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City Council — Agenda, Feb 13, 2025

City Council meeting, Feb 13, 2025·21 pages·📄 Original PDF (city portal)
City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Regular Meeting Agenda City Council Chamber and Remote Participation 7:00 PM Thursday, February 13, 2025 Published February 11, 2025, 2:15 PM, Revised Published February 13, 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_RO5XCm5HQlGonjWTYYOwXQ 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 # 25-0264) Call of the Roll. 1.2. Remembrances (ID # 25-0265) Remembrances. 1.3. Minutes (ID # 25-0266) Approval of the Minutes of the Organizational Meeting of January 6, 2025. 1.4. Minutes (ID # 25-0267) Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 9, 2025. 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS Page 1 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order (ID # 25-0176) By Councilor Strezo That the Director of SomerStat and the Director of the Council on Aging appear before this Council’s Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations to discuss the results of the recent Senior Survey. 4.2. Withdrawn (ID # 25-0180) Withdrawn. 4.3. Withdrawn (ID # 25-0181) Withdrawn. 4.4. Communication (ID # 25-0175) By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Pineda Neufeld Conveying that the Tufts Shuttle, including the Saturday Grocery Store Shuttle Bus, is free for any Somerville resident to ride. 4.5. Communication (ID # 25-0205) By Councilor Ewen-Campen Conveying an update on the confirmation process for new hires in civil service positions. 4.6. Order (ID # 25-0214) By Councilor Mbah That the Director of Constituent Services submit in writing, the protocol for proper handling of downed wires. 4.7. Order (ID # 25-0216) By Councilor Mbah That the Director of Inspectional Services conduct proactive inspections in high-traffic areas, including school zones, senior housing areas, and commercial corridors, during and after winter storms to ensure compliance with snow and ice removal regulations. 4.8. Communication (ID # 25-0217) By Councilor Mbah Conveying a report on the meeting of the Job Creation and Retention Trust. 4.9. Order (ID # 25-0229) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Commissioner of Public Works work with relevant city staff to plan citywide community cleanup days in each ward. 4.10. Order (ID # 25-0230) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Health and Human Services and the Chief of Police consider installing emergency call boxes in key city locations, including Davis Square. Page 2 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 4.11. Order (ID # 25-0231) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Mobility prioritize North Street for speed humps and other traffic calming measures. 4.12. Order (ID # 25-0232) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Economic Development begin the process for developing a Teele Square commercial area plan. 4.13. Order (ID # 25-0233) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Commissioner of Public Works work with relevant city staff to develop a prioritization and tracking system of 311 requests to maintain optimal school building conditions and proactively address potential concerns. 4.14. Order (ID # 25-0234) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management develop a Swing Space plan to accommodate Somerville Public Schools students to mitigate disruption to students, families, and staff while a school building is unavailable or during construction. 4.15. Order (ID # 25-0235) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the conversion of the former science lab in Room 208 at the Arthur D. Healey School, to small group learning classrooms. 4.16. Order (ID # 25-0236) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Inspectional Services discuss the metrics for measuring the effectiveness of rodent mitigation strategies in Somerville Public School buildings. 4.17. Order (ID # 25-0237) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management discuss with the City Council and School Committee, the development of the FY 2026 project plan and budget in accordance with the adopted Capital Investment Plan. 4.18. Order (ID # 25-0238) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Commissioner of Public Works complete installation of any remaining lockdown blinds needed for safety at Somerville High School. Page 3 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 4.19. Order (ID # 25-0241) By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Wilson That the Director of Capital Projects update this Council on the potential plan to use the Homan’s site for installation of a stormwater retention tank. 4.20. Order (ID # 25-0242) By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Wilson That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development update this Council on the current status of the implementation of the Gilman Square Neighborhood Plan. 4.21. Order (ID # 25-0239) By Councilor Clingan That the Director of Inspectional Services provide the Ward 4 City Councilor with the details of all tickets issued for failure to remove snow between January 1 and February 12, 2025. 4.22. Resolution (ID # 25-0240) By Councilor Clingan That the Administration create a detailed list of duties for commission and committee liaisons, including specific duties as they relate to the respective body. 4.23. Order (ID # 25-0243) By Councilor Wilson That the Director of Communications and Community Engagement update this Council on efforts to educate the public about preventing conditions conducive to growth of the rodent population. 4.24. Order (ID # 25-0244) By Councilor Wilson That the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on efforts around enforcement of rodent-related ordinances, including the number of complaints, inspections, warnings, and fines issued for vegetation and trash violations. 4.25. Order (ID # 25-0245) By Councilor Wilson That the Environmental Health Manager update this Council on rodent activity data and rodent mitigation efforts, including any novel approaches under consideration or being utilized. Page 4 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 4.26. Order (ID # 25-0246) By Councilor Wilson That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning discuss with this Council, Type IV heavy timber construction now permitted in the 10th edition of Massachusetts State Building Code 780 and potential impacts on inspections, development, and the Zoning Ordinance. 4.27. Order (ID # 25-0247) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Economic Development report on the economic impact to small businesses in Somerville as a result of recent federal immigration policy changes. 4.28. Order (ID # 25-0248) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Chief of Police update this Council on the annual reporting of Immigration Customs and Enforcement detentions in Somerville, as outlined in the Welcoming City Ordinance. 4.29. Resolution (ID # 25-0249) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Executive Director of the Welcome Project update the City Council on the status of the Somerville Worker’s Center. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. 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. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-0177) Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 5, 2025. 6.A.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1696) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lauren Chapman to the Human Rights Commission. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1698) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brian Sokol to the Human Rights Commission. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 5 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.A.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1699) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jenny Bonham Carter to the Human Rights Commission. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.5. Mayor's Communication (ID # 24-1726) Conveying changes to the reappointment policy for boards, commissions and committees. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B. EQUITY, GENDER, FAMILIES AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-0171) Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on February 3, 2025. 6.B.2. Order (ID # 24-0788) By Councilor Strezo That this Council discuss how the lapse in consistent mail delivery in Somerville has affected municipal bill collection, reports of bills not received, or accounts marked delinquent. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.3. Resolution (ID # 24-1178) By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Strezo, Councilor Wilson and Councilor Sait That the Administration hire a liaison dedicated to working with senior residents in order to amplify their voices in city decision making. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.4. Order (ID # 25-0039) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.5. Resolution (ID # 25-0040) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 6 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.B.6. Order (ID # 25-0041) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.7. Order (ID # 25-0042) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.8. Order (ID # 25-0043) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.9. Resolution (ID # 25-0062) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.C. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-0166) Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on January 30, 2025. Page 7 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.C.2. Mayor's Communication (ID # 25-0115) Conveying an update on the Non-Union Employee Classification and Compensation Study. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.C.3. 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-0207) Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 11, 2025. 6.D.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 24-1712) Requesting approval to appropriate $20,900 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to add attic insulation to the Recreation Department at 16 Walnut Street. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.3. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0023) City Council Finance Analyst conveying FY 2025 second quarter spending update. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0047) Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to satisfy a court judgment. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.5. 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.6. 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.7. 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 8 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.D.8. 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.9. 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.10.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.11.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.12.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.13.Resolution (ID # 25-0060) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.14.Order (ID # 25-0068) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 9 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.D.15.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.16.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.17.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.18.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.19.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.20.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.21.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 10 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.D.22.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.23.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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.E. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.E.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-0162) Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on January 28, 2025. 6.E.2. Resolution (ID # 24-1603) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Mbah That the Administration work to establish a Language Access Ordinance to codify constituents’ right to timely, meaningful, and culturally competent language access services. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.E.3. Resolution (ID # 24-1604) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson Reaffirming Somerville’s commitment as a Sanctuary and Trust Act City for justice, equity, and inclusion. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be placed on file. 6.E.4. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0022) City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst conveying the City Clerk's Office Manual on Legislative Drafting. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 6.F.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-0206) Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on February 10, 2025. Page 11 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.F.2. Order (ID # 25-0035) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F.3. Order (ID # 25-0090) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F.4. Order (ID # 25-0091) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F.5. Order (ID # 25-0092) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Commissioner of Public Works address maintenance issues within 165 Broadway. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F.6. Order (ID # 25-0093) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.G. SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL COMMITTEE 6.G.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-0193) Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting jointly with the School Committee's School Buildings Facilities and Maintenance Committee on February 6, 2025. Page 12 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.G.2. Order (ID # 24-1594) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a timeline and update for installation of a new classroom on the third-floor atrium at the Argenziano School. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.G.3. Order (ID # 24-1595) By Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a timeline and update on the creation of a production kitchen at the Argenziano School. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.G.4. Order (ID # 25-0063) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.G.5. Order (ID # 25-0071) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.G.6. Order (ID # 25-0094) By Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Parking allow public use of school parking lots during snow storms. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.G.7. Resolution (ID # 25-0157) By Councilor Davis and Councilor Strezo That the Administration immediately withdraw the School Building Community Feedback Survey, released this morning, regarding the replacement of the Winter Hill and, potentially, Brown School. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 13 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.H. TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE 6.H.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-0160) Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on January 27, 2025. 6.H.2. Resolution (ID # 24-1685) By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Davis That the Administration update this Council on the feasibility of pedestrianizing Elm Street for select hours, including identified obstacles and a potential timeline for implementation. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.H.3. Order (ID # 24-1735) By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering create an on-demand, dedicated pedestrian phase for the traffic signals at the intersection of Broadway and School Street, with NO TURN ON RED signage for both eastbound Broadway traffic and northbound School Street traffic. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.H.4. Order (ID # 24-1736) By Councilor Scott, Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Mbah That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering appear before this Council to discuss the preparation of a change order to revert to the design of the bike lane entrance at Washington Street and Webster Avenue to the original 100% plans. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.H.5. Order (ID # 25-0034) 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 14 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 6.H.6. Order (ID # 25-0061) By Councilor Clingan That the Director of Mobility install DRIVE SLOW - CHILDREN AT PLAY signs on Heath Street, between Edgar Avenue and Fenwick Street. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0213) Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to prevent landlords from passing realtor's fees on to tenants. 7.2. Withdrawn (ID # 25-0204) Withdrawn. 7.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0128) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 6, 9, and 10 of the Zoning Ordinance to establish a new Research & Development zoning district. 7.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0129) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2, 3-6, and 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise the regulations for arts and creative enterprise, office, and residential uses. 7.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0131) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 8 and 12 of the Zoning Ordinance to establish a new Arts & Innovation sub-area of the Master Planned Development Overlay District. 7.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0196) Requesting the appropriation of $1,472,992 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit B. 7.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0170) Requesting the appropriation of $500,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Open Space Reserve for the renovation of Quincy Street Park. 7.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0104) Requesting approval of an Intermunicipal Agreement between the City of Somerville, City of Cambridge, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Metropolitan Area Planning Council, for the establishment and operation of the Somerville-Cambridge Public Health Collaborative. Page 15 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 7.9. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0174) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $2,500,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Economic Development to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Economic Development Division for the 299 Broadway redevelopment project. 7.10. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0173) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,000,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Economic Development Division for 14-16 Sewall Street acquisition. 7.11. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0158) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $54,400 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for the Local Cultural Council grant program. 7.12. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0159) Requesting approval to accept and expend an $18,300 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for unrestricted operating support. 7.13. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0258) Requesting the use of available funds in the Water Enterprise Fund Wages account in the amount of $14,798.95 to fund a Utility Billing Manager position. 7.14. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0260) Requesting the use of available funds in the Water Enterprise Fund Wages account in the amount of $13,928.44 to fund a new Service Operations Manager position. 7.15. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0262) Requesting the use of available funds in the Water Enterprise Fund Wages account in the amount of $1,569.10 to fund a Billing Analyst position. 7.16. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0169) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,312.50 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Translation Services Account for Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services. 7.17. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0212) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Guylerna Pierre to the position of Police Officer. 7.18. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0215) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kristopher Taylor to the position of Police Officer. Page 16 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 7.19. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0218) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Thomas Bellini to the position of Fire Captain. 7.20. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0219) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Andrew Tkaczuk to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 7.21. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0220) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Christopher Galvin to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 7.22. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0221) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Henry Lima to the position of Firefighter. 7.23. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0222) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Carvalho to the position of Firefighter. 7.24. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0223) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brandon Coco to the position of Firefighter. 7.25. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0224) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Rory Gallivan to the position of Firefighter. 7.26. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0225) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jake Hardy to the position of Firefighter. 7.27. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0226) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Todd Headley to the position of Firefighter. 7.28. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0227) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Gavin Tierney to the position of Firefighter. 7.29. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0228) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Matthew White to the position of Firefighter. 7.30. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-0211) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Niki Aurora to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. 7.31. Mayor's Communication (ID # 25-0179) Conveying a forthcoming appropriation request from the Salary Contingency Account to various city departments to fund the costs of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit B. 7.32. Mayor's Communication (ID # 25-0192) Conveying an update on a potential shift in the art studio ecosystem in Somerville. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0165) City Solicitor conveying the response to #25-0105, Laura Ortiz's Open Meeting Law complaint of January 11, 2025. Page 17 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 8.2. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0210) Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development conveying the traffic mitigation commitment for 501 Mystic Valley Parkway. 8.3. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0191) Somerville Redevelopment Authority conveying the 2024 Annual Report. 8.4. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0259) Chief of Police conveying the Municipal Road Safety Grant application. 8.5. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0261) Director of Human Resources conveying the Non-Union Compensation Study. 8.6. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0263) Director of Economic Development and Director of the Arts Council conveying the draft Armory Master Plan. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License (ID # 25-0182) New Drainlayer's License, Boston Pipe Lining Company LLC. 9.2. License (ID # 25-0183) New Drainlayer's License, Mitchell Associates Construction Corporation. 9.3. License (ID # 25-0184) New Garage License, Assembly Square Auto Sales, 37 Mystic Avenue, 1 vehicle inside, 18 vehicles outside for washing vehicles and storing unregistered vehicles, 7 days a week: 8am-8pm. 9.4. License (ID # 25-0185) Renewing Open Air Vendor License, The Somerville Flea, Buena Vista parking lot. 9.5. License (ID # 25-0186) Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Automotive Transport Service Inc, 40 Joy Street. 9.6. License (ID # 25-0188) Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc., 308 McGrath Highway. 9.7. License (ID # 25-0187) Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc., 182 Washington Street. 9.8. License (ID # 25-0189) Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pearl Street Auto Sales, 182 Pearl Street. Page 18 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 9.9. Public Event (ID # 25-0190) Communications and Community Engagement Department applying for a Public Event License for Civic Day on April 5 from 9am to 5pm. 9.10. Public Communication (ID # 25-0200) 15 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinance sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l, 3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m. 9.11. Public Communication (ID # 25-0195) Donal Waide submitting comments re: Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 9.12. Public Communication (ID # 25-0197) Jim Bossi submitting comments re: Tufts dorm. 9.13. Public Communication (ID # 25-0198) Nine residents submitting comments re: item #25-0147, Fiscal Year 2026 budget priorities. 9.14. Public Communication (ID # 25-0199) David Liang submitting comments re: Chinese Communist Party. 9.15. Public Communication (ID # 25-0201) Angela DiTucci submitting comments re: bike infrastructure. 9.16. Public Communication (ID # 25-0202) Shim and Lea Berkovits submitting comments re: ceasefire. 9.17. Public Communication (ID # 25-0203) Bill Roche submitting comments re: PJ Motorcars. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Order (ID # 25-0275) By Councilor Strezo That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this City Council which school buildings have free menstrual product dispensers, how many dispensers are in each building, and how frequently they are restocked. Page 19 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 10.2. Order (ID # 25-0276) By Councilor Strezo That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this City Council the barriers to placing menstrual product dispensers in each school building and the projected date for each school building to have them installed. 10.3. Order (ID # 25-0251) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Director of Racial and Social Justice provide an update on the citywide disparity study, including when the report will be made available to the public. 10.4. Order (ID # 25-0252) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the City Auditor provide in writing to this Council, the revenue generated by the short-term rental tax and an estimate of how much additional revenue would be generated if a 3% community impact fee was adopted. 10.5. Order (ID # 25-0254) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Chief of Police present to this Council the financial implications of the Public Safety for All recommendations, specifically the costs to fund additional officers, acquire and utilize body cameras, and implement a co-response model. 10.6. Order (ID # 25-0255) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the City Solicitor provide an assessment of whether a trust could be created for funds from a short-term rental program, half of which would be allocated for grants to local artists for beautification projects, as proposed by the Creative Displacement Task Force. 10.7. Order (ID # 25-0256) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the City Solicitor discuss with this Council whether elements of Boston's proposed Ordinance for Road Safety and Accountability for Delivery Providers could be used to disincentivize mopeds on the community path. 10.8. Resolution (ID # 25-0253) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That this Council consider including a Plain Language section within the Language Access Ordinance. 10.9. Resolution (ID # 25-0250) By Councilor Burnley Jr. In support of a contract for Tufts University's full-time lecturers. Page 20 of 21
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda February 13, 2025 10.10. Communication (ID # 25-0270) By Councilor Burnley Jr. Conveying the cost of changes to identity documents, in support of item #24-1686. 10.11. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-0278) Director of Human Resources conveying the Civil Service signing lists for various certifications. 10.12. License (ID # 25-0272) New Sign/Awning License, Tall Order, 70 Beacon Street, 2 signs. 10.13. License (ID # 25-0271) New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Assembly Square Auto Sales, 37 Mystic Avenue, 1 vehicle inside and 18 vehicles outside, Monday - Sunday: 8am to 8pm. 10.14. Public Event (ID # 25-0273) Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union Square Farmers Market on Saturdays, May 10 to October 25 from 6:45am to 2pm. 10.15. Public Communication (ID # 25-0269) John Fragione and Agostino Feola, Trustees of Frala Realty Trust, requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 295-297 Medford Street and 93 Walnut Street from Mid-Rise 3 (MR3) to Mid-Rise 4 (MR4). 10.16. Public Communication (ID # 25-0277) Greta Pintacuda submitting comments re: bird feeding. 11. ADJOURNMENT Page 21 of 21