Meetings ▸ Agenda
City Council — Agenda, Feb 13, 2025
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
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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Withdrawn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Withdrawn.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Withdrawn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Withdrawn.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.
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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.
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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.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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