Meetings ▸ Agenda
City Council — Agenda, Aug 25, 2022
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
City Council Chamber and Remote
Participation
7:00 PM
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Published August 23, 2022 3:57 PM. Revised August 25, 2022 11:27 AM.
NOTICE: Pursuant to Chapter 107 of the Acts of 2022, this meeting of the City Council may be
conducted and via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audiovideo recording,
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in
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1.
OPENING CEREMONIES
1.1.
Roll Call
(ID # 22-1464)
Call of the Roll.
1.2.
Remembrances
(ID # 22-1465)
Remembrances.
1.3.
Minutes
(ID # 22-1466)
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, June 23,
2022.
2.
CITATIONS
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1379)
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 28 feet of
conduit in Central St, from Utility Pole 56/2 located at the
intersection of Cypress St and Central St to a point of pickup at
7 Central St.
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City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
3.2.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1377)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 65 feet
of conduit in Broadway, from Manhole 2642 located at the
intersection of Broadway and Walker St to a point of pickup at
872 Broadway.
3.3.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1378)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 20 feet
of conduit in Warwick St, from Utility Pole 357/1 to a point of
pickup at the rear of 171 Cedar St.
3.4.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1380)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 160 feet
of conduit in the intersection of Somerville Ave and Central St,
from Manhole 8637 to a point of pickup at 7 Central St.
3.5.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1381)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 11 feet
of conduit in Hardan Rd, from Utility Pole 503/2 to a point of
pickup at 10 Hardan Rd.
3.6.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1382)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 11 feet
of conduit in the intersection of Jay St and Howard St, from
Utility Pole 183/1 to a point of pickup at 38 Jay St.
3.7.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1383)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 28 feet
of conduit in Pennsylvania Ave, from Manhole 4698 to a point
of pickup at 12 Pennsylvania Ave.
3.8.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1384)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 5 feet of
conduit in South St, from Utility Pole 316/3 to a point of
pickup at 26 South St.
3.9.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1385)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 12 feet
of conduit in Woodbine St, from Utility Pole 632/3 to a point
of pickup at 19 Woodbine St.
3.10.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1386)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of
416 feet of conduit in Middlesex Ave as follows: Starting from
proposed Manhole 31554, connecting Manhole 20357 and
20356 to two points of pickup at 5 Middlesex Ave.
3.11.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1387)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 8 feet of
conduit in Aldersey St, from Utility Pole 4/2 to a point of
pickup at 9 Aldersey St.
3.12.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1388)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of
1,352 feet of conduit at the intersection of Foley St and
Middlesex Ave, in Kensington Ave, to McGrath Hwy and for
future use on Middlesex Ave, and to a point of pickup at 845
McGrath Hwy.
Page 2 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
3.13.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1389)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install two
proposed manholes and a total of 327 feet of conduit in the
intersection of Assembly Square Dr and Mystic Ave to the
Somerville/Charlestown line.
3.14.
Withdrawn
(ID # 22-1390)
Withdrawn.
3.15.
Grant of Location
(ID # 22-1391)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 75 feet
of conduit in the intersection of Oxford St and Beacon St, from
Utility Pole 48/33 to a point of pickup at 372 Beacon St.
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
Ordinance
(ID # 22-1461)
By Judy Pineda Neufeld and Willie Burnley Jr. and Lance
Davis and Ben Ewen-Campen and Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
and Charlotte Kelly and Matthew McLaughlin and Jefferson
Thomas (J.T.) Scott and Kristen Strezo and Jake Wilson
That Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2-319 of the Code of
Ordinances, regarding bereavement leave, be amended as
attached.
4.2.
Order
(ID # 22-1459)
By Judy Pineda Neufeld
That the City Solicitor update this Council on the 8/11/22 Civil
Service Commission decision Fairchild, Matthew v. City of
Somerville, and the impact on the confirmations process.
4.3.
Order
(ID # 22-1460)
By Judy Pineda Neufeld and Charlotte Kelly and Jake Wilson
and Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of Parking consider placing new resident
educational literature regarding parking permits on cars in
residential areas instead of ticketing during the first five days
of September.
4.4.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1457)
By Judy Pineda Neufeld and Kristen Strezo
That the Administration update this Council on the dedicated
summer teen spaces, including how they were marketed to
teens and usage of the three sites throughout the summer.
4.5.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1458)
By Judy Pineda Neufeld
That the Administration update this Council on the timeline
and process for identifying a permanent Teen Center.
Page 3 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
4.6.
Order
(ID # 22-1408)
By Kristen Strezo and Willie Burnley Jr. and Ben
Ewen-Campen
That the Housing and Community Development Committee
discuss the Democracy Collaborative’s report on Advancing
Community Wealth Building in the City of Somerville.
4.7.
Order
(ID # 22-1409)
By Kristen Strezo and Judy Pineda Neufeld and Charlotte
Kelly and Lance Davis
That the Director of Health and Human Services provide free
menstrual products in all restrooms in City buildings.
4.8.
Order
(ID # 22-1410)
By Kristen Strezo and Matthew McLaughlin and Charlotte
Kelly and Jake Wilson
That the Director of Health and Human Services increase rat
control efforts from Wigglesworth Street to Dana Street.
4.9.
Order
(ID # 22-1411)
By Kristen Strezo and Jesse Clingan and Charlotte Kelly and
Jake Wilson
That the Director of Health and Human Services immediately
increase rat control measures in the areas of Fellsway West to
Temple Street and Broadway to Jaques Street.
4.10.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1423)
By Kristen Strezo
That the Administration create a housing task force to address
an immediate pathway to low-income home ownership.
4.11.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1424)
By Kristen Strezo
That the Administration use American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) funds to expand the SomerVIP program.
4.12.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1425)
By Kristen Strezo
That the Administration compile a report focusing on aging in
community in Somerville, with the data outlined below.
4.13.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1426)
By Kristen Strezo and Matthew McLaughlin and Jake Wilson
That the Traffic Commission approve the installation of speed
bumps on Wigglesworth Street.
4.14.
Home Rule
Petition
(ID # 22-1476)
By Ben Ewen-Campen and Lance Davis and Willie Burnley Jr.
and Jesse Clingan and Beatriz Gomez Mouakad and Charlotte
Kelly and Matthew McLaughlin and Judy Pineda Neufeld and
Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott and Kristen Strezo and Jake
Wilson
Proposing a Home Rule Petition, with the Mayor's support, to
authorize the City of Somerville to establish a net zero
emissions standard for new constructed buildings and major
renovation projects.
Page 4 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
4.15.
Order
(ID # 22-1412)
By Ben Ewen-Campen
That the Director of Mobility provide this Council with an
updated schedule for the redesign of Highland Avenue.
4.16.
Order
(ID # 22-1413)
By Ben Ewen-Campen
That the Director of Parking consider a "local preference"
parking permit policy for the post-reconstruction resident
parking spaces on Highland Avenue.
4.17.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1427)
By Ben Ewen-Campen and Willie Burnley Jr. and Lance Davis
and Beatriz Gomez Mouakad and Charlotte Kelly and Matthew
McLaughlin and Judy Pineda Neufeld and Jefferson Thomas
(J.T.) Scott and Kristen Strezo and Jake Wilson
That this City Council supports Senate Bill S.1323 "An act to
update the Public Shade Tree law", which would increase the
penalty for the illegal removal of public shade trees from the
current maximum of $500, to the actual replacement value of
the trees.
4.18.
Communication
(ID # 22-1428)
By Ben Ewen-Campen
Conveying recommendations for an effective body worn
camera Use Policy in Somerville.
4.19.
Order
(ID # 22-1414)
By Beatriz Gomez Mouakad and Kristen Strezo and Matthew
McLaughlin and Lance Davis
That the Director of Planning and the Director of Public Space
and Urban Forestry report on how land is being set aside to
meet Somervision 2040’s goal of 105 new acres.
4.20.
Order
(ID # 22-1415)
By Beatriz Gomez Mouakad and Lance Davis
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management
present the Brown School final report and explain how the
findings will be integrated into future school building
feasibility studies.
4.21.
Order
(ID # 22-1416)
By Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
That the Commissioner of Public Works report on all major
repairs made to school buildings during the summer.
4.22.
Order
(ID # 22-1417)
By Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide quarterly
reports to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance
Special Committee on any major repairs and 311 work orders
in school buildings.
Page 5 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
4.23.
Order
(ID # 22-1418)
By Beatriz Gomez Mouakad and Matthew McLaughlin
That the Commissioner of Public Works report on planned
repairs for the East Somerville Community School facade
failures.
4.24.
Order
(ID # 22-1419)
By Beatriz Gomez Mouakad and Judy Pineda Neufeld and
Kristen Strezo
That the Director of Housing include in the inclusionary
preference, a priority for families with children enrolled in
Somerville Public Schools.
4.25.
Order
(ID # 22-1443)
By Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of Housing report on the percentage of
inclusionary units that are occupied by those applicants with a
Somerville Live/Work preference.
4.26.
Order
(ID # 22-1444)
By Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
That the Director of Housing report on expansion of outreach
to residents who qualify for a Somerville Live/Work preference
and to non-English speaking residents.
4.27.
Order
(ID # 22-1445)
By Beatriz Gomez Mouakad and Jake Wilson
That the Director of Inspectional Services report on the status
of the enforcement of Section 11-111 of the Code of
Ordinances, regarding Registration and maintenance of vacant
property.
4.28.
Order
(ID # 22-1446)
By Willie Burnley Jr. and Jake Wilson and Charlotte Kelly and
Ben Ewen-Campen
That the Director of Human Resources provide a preliminary
report on staff feedback regarding the Commonwealth's Paid
Family and Medical Leave policy.
4.29.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1447)
By Willie Burnley Jr. and Ben Ewen-Campen
That the relevant committee hold a hearing regarding the
adoption of the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 175M: Family and Medical Leave.
4.30.
Order
(ID # 22-1448)
By Willie Burnley Jr. and Ben Ewen-Campen
That the City hereby adopt the provisions of the Massachusetts
General Laws Chapter 175M: Family and Medical Leave.
Page 6 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
4.31.
Order
(ID # 22-1449)
By Willie Burnley Jr. and Jake Wilson
That the City Solicitor and the Director of Parking provide this
Council with an opinion on whether the adoption of Chapter
90, Section 20A of the Massachusetts General Laws would
allow the City to mail tickets for traffic violations, including
those identified through 311 reports.
4.32.
Order
(ID # 22-1452)
By Willie Burnley Jr.
That the City hereby rescinds its adoption of the provisions of
Chapter 90, Section 20A½ of the Massachusetts General Laws.
4.33.
Order
(ID # 22-1453)
By Willie Burnley Jr.
That the City hereby adopts the provisions of Chapter 90,
Section 20A of the Massachusetts General Laws.
4.34.
Order
(ID # 22-1450)
By Willie Burnley Jr.
That the Director of Communications publicize proposed
changes to bus routes in multiple languages, and provide flyers
that are available physically and electronically.
4.35.
Order
(ID # 22-1454)
By Willie Burnley Jr. and Jake Wilson and Charlotte Kelly
That the Director of Mobility provide this Council with a
timeline for a final Bicycle Network Vision Plan.
4.36.
Order
(ID # 22-1455)
By Willie Burnley Jr.
That the Director of Mobility report on the feasibility of
installing quick-build protected bike lanes on Broadway, and
ways that the City plans to enhance safety for cyclists.
4.37.
Order
(ID # 22-1456)
By Willie Burnley Jr.
That the Director of Mobility provide an update on the timeline
for the Community Path extension.
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1.
Citation
(ID # 22-1292)
By Matthew McLaughlin
Commending Mary Skipper on her selection as Superintendent
of Boston Public Schools.
5.2.
Order
(ID # 22-1372)
By Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott
That this Council meet in Executive Session pursuant to MGL
c30A s21(a)(1), to review protected personnel information or
to discuss matters related to individual candidates, regarding
Item #214034, confirmation of the promotion of Timothy Van
Nostrand to the position of Police Sergeant.
Page 7 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
5.3.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1258)
Mayor requesting confirmation of the promotion of Timothy
Van Nostrand to the position of Police Sergeant.
5.4.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1320)
Requesting approval of Police Officer assignments at Polling
Places on Election Day as required by the VOTES Act.
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1430)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville
Zoning Ordinance Article 3, Residence Districts and Article 9,
Use Provisions, to permit the adaptive reuse of commercial
building types in the NR and UR zoning districts.
7.2.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1431)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville
Zoning Ordinance Articles 4 (Mid Rise Districts), 5 (High Rise
Districts), 6 (Commercial Districts), 8 (Overlay Districts), and
9 (Use Provisions) to permit additional uses for any ground
story commercial space fronting a Pedestrian Street.
7.3.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1439)
Requesting authorization to borrow $993,132 in a bond, and to
authorization to appropriate the same amount for the General
Fund portion of the Clarendon Hills Infrastructure
Improvements project.
7.4.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1440)
Requesting authorization to borrow $662,088 in a bond, and
authorization to appropriate the same amount for the Sewer
portion of the Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements
Project.
7.5.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-0477)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a National Park
Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant of
$750,000, with no new match required, from the Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
(EOEEA), Division of Conservation Services (DCS) to the
Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for the renovation of
Conway Park.
7.6.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1421)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant
with no new match required, from State E911 to the Police
Department for E911 Telecommunicator personnel costs.
7.7.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1441)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $108,226.71 grant
from Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to the
Health & Human Services for the Public Health Shared
Services Grant.
Page 8 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
7.8.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1422)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $104,951.96 grant
with no new match required, from State E911 to the Police
Department for E911 Training and Certification of 911
Telecommunicators.
7.9.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1420)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with
no new match required, from State E911 to the Police
Department for E911 emergency medical dispatch services.
7.10.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-0432)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling
$357,881.73 using available funds in the Department Public
Works Administrative, Highway, and Sanitation Accounts for
the purposes of resolving outstanding invoices.
7.11.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1438)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling
$29,820 using available funds in the Law Department Outside
Legal Counsel Services Account for Legal Services.
7.12.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1437)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $371.24
using available funds in the Health and Human Service
Professional and Technical Account for Service Labor Cost for
Mobile Market Van.
7.13.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1433)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $207.69
using available funds in the Fire Department and Vehicle
Repairs Account for the purchase of automotive parts.
7.14.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 22-1434)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $60.06
using available funds in the Fire Department and Vehicle
Repairs Account for supplies for the repair shop.
7.15.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 22-1432)
Proclaiming that The City of Somerville recognizes the week
of September 4 - 10, 2022 as National Suicide Prevention
Week.
7.16.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 22-1462)
Conveying an update regarding work completed during
Summer, 2022 to Somerville Public Schools buildings.
7.17.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 22-1463)
Conveying a joint Memorandum from the Mayor and Fire
Chief with an update regarding the new Assembly Square Fire
Station.
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
Page 9 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
8.1.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 22-1442)
Planning Board Chair conveying the Planning Board's
recommendations for proposed amendments to the Somerville
Zoning Ordinance, items #213430, #213601, #213705,
#213807, and #213886.
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
Public
Communication
(ID # 22-1407)
Boynton Yards LandCo LLC requesting approval of the
attached Land Conveyance petition for Boynton Yards.
9.2.
License
(ID # 22-1401)
Renewing Garage License, Assembly Row 5B LLC, 455 Grand
Union Blvd.
9.3.
License
(ID # 22-1402)
Renewing Garage License, Mass Inspection, 712 Mystic Ave.
9.4.
License
(ID # 22-1403)
New Sign/Awning License, La Cosecha, 85 Broadway, LED
channel letters sign.
9.5.
License
(ID # 22-1404)
Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from Ormond
Transportation Company Inc to Early Bird Transportation LLC
Medallion #49.
9.6.
License
(ID # 22-1405)
Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from Ormond
Transportation Company Inc to Renaissance Taxi Service LLC
Medallion #50.
9.7.
License
(ID # 22-1406)
Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from Alewife
Transportation Company Inc to Charlie's Family LLC
Medallion #80.
9.8.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1392)
Jade Lu applying for a Public Event License for Thrift Store
Prom on August 27 from 5pm to 10:30pm (raindate September
3).
9.9.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1451)
Arthur D. Healey School applying for a Public Event License
for Welcome Back to School on August 29 from 4:30pm to
7:30pm (raindate September 15).
9.10.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1393)
Ryan Well applying for a Public Event License for Craft demo
on August 29 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm (raindate September 5).
9.11.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1394)
City of Somerville applying for a Public Event License for
Military Health and Wellness Day on September 10 from 9am
to 3pm (raindate September 11).
Page 10 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
9.12.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1400)
Society of S.S. Cosmas & Damian applying for a Public Event
License for Procession for S.S. Cosmas & Damian on
September 11 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm (raindate September
18).
9.13.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1395)
Alex Feldman applying for a Public Event License for Rogers
Ave Block Party on September 17 from 4pm to 8:30pm
(raindate September 18).
9.14.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1396)
East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event
License for Foodie Crawl on September 20 from 2pm to
10:30pm (raindate September 21).
9.15.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1397)
HONK! applying for a Public Event License for HONK!
Festival on October 7 from 2pm-9:30pm, October 8 from
10am-10pm, and October 9 from 10am-2pm.
9.16.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1398)
Elisabeth Adams applying for a Public Event License for
Berkeley St Block Party on October 15 from 2pm to 8pm
(raindate October 16).
9.17.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1399)
Jim Adams applying for a Public Event License for Hudson St
Block Party on October 22 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate October
23).
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1467)
By Jake Wilson and Matthew McLaughlin and Jesse Clingan
and Willie Burnley Jr. and Lance Davis and Ben
Ewen-Campen and Beatriz Gomez Mouakad and Charlotte
Kelly and Judy Pineda Neufeld and Jefferson Thomas (J.T.)
Scott and Kristen Strezo
That the Somerville City Council hereby designates August 31,
2022, as Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Somerville.
10.2.
Order
(ID # 22-1471)
By Willie Burnley Jr.
That the Mobility Department work to clearly mark all speed
bumps in the city.
10.3.
Resolution
(ID # 22-1470)
By Willie Burnley Jr.
That the appropriate City Department provide work with the
Fire Department and Local 76 to move the Highland Avenue
station's kitchen to the second floor.
10.4.
Order
(ID # 22-1472)
By Lance Davis
That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the
sprinkler/splash pad at Lexington Park as soon as possible.
Page 11 of 12
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2022
10.5.
License
(ID # 22-1475)
New Drainlayer's License, High Quality Excavating Inc.
10.6.
Small Wireless
Facility
(ID # 22-1474)
Extenet applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for
facilities on an existing pole near 51 Beacon Street.
10.7.
Public Event
(ID # 22-1473)
Somerville Education Foundation applying for a Public Event
License for Back to School Jam on August 31 from 11:30am to
1:30pm (raindate September 1).
11.
LATE ITEMS
12.
ADJOURNMENT
Page 12 of 12