City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 5/23/2024 7:00 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
24-0800 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
24-0801 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
24-0802 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 25, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0788 14.1.OrderThat 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.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0789 14.2.ResolutionThat the Postmaster share recent and ongoing efforts to adequately staff postal carrier routes and communicate any steps taken to address Post Office staff shortages in Somerville.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0787 14.3.CommunicationConveying a report of the Children's Cabinet.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0790 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Engineering appear before the Committee on Land Use to discuss how required electrical equipment can modify the plans for already-approved new developments, such as at 379 Somerville Avenue.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0791 14.5.OrderThat the Director of Mobility begin a public process to determine how to manage traffic issues on Benton Road in light of the upcoming change of Central Street to a one-way from Summer Street to Highland Avenue.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0703 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on May 15, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0477 16.A.2.OrderThat the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations conduct a Committee of the Whole Public Hearing to hear how the increases in water and sewer rates are affecting Somerville residents, and be it further Ordered that all relevant city departments be in attendance.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0717 16.A.3.ResolutionThat the Administration address its plan to prevent displacement in relation to water and sewer bills.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available
24-0718 16.A.4.ResolutionThat the Administration report to this Council the plans for the committed and unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and how much, if any, can be spent on current and future water and sewer bill relief for residents.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available
24-0705 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 21, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0627 16.B.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $32,695 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Building Rental account for portable invoices.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0643 16.B.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required from Home Energy Efficiency Team, Inc. to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a feasibility study to identify potential locations for geothermal networks.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0644 16.B.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $3,010,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the recurring FY 2024 Building Improvements program.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0654 16.B.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to use available funds in the City Clerk Salaries account in the amount of $1,913.40 to fund a Legislative Services Manager position.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0655 16.B.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $250,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance (“Free Cash”) to the Law Department Legal Services Account for anticipated outside legal counsel invoices.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0660 16.B.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $70 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Division R&M Vehicles account for vehicle inspection invoices.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0661 16.B.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $7,075 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Division Rental Buildings account for portable restroom rental services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0666 16.B.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $28,000 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Recycle Dividend Program.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0668 16.B.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $80,000 from the Department of Public Works (DPW) Lights & Lines accounts to the DPW Grounds Professional and Technical account to cover year-end grounds maintenance expenses.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0669 16.B.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend an up to $60,000 grant with no new match required, from the Low Income Housing Water Assistance Program through the City of Cambridge to the Water and Sewer Department for income eligible ratepayers who are directly billed for their service(s) and who have an arrearage.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0704 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 20, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0706 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on May 22, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0609 16.D.2.LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Eat Greek Gyros, 215 Elm St, for in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 2am.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0635 16.D.3.LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Papa John's, 622 Somerville Ave, opening Sun-Thur until 1am, Fri-Sat until 2am for takeout and delivery services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0692 16.D.4.LicenseNew Garage License, BRE-BMR Assembly Innovation I LLC, 122 Assembly Park Drive, 306 vehicles inside, 0 vehicles outside for charging money to store vehicles and operating a tow, operating 7 days a week 24 hours.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0702 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on May 14, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0663 16.E.2.OrderThat the Environmental Health Coordinator appear before the Special Committee on Rodent Issues to present the 2024 Integrated Pest Management Plan.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0786 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to receive an update on the status of collective bargaining negotiations with all municipal bargaining units.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0656 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a conveyance and grant of easement for Leonard Grimes Park at 31 Tufts Street.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
24-0720 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to execute the Third Amendment to the lease agreement with Dana Family Series, LLC, for the Grove Street parking lot, through June 30, 2025.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0767 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to settle a claim for $7,182 pursuant to Section 2-124 of the Code of Ordinances.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0681 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $40,000 from the Kennedy Pool Electricity Account to the Kennedy Pool Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to increase employees for programs.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0768 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $7,182 from the Unemployment Compensation account to the Law Department Judgments and Settlements account to settle a pending claim.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0773 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Mobility Division for traffic safety improvements at the Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway intersection.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0774 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for a multi-use trail at Blessing of the Bay park.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0772 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $60,067 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the traffic safety program.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0775 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from the Barr Foundation to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Mobility Division for the National Association of City Transportation Officials Designing Cities 2024 Conference Registration.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0719 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept a gift valued at $18,000, from Boston's Office of Emergency Management to the Department of Public Works for a generator.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0785 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,120 using available funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical account for random drug screening and breath alcohol testing.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0697 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $385 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for transcription services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0698 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $250 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for translation/interpretation services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
24-0784 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $199.99 using available funds in the Police Department In Service Training account for public relations training for first responders.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
24-0712 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Ellen Ellis to the Council on Aging.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0713 17.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Tania Medeiros Romanoff to the Council on Aging.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0714 17.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Brad Bortner to the Council on Aging.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0777 17.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Sari Kayyali to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0778 17.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Amanda Rychel to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0779 17.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Maria Salim to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0780 17.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Adrienne Agarwal to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0781 17.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Katharine Lange to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0782 17.24.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Kathryne Benesh to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0783 17.25.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Paul Morgan to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0693 17.26.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for exterior cameras at fire stations.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0696 18.1.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Madalyn Letellier to the position of Legislative Services Manager.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0798 18.2.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk submitting recommendations for adjustments to certain fees charged by the City Clerk’s Office, effective July 1, 2024.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
24-0799 18.3.Officer's CommunicationExecutive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development reporting on recent workshops on housing development and filling office and life science spaces.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0721 19.1.LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, N&M Excavating.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0722 19.2.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Borges Sewer & Drain LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0723 19.3.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Kealey Excavation Corporation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0724 19.4.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, McCourt Construction.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0725 19.5.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, McGue Excavating LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0726 19.6.LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, Pepi's Pizzeria, 516B Medford St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0793 19.7.LicenseNew Flammables License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor Street, storing 3,549 gallons.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0733 19.8.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0728 19.9.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0735 19.10.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Boston Closet Company, 229 Lowell St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0729 19.11.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Broadway Gulf, 212 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0730 19.12.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0741 19.13.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Evocative, 50 Inner Belt Rd.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0732 19.14.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Hillside Auto Repair, Inc., 583 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0739 19.15.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 23R Inner Belt Rd.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0744 19.16.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 70 R Third Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0745 19.17.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 132 Washington St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0736 19.18.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 259 McGrath Hwy.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0740 19.19.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Metropolitan Pipe and Supply Company, 30 Inner Belt Rd.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0742 19.20.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Pearl Street Auto Sales, 182 Pearl St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0727 19.21.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Sam's Gas & Service, 166 Boston Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0743 19.22.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Silicon PropCo 2021, LLC, 101 South St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0737 19.23.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Somerville Mobil, 360 Medford St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0731 19.24.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Trum Field Sunoco, 541 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0734 19.25.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 Linwood St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0738 19.26.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, U-Haul Company of Boston, 600 Mystic Valley Pkwy.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0747 19.27.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 Washington St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0746 19.28.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change AB0001, 182 Washington St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0748 19.29.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Sullivan Tire, 263 Beacon St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0749 19.30.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0750 19.31.LicenseRenewing Garage License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 Linwood St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0766 19.32.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Cinema Taxi Inc, Med. #16 58.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0792 19.33.Public EventJodee Frias applying for a Public Event License for Tufts University Graduate Student Council 28th Annual 5K Charity Race on May 25 from 8am to 1:30pm (raindate May 27).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0751 19.34.Public EventAlexandra Weiner applying for a Public Event License for Calvin Street BP on May 26 from 10am to 8pm (raindate May 27).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0752 19.35.Public EventVeterans Department applying for a Public Event License for Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 27 from 9am to 11:30am.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0794 19.36.Public EventStephanie Galaitsi applying for a Public Event License for Josephine Ave BP and Mural Painting on June 1 from 7am to 2pm (raindate June 2).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0795 19.37.Public EventTracy Wilson applying for a Public Event License for Walker St/Leonard St BP on June 1 from 2pm to 7pm (raindate June 2).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0796 19.38.Public EventRachel Powe applying for a Public Event License for Leonard St/Walker St BP on June 1 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate June 2).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0753 19.39.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Nepali Culture Fest on June 1 from 2:30pm to 9:30pm (raindate June 8).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0754 19.40.Public EventMarla Wessland applying for a Public Event License for Wallace Street BP on June 1 from 3:30pm to 9:30pm (raindate June 2).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0755 19.41.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: Carnaval on June 2 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate June 9).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0797 19.42.Public EventTodd Kaplan applying for a Public Event License for Todd Kaplan Birthday Party on June 2 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate June 16).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0756 19.43.Public EventRishika Dhawan applying for a Public Event License for CultureHouse Union Square BP on June 2 from 2pm to 8:30pm (raindate June 9).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0757 19.44.Public EventBow Market applying for a Public Event License for Annual Curated Vintage Market on June 2 and October 13 from 9am to 9pm (raindates June 9 and October 20).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0758 19.45.Public EventFamily Bike Ride/Community Pedal Power applying for a Public Event License for Family Bike Ride River Ride on June 8 from 11am to 11:30am (raindate June 9).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0759 19.46.Public EventAnn Peralta applying for a Public Event License for Warwick St. BP on June 9 from 2pm to 8pm (raindates June 15 and June 16).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0760 19.47.Public EventMatt Timmins applying for a Public Event License for Upper Bartlett BP on June 15 from 1pm to 10pm (raindate June 16).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0761 19.48.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big Gay Dance Party on June 22 from 3pm to 9pm (raindate June 23).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0762 19.49.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Fourth of July Celebration on June 27 from 1pm to 11pm (raindate June 28).ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0763 19.50.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for ArtBeat: Wild on July 13 from 8am to 11pm (raindate July 14).ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0764 19.51.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: Strike up the Bands on August 4 from 12pm to 8pm.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0765 19.52.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Yart Sale on August 10 from 11:30am to 7pm (raindate August 11).ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0701 19.53.Public CommunicationGreen Cab Company, Inc. requesting an increase in the taxicab meter rate to $3.80 for the first 1/8 of a mile, $0.50 for each additional 1/8 of a mile and $32 per hour waiting time.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0695 19.54.Public CommunicationGraham Davidson submitting comments re: residential exemption.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0699 19.55.Public CommunicationJeff Kaufman submitting comments re: Section 7-153 of the Code of Ordinances.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0700 19.56.Public CommunicationRobert Bao submitting comments re: portable toilets at PorchFest.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0715 19.57.Public CommunicationMark Niedergang submitting comments re: item #24-0641, a Zoning Map Amendment for the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0803 110.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Matthew Kane to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0804 110.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael Finnegan to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0810 110.3.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming April 2024 to be Arab American Heritage Month.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0812 110.4.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming May 2024 to be Jewish American Heritage Month.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0807 110.5.Public EventJamie Gouger applying for a Public Event License for Garcia Hand Picked Bertha Pop Up on June 7 from 1pm to 8pm (raindate June 21).ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0808 110.6.Public EventNicole Girouard applying for a Public Event License for Classical Ideal: Celebrating Artistic Heritage of the Classical World on June 8 from 12pm to 4pm (raindate June 9).ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0806 110.7.Public EventEconomic Development applying for a Public Event License for Gilman Park Community Event on June 15 through September 30 from 7am to 10pm.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0809 110.8.Public EventDaniel Wong applying for a Public Event License for Spring Oak Bolton Houghton BP on June 15 from 1pm to 6pm (raindate June 16).ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0811 110.9.Public EventDepartment of Racial and Social Justice applying for a Public Event License for Juneteenth Flag Raising on June 18 from 10am to 1pm (raindate June 17).ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0805 110.10.Public CommunicationAaron Weber submitting comments re: density bonus.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video