City Council — Agenda, Apr 11, 2024

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Regular Meeting Agenda City Council Chamber and Remote Participation 7:00 PM Thursday, April 11, 2024 Published April 9, 2024, 12:15 PM, Revised April 11, 2024 1:00 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_vIa7Aay5RouQ_odj-ldXZA 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 # 24-0499) Call of the Roll. 1.2. Remembrances (ID # 24-0500) Remembrances. 1.3. Minutes (ID # 24-0501) Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 14, 2024. 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location (ID # 24-0503) Verizon applying for a Grant of Location to install 216 feet of conduit in Broadway, from existing Verizon Manhole 44/74A located at the intersection of Broadway and Cross Street East to existing Extenet handhole located in front of 161 Broadway. Page 1 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 3.2. Grant of Location (ID # 24-0504) Cambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install a new handhole and a total of 188 feet of conduit in Mystic and Middlesex Avenue as follows: Starting from Manhole 23803 located on Mystic Avenue to a proposed handhole; from proposed handhole, to existing Utility Pole 213/4 located near 60 Middlesex Avenue. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order (ID # 24-0477) By Councilor Strezo That the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations conduct a Committee of the Whole Public Hearing to hear how the increases in water and sewer rates are affecting Somerville residents, and be it further Ordered that all relevant city departments be in attendance. 4.2. Order (ID # 24-0491) By Councilor Strezo That item #24-0417 be discharged from the Committee on Housing and Community Development and sent to the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety. 4.3. Resolution (ID # 24-0478) By Councilor Strezo That the Administration convene the appropriate departments to discuss the monitoring efforts of the wild turkey population within Somerville and the surrounding regions. 4.4. Resolution (ID # 24-0496) By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Strezo Declaring April 6-12 as the Week of the Young Child. 4.5. Resolution (ID # 24-0497) By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Burnley Jr. Declaring the month of April, 2024, as Fair Housing Month. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. Mayor's Communication (ID # 24-0455) Conveying an update on Police and Fire hiring. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report (ID # 24-0480) Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on April 3, 2024. Page 2 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 6.A.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0016) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Anandavalli Thiagarajan to the Public Library Board of Trustees. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation. 6.A.3. Officer's Communication (ID # 24-0190) City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Natasha Frazier to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0215) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Kenneth Silva to the position of Fire Deputy Chief. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0357) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Derek Doane to the position of Firefighter. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0358) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jack Haigis to the position of Firefighter. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0362) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of John Tivinis to the position of Firefighter. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0364) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nicholas Cantone to the position of Firefighter. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.9. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0365) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of William Deeks to the position of Firefighter. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.10.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0393) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sergio Rodriguez to the position of Firefighter. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report (ID # 24-0481) Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 9, 2024. 6.B.2. 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 3 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 6.B.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0081) Requesting approval of the discontinuance of Palmer Avenue. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0193) Requesting approval of a time-only extension to 4/30/2025 for the contract with ADS LLC for flow metering services. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.5. Communication (ID # 24-0202) By Councilor Mbah Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.6. Resolution (ID # 24-0204) By Councilor Clingan That the Administration fund the creation of an entire unit within the Department of Public Works tasked with battling the city's growing rodent infestation. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.7. Resolution (ID # 24-0211) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Administration include in the FY 2025 budget, additional funding for rodent mitigation efforts, including an Office of Rodent Prevention similar to the one proposed in Boston, with appropriate staffing. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.8. Resolution (ID # 24-0212) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Administration include in the FY 2025 budget, funding for a home air filtration pilot program to address air pollution along Interstate 93. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.9. Communication (ID # 24-0214) By Councilor Wilson Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.10.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0245) Requesting approval to appropriate $450,000 from the Traffic Safety Stabilization fund for engineering and streetscape reconstruction work in the Western Washington Street area. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 4 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 6.B.11.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0274) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,873,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development Housing Division for replacing windows in the Mystic River and Mystic View housing developments. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.12.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0276) Requesting the appropriation of $10,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Somerville Museum for preservation of assets in the museum's collections. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.13.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0280) Requesting approval of a time-only extension to 6/30/2025 for the contract with Classic Site Solutions, to complete approved additional design services for the Healey schoolyard, soccer field and path. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.14.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0319) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $375,224 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for renovation and construction of Henry Hansen Park. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.15.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0320) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $131,920 grant from the Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to the Office of Sustainability and Environment to partially fund the Argenziano LED conversion project. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.16.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0323) Requesting approval to enter into a contract with outside legal counsel for the appeal of the Superior Court judgment against the Somerville Redevelopment Authority in the matter of the 90 Washington Street property at Cobble Hill. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation. Page 5 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 6.B.17.Resolution (ID # 24-0326) By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Wilson That the Administration provide a written update to this Council on the status of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending to date. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.18.Communication (ID # 24-0327) By Councilor Ewen-Campen Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.19.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0332) Requesting approval of a transfer of $8,050 from the Police Department Personal Services Overtime Account to the Police Department Special Items Grant Match Account to fund the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative Shannon Grant match. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be not approved. 6.B.20.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0333) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,150 grant that requires a match, from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence prevention.. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be not approved. 6.B.21.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0334) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $79,500 grant with no new match required, from SFY2024 Massachusetts Municipal Public Safety Staffing Program to the Police Department for overtime to provide adequate shift coverage. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.22.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0335) Requesting approval to appropriate $2,300,000 from the Open Space and Acquisition Stabilization Fund to purchase the parcel at 508-512 Columbia Street. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.23.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0336) Requesting approval to appropriate $2,300,000 from the Parks Stabilization Fund to purchase the parcel located at 508-512 Columbia Street. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.24.Communication (ID # 24-0340) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.25.Communication (ID # 24-0342) By Councilor Strezo Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. Page 6 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 6.B.26.Order (ID # 24-0369) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Director update this Council on plans to allocate funds to implement a medical debt cancellation program. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.27.Communication (ID # 24-0377) By Councilor Burnley Jr. Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.28.Communication (ID # 24-0378) By Councilor Davis Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.29.Communication (ID # 24-0390) By Councilor Sait Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.B.30.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0414) 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.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report (ID # 24-0479) Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 2, 2024. 6.C.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0324) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2-371, 11-125, and 11-164 the Code of Ordinances to reflect current operations of the water and sewer department, and provide time and flexibility for financial planning and development of rate forecast models. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved as amended. 6.C.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0331) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 11-1, 11-3, 11-4, Article V, 11-121, 11-124, 11-125, 11-126, 11-176, 11-182, and 11-183 of the Code of Ordinances to reflect current department name, titles, and operations of the water and sewer department. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. Page 7 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0476) Requesting authorization to borrow $7,310,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the FY 2024 Water Main Rehabilitation program as part of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority's Local Water System Assistance Program. 7.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0495) Requesting authorization to borrow $1,800,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the annual recurring FY 2024 Sewer System Evaluation & Infiltration/Inflow Assessment. 7.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0412) Requesting approval to appropriate $302,720 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to use as a Green Communities grant match to fund energy improvements for 42 Cross Street. 7.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0492) Requesting approval of a transfer of $42,500 from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Housing Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Public Space and Urban Forestry Personal Services Account to cover a projected year-end salary deficit. 7.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0490) Requesting approval to enter into an 84- and 89-month contract renewal term with Big Belly for existing equipment and deliverables, and enter into a new 96-month contract term with Big Belly for new units. 7.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0485) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $108,373.07 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Natural Gas Account for natural gas expenses. 7.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0487) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,780 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Rental Buildings Account for the lease of conduit to carry Fire Alarm equipment. 7.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0489) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $493.08 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Motor Parts and Accessories Account for vehicle repair parts. 7.9. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0486) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $307.97 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Admin Postage Machine Rental Account for postage machine lease expenses. Page 8 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 7.10. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0488) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $224.67 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Bituminous Supplies Account for the purchase of asphalt. 7.11. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0474) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Charles D. Richardson to the position of Fire Captain. 7.12. Mayor's Communication (ID # 24-0502) Proclaiming that the City of Somerville recognizes the week of April 14-20, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's Communication (ID # 24-0475) Retirement Board notifying this City Council of a vote at the May 23, 2024 meeting regarding a 2024 Cost of Living Adjustment for eligible retirees. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License (ID # 24-0505) Renewing Billiards and Bowling License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St. 9.2. License (ID # 24-0506) Renewing Drainlayer's License, J. Derenzo Co. 9.3. License (ID # 24-0507) Renewing Drainlayer's License, Jason Anthony Corp. 9.4. License (ID # 24-0508) Renewing Drainlayer's License, Riccio Excavation. 9.5. License (ID # 24-0509) Renewing Drainlayer's License, Spencer Contracting. 9.6. License (ID # 24-0510) Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tri Construction Co., Inc. 9.7. License (ID # 24-0511) Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Domino, 201 Elm St. 9.8. License (ID # 24-0513) Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dumpling Garden, 273 Broadway. 9.9. License (ID # 24-0512) Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Lemon Thai Cuisine, 215 Highland Ave. 9.10. License (ID # 24-0532) Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, McDonalds, 14 McGrath Hwy. Page 9 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 9.11. License (ID # 24-0514) Renewing Garage License, Aris Auto Inc, 3 Craigie St. 9.12. License (ID # 24-0515) Renewing Garage License, Mass Inspection, 712 Mystic Ave. 9.13. License (ID # 24-0516) Renewing Garage License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 Washington St. 9.14. License (ID # 24-0517) Renewing Livery License, Boston Novelty Limo LLC, 333 Broadway. 9.15. License (ID # 24-0518) Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Kay Jewelers Outlet #2962, 360 Artisan Way. 9.16. License (ID # 24-0519) Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Country Club Transportation Inc, Med. #5 7 8 10 11 12 13 46. 9.17. License (ID # 24-0520) Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Lochmere Taxi Inc, Med. #22 24 25 26 91. 9.18. License (ID # 24-0521) Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Green and Yellow Tnc of Somerville, Med. #27 36 37 38 53 54 67 68. 9.19. License (ID # 24-0522) Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Mount Pleasant Taxi Inc, Med. #30 39 40 41 42 43. 9.20. License (ID # 24-0523) Renewing Taxi Medallion License, God's Blessing Cab Inc, Med. #60. 9.21. License (ID # 24-0524) Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Charlie's Family LLC, Med. #80. 9.22. License (ID # 24-0525) Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Honey Cab Inc, Med. #82. 9.23. License (ID # 24-0528) Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 295 Broadway. 9.24. License (ID # 24-0526) Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 1 Davis Sq. 9.25. License (ID # 24-0527) Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 22-26 Union Sq. 9.26. Public Event (ID # 24-0529) Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Earth Day: Pollinators, Plantings, and Possibilities on April 20 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate April 21). Page 10 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 9.27. Public Event (ID # 24-0530) Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Civic Day on April 27 from 10am to 5pm. 9.28. Public Event (ID # 24-0531) Brian Tamm applying for a Public Event License for Independent Film Festival on May 1-6 from 10am to 12am. 9.29. Public Communication (ID # 24-0493) Chris Dwan submitting comments re: Urban Forestry Committee recommendations. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Order (ID # 24-0534) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a report to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee with a risk assessment identifying and analyzing major risks to projects the department is currently overseeing. 10.2. Order (ID # 24-0535) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Administration discuss with the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee, the status of science lab spaces at Somerville Public Schools and what is being done to safely reopen any closed lab features following a gas leak reported at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. 10.3. Order (ID # 24-0536) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee, the installation of a floor cover for the gymnasium at Somerville High School to prevent damage to the floor and to expand the gym’s usability to non-athletic events. 10.4. Order (ID # 24-0537) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Commissioner of Public Works report to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee on the timeline and progress toward installing water and electrical access at the Benjamin G. Brown School schoolyard. 10.5. Ordinance (ID # 24-0543) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That Section 9-35 of the Code of Ordinances be amended to fulfill quorum requirements for the Wage Theft Advisory Committee. Page 11 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 10.6. Order (ID # 24-0544) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Director of Parking update this Council on the timeline for citywide rollout of Safety Sticks, including which areas will be prioritized for enforcement. 10.7. Resolution (ID # 24-0545) By Councilor Burnley Jr. In Support of Surveillance Procurement Transparency. 10.8. Communication (ID # 24-0546) By Councilor McLaughlin Conveying an outline of the history of Civil Service hires in Somerville. 10.9. Officer's Communication (ID # 24-0538) City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session to discuss item #24-0323, Mayor requesting approval to enter into a contract with outside legal counsel for the appeal of the Superior Court judgment against the Somerville Redevelopment Authority in the matter of the 90 Washington Street property at Cobble Hill. 10.10. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0533) Requesting the adoption of an Order of Taking for the acquisition of the parcels located at 508-512 Columbia Street for the creation of a new park and open space. 10.11. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0540) Requesting approval of a pedestrian access easement on Charlestown Place, approval of a grant of easements over certain alleys located in the D2.2 parcel, and approval of a grant of license from the City to Union Square RELP. 10.12. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0541) Requesting approval of the Conveyance and Easement for Parcel D2.2 (Union Square) Civic Space Lot 2A. 10.13. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0542) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Hendrix to the Urban Forestry Committee. 10.14. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-0547) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kay Mammo to the Fair Housing Commission. 10.15. License (ID # 24-0549) New Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood St, 0 vehicles inside, 25 vehicles outside for mechanical repairs, auto body work, and spray painting, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat:; 8am-2pm, Sun: closed. 10.16. Public Event (ID # 24-0548) Groundwork Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Earth Day: Pollinators, Planting, and Possibilities on April 20 from 9am to 2pm. Page 12 of 13

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 11, 2024 10.17. Public Communication (ID # 24-0539) Nolan Carrier submitting comments re: item #24-0455, an update on Police and Fire hiring. 11. ADJOURNMENT Page 13 of 13