)
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 Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Register at the following website to listen to this meeting live or to testify at any public hearing: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D9f_urC4STGQPD8fEqGhNA#/registration Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at [phone removed] x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES 1.1. Roll Call (ID # 23-1866) 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. Page 1 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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 Page 2 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 3 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 4 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 5 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 6 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 7 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 8 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 9 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 10 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 11 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 12 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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. Page 13 of 23
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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 Regular Meeting Agenda December 14, 2023 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