Meetings ▸ Minutes
City Council — Minutes, Jan 9, 2025
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Meeting Minutes
7:00 PM
Thursday, January 9, 2025
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.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld.
1.
OPENING CEREMONIES
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
Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott
City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah
City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr.
Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan
City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo
Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld
Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen
Present:
1.1.
Call of the Roll.
Roll Call
(ID # 25-0073)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
1.2.
Remembrances.
Remembrances
(ID # 25-0074)
Councilors Ewen-Campen and the Entire Council requested a moment of
silence in memory of Florence McWatters.
Councilor McLaughlin and the Entire Council requested a moment of
silence in memory of James Blanchard.
Councilor McLaughlin and the Entire Council requested a moment of
silence in memory of President James Earl Carter, 39th President of the
United States.
Councilor Mbah requested a moment of silence in memory of the unhoused
woman who died in a fire near Broadway and Alewife Brook Parkway.
Councilors Wilson, Clingan and Strezo requested a moment of silence in
memory of retired Somerville Firefighter Roger Matias Perez Jimenez.
APPROVED
RESULT:
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1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 26, 2024.
Minutes
(ID # 25-0075)
APPROVED
RESULT:
2.
CITATIONS
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Mbah, Councilor
Clingan and Councilor Sait
That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of
Mobility discuss the consistent running of red lights during the weekday
rush hour and repeated driver misuse of the Broadway bus lanes, including
near the Temple Street and Broadway intersection.
Order
(ID # 25-0034)
Councilor Strezo spoke on the item and emphasized that this section of
Broadway is the site of numerous traffic violations and presents a dangerous
situation for pedestrians and drivers.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.2.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of
Mobility discuss the previous and ongoing strategy for implementation and
public education of drivers violating the NO LEFT TURN signage at the
Somerville High School exit on Highland Avenue and Vinal Avenue.
Order
(ID # 25-0038)
Councilor Strezo noted that there are two signs at the exit, which are
continually ignored, directing drivers not to turn left. She has spoken on this
matter before and wants this matter to be taken seriously, so that students are
not endangered.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.3.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Commissioner of Public
Works discuss how uncleared and/or unsalted sidewalks and driveways are
addressed and fined after it snows, including how much staff it takes to
address community reports of uncleared private property.
Order
(ID # 25-0035)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
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4.4.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Finance discuss the path for City Councilors to receive
administrative support staff to assist with City Council work and
communication with constituents.
Order
(ID # 25-0036)
This item was discussed with item #25-0037.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.5.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Finance discuss the path for City Councilors to receive
administrative support staff in the form of paid internships to assist City
Councilors with City Council work and communication with constituents.
Order
(ID # 25-0037)
This item was discussed with item #25-0036.
Councilor Strezo noted that constituents are highly engaged in the business
of the city, and she feels it’s time to modernize councilors’ efforts to
communicate with them.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.6.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Health and Human Services provide an update on the
availability and accessibility of free menstrual products in all city-owned
bathrooms, including realistic sizes.
Order
(ID # 25-0039)
Councilor Strezo would like to continue the conversation about this as she
has been informed by some parents that some of the products being offered
are the wrong size for their children.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.7.
By Councilor Strezo
That the Director of the Council on Aging discuss how the Council on
Aging can help support seniors dealing with grocery store inflation and how
the city can help support their transportation to regional discount grocery
stores.
Order
(ID # 25-0041)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
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4.8.
By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Mbah and Councilor
McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Veterans
Services provide an estimated timeline as to when the removed Veteran's
memorial monuments on the City Hall concourse will be re-installed.
Order
(ID # 25-0042)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.9.
By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Mbah
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Veterans
Services install signage at the previous locations of Veteran Memorial
landmarks, acknowledging the missing Veterans Memorials and conveying
to the public a timeline and/or plan for their re-installation.
Order
(ID # 25-0043)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.10.
By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Mbah
That the Administration create a full time staff position within the Executive
office, known as a Senior Liaison, who will work to prevent potential
barriers within Somerville to growing older in place.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0040)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.11.
By Councilor Clingan
That the Director of Mobility install DRIVE SLOW - CHILDREN AT
PLAY signs on Heath Street, between Edgar Avenue and Fenwick Street.
Order
(ID # 25-0061)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.12.
By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Davis,
Councilor Wilson, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Sait
That the Administration discuss the decision to stop the annual employee
holiday breakfast at the Department of Public Works building.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0060)
Councilor Clingan said he would like to know why this breakfast, as well as
the DPW spring appreciation BBQ, were cancelled.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
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4.13.
By Councilor Clingan, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Burnley Jr.,
Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor
Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and
Councilor Wilson
That the Administration return the Vietnam and Korean War memorials to a
new, public location as soon as possible rather than waiting for a
comprehensive plan for all veterans memorials.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0062)
Councilor Clingan noted that the mayor’s address indicated that some
progress may be on the horizon and he would like a permanent home found
for these memorials and Councilor McLaughlin commented that this is a
sensitive issue for many veterans.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.14.
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Sait
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this
Council on the timeline for constructing a new school building.
Order
(ID # 25-0063)
Councilor Wilson reported that a complete projected timeline has been
shared that indicates that a new school would be ready to open in 2031.
Given the length of time that the Winter Hill School has been closed and the
progress made by the city in the MSBA application process, he would like a
full update on the dates.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.15.
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Clingan and
Councilor Mbah
That the Chief Fire Engineer and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss
with this Council how to ensure Fire Department facilities are well
maintained.
Order
(ID # 25-0064)
Councilor Wilson commented that there are maintenance issues in some of
the fire stations that need to be addressed and Councilor Clingan commented
that he wants to focus on the things that are in place now, but not working
properly, and get them repaired.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.16.
By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Scott
That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Commissioner of Public
Works update this Council on short- and long-term plans for the Founders
Memorial Skating Rink.
Order
(ID # 25-0068)
Councilor Wilson commented that the rink is idle, dark and empty during
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the winter months and is only used in the spring and summer. Consequently,
local ice time is being lost and he would like to have more information on
this.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.17.
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Mbah and Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Director of Parks and Recreation update this Council on the
progress of conducting a representative, multi-lingual survey of the
community to determine recreational programming needs.
Order
(ID # 25-0072)
Councilor Wilson noted that city staff are planning programs without
knowing what the public actually wants and he thinks it would be beneficial
to obtain input from the community.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable
Populations Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.18.
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Mbah
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment discuss
with this Council plans to connect more households with the new incentives
in the 2025-2027 Mass Save Plan.
Order
(ID # 25-0070)
Councilor Wilson noted that new incentives have been included in the plan
and he wants to know what the city is doing to inform residents about them.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.19.
By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Sait, Councilor Clingan and Councilor
Ewen-Campen
That the Administration form a Community Center Task Force to coordinate
community uses of multiple planned and potential community center spaces
in the city to guard against duplicative and incomplete addressing of needs.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0069)
Councilor Wilson said that this task force would lead a coordinated effort
for capturing the needs of the community and coordinating the creation of
community spaces and create a Community Center Master Plan for the city.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.20.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Scott and Councilor Sait
That this Council discuss proposed amendments to the Tree Preservation
Ordinance, as outlined in item #24-0493.
Order
(ID # 25-0066)
Councilor Burnley would like this to be discussed in the legislative Matters
Committee. Councilor Davis reported that he was informed that the Public
Space and Urban Forestry Division has been working on this, and the
administration may have a draft ready by the end of the month.
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APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.21.
By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Director of Parks and Recreation restore or replace the nearly 30
year old Nunziato Field plaque.
Order
(ID # 25-0067)
Councilor Burnley noted that the plaque is in a sorry state and difficult to
read and should be restored, replaced or moved to a more appropriate
location.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.22.
By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor
Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda
Neufeld, Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor
Wilson
In Support of Primary Care Physicians at Mass General Brighams.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0065)
Councilor Burnley spoke briefly on the item saying that health care workers
have been struggling to care for their patients due to administrative actions.
He sponsored Dr. Madhuri (Maddie) Rao, a Primary Care Physician (PCP)
at Mass General Brigham (MGB) to speak on the item. Dr. Rao spoke about
the value of good primary care but commented that her job has become
unsustainable due to the peripheral work placed upon her and her colleagues.
She spends time outside of her working hours catching up on what there
isn’t enough time for during her shifts. She noted that her situation is not
unique and that several PCPs are leaving their jobs due to burnout from the
workload and lack of autonomy, which make it difficult to provide quality
patient care. MGB has refused to recognize the union and has prevented a
number of clinics from being part of it. The union has filed with the
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election date. Dr. Row asked
for the Council’s support.
Councilor Strezo spoke about an article from the Boston Globe that listed
several of the salaries for MGB executives and Councilor Clingan spoke
about MGB putting money into branding rather than patient care. Councilor
Burnley commented that approximately 75% of the employees had signed
cards for union representation about two months ago, with no action
forthcoming from MGB. Councilor Mbah spoke about the struggle facing
these employees and having moral courage and Councilor Wilson said that
all working people deserve a union.
APPROVED
RESULT:
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4.23.
By Councilor Davis, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait and
Councilor Burnley Jr.
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Engineering
report to this Council on the failure of the boiler at the Brown School and
the short- and long-term plans to address heating for the building.
Order
(ID # 25-0071)
Councilor Davis commented that he has questions about the use of the
heating unit placed outside of the school.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.A.1.
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel
Matters, meeting on January 8, 2025.
Committee Report
(ID # 25-0044)
Councilor Ewen-Campen summarized the actions taken by the committee
and reported that the committee approved the confirmation of Ryan
Westgate to the position of Police Officer.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.2.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ryan Westgate to the
position of Police Officer.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 24-1762)
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Requesting the appropriation of $4,000,000 from the Overlay Surplus, as
declared by the Board of Assessors, to the Judgments and Settlements
Account to pay additional costs of purchasing the parcel of land known as
90 Washington Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0046)
This item was approved and Councilor Wilson moved for reconsideration.
Reconsideration failed on a roll call vote of 0 in favor, 11 opposed (Mbah,
Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan,
Davis, Pineda Neufeld).
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, Ward Two City Councilor Scott,
City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large
Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor
Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor
Ewen-Campen
AYE:
7.2.
Requesting the appropriation of $929,513 from the Salary & Wage
Stabilization Fund to the Fire - Other Lump Sum Payments account to fund
the retrospective portion of a collective bargaining settlement with the Local
76 Firefighters Union.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0052)
This item was approved and Councilor Wilson moved for reconsideration.
Reconsideration failed on a roll call vote of 0 in favor, 11 opposed (Mbah,
Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan,
Davis, Pineda Neufeld).
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City
Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward
Five City Councilor Sait, Ward Two City Councilor Scott,
City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large
Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor
Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor
Ewen-Campen
AYE:
7.3.
Requesting the appropriation of $472,854 from the Salary Contingency
account to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a
collective bargaining settlement with the Local 76 Firefighters Union.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0054)
This item was approved and Councilor Wilson moved for reconsideration.
Reconsideration failed on a roll call vote of 0 in favor, 11 opposed (Mbah,
Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan,
Davis, Pineda Neufeld).
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City
Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward
Five City Councilor Sait, Ward Two City Councilor Scott,
City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large
Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor
Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor
Ewen-Campen
AYE:
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7.4.
Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from Water Enterprise Fund
Retained Earnings to satisfy a court judgment.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0047)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and
7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.5.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $109,296 grant with no new
match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to
the Fire Department for staffing costs.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0016)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and
7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.6.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new
match required, from the Barr Foundation to the Office of Sustainability and
Environment for a Community Heat Resilience Pilot Grant Program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0018)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and
7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.7.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new
match required, from the Executive Office of Economic Development to the
Economic Development Division for a Small Business Success Technical
Assistance program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0020)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and
7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.8.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new
match required, from Executive Office of Housing and Livable
Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for a Senior Housing Bridge
pilot program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0021)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and
7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
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7.9.
Requesting approval to accept a gift valued at $3,594 with no new match
required, of an evacuation chair from the Estate of Thomas F. Cahill to the
Fire Department.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0013)
Councilor Scott explained that this is a gift from a former firefighter and
requested that this item be approved.
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.10.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $15,764.40 using
available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software
Account for voice maintenance, and in the Information Technology
Computer Hardware Account for laptop accessories.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0017)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and
7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.11.
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Darcy Haynes as
Constable.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0032)
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.12.
Requesting that City Councilors submit budget funding priorities by March
27, 2025.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0050)
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.13.
Withdrawn.
Withdrawn
(ID # 25-0033)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
7.14.
Withdrawn.
Withdrawn
(ID # 25-0048)
WITHDRAWN
RESULT:
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1.
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Peter
Forcellese, Sr. to the position of Legislative Clerk.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 25-0014)
APPROVED
RESULT:
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8.2.
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Madalyn
Letellier to the position of Legislative Services Manager.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 25-0015)
APPROVED
RESULT:
8.3.
Director of Economic Development and Director of the Arts Council
conveying an updated draft Armory Master Plan.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 25-0019)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.4.
City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst conveying the City Clerk's
Office Manual on Legislative Drafting.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 25-0022)
Legislative and Policy Analyst Brendan Salisbury acknowledged that this
manual is the result of working on legislation for the past three years. He
spoke about why such a manual is needed and touched upon several topics,
such as general principles and organization, different types of legislative
action, special rules and when to use them, drafting standards and process.
He stressed the need to keep language plain, precise and as simple as
possible so that it may be understood. Mr. Salisbury noted that his purpose,
in part, was to have this item read into the record, so that a deeper discussion
might follow.
Councilor Burnley asked about orders directed to the administration and Mr.
Salisbury stated that orders should be addressed to a specific department,
rather than to the administration. Councilor Strezo asked that this
presentation be include in future Councilor’s Colleges and Mr. Salisbury
replied that a similar version was included as part of the last Councilor’s
College program.
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.5.
City Council Finance Analyst conveying FY 2025 second quarter spending
update.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 25-0023)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy
Street.
License
(ID # 25-0024)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.4 and
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10.16 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.2.
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Intercar, 39 Webster Avenue.
License
(ID # 25-0025)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.4 and
10.16 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.3.
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231
Washington Street.
License
(ID # 25-0026)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.4 and
10.16 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.4.
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, United Motors, 188 Broadway.
License
(ID # 25-0027)
Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.4 and
10.16 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.5.
Cole Rainey-Slavick submitting comments re: broker fees.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0028)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
9.6.
Three residents submitting comments re: item #24-1580, draft Armory
Master Plan.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0029)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
9.7.
Andrew Sessa submitting comments re: West Branch Library.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0030)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
9.8.
1,186 individuals, including one resident, submitting comments re:
ceasefire.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0031)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
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10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld
In her capacity as President, conveying this Council's updated Standing and
Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2025.
Communication
(ID # 25-0076)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
10.2.
By Councilor Clingan
That the Director of Human Resources provide this Council with details of
employee trainings provided and which are required.
Order
(ID # 25-0081)
Councilor Clingan would like to have more information on employee
training, including its frequency.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.3.
By Councilor Clingan
That the Director of Human Resources appear before the Committee on
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters to discuss the city’s
protocols for returning to work when an employee has been disciplined for
an offense deemed sexual in nature.
Order
(ID # 25-0082)
Councilor Clingan would like to know how these specific matters are
handled.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.4.
By Councilor Sait
That the Commissioner of Public Works make a change to the calendar by
extending the yard waste collection by at least one week.
Order
(ID # 25-0083)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.5.
By Councilor Sait, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Wilson, Councilor
Burnley Jr. and Councilor Mbah
That the Director of Mobility, Director of Engineering, and Director of
Parking appear before this Council to present on the Citywide Parking and
Curb Use Study.
Order
(ID # 25-0084)
Councilor Sait noted that a brief discussion was held during last month’s
Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of this topic and that the committee
then requested that a presentation be made to the full Council.
APPROVED
RESULT:
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City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2025
10.6.
By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Davis and Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning draft an amendment
to the Zoning Ordinances for transit oriented height and density bonuses for
additional affordable housing and other enumerated community benefits.
Order
(ID # 25-0085)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Land Use Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.7.
By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Mobility update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the status
of the Kensington Connector.
Order
(ID # 25-0086)
Councilor McLaughlin pointed out that he has submitted this item every year
for the past 10 years. He noted that the connector is poorly lit and that
nothing has been done to address its condition.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.8.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Health and Human Services, Director of Housing, and
Director of Housing Stability update this City Council regularly on progress
towards addressing homelessness.
Order
(ID # 25-0087)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.9.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator provide an
estimate for the costs of upgrading 165 Broadway for ADA compliance.
Order
(ID # 25-0089)
This item was discussed with items #25-0090, 25-0091, 25-0092, and
25-0088.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.10.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of the Arts Council work with Teen Empowerment and
other related city agencies to develop youth-led murals within the walls of
165 Broadway.
Order
(ID # 25-0090)
This item was discussed with items #25-0089, 25-0091, 25-0092, and
25-0088.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 15 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2025
10.11.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works clear the second floor of 165
Broadway of unused city materials to expand building uses for Teen
Empowerment.
Order
(ID # 25-0091)
This item was discussed with items # 25-0089, 25-0090, 25-0092, and
25-0088.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.12.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works address maintenance issues within
165 Broadway.
Order
(ID # 25-0092)
This item was discussed with items #25-0089, 25-0090, 25-0091, and
25-0088.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.13.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the use of
beet juice to address ice and snow during winter storms.
Order
(ID # 25-0093)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.14.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Parking allow public use of school parking lots during
snow storms.
Order
(ID # 25-0094)
Councilor McLaughlin commented that he has never received a good answer
on this and he would like to know why the public can’t park in school lots
during snowstorms. Councilor Davis recounted that there was an instance
when schools had to remain closed for an additional day because cars were
still in the school lots there. Councilor Clingan also noted that schools were
ordered to close on the night before an impending snow storm, which never
materialized, causing students to miss a day of school.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.15.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Administration prioritize 165 Broadway for Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance to ensure full use of youth-related
activities in the building.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0088)
This item was discussed with items #25-0089, 25-0090, 25-0091, and
25-0092.
Page 16 of 17
City Council
Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2025
Councilor McLaughlin spoke about working to get the space cleaned and
ADA compliant so that it could be used as a space for teens.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.16.
New Drainlayer's License, Hunter Environmental Winter Storm Services.
License
(ID # 25-0080)
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.17.
Chris Dwan submitting comments re: Urban Forestry Committee
recommendations.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0077)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
11.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 8:49 PM.
Page 17 of 17