City Council — Agenda, Jan 23, 2025

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Regular Meeting Agenda City Council Chamber and Remote Participation 7:00 PM Thursday, January 23, 2025 Published January 21, 2025, 1:30 PM, Revised Published January 23, 2025, 11:30 AM. NOTICE: Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of the City Council may be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audiovideo recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Register at the following website to listen to this meeting live or to testify at any public hearing: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gqEGKuCqTYSk9ib1GY2vRw Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at [phone removed] x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES 1.1. Roll Call (ID # 25-0144) Call of the Roll. 1.2. Remembrances (ID # 25-0145) Remembrances. 1.3. Minutes (ID # 25-0146) Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 12, 2024. 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location (ID # 25-0106) Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 436 feet of conduit in Highland Avenue, from existing Manhole 15224 to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 15222. Page 1 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 3.2. Grant of Location (ID # 25-0107) Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 86 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from existing Manhole 8655 to an existing Handhole at 52 McGrath Highway. 3.3. Grant of Location (ID # 25-0108) Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 61 feet of conduit in Lowell Street, from Utility Pole 215/35 to a point of pickup at 326 Lowell Street. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order (ID # 25-0117) By Councilor Strezo That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss in the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, the introduction of an ongoing middle school girls intramural hockey program. 4.2. Order (ID # 25-0118) By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its recommendations to better support parents and caregivers. 4.3. Resolution (ID # 25-0116) By Councilor Strezo That the Superintendent of Schools consider opening the Highlander Cafe within Somerville High School to the public for regular lunch hours while school is in session and that the Administration address any barriers to this request. 4.4. Order (ID # 25-0121) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of Water and Sewer appear before this Council to address resident claims that newly installed water meters are falsely registering air pockets in residential cold water lines as leaks, leading to significantly inaccurate bills. 4.5. Order (ID # 25-0123) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of Capital Projects update this Council on installing a water fountain at Nunziato Dog Park. 4.6. Order (ID # 25-0124) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Commissioner of Public Works construct an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalk path around the large tree at the corner of Walnut Street and Summit Avenue. Page 2 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 4.7. Order (ID # 25-0125) By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council the feasibility of signal priority for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) busses in Union Square. 4.8. Order (ID # 25-0126) By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Mbah That the Director of Mobility develop plans for a safe pedestrian crossing of Lowell Street, at Bailey Park, and additional traffic calming measures between Summer Street and Highland Avenue. 4.9. Order (ID # 25-0122) By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Mbah That the Director of Inspectional Services report to this Council, in writing, what types of demolition permits are granted without requiring an on-site fire detail. 4.10. Order (ID # 25-0127) By Councilor Mbah That the Director of Veterans Services report to this Council on any plans to honor the memory of Airman Staff Sergeant Loring E. Lord, a Somerville resident and high school graduate who was shot down over Germany in the spring of 1945. 4.11. Order (ID # 25-0130) By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Environmental Health Manager update this Council on the current policy regarding usage of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) and any plans to remove SGARs currently deployed in bait boxes in light of multiple recent birds of prey deaths apparently related to ingesting rat poison. 4.12. Order (ID # 25-0132) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of SomerViva update the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety on efforts to address immigrant rights. 4.13. Order (ID # 25-0133) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Housing Stability update this Council on recent changes to condominium conversion and tenant protection laws as a result of the 2024 Housing Bond Bill and how Somerville may strengthen its protections. Page 3 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 4.14. Order (ID # 25-0134) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Housing Stability update this Council on efforts to raise awareness for eviction sealing assistance in light of recent state legislation enabling the sealing of evictions. 4.15. Order (ID # 25-0135) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Economic Development and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on the potential impacts of the proposed soccer stadium in Everett. 4.16. Order (ID # 25-0136) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Health and Human Services and the Chief Fire Engineer update this Council on potential impacts of a proposed lithium battery complex in Everett. 4.17. Order (ID # 25-0137) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Mobility work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to increase flex post usage and other pedestrian safety measures on crosswalks along McGrath Highway. 4.18. Order (ID # 25-0138) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Mobility address the increased traffic along Lombardi Street, Mystic Avenue and Grand Union Boulevard due to signal changes. 4.19. Order (ID # 25-0139) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Parking place NO IDLING signs on New Washington Street, behind the Cobble Hill complex, to discourage large truck idling by the senior homes. 4.20. Resolution (ID # 25-0140) By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Clingan That the Memorialization Committee dedicate a memorial to Kenneth Lonergan. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-0119) Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 21, 2025. Page 4 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 6.A.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1642) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,725.65 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Administration In State Travel Account for EZ pass. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1643) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,063.40 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Fire Alarm R&M Account for fire alarm equipment programming. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1659) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $60,000 grant with no new match required, from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for traffic safety enforcement. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation. 6.A.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1660) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $40,021 grant with no new match required, from Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for the continuation of partial funding for the Jail Diversion Coordinator position. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1694) Requesting authorization to borrow $4,757,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the recurring FY 2025 Sewer Improvements program. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1713) Requesting the appropriation of $110,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the 90 Washington Demonstration Project Account for ongoing litigation costs. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1718) Requesting approval of a transfer of $60,159 from the Public Space and Urban Forestry Capital Account to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Ordinary Maintenance Account for Tree Keeper/311 Integration expenses. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 5 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 6.A.9. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1725) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $545.03 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services for reimbursement of expenses relating to the Chief of Police interview process. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.10.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1727) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for 911 personnel costs. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.11.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1728) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $133,427.11 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for training and recertification and additional staffing support. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.12.Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1729) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for ambulance service. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.13.Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0016) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.14.Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0017) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be withdrawn. 6.A.15.Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0018) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 6 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 6.A.16.Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0019) Director of Economic Development and Director of the Arts Council conveying an updated draft Armory Master Plan. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.A.17.Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0020) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.18.Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0021) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0101) Requesting the appropriation of $186,343 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Building Insurance Account to insure additional properties. 7.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0053) Requesting the appropriation of $1,475,428 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 7.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0049) Requesting the appropriation of $365,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund to the Somerville Community Land Trust for restoration of 12 Pleasant Avenue. 7.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0057) Requesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the CPA Open Space Land Acquisition Fund. 7.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0056) Requesting the appropriation of $200,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Open Space Reserve for the installation of water fountains at Nunziato Park. 7.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0055) Requesting the appropriation of $172,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Elizabeth Peabody House for exterior restoration of 277 Broadway. Page 7 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 7.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0058) Requesting the appropriation of $114,259 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Somerville Museum for preservation of artifacts in its collection. 7.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0059) Requesting the appropriation of $18,500 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve for a condition assessment of the Veterans Cemetery and other historic monuments. 7.9. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0051) Requesting the transfer of $346,492 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Community Housing Reserve. 7.10. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0078) Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 12/31/2025 for Crowley Cottrell LLC to complete additional services for re-design and construction administrations fees. 7.11. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0096) Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of three years for Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for Poplar Street Pump Station Design Services. 7.12. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0097) Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of three years for PMA LLC for owners project manager services on the Poplar Street Pump Station project. 7.13. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0098) Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of three years for MWH Contractors Inc. for construction manager at risk services on the Poplar Street Pump Station project. 7.14. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0099) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $2,500,000 grant that requires a 20% match, from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Infrastructure and Asset Management Engineering Division for the Poplar Street Pump Station. 7.15. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0100) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $2,400,000 grant with no new match required, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development for infrastructure and open space improvements on the Clarendon Phase II project. 7.16. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0102) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $33,550 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for the purchase of firefighter safety equipment. Page 8 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 7.17. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0079) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,400 using available funds in the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Economic Development Division account for 9 Aldersey Street appraisal report. 7.18. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0103) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $486 using available funds in the City Clerk Advertising account for legal hearing notices. 7.19. Mayor's Communication (ID # 25-0115) Conveying an update on the Non-Union Employee Classification and Compensation Study. 7.20. Mayor's Communication (ID # 25-0142) Conveying the 2024 Surveillance Technology Annual Report. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0120) Planning Board conveying recommendations for items #24-1447 and #24-1448. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License (ID # 25-0109) New Livery License, Med Transportation LLC, 34 Grant Street, operating 1 vehicle. 9.2. License (ID # 25-0110) New Sign/Awning License, Gauchao Brazilian Cuisine, 104 Broadway, 2 signs. 9.3. License (ID # 25-0111) Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, 28 Motorsports Inc., 486R Columbia Street. 9.4. License (ID # 25-0143) Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Sam's Auto Sales, 166 Boston Avenue. 9.5. Public Communication (ID # 25-0105) Laura Ortiz submitting an Open Meeting Law complaint against this City Council. Note that the Council may enter executive session pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(1) to discuss. 9.6. Public Communication (ID # 25-0112) 3 individuals submitting comments re: ceasfire. 9.7. Public Communication (ID # 25-0113) Ami Bennitt submitting comments re: #24-1580, draft Armory Master Plan. Page 9 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 9.8. Public Communication (ID # 25-0114) Prajkta Waditwar submitting comments re: COVID-19 response. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Resolution (ID # 25-0141) By Councilor Strezo That the Administration create an annual survey of Somerville parents and guardians, similar to but unrelated to the Happiness Survey and unrelated to Somerville Public Schools, and distribute it through various channels in print and online. 10.2. Order (ID # 25-0147) By Councilor Wilson That this City Council hold a public hearing in the Committee on Finance on the community’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget priorities. 10.3. Order (ID # 25-0153) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Director of Economic Development work with the Licensing Commission to ensure the creation of on-site social consumption licenses are discussed at upcoming meetings. 10.4. Order (ID # 25-0154) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Director of Economic Development present to this Council a plan to ensure compliance with Section 8-18 of the Code of Ordinances. 10.5. Resolution (ID # 25-0152) By Councilor Burnley Jr. Urging the creation of supplemental, hospitality, and event organizer licenses for on-site cannabis consumption. 10.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0150) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $13,730 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software Account for voice maintenance, and the Information Technology Computer Hardware Account for laptop accessories. 10.7. Public Event (ID # 25-0155) Somerville Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Maple Project and Boil Down on February 28 and March 1 from 8am to 8pm (raindate March 7 and 8). 10.8. Public Communication (ID # 25-0148) Erica Gennaro submitting comments re: speed bumps. Page 10 of 11

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 23, 2025 10.9. Public Communication (ID # 25-0149) Sravana Reddy submitting comments re: snow removal. 11. ADJOURNMENT Page 11 of 11