Meetings ▸ Agenda
City Council — Agenda, Sep 12, 2024
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
City Council Chamber and Remote
Participation
7:00 PM
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Published September 10, 2024 1:30 PM, Revised Published September 12, 2024 12:30 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 # 24-1321)
Call of the Roll.
1.2.
Remembrances
(ID # 24-1322)
Remembrances.
1.3.
Minutes
(ID # 24-1323)
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July
11, 2024.
2.
CITATIONS
2.1.
Citation
(ID # 24-1257)
By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Ewen-Campen
Commending Charles Femino on the auspicious occasion
of his retirement after over 30 years of distinguished
service to the Police Department.
2.2.
Citation
(ID # 24-1258)
By Councilor Strezo
Commending Michael Horen who bravely volunteered
his mobile soup kitchen at Ground Zero after the Twin
Towers were hit on September 11th, 2001.
Page 1 of 17
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
September 12, 2024
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1.
Grant of Location
(ID # 24-1230)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a
total of 239 feet of conduit in High Street from Manhole
9411 to a point of pickup at 325 Alewife Brook Parkway,
and from Manhole 9411 to Utility Pole 646/8.
3.2.
Grant of Location
(ID # 24-1240)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a
new hip guy and anchor at Utility Pole 291/11 in
Prospect Street.
3.3.
Grant of Location
(ID # 24-1241)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install
145 feet of conduit in Washington Street and Knowlton
Street, from Manhole 15060 to an approximate point of
pickup on Knowlton Street at the northwestern property
line for 121-123 Washington Street.
3.4.
Grant of Location
(ID # 24-1242)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install
approximately 34 feet of conduit in Glenwood Road,
from Utility Pole 184/3 to a point of pickup at 21
Glenwood Road.
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
Order
(ID # 24-1262)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Health and Human Services provide
an update on the availability of free menstrual products
in all city owned bathrooms.
4.2.
Order
(ID # 24-1263)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Libraries, and other relevant
departments, appear before this Council’s Committee on
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations to discuss the plans for the library closing in
the middle of the day and what immediate steps are being
taken to reopen the library during this time period to best
support library staff and patrons.
4.3.
Order
(ID # 24-1264)
By Councilor Strezo
That City Councilors have regular visible access to the
scheduling of the City Council Chamber, and that a
regular working space be designated for City Councilors.
4.4.
Order
(ID # 24-1268)
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Communications discuss the
communication plan to address move-in/move-out
related discarded furniture, including items left on
sidewalks blocking pedestrian pathways and restricting
public way accessibility.
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4.5.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1267)
By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Clingan
That the Administration and relevant city departments
discuss an immediate action plan to address the increase
of fights happening at Edward L. Leathers Community
Park after students are released from school.
4.6.
Order
(ID # 24-1265)
By Councilor Sait
That the Director of Mobility and the Director of
Engineering explore how to make the raised sidewalk
located at the intersection of Broadway and Boston
Avenue safer.
4.7.
Order
(ID # 24-1266)
By Councilor Sait
That the Director of Mobility install a raised crosswalk at
the intersection of Boston and Kidder Avenues.
4.8.
Order
(ID # 24-1272)
By Councilor Mbah
That the Director of Inspectional Services and the
Commissioner of Public Works appear before this
Council to discuss the problems of local restaurants
complying with the requirements of proper waste
handling and contracting for city waste collection.
4.9.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1270)
By Councilor Mbah
That the Administration discuss the sufficiency of after
school programs for high school students and the
methods of outreach and guidance to ensure that all
students have access to activities that meet their needs
and interests.
4.10.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1271)
By Councilor Mbah
That the Administration discuss the scope and limitations
of staff at Somerville High School to supervise high
school students in the after school period.
4.11.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1269)
By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Sait
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.
4.12.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1273)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Sait
That the Administration update this Council on the status
of the process to provide the resources and programming
needed to safely re-open the Central Library during
mid-day hours.
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4.13.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1274)
By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Sait
That the Administration update this Council on the status
of implementing the recommendations of the Parking &
Curb Use Study, and respond to the July 2024
recommendations of the Somerville Alliance of Safe
Streets (SASS).
4.14.
Order
(ID # 24-1275)
By Councilor Clingan and Councilor McLaughlin
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).
4.15.
Order
(ID # 24-1276)
By Councilor Clingan and Councilor McLaughlin
That the Directors of Constituent Services, Inspectional
Services and Health and Human Services jointly prepare
a written report for the next meeting of this Council’s
Special Committee on Rodent Issues, on the number of
rodent complaints received from January 1, 2024 to date,
including the information detailed within.
4.16.
Order
(ID # 24-1277)
By Councilor Clingan and Councilor McLaughlin
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.
4.17.
Order
(ID # 24-1284)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset
Management provide an update on the Construction
Advisory Group for the planned construction project to
replace the Winter Hill and Brown schools.
4.18.
Order
(ID # 24-1285)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an
update on efforts to eliminate rat infiltration in school
buildings.
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4.19.
Order
(ID # 24-1286)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss use
restrictions in place for Somerville Public School athletic
teams at Reavis field.
4.20.
Order
(ID # 24-1287)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an
update about the functionality of public address, or PA,
systems at multiple Somerville Public School buildings.
4.21.
Order
(ID # 24-1288)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an
update on repairs to damaged play structures at the
Capuano Early Education Center schoolyard.
4.22.
Order
(ID # 24-1289)
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an
update on the reliability and repairs of the elevator(s) at
the Winter Hill and Edgerly Schools.
4.23.
Order
(ID # 24-1294)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Mobility place speed bumps and
other traffic calming measures along Bonair Street by the
Edgerly School.
4.24.
Order
(ID # 24-1295)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer
provide a record of all calls to first responders regarding
incidents at all Somerville Public Library locations since
September 1, 2023.
4.25.
Order
(ID # 24-1296)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Mobility install a mirror at the
entrance of the East Somerville Green Line station to
ensure pedestrians and cyclists can see around the blind
corner.
4.26.
Order
(ID # 24-1297)
By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Scott
That the Commissioner of Public Works increase
lighting along the intersection of Joy and Washington
Streets.
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4.27.
Order
(ID # 24-1298)
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Commissioner of Public Works return the trash
receptacle in front 168 Broadway.
4.28.
Order
(ID # 24-1299)
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Director of Health and Human Services update
this Council on interdepartmental efforts to establish a
Warming Center at the Cummings School and the repairs
needed to accomplish this.
4.29.
Order
(ID # 24-1300)
By Councilor Wilson
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.
4.30.
Order
(ID # 24-1301)
By Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the
Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on
plans to minimize the timing impacts of future closures
of the Ginny Smithers Sanders Pool for periodic
maintenance.
4.31.
Order
(ID # 24-1302)
By Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Health and Human Services update
this Council on the status of the Youth-Focused Needs
Assessment funded in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
4.32.
Order
(ID # 24-1303)
By Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Finance and the Budget Director
present this Council with an updated Capital Investment
Plan.
4.33.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1304)
By Councilor Wilson
That the Administration form a task force or commission
for short-, medium-, and long-term planning and
coordination of public and private community spaces and
programming, including spaces and programming for
youth.
4.34.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1305)
By Councilor Wilson
That the Administration explore activating Somerville
High School for community uses outside of school hours.
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4.35.
Resolution
(ID # 24-1306)
By Councilor Wilson
That the Administration update this Council on plans for
the Cummings School building and Founders Memorial
Skating Rink this fiscal year.
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
6.A.1. Committee Report
(ID # 24-1292)
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on
September 10, 2024.
6.A.2. Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1074)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $300,000
grant renewal with no new match required, from the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of
Infectious Disease & Laboratory Sciences to the Health
and Human Services Department for local health support
for COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.3. Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1075)
Requesting approval to appropriate $150,000 from the
Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Police
Department - Personal Services - Other Lump Sum
Benefits account to settle pending litigation.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.4. Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1076)
Requesting approval to extend and amend a contract with
Warner Larson Incorporated until 9/30/2025 for the
additional services needed to complete the Dilboy
Auxiliary Fields Re-Design project.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.5. Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1078)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,600,000
grant with no new match required, from the MassWorks
Infrastructure Program to the Department of
Infrastructure & Asset Management for the Inner Belt &
Brickbottom Pedestrian Crossing.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.6. Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1082)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $959,500
grant with no new match required, from the
Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Office of
Strategic Planning & Community Development Mobility
Division for the Transit Pass Pilot Program, Traffic
Signal Pre-emption for Emergency Services and
Middlesex Ave - Mystic Ave Intersection Project.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
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6.A.7. Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1083)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$50 using available funds in the Department of
Infrastructure & Asset Management Ordinary
Maintenance Fee account for a Department of
Conservation & Recreation Construction Access Permit.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.8. Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1089)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$19,747.90 using available funds in the Office of
Strategic Planning & Community Development
Administration Legal Services account for the
Somerville Redevelopment Authority 90 Washington St
appeal.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.9. Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1090)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $99,886.56
grant with no new match required, from the MA
Technology Collaborative to the Office of Strategic
Planning and Community Development Economic
Development Division for digital navigation services to
Somerville Housing Authority residents.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.10.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1150)
Requesting approval of an amendment to the Stormwater
Drainage Easement at 10-20 Innerbelt Road.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.11.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1151)
Requesting approval of a Maintenance Easement and
License Agreement for 0 Middlesex and Kensington
Avenue.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.12.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1160)
Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Easement
and Grant of License for 3-5 Hawkins Street.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.13.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1161)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$1,853.28 using available funds in the Department of
Veterans Services Office Supplies and Office Equipment
accounts for supplies and equipment purchases.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.14.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1162)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$1,080 using available funds in the Department of
Veterans Services Professional & Technical Services
Account for transportation during the 2024 Memorial
Day Parade.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
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6.A.15.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1163)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$3,071.16 using available funds in the SomerViva Office
of Immigrant Affairs Professional & Technical Services
account for interpretation services.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.16.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1169)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$112.93 using available funds in the Health and Human
Services Department Reimbursement of Licenses
Account for Canva subscription.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.17.Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 24-1172)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$62,400 using available funds in the Department of
Public Works Grounds R&M Account for playground
surface repairs.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.18.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1173)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$960.24 using available funds in the Department of
Public Works Administration Office Supplies account
for the purchase of office supplies.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.19.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1174)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$8,609.72 using available funds in the Department of
Public Works Sanitation Benches & Barrels Account for
the purchase of trash containers.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.20.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1175)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$37.27 using available funds in the Department of Public
Works Administration Lease Copier account for
photocopier lease expenses.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.21.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1176)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$225 using available funds in the Department of Public
Works Rentals Buildings account for portal restroom
rentals.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.22.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1177)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$659 using available funds in the Department of Public
Works Administration License Reimbursement Account
for employee operator licenses.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
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6.A.23.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1185)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,781.32
grant with no new match required, from the Boston
Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police
Department for the installation of access controls and
additional card entry access.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.24.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1187)
Requesting approval of a time-only extension until
09/30/2024 for the contract with the Public Consulting
Group, LLC to continue the Medicaid Billing and
Collection Services.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.A.25.Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1193)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $237,939.81
grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan
Area Planning Council to the Health and Human
Services Department for a team performing
multi-municipal shared public health services including a
Shared Services Coordinator, a Regional Nurse, and a
Clinical Community Health Worker.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.B.
LAND USE COMMITTEE
6.B.1. Committee Report
(ID # 24-1291)
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on
September 5, 2024.
6.B.2. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0607)
Mo Rizkallah requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to
change the zoning district of 5 Homer Square from
Neighborhood Residence (NR) to Urban Residence
(UR).
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be not approved.
6.B.3. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0641)
14 registered voters requesting a Zoning Map
Amendment to change the zoning district of 136 School
Street from Urban Residence (UR) to Mid-Rise 6 (MR6),
95 Highland Avenue from Neighborhood Residence
(NR) to MR6, and 97, 99-99A, 101-103, and 107
Highland Avenue from Mid-Rise 5 (MR5) to MR6.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved.
6.B.4. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0642)
14 registered voters requesting a Zoning Map
Amendment to change the zoning district of 228, 230,
232, 234, 236 Pearl Street from Mid-Rise 4 (MR4) to
Mid-Rise 6 (MR6).
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be discharged
with no recommendation.
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6.B.5. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-0898)
Emily Duquette submitting comments re: item #24-0641,
a Zoning Map Amendment for the Young Men's
Christian Association (YMCA).
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.B.6. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1092)
8 individuals submitting comments re: item #24-0607, a
Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of
5 Homer Square from Neighborhood Residence (NR) to
Urban Residence (UR).
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.B.7. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1164)
3 individuals submitting comments re: item #24-0641, a
Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of
136 School Street from Urban Residence (UR) to
Mid-Rise 6 (MR6), 95 Highland Avenue from
Neighborhood Residence (NR) to MR6, and 97, 99-99A,
101-103, and 107 Highland Avenue from Mid-Rise 5
(MR5) to MR6.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.B.8. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1165)
26 individuals submitting comments re: item #24-0642, a
Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of
228, 230, 232, 234, 236 Pearl Street from Mid-Rise 4
(MR4) to Mid-Rise 6 (MR6).
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.B.9. Officer's
Communication
(ID # 24-1194)
Planning Board conveying recommendations for items
#24-0607 and #24-0641.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.B.10.Officer's
Communication
(ID # 24-1195)
Planning Board conveying recommendations for items
#24-0551 and #24-0642.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.B.11.Order
(ID # 24-1290)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the City Solicitor provide an opinion on whether the
Zoning Map Amendment proposed in item #24-0642 is
considered spot zoning.
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6.C.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
6.C.1. Committee Report
(ID # 24-1293)
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public
Safety, meeting on September 11, 2024.
6.C.2. Order
(ID # 24-0920)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services provide the
Ward 1 City Councilor with any tickets and fines
associated with the Home Depot, Circuit City, and the
surrounding area in the past ten years.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.3. Order
(ID # 24-0921)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the
Home Depot, Circuit City, and surrounding area for code
violations and report back to the Ward 1 City Councilor.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
6.C.4. Order
(ID # 24-0924)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services (ISD) provide
the Ward 1 City Councilor with a list of all ISD tickets
issued in Ward 1 on May 6, 2024.
RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work
completed.
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1324)
Requesting that this Council convene in Executive
Session to receive an update on the status of collective
bargaining negotiations with all municipal bargaining
units.
7.2.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1259)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2-7,
Articles 9-11, Article 13, and Article 15 of the Zoning
Ordinance to make corrections, clarifications, and
regulatory framework improvements.
7.3.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1225)
Requesting authorization to borrow $6,018,969 in a
bond, and to appropriate the same amount for street and
sidewalk reconstruction.
7.4.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1227)
Requesting approval to appropriate $56,215.42 from the
Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup
costs for a BlueBike station at 200 Inner Belt Road.
Page 12 of 17
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Regular Meeting Agenda
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7.5.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1283)
Requesting approval to appropriate $37,575 from the
Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to procure Early and
Mail In Voting Machinery for the Elections Department.
7.6.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1228)
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension
for fourteen months with a new expiration date of
12/31/2025, for P Gioioso & Sons Inc for construction
services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project.
7.7.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1229)
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension
for twelve months with a new expiration date of
12/31/2025, for Stantec Consulting Services Inc for
design services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation
project.
7.8.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1261)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a technical
assistance grant valued at $25,000 with no new match
required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council
(MAPC) to the Office of Sustainability and Environment
for sustainable and resilient zoning development.
7.9.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1309)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$770 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Food
Supplies & Refreshments Account for food served at a
Departmental Training meeting with Department Heads.
7.10.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1226)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Courtney
Brunson to the Somerville Redevelopment Authority.
7.11.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1232)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lynn
Richards to the Planning Board.
7.12.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1282)
Requesting approval of an exemption for Brandon Lafee
under MGL c268A, s20(b).
7.13.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 24-1308)
Conveying recommendations on Charter reform.
7.14.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 24-1310)
Conveying an update on the establishment of a Youth
Advisory Committee.
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 24-1280)
Planning Board conveying recommendations for items
#24-0679 and #24-0680.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
September 12, 2024
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
License
(ID # 24-1233)
Renewing Drainlayer's License, F.E. French Construction
Inc.
9.2.
License
(ID # 24-1237)
Renewing Drainlayer's License, J.R. and Sons
Construction, Inc.
9.3.
License
(ID # 24-1234)
Renewing Drainlayer's License, L.V.M.J. Corporation.
9.4.
License
(ID # 24-1235)
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Falafel
Place, 1 Main St.
9.5.
License
(ID # 24-1238)
Renewing Garage License, Good Gas Somerville, 343
Medford Street.
9.6.
License
(ID # 24-1236)
Renewing Taxi Medallion, V.I.N.L. Transportation, Inc.,
Med. #65.
9.7.
License
(ID # 24-1239)
New Sign/Awning License, Cole Haan, 550 Assembly
Row, 1 blade sign and 1 storefront sign.
9.8.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1243)
Parks and Recreation applying for a Public Event
License for Fall Festival on September 21 from 8:30am
to 3pm.
9.9.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1278)
Alice Barrett applying for a Public Event License for
Thrift for Palestine on September 21 from 3pm to
6:30pm (raindate September 22).
9.10.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1244)
Kevin Fitzpatrick applying for a Public Event License for
Greene Street BP on September 28 from 2pm to 9pm
(raindate October 5).
9.11.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1245)
Anton Tutter applying for a Public Event License for
Outside on Oxford on September 28 from 2pm to 10pm
(raindate October 5).
9.12.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1279)
Marcy Goldstein-Gelb applying for a Public Event
License for Boston & Prichard Avenue BP on October 6
from 3pm to 10pm (raindate October 20).
9.13.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1247)
Elizabeth Peabody House Association applying for a
Public Event License for Elizabeth Peabody House Fall
Festival on October 19 from 9am to 6pm (raindate
October 20).
Page 14 of 17
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
September 12, 2024
9.14.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1246)
Federal Realty applying for a Public Event License for
Assembly Row's 10th Anniversary Drone Show on
October 19 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate October 20).
9.15.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1248)
Annie Pinnell applying for a Public Event License for
Art Sale on October 20 from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
9.16.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1251)
Samuel Feller applying for a Public Event License for
Annual Chili Cookoff on October 26 from 10am to 5pm
(raindate November 2).
9.17.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1249)
East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event
License for Halloween Block Party & Pet Parade on
October 26 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate October 27).
9.18.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1250)
James Adams applying for a Public Event License for
Hudson Street Annual BP on October 26 from 1pm to
7pm (raindate October 27).
9.19.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1307)
Kelsey Kent applying for a Public Event License for
Lexington Ave Halloween on October 31 from 4pm to
10pm.
9.20.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1252)
Kinsey Scales applying for a Public Event License for
Kinsey Scales Free Outdoor Concert on November 17
from 11am to 2pm (raindate November 24).
9.21.
Public Event
(ID # 24-1253)
Somerville Road Runners applying for a Public Event
License for 28th Annual Gobble Gobble Gobble Road
Race on November 28 from 6am to 1pm.
9.22.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1254)
Daniel Cayarga submitting comments re: Seven Hills
Park.
9.23.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1256)
95 individuals, including 61 residents, along with
Cambria Hotel, Aeronaut Brewery, and Union Square
Main Streets submitting comments re: items #24-0680
and #24-0679, a Zoning Map and Zoning Text
amendment to create the Somernova Innovation
Sub-Area.
9.24.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1281)
Beatriz Gomez Mouakad submitting comments re:
Somerville Municipal Employees Association.
9.25.
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1255)
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
(MassDOT) conveying the alteration of location of a
section of State highway.
Page 15 of 17
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
September 12, 2024
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
Order
(ID # 24-1311)
By Councilor Scott
That the Director of Housing prepare an Artist Studio
Conversion Guide to encourage owners of vacant
properties to create more artist space.
10.2.
Order
(ID # 24-1312)
By Councilor Scott
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning
collaborate with this Council on updating the Zoning
Ordinance to require all new construction to place
electrical transformers below ground.
10.3.
Order
(ID # 24-1315)
By Councilor Scott
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning
reconsider the policy of allowing lot splits and mergers
as administrative approvals rather than special permits.
10.4.
Order
(ID # 24-1319)
By Councilor Scott
That the Director of Inspectional Services issue a citation
to the owner of 91 Prospect Street and 10 Oak Street for
not having a dumpster license and failing to clean and
secure their site.
10.5.
Order
(ID # 24-1320)
By Councilor Scott
That the Commissioner of Public Works clear the
overgrowth on the sidewalks of Allen Street, Prospect
Street, and Webster Avenue and that the Director of
Inspectional Services cite the property owners
accordingly.
10.6.
Communication
(ID # 24-1313)
By Councilor Scott, Councilor Clingan and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
Conveying full support for the Public Library Board of
Trustees and Director of Libraries in their efforts to
maintain safe and accessible library environments for
patrons and employees alike.
10.7.
Communication
(ID # 24-1314)
By Councilor Scott, Councilor Clingan and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
Conveying an invitation to the public to a community
conversation about resources needed to restore full
library access, hosted by Somerville's youth community
and Somerville Municipal Employees Association
members.
Page 16 of 17
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
September 12, 2024
10.8.
Order
(ID # 24-1326)
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Coordinator take the necessary measures to ensure ADA
compliance for the second floor of 165 Broadway for the
purposes of expanding youth services.
10.9.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 24-1325)
City Clerk conveying information regarding item
#24-1264, an order that City Councilors have regular
visible access to the scheduling of the City Council
Chamber, and that a regular working space be designated
for City Councilors.
10.10. Small Wireless
Facility
(ID # 24-1327)
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless
Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 45
Perry Street.
10.11. Small Wireless
Facility
(ID # 24-1328)
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless
Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 112
Fremont Street.
10.12. Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1329)
409 individuals, including one resident, submitting
comments re: ceasefire.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Page 17 of 17