City Council — Agenda, Oct 10, 2024

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Regular Meeting Agenda City Council Chamber and Remote Participation 7:00 PM Thursday, October 10, 2024 Published October 8, 2024, 1:30 PM, Revised Published October 10, 2024 11:30 AM. 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_aeHSgJ2VQKSOON0gYLumZw 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 # 24-1474) Call of the Roll. 1.2. Remembrances (ID # 24-1475) Remembrances. 1.3. Minutes (ID # 24-1476) Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 12, 2024. 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location (ID # 24-1435) Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 34 feet of conduit in Foley Street, from an existing communications manhole to a point of pickup near 350 Assembly Row. 3.2. Grant of Location (ID # 24-1436) Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from Manhole 20647 to a point of pickup at 453 Somerville Avenue. Page 1 of 9

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda October 10, 2024 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order (ID # 24-1464) By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Sait That the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility install ALL-WAY STOP signs and safety measures at the Cedar Street intersection with the Community Path. 4.2. Resolution (ID # 24-1463) By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Wilson That city departments ensure timely communication and coordination for field line painting. 4.3. Order (ID # 24-1465) By Councilor Sait That the Director of Mobility install a raised crosswalk at the intersection of Cedar Street and the Community Path. 4.4. Order (ID # 24-1466) By Councilor Sait That the Director of Mobility explore ways to make the intersection of Gilman and Aldrich Streets safer, including adding clear signage and painting. 4.5. Resolution (ID # 24-1467) By Councilor Sait In support of Ballot Question 2. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1375) Requesting approval of an Open Space Access Easement at 5 Middlesex Avenue and Harold Cohen Way. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report (ID # 24-1469) Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 2, 2024. 6.A.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1170) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Shumeane Benford to the position of Chief of Police. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1226) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Courtney Brunson to the Somerville Redevelopment Authority. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1232) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lynn Richards to the Planning Board. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 2 of 9

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda October 10, 2024 6.B. OPEN SPACE, ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report (ID # 24-1470) Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on October 3, 2024. 6.B.2. Order (ID # 24-0042) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Davis and Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment provide this Council with any updated plans and timelines for a municipal composting program. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.3. Order (ID # 24-1198) By Councilor Mbah That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment discuss with this Council the next steps for implementing the Climate Forward Plan. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.C. RODENT ISSUES SPECIAL COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report (ID # 24-1468) Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on September 30, 2024. 6.C.2. Order (ID # 24-0203) By Councilor Clingan That the Environmental Health Coordinator discuss the current contract with the pest control company that administers the city's rat abatement program. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.C.3. Order (ID # 24-1035) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the area at the intersection of Broadway and Glen Street for rodent activity. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 3 of 9

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda October 10, 2024 6.C.4. Order (ID # 24-1275) By Councilor Clingan, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Mbah and Councilor Sait That the City Solicitor review Ordinance 11-038 (Rodent Control) and provide opinions for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues on 1. whether city inspectors may enter onto private property; 2. how much time must elapse subsequent to the issuance of a citation for the city to “cause the work to be performed and charge the owner of the property and place a lien against the property for expenses incurred"; and 3. the minimum amount of time that may be imposed pursuant to 11-038 (e). RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.C.5. Order (ID # 24-1277) By Councilor Clingan, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Mbah and Councilor Sait That the Environmental Health Manager prepare a written report for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues, on the number of Residential Rodent Control Assistance Program requests submitted from January 1, 2024 to date, including the average waiting time for inspections and bait station installation and a plan of action to expedite the process. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1457) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 6-97 of the Code of Ordinances to change the effective date for the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance. 7.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1447) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 3.2.6 Building Types of the Zoning Ordinance to allow the building types permitted in the Neighborhood Residence (NR) zoning district to also be permitted in the Urban Residence (UR) zoning district. 7.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1448) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1 and 11.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to improve the regulation of bicycle parking. 7.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1460) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2, 4-6, 8, and 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise the regulations for laboratory uses and buildings. Page 4 of 9

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda October 10, 2024 7.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1461) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2, 3-6, and 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise the regulations for arts and creative enterprise, office, and residential uses. 7.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1458) Requesting that this Council rescind item #23-0977, an appropriation of $1,300,000, from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a Feasibility Study. 7.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1459) Requesting approval to appropriate $1,300,000 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a feasibility study to renovate or construct a new building to serve the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and that such new construction may also accommodate the enrollment needs of the Benjamin G. Brown School. 7.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1334) Requesting approval to create the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the fund of $262,000 from the Union Square RELP Master Developer LLC to satisfy special permit conditions. 7.9. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1335) Requesting approval to appropriate $262,000 from the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund to implement the conditions of Planning Board case PB 2019-04. 7.10. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1430) Requesting the appropriation of $542,675 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Open Space Reserve Fund for the development of the ArtFarm park improvement project. 7.11. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1431) Requesting the transfer of $174,776 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve. 7.12. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1374) Requesting the approval of a time-only contract extension for three years with a new expiration date of 9/1/2027, for the Somerville Hispanic Association for community development for restoration of 59 Cross Street. 7.13. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1434) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $310,100 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for resilience hubs. Page 5 of 9

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda October 10, 2024 7.14. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1377) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $250,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Department of Transportation to the Mobility Division for an East Somerville soundwall feasibility study. 7.15. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1410) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $33,940.50 grant from Metro North Regional Employment Board to the Health and Human Services Department for the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program. 7.16. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1445) Requesting approval to accept a donation of equipment valued at $15,000 with no new match required, from the City of Boston Department of Emergency Management to the Department of Public Works for two trailers. 7.17. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1443) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $48,930.22 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering. 7.18. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1429) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $24,802.06 using available funds in the Information Technology Cellular & Paging Services and Leased - Photocopier Equipment Accounts for cellular and copier services. 7.19. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1444) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $60 using available funds in the Department of Public Works License Reimbursement Account for employee reimbursement for hoisting licensing. 7.20. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1417) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $45.97 using available funds in the City Clerk Maintenance Contract Account for printer/copier service. 7.21. Withdrawn (ID # 24-1372) Withdrawn. 7.22. Withdrawn (ID # 24-1376) Withdrawn. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's Communication (ID # 24-1433) City Solicitor responding to item #24-1275, an Order that the City Solicitor review and provide opinions regarding Ordinance 11-038 (Rodent Control) . 8.2. Officer's Communication (ID # 24-1455) SomerStat Director conveying an update on the Happiness Survey. Page 6 of 9

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda October 10, 2024 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License (ID # 24-1437) Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street. 9.2. License (ID # 24-1438) Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 3 License, Ed's Used Auto Parts, 516 Columbia Street. 9.3. License (ID # 24-1456) Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Mystic Auto Sales, 712 Mystic Avenue. 9.4. Public Event (ID # 24-1450) Republic Fitness applying for a Public Event License for Republic Fitness Saturday Morning Outdoor Yoga Class on October 12, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, and November 23 from 9am to 11:30am. 9.5. Public Event (ID # 24-1451) David Margolin applying for a Public Event License for Highland Road BP 2024 on October 13 from 3pm to 7:30pm (raindate October 20). 9.6. Public Event (ID # 24-1462) Alexandra Feldman applying for a Public Event License for School Street BP on October 19 from 11am to 6pm (raindate October 26). 9.7. Public Event (ID # 24-1452) Garlic Enthusiasts MetroWest applying for a Public Event License for Poly Pumpkin Spice Meetup on October 19 from 12:30pm to 5pm (raindate October 26). 9.8. Public Event (ID # 24-1439) Daniel Wong applying for a Public Event License for Oak Street BP on October 19 from 1:30pm to 7pm (raindate October 20). 9.9. Public Event (ID # 24-1440) Emily Hardt applying for a Public Event License for Endicott Avenue & Neighborhood BP on October 20 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate October 27). 9.10. Public Event (ID # 24-1441) Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Truck O' Treat on October 24 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate October 31). 9.11. Public Event (ID # 24-1453) Kelsey Coffin applying for a Public Event License for Partridge Ave Halloween Party on October 27 from 4pm to 10pm (raindate October 31). 9.12. Public Event (ID # 24-1442) Danielle Angelillo applying for a Public Event License for Halloween BP on October 31 from 3pm to 9pm. Page 7 of 9

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda October 10, 2024 9.13. Public Event (ID # 24-1454) Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Free Clothing Store on November 16 from 8am to 4pm (raindate November 17). 9.14. Public Communication (ID # 24-1449) Harris Berenholz submitting comments re: ceasefire. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Resolution (ID # 24-1479) By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Ewen-Campen In support of safety and transparency on public transit. 10.2. Resolution (ID # 24-1480) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Administration explore opportunities to utilize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Catalyst Fund to spur new housing acquisition or production, particularly in the Winter Hill, Gilman Square, and East Somerville neighborhoods. 10.3. Order (ID # 24-1481) By Councilor Clingan That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the streetlights along Mystic Avenue between the Medford line and Temple Street. 10.4. Order (ID # 24-1482) By Councilor Clingan That the Director of Mobility install STOP signs making the intersections of Temple Street and the following streets 4-way stops: Bailey Road, Governor Winthrop Road, Puritan Avenue, Putnam Street, and Ten Hills Road. 10.5. Order (ID # 24-1483) By Councilor Clingan That the Director of Mobility install a flashing STOP sign on Puritan Avenue at its intersection with Temple Street. 10.6. Order (ID # 24-1484) By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson That the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Medford Street between Central and School Streets. 10.7. Order (ID # 24-1486) By Councilor Clingan That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to discuss the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)’s application to the Mass Architectural Access Board, on behalf of the City of Somerville, to circumvent Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Page 8 of 9

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda October 10, 2024 10.8. Order (ID # 24-1488) By Councilor Strezo That the Director of Economic Development appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the immediate plans and short-term response efforts to best support and sustain small businesses, post-COVID. 10.9. Order (ID # 24-1489) By Councilor Strezo That the Chief of Police and the Director of Human Resources appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the current crossing guard staffing numbers and the recruitment plan for the 2024/2025 school year. 10.10. Communication (ID # 24-1490) By Councilor Strezo Conveying information regarding the Construction Advisory Group. 10.11. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1477) Requesting acceptance of an easement for a pedestrian bridge over the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line. 10.12. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1478) Requesting acceptance of an open space access agreement for 5 Middlesex Avenue and Harold Cohen Way. 10.13. Public Event (ID # 24-1487) Ani Ajemian applying for a Public Event License for Halloween on Heath on October 27 from 1pm to 9pm. 10.14. Public Communication (ID # 24-1485) Eileen Carranza submitting comments re: leaf blowers. 11. ADJOURNMENT Page 9 of 9