Meetings ▸ Agenda
City Council — Agenda, Jan 25, 2024
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
City Council Chamber and Remote
Participation
7:00 PM
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Published January 23, 2024, 1:00 PM, Revised January 25, 2024, 12:45 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 # 24-0113)
Call of the Roll.
1.2.
Remembrances
(ID # 24-0114)
Remembrances.
1.3.
Minutes
(ID # 24-0115)
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting,
December 14, 2023.
2.
CITATIONS
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
Order
(ID # 24-0070)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss how
inclusive playground accessibility is being considered in
future playground plans and redesign projects.
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City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
4.2.
Order
(ID # 24-0071)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning
discuss the potential for density bonus incentives, such as
$150,000 for homeowners to build affordable housing
for rent or homeownership.
4.3.
Order
(ID # 24-0072)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Health and Human Services provide
an update on the communication efforts and rollout of
the Warming Center, including the plan to inform
Armory tenants, and the plan for security and client
assistance.
4.4.
Order
(ID # 24-0075)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Office of Housing Stability appear
before the Housing and Community Development
Committee to discuss the current status of residents
facing displacement and the number of households
seeking rental assistance.
4.5.
Order
(ID # 24-0076)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic
Planning and Community Development discuss the
maintenance plan for the Armory building.
4.6.
Resolution
(ID # 24-0073)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Administration, in conjunction with the Housing
and Water and Sewer Departments, provide optional,
affordable, water utility assessments in low-income
housing units and in benevolent landlord and subsidized
landlord housing, whereby residents would pay their own
water and sewer bills.
4.7.
Resolution
(ID # 24-0074)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Administration provide an update on plans for
Universal Basic Income/Guaranteed Basic Income
implementation and roll out.
4.8.
Order
(ID # 24-0085)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with
this City Council how the sidewalk clearing pilot
program is working this winter.
4.9.
Order
(ID # 24-0088)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Director of Engineering install robust,
permanent pedestrian crossing signage at the intersection
of Vinal and Highland Avenues, given the importance of
this crosswalk for High School students and many others.
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City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
4.10.
Resolution
(ID # 24-0086)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Administration explain the issues that are
preventing Reavis Field from opening and how the
process may be expedited.
4.11.
Resolution
(ID # 24-0087)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Clingan
That the Administration discuss with this Council’s
Special Committee on School Building Facilities and
Maintenance, whether the financial comparisons of
various new school building scenarios have taken into
consideration projected costs of creating new usages at
the current Winter Hill and Brown School sites.
4.12.
Resolution
(ID # 24-0089)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
In support of an enduring ceasefire in Gaza.
4.13.
Order
(ID # 24-0090)
By Councilor Sait, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor
Wilson
That the Director of Economic Development take the
steps described within, relative to the Armory building.
4.14.
Order
(ID # 24-0091)
By Councilor Mbah
That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the
Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry report to
this Council’s Committee on Open Space, Environment
and Energy on the status of the parks and open spaces
that have been completed or are under construction and
planning as part of redevelopment projects.
4.15.
Communication
(ID # 24-0092)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
In her capacity as Chair of the Confirmation of
Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee,
conveying new guidelines for discussion, for
interviewing applicants in committee.
4.16.
Order
(ID # 24-0093)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services update the
Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with
24-28 Broadway, the former Taco Loco site, due to
repeated cleanliness and business violations within the
last two years.
4.17.
Order
(ID # 24-0094)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services update the
Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with
112 Broadway, formerly the East End Grill, for any
violations within the last ten years.
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City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
4.18.
Order
(ID # 24-0095)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services update the
Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with
176-182 Broadway, formerly Patsy's Pastries, in the last
ten years.
4.19.
Order
(ID # 24-0096)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect 112
Broadway, 176-182 Broadway, and 24-28 Broadway for
violations and report the findings to the Ward 1 City
Councilor.
4.20.
Order
(ID # 24-0097)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services address trash
and other violations by the Rent-A-Center on Broadway.
4.21.
Order
(ID # 24-0098)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Tree Warden inspect and trim the tree at 11
Melvin Street.
4.22.
Order
(ID # 24-0099)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Tree Warden trim the tree at 11 Illinois Avenue.
4.23.
Order
(ID # 24-0100)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Parking address the low-hanging
traffic sign on Washington Street, by Oliveria's
Steakhouse and the BlueBike Station, that makes it
difficult for pedestrians to pass.
4.24.
Order
(ID # 24-0101)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works inspect the
many uneven sidewalks on the north side of Broadway in
East Somerville, commonly known as the State streets.
4.25.
Order
(ID # 24-0102)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works address the
uneven sidewalk in front of 11 Illinois Avenue.
4.26.
Order
(ID # 24-0103)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Water and Sewer clean the sewer at
the intersection of Gilman and Cross Streets.
4.27.
Order
(ID # 24-0104)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works work with the
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass
DOT) to address the piles of trash under Interstate-93, by
the Stop and Shop.
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City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
4.28.
Order
(ID # 24-0105)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Engineering inspect the traffic signal
at Foley Street and Middlesex Avenue to ensure the
timing is functioning correctly.
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
6.A.1. Committee Report
(ID # 24-0077)
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January
23, 2024.
6.A.2. 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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.3. 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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.4. 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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.5. 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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.6. 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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.7. 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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
Page 5 of 11
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
6.A.8. 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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.9. 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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.11.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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.12.Mayor's Request
(ID # 23-1848)
Requesting approval to accept a $5,000 gift from the
Cummings Foundation for the Basic Income Pilot.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.13.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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.14.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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.15.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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
Page 6 of 11
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
6.A.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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.17.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.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.18.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0010)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $122,627
grant with no new match required, from Mass General
Hospital/Cambridge Health Alliance to the Health and
Human Services Department for recruitment and training
of Community Health Workers.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be withdrawn.
6.A.19.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0011)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$28.75 using available funds in the Human Resources
Department Wellness Account for an employee Weight
Watchers wellness benefit.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.20.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0012)
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the
contract with WSP, Inc. for design work on the
Somerville Avenue Utilities and Streetscape
Improvements project.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.21.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0013)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant
with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge
Elder Services to the Council on Aging for senior
transportation.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.22.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0014)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $76,867
grant with no new match required, from the
Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on
Aging for social, educational and physical wellness
programming.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.23.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0015)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,600 grant
with no new match required, from Massachusetts
Councils on Aging to the Council on Aging for the
Somerville Memory Cafe.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
Page 7 of 11
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
6.A.24.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0035)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $91,211.79
grant with no new match required, from the
Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and
Security to the Fire Department for staffing costs.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.25.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0036)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $53,200
grant with no new match required, from the Mass
Cultural Council to the Arts Council for the Local
Cultural Council grant program.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.26.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0045)
Requesting the appropriation of $260,836.34 from the
GLX Developer Contribution Fund Account for
procuring an owners project representative for the 100
Chestnut Pedestrian Bridge.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0053)
Requesting the appropriation of $1,405,962 from the
Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Community
Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust.
7.2.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0055)
Requesting the appropriation of $426,925 from the
Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the Mystic
River Watershed Association for improvements to the
Blessing of the Bay Linear Park.
7.3.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0054)
Requesting the appropriation of $35,000 from the
Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Open Space
Reserve to the Public Space & Urban Forestry Division
for design of the Kennedy Schoolyard.
7.4.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0056)
Requesting the appropriation of $25,000 from the
Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Historic
Preservation Reserve to Vida Real for a condition
assessment of the building at 404 Broadway.
7.5.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0052)
Requesting the transfer of $75,605 from the Community
Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund
Balance to the Community Housing Reserve.
7.6.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0080)
Requesting approval of an extension and amendment to
the contract with Symmes Maini and McKee Associates
for an additional three years to 2/28/2027, and a revised
amount of $978,649, for Central Hill design and
construction administration.
Page 8 of 11
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
7.7.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0038)
Requesting approval of a time-only extension until
12/31/2024 for the contract with Warner Larson
Landscape Architects, to complete additional design
services and punch list work at the Healey Schoolyard
and Athletic Field.
7.8.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0067)
Requesting approval of a time-only extension until
1/1/2026 for the contract with Beyer Blinder Belle
Architects & Planners for design services on the Building
Master Plan.
7.9.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0057)
Requesting approval of a time-only extension of three
years for the contract with Vida Real for restoration of
the bell tower at 404 Broadway.
7.10.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0084)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Austin
Brower to the Board of Elections Commissioners.
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
License
(ID # 24-0109)
New Lodging House License, Tufts University, 29
Sawyer Ave, 27 residents.
9.2.
License
(ID # 24-0108)
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 56
Professors Row.
9.3.
License
(ID # 24-0110)
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Raymy Inc, #59.
9.4.
License
(ID # 24-0111)
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Intercar, 39
Webster Ave.
9.5.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0112)
Five residents submitting comments re: proposed Zoning
Ordinance Climate & Equity Innovation Sub-Area
Overlay District.
9.6.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0068)
Julie Corwin submitting comments re: Green Line
Extension.
9.7.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0069)
Dan Seaman submitting comments re: Little Free Library
on Cedar Street.
9.8.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0082)
Peter Heald submitting comments re: facial recognition
technology.
Page 9 of 11
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
Order
(ID # 24-0106)
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and
Environment work with this Council and Green and
Open Somerville to develop a job description for an
Invasive Species position to spearhead outreach,
education, and citywide invasive plant species removal
and to allocate funding for such a position in the FY
2025 budget.
10.2.
Order
(ID # 24-0107)
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Director of Economic Development update this
Council on efforts taken to inform relevant business
owners about the newly implemented closed captioning
ordinance.
10.3.
Order
(ID # 24-0116)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the City Solicitor appear before the Committee on
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters to
discuss the scope and role of the Committee in
confirming various appointments.
10.4.
Order
(ID # 24-0117)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director
of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on leaks
at the Benjamin Brown School and any exterior envelope
damages in the past six months, and actions being taken
to address such leaks and damages including the recently
dislodged downspout.
10.5.
Order
(ID # 24-0118)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director
of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on leaks
at the Arts at the Armory Building and any exterior
envelope damages in the past six months, and actions
being taken to address such leaks and damages including
the recently dislodged downspout.
10.6.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0079)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $30,000
grant with no new match required, from MA Executive
Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the
Economic Development Division for the implementation
of a green jobs training program for nontraditional
students.
10.7.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0119)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jason
Mackey to the Human Rights Commission.
Page 10 of 11
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 25, 2024
10.8.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0120)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Martin
Polignone to the Human Rights Commission.
10.9.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0121)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Elyse
Best to the Human Rights Commission.
10.10. Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-0122)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mallory
Carroll to the Commission for Women.
10.11. License
(ID # 24-0123)
New Drainlayer's License, D'Alessandro Corp.
10.12. License
(ID # 24-0124)
New Garage License, John's Auto Sales Inc, 181
Somerville Ave, for 2 vehicles inside and 22 vehicles
outside for mechanical repairs only, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm,
Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: Closed.
10.13. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0083)
Meriwether Buruss submitting comments re: ceasefire.
10.14. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0125)
Eleven individuals, including five residents, submitting
comments re: item 24-0089 a resolution in support of an
enduring ceasefire in Gaza.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
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