Meetings ▸ Minutes
City Council — Minutes, Oct 24, 2024
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Meeting Minutes
7:00 PM
Thursday, October 24, 2024
NOTICE: This is NOT the official version of the City Council's minutes. While reasonable efforts have
been made to assure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first
checking with the City Clerk.
1.
OPENING CEREMONIES
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld.
The City Council entered recess at 7:12 PM and returned at 7:16 PM.
The City Council entered Executive Session at 7:37 PM and returned at 9:11 PM.
1.1.
Call of the Roll.
Roll Call
(ID # 24-1521)
Councilor Wilson arrived at 7:03 PM.
Councilor Mbah arrived at 7:18 PM.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin
Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis
City Councilor At Large Jake Wilson
Ward Five City Councilor Naima Sait
City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah
City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr.
City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo
Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld
Present:
Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott
Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan
Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen
Absent:
1.2.
Remembrances.
Remembrances
(ID # 24-1522)
APPROVED
RESULT:
1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 26, 2024.
Minutes
(ID # 24-1523)
APPROVED
RESULT:
2.
CITATIONS
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Libraries and other relevant departments discuss
strategies and lay out safety protocols in advance to ensure a safe
environment for everyone during events that may draw protests.
Order
(ID # 24-1514)
Councilor McLaughlin referenced the recent disturbances at the library and
would like to discuss safety strategies.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.2.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry consider the impact of
park equipment that requires special parts that may take long periods to
replace when creating future parks.
Order
(ID # 24-1515)
Councilor McLaughlin spoke about delays in obtaining specialty parts.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.3.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Sustainability and Environment invest in rodent proof
composting barrels in the upcoming composting pilot program.
Order
(ID # 24-1516)
Councilor McLaughlin spoke about the fear of composting increasing rodent
activity and he believes that this type of barrel would be acceptable.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Rodent Issues Special Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.4.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Engineering address rainwater runoff on Myrtle Street.
Order
(ID # 24-1517)
APPROVED
RESULT:
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
6.A.1.
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 22, 2024.
Committee Report
(ID # 24-1508)
Councilor Wilson summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that they received an update on ARPA grant encumbrances, created
the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund and accepted a
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Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2024
payment for same, and approved four appropriations, one contract extension,
one easement, one transfer of funds, payment of eight prior year invoice
items, accepted a donation of equipment and approved acceptance and
expenditure of three grants.
Councilor Wilson moved to sever item #24-1477 from the report. Director
of Intergovernmental Affairs Singh stated that the Administration would like
to withdraw that item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.2.
By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Director of Grants Development and External Funds and the
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Director update this Council on ARPA
grant encumbrances ahead of the obligation deadline of December 31, 2024.
Order
(ID # 24-1300)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.A.3.
Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and
Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants
to artists, organizations, and schools.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1332)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City
Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward
Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah,
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At
Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda
Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen
ABSENT:
6.A.4.
Requesting the appropriation of $220,120.80 from the Receipts
Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the
Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero
Safety efforts.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1333)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.5.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1334)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City
Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward
Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah,
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At
Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda
Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen
ABSENT:
6.A.6.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1335)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City
Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward
Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah,
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At
Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda
Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen
ABSENT:
6.A.7.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1374)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.8.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1377)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.9.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $160 using available
funds in the Department of Public Works Administration License
Reimbursement Account for commercial license employee expense.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1378)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.10.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $22,633.58 using
available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas
Account for prior year balances on bills.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1379)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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6.A.11.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,675 using
available funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish
Removal Account for Recycling Services.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1380)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.12.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $15 using available
funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish Removal
Account for disposal of break out material.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1381)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.13.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1410)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.14.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $45.97 using
available funds in the City Clerk Maintenance Contract Account for
printer/copier service.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1417)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.15.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1429)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.16.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1430)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.17.
Requesting the transfer of $174,776 from the Community Preservation Act
(CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1431)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.18.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1434)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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6.A.19.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1443)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.20.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1444)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.21.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1445)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.22.
Requesting acceptance of an easement for a pedestrian bridge over the
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1477)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
6.B.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
6.B.1.
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development,
meeting on October 21, 2024.
Committee Report
(ID # 24-1507)
Councilor Strezo summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that the committee discussed items having to do with finding a
permanent location and regular hours for the Teen Center, creating a
Community Center as part of the new developments in Union Square and
Boynton Yards, ways to provide small businesses with financial and
technical support, and finally, the problem with missing United States Postal
Service mail. With regard to assisting businesses, Councilor Mbah
commented that it’s important for OSPCD to work with the committee so
that members might provide input on ways to provide assistance.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.2.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Strezo
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and
Community Development (OSPCD) update this Council on current efforts
to create a Community Center as part of the new developments in Union
Square and Boynton Yards.
Order
(ID # 24-0146)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
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6.B.3.
By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Strezo, Councilor
Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Mbah
That the Administration hold a community meeting within the next 30 days
to address the impacts of the missing United States Postal Service mail, and
the overall lack of mail delivery in various parts of Somerville.
Resolution
(ID # 24-0902)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.C.
LAND USE COMMITTEE
6.C.1.
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the
Planning Board on October 17, 2024.
Committee Report
(ID # 24-1506)
Councilor McLaughlin summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that several public hearings were held, with one dealing with the
removal of parking minimums. Those in favor of the amendment viewed it
as a way to reduce traffic, to get cars of the street and to increase
affordability of apartments. Those in opposition cited ADA and off-street
parking concerns.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.D.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.D.1.
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 15,
2024.
Committee Report
(ID # 24-1505)
Councilor Davis summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that the committee discussed a change in the application and
permitting processes for block parties. Beginning next year, those will be
handled by the City Clerk’s Office and will not require City Council
approval. The committee also recommended a change to the effective date of
the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance. Councilor Burnley commented on getting
the word out to the public about the change in permitting for block parties.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.D.2.
By Councilor Mbah, Councilor Sait, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
That the Administration make it easier for residents to host block parties by
simplifying and shortening the approval process, and take steps to provide
monetary awards or grants of $100 for approved block parties.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1269)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.D.3.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1457)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
RESULT:
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Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City
Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward
Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah,
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At
Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda
Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen
ABSENT:
6.D.4.
By Councilor Davis
That, effective January 1, 2025, the City Council shall no longer review and
approve applications for block parties, and that the City Clerk shall assume
responsibility for final approval of applications for block parties.
Order
(ID # 24-1510)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.E.
LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
6.E.1.
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 23,
2024.
Committee Report
(ID # 24-1509)
Councilor Burnley summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that one New Garage License was approved and one Garage
License Renewal was kept in Committee for further discussion.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.E.2.
New Garage License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor St, 242 vehicles
inside, 0 vehicles outside for storing vehicles only, 7 days a week 24 hours.
License
(ID # 24-1043)
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Requesting approval of a Deed, Easement and Grant of Maintenance
License for 808 Windsor Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1503)
Special Counsel Cathy Sachert explained the easement and the
accompanying deed for the 1,000 square foot parcel.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City
Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward
Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah,
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At
Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda
Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen
ABSENT:
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7.2.
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $940,000 from the tax levy to
various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective
bargaining agreement with the Firefighters Local 76.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1511)
See item #24-1512.
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.3.
Requesting the appropriation of $233,881 from the Salary Contingency,
Salaries account to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to
fund a collective bargaining agreement with Firefighters Local 76.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1512)
This item was discussed with item #24-1511.
Mayor Ballantyne addressed the Council regarding the collective bargaining
agreement that was recently signed. The contract provided wage increases,
advanced training, higher education benefits, new stipends for dedicated
positions, and skill based procedures for career advances. She requested that
the Council approve both items. Local 76 President Mike Jefferson thanked
the mayor and the city for negotiating the contract.
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.4.
Requesting approval of an extension for 15 months with a new expiration
date of 3/31/2026, and an increase of $68,227.63, for the University of
Massachusetts Boston for research and implementation services for the
Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1513)
ARPA Director Erica Satin-Hernandez explained that the extension is to
provide enough time to evaluate the pilot program. Councilor Strezo asked
about discussions on steps after the pilot program ends. The Director said
transition planning will be looked at for post ARPA funding opportunities.
The discussions will involve partners and possibly participants in the
program. Councilor Strezo requested that participants be involved in
planning the next steps.
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.5.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $500,000 grant with no new
match required, from MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the
Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for the Blessing of the Bay
MassTrails improvement project.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1491)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 and 7.6 and
refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
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7.6.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $171,000 grant with no new
match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management
to the Police Department for a Special Response Team rescue vehicle.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1260)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 and 7.6 and
refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1.
City Solicitor requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to
discuss a recent decision in Cobble Hill Center, LLC v. Somerville
Redevelopment Authority.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 24-1520)
The Council voted to enter into Executive Session at 7:37 PM.
The Council returned to the regular meeting at 9:11 PM.
President Pineda Neufeld announced that no votes were taken in Executive
Session, other than the vote to adjourn.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City
Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward
Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah,
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At
Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda
Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen
ABSENT:
8.2.
Director of Health and Human Services conveying the Board of Health
Annual Report for 2023.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 24-1432)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
New Drainlayer's License, A & B Services, Inc.
License
(ID # 24-1492)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.2.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, DOG Excavation.
License
(ID # 24-1504)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
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October 24, 2024
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.3.
Renewing Lodging House License, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, 98 Professors
Row.
License
(ID # 24-1494)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.4.
Renewing Outdoor Goods License, 130 Broadway, LLC, 130 Broadway.
License
(ID # 24-1495)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.5.
New Second Hand Dealer License, Vintage Treasures, 482 Broadway.
License
(ID # 24-1493)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.6.
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie Street.
License
(ID # 24-1497)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.7.
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Brake, 45 Broadway.
License
(ID # 24-1496)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.8.
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Joy St Motors, 24 Joy Street.
License
(ID # 24-1498)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.9.
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Somerville Motors, Inc., 182
Washington Street.
License
(ID # 24-1499)
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Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.10.
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for
facilities on an existing pole at 115 Pearl Street.
Small Wireless
Facility
(ID # 24-1519)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.11.
Madeleine Finkenaur applying for a Public Event License for Fall Samhain
Festival on October 25 from 6pm to 11:30pm.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1500)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.12.
Dominique Stassart applying for a Public Event License for Halloween
Trick or Treat on October 31 from 3pm to 8pm.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1501)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.13.
Veterans Services Division applying for a Public Event License for Henry
Hansen Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 7 from 8:30am to
10:30am.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1518)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.14.
Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for 10th
Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll on December 7 from 10am to 7pm
(raindate December 8).
Public Event
(ID # 24-1502)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14
and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
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10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Davis,
Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait, Councilor Strezo, Councilor
Wilson and Councilor Mbah
Commending Patricia Contente for sixteen years of dedicated service to the
City of Somerville.
Citation
(ID # 24-1535)
Councilor McLaughlin commended Ms. Contente for her innovation during
her time with the city and Ms. Contente related that she learned so much
from her colleagues and from those who were being offered assistance. She
thanked the Council for its support and for bestowing this honor upon her.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.2.
By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Chief of Police provide an explanation regarding why there was no
police assistance or crossing guard coverage at the intersection of Curtis
Street and Powderhouse Boulevard during school drop-off hours on October
23, 2024.
Order
(ID # 24-1529)
Councilor Mbah noted the dangerous situation that occurred and would like
to have a plan of action to avoid similar incidents.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.3.
By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Chief of Police, in collaboration with the Director of Mobility,
develop and present a plan to ensure that crossing guards are adequately
stationed at critical intersections near schools during high-traffic hours and
that, in the absence of crossing guards, police officers are deployed to ensure
the safety of students and families.
Order
(ID # 24-1530)
See item #24-1529.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.4.
By Councilor Mbah
Conveying an update on the activities of the Job Creation and Retention
Trust Fund (JCRT).
Communication
(ID # 24-1526)
Councilor Mbah reported that $300,000 was allocated for workforce
development. Over $4 million has been expended by the trust since its
inception.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
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10.5.
By Councilor Mbah
Conveying an update on the activities of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Communication
(ID # 24-1527)
Councilor Mbah reported that a request for a housing grant was received and
that approximately $5 to $6 million is available in the trust.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
10.6.
By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Davis
Celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1536)
Councilor Burnley noted that libraries are a critical need whose needs are
not always met. He praised the Friends of Somerville Public Libraries for
their programming and fundraising efforts. He sponsored Katie Kidwell, a
Board Member of the Friends of Somerville Public Libraries, to address the
Council. She explained that the goal of the Friends is to support the libraries,
and she gave examples of their efforts to create opportunities for all ages at
the libraries. Councilor Wilson urged people to donate to the libraries.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.7.
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor
Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin,
Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait and Councilor Strezo
That this Council hereby welcomes Nina Bear Ewen-Campen to Somerville,
extends its best wishes to her very proud parents, and looks forward to
Nina’s bright future in Somerville.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1528)
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.8.
Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Crossing Easement Agreement with the
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1531)
Director Singh asked for immediate approval of this item which is replacing
item #24-1477, which the Administration requested to be withdrawn.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City
Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward
Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah,
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At
Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda
Neufeld
AYE:
Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen
ABSENT:
10.9.
Harvard University conveying its Fall 2024 Accountability Report.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1524)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
Page 14 of 15
City Council
Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2024
10.10.
Tufts University conveying its Fall 2024 Accountability Report.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1525)
Councilor Wilson noted that the student population continues to grow and
that the amount of dormitory housing is unable to keep up with the growing
student population, resulting in 1,600 students occupying 2- and 3-bedroom
apartments in Somerville, making it difficult for families to compete for
housing.
Councilor Burnley noted that Tufts has opted to build a new dorm with
non-union labor.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
10.11.
1,034 individuals, including two residents, submitting comments re:
ceasefire.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1534)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
11.
LATE ITEMS
11.1.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Water and
Sewer implement a minimum 24-hours notice policy prior to any planned
water service interruption.
Order
(ID # 24-1542)
APPROVED
RESULT:
12.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 9:59 PM.
Page 15 of 15