City of Somerville, Massachusetts - Meeting of City Council on 1/11/2024 at 7:00 PM

24-0049

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0049
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 1.1.
Type: Roll Call
Title: Call of the Roll.
Action: Placed on file
Result: Pass

24-0050

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0050
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 1.2.
Type: Remembrances
Title: Remembrances.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0051

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0051
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 1.3.
Type: Minutes
Title: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, November 21, 2023.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0018

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0018
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 3.1.
Type: Grant of Location
Title: Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a new manhole and 253 feet of conduit in Columbia Street, to a point of pickup at 495 Columbia Street.
Action: Approved with conditions
Result: Pass

24-0039

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0039
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 4.1.
Type: Order
Title: That the Commissioner of Public Works re-install the bench, previously donated and installed in honor of longstanding Brown School principal Marilyn Haggerty, on the Brown School grounds.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0041

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0041
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 4.2.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of Parking ensure that the parking meters in front of the Tufts Administration Building (TAB) are reserved for TAB building visitors with disability placards, Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, to assist with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0040

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0040
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 4.3.
Type: Resolution
Title: That the Administration and the Director of Water and Sewer update this Council, in writing, on the plan to support residents who cannot afford the recent water bill increases.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0042

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0042
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 4.4.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment provide this Council with any updated plans and timelines for a municipal composting program.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0043

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0043
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 4.5.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of Economic Development update this Council on the "Mitigating Commercial Displacement in Somerville" report, released in December 2023, and any action steps taken as a result of the report.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0044

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0044
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 4.6.
Type: Resolution
Title: That the Administration honor the Commonwealth's Fourth Annual Crossing Guard Appreciation between March 1-20, 2024 by planning appreciation events and opportunities to thank our crossing guards.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0046

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0046
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 4.7.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of the Office of Housing Stability report on the progress of the organization and start-up of the Municipal Housing Voucher Program.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0047

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0047
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 4.8.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of Housing and the Director of the Office of Housing Stability report on the feasibility of fair housing enforcement.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0048

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0048
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 4.9.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of Housing and the Director of the Office of Housing Stability provide a ten-year progress report on the implementation of the city’s efforts to prevent and mitigate displacement.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0010

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0010
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 7.1.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting approval to accept and expend a $122,627 grant with no new match required, from Mass General Hospital/Cambridge Health Alliance to the Health and Human Services Department for recruitment and training of Community Health Workers.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0035

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0035
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 7.2.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting approval to accept and expend a $91,211.79 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Fire Department for staffing costs.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0014

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0014
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 7.3.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting approval to accept and expend a $76,867 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging for social, educational and physical wellness programming.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0036

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0036
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 7.4.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting approval to accept and expend a $53,200 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for the Local Cultural Council grant program.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0015

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0015
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 7.5.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,600 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Councils on Aging to the Council on Aging for the Somerville Memory Cafe.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0013

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0013
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 7.6.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for senior transportation.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0011

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0011
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 7.7.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $28.75 using available funds in the Human Resources Department Wellness Account for an employee Weight Watchers wellness benefit.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0017

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0017
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 7.8.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Mark Matthews to the position of Fire District Chief.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0016

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0016
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 7.9.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Anandavalli Thiagarajan to the Public Library Board of Trustees.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0019

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0019
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.1.
Type: License
Title: New Automatic Amusement Device License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive, for 138 devices.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0020

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:26 GMT

File #: 24-0020
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.2.
Type: License
Title: New Billiards and Bowling License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive, for 5 billiard tables and 8 bowling lanes.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0021

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0021
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.3.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Dog Kennel License, Riverdog Daycare, 321 Somerville Avenue.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0022

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0022
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.4.
Type: License
Title: New Extended Operating Hours License, Dunkin, 504 Broadway, opening 24/7 for in store and take-out services.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0023

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0023
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.5.
Type: License
Title: New Extended Operating Hours License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive, opening Monday-Sunday until 2am for in-store service only.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0024

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0024
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.6.
Type: License
Title: New Garage License, Broadway Gulf Inc, 212 Broadway, 3 vehicles inside, 7 vehicles outside, for mechanical repairs and storing vehicles, Mon-Fri: 6am-10pm, Sat: 7am-3pm, Sun: closed.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0025
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.7.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties, 100 Packard Ave.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0026

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0026
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.8.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties, 25 Whitfield Rd.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0027

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0027
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.9.
Type: License
Title: New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Gulf Inc, 212 Broadway, 3 vehicles inside, 10 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0028

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0028
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.10.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Auto Plus LLC, 229 Lowell St.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0029

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0029
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.11.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy St.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0030

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0030
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.12.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, John's Auto Sales, 181 Somerville Ave.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0031

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0031
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.13.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Joy St Motors, 24 Joy St.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0032

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0032
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.14.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0034

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0034
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.15.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc, 308 McGrath Hwy.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0033

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0033
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 9.16.
Type: License
Title: Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc, 182 Washington St.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0062

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0062
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.1.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of Health and Human Services provide monthly updates to this Council’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety regarding ongoing efforts to address homelessness.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0063

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0063
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.2.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of Mobility update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the status of the Kensington Connector.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0064

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0064
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.3.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of Public Works address the trash and littering along East Broadway.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0065

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0065
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.4.
Type: Order
Title: That the Director of Public Works address the overflow of trash at Symphony Park.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0061

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0061
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.5.
Type: Resolution
Title: That the Administration update this City Council on the status of Charter reform.
Action: Approved and sent for discussion
Result: Pass

24-0066

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0066
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.6.
Type: Resolution
Title: That the Administration reconstitute neighborhood cleanups, particularly on Earth Day.
Action: Approved
Result: Pass

24-0037

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0037
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.7.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to amend Article 9: Use Provisions, and the Permitted Uses tables of all zoning districts, to establish a Recreational Camp for Children use within the Recreational Services use category.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0045

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0045
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.8.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting the appropriation of $260,836.34 from the GLX Developer Contribution Fund Account for procuring an owners project representative for the 100 Chestnut Pedestrian Bridge.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0012

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0012
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.9.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with WSP, Inc. for design work on the Somerville Avenue Utilities and Streetscape Improvements project.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0058

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0058
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.10.
Type: Mayor's Request
Title: Requesting that City Councilors submit budget funding priorities by March 28, 2024.
Action: Placed on file
Result: Pass

24-0060

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0060
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.11.
Type: License
Title: New Extended Operating Hours License, Everfitness, 14 McGrath Highway, opening Monday-Friday 24/5 for in-store service only.
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result:

24-0059

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:27 GMT

File #: 24-0059
Ver.: 1
Agenda #: 10.12.
Type: Public Communication
Title: Gregg Donovan requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 321 Washington Street from Fabrication (FAB) to Commercial Industry (CI).
Action: Referred for recommendation
Result: