City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final-revised
Meeting date/time: 3/9/2023 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
23-0357 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
23-0362 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0363 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 9, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0318 14.1.OrderThat this Council draft a Home Rule Petition to authorize Somerville to regulate against rent gouging by establishing Rent Stabilization.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0319 14.2.ResolutionRe-affirming support for An Act Enabling Local Options for Tenant Protections, also known as the Tenant Protection Act (HD.3922 & SD.2368).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0320 14.3.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Medford Street, between Sycamore and School Streets.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0321 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Mobility place in-street spring-loaded pedestrian crosswalk signs on Medford Street at Sycamore, Thurston, and Dartmouth Streets.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0322 14.5.OrderThat the Director of Housing discuss the practice of monthly fees being charged to tenants in affordable housing units.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0327 14.6.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires wrapped around the pole near 57 Atherton Street and report to the City Council who owns the pole.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0328 14.7.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove, or raise to a safe height, the cables attached to a pole at the intersection of Harvard and Monmouth Streets, and report to the City Council who owns the pole.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0330 14.8.OrderThat the Executive Director of the Arts Council inform this City Council of plans to include writers in arts community initiatives.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0329 14.9.WithdrawnWithdrawn.WithdrawnPass Action details Not available
23-0309 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 8, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0324 16.A.2.ResolutionSupporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to establish a Participatory Budgeting Study Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0372 16.A.3.ResolutionSupporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to add a periodic review of compensation of all city employees to ensure compensation is distributed equitably and to the greatest extent possible compensation is sufficient to live in the city, and to establish an Equitable Compensation Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0304 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on February 28, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1717 16.B.2.OrderThat the Director of the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs provide an update on the proposed 5-year language plan and how this plan will be implemented in the next five years.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1884 16.B.3.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation eliminate equity barriers for residents signing up for recreation programs.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0082 16.B.4.OrderThat the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, the Director of Inspectional Services, and the Director of Planning, Preservation & Zoning explain to this Council how the City provides oversight for compliance with Fair Housing Act Design Guidelines, the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board CMR 521 and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, from plan review through building and occupancy permits.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0308 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 7, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1517 16.C.2.OrderThat the Director of Finance and the Budget Director update this Council on the progress of the free cash certification and any anticipated plans for additional free cash use.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0162 16.C.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to use available funds in the Health and Human Services Salaries Account in the amount of $21,982 to fund an additional Case Manager position.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0165 16.C.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a multi-year lease agreement with Hanhal Realty for a West Somerville Police Substation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0178 16.C.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund to the Elizabeth Peabody House for historic building window restoration.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0181 16.C.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $15,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund to Mudflat Pottery School, Inc. for a Facade Restoration Study.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0213 16.C.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education to the Health and Human Services SomerPromise Division for LGBTQIA Out-of-School Time Youth Programming.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0231 16.C.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Colliers Project Leaders USA NE LLC for Owner's Project Manager Services on the Public Safety Facility project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0232 16.C.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Consigli Construction Co. Incorporated for Construction Manager At-Risk Services on the Public Safety Facility project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0233 16.C.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Context Architecture Incorporated for Architectural & Engineering Services on the Public Safety Facility project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0251 16.C.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Fenway Community Health Center to the Police Department for staffing costs related to the post overdose support team program.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0258 16.C.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $805,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to purchase and install prefabricated standalone public toilets.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0269 16.C.13.Officer's CommunicationCity Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Carlos Melo v. City of Somerville.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0270 16.C.14.Officer's CommunicationCity Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Kathryn McDaid v. City of Somerville, et al.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0271 16.C.15.Officer's CommunicationDirector of Infrastructure & Asset Management presenting the FY2023 Capital Investment Plan update.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0272 16.C.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,847,374 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Account for supplemental funding for the Municipal Voucher Program.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0280 16.C.17.OrderThat the Director of Finance provide a written report detailing all Stabilization Funds and the current balance in each fund.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0282 16.C.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $805,675 from the Capital Stabilization Fund for the purchase and installation of outdoor prefabricated toilet facilities.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0284 16.C.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $137,500 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Carlos Melo v. City of Somerville.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0285 16.C.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $702,500 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Kathryn McDaid v. City of Somerville, et al.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0305 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on March 1, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-0090 16.D.2.ResolutionThat representatives of the Community Land Trust update this Council’s Housing and Community Development Committee on its progress and how the Council can help implement the Trust’s goals.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0170 16.D.3.OrderThat the Director of Housing, the Director of the Office of Housing Stability, and the Director of Planning and Zoning discuss the challenges associated with and potential modifications to the Tier 3 Rental ADUs multiplier at 110% AMI for inclusionary units.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0173 16.D.4.OrderThat the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development work with the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to consider combining the affordable housing linkage payments for commercial development as a funding source for a development that will result in the creation of affordable units.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0174 16.D.5.OrderThat the Director of the Office of Housing Stability discuss proactive measures to inform tenants in inclusionary housing units of the rights and resources available to them.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0036 16.D.6.Officer's CommunicationFair Housing Commission conveying the Fiscal Year 2021 Fair Housing Commission Annual Report.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0064 16.D.7.OrderThat this City Council's Committee on Housing and Community Development discuss the attached letter from the Somerville Fair Housing Commission regarding the current Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination backlog.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0281 16.D.8.OrderThat the Director of Human Resources provide a written demographic breakdown, including the age, gender, and race/ethnicity of Customer Service Representatives in the Constituent Services Department (311).Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0307 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on March 6, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0221 16.E.2.LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Falafel Place, 1 Main St, opening Mon-Sun until 3am for in-store, take-out, and delivery services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0224 16.E.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 102 feet of conduit in Kent St, from Utility Pole 191/3 to a point of pickup at 22 Kent St.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0302 16.F.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on February 27, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1373 16.F.2.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services and the Director of Community Outreach, Help and Recovery appear before the Public Health and Public Safety Committee to discuss an alternative emergency response program.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0278 16.F.3.OrderThat this Council discuss alternative emergency response methods with local mental health care providers.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0279 16.F.4.OrderThat this Council discuss alternative emergency response and/or other non-police emergency response methods that other municipalities have pursued.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0306 16.G.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on March 2, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0057 16.G.2.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on the contract renewal process with TZE and discuss how the process works.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0303 16.H.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on February 27, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-2117 16.H.2.OrderThat the Director of Mobility increase lighting and short-term traffic calming measures on the corner of Pearl and Franklin Streets, to address safety concerns while the construction of Pearl Street is delayed.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-2144 16.H.3.OrderThat the Director of Mobility respond to constituent complaints regarding the bus stop placement westbound at Beacon and Washington.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-2145 16.H.4.OrderThat the Director of Mobility address resident parking subsidies in negotiated Transportation Management Plans for major developments.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-2146 16.H.5.OrderThat the Director of Mobility work with residents on Lake St to ensure that the parking plan for ongoing projects does not block driveway access.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-2148 16.H.6.OrderThat the Director of Mobility update the Ward 2 Councilor on the prioritization of speed bump installation on the requested streets.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0083 16.H.7.OrderThat the Director of Mobility consider improvements to deficient conditions impacting the safety and pedestrian accessibility of Cedar Street.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0323 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting the acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 138, Section 33B, to confirm the authorization of licensees under section twelve to sell alcoholic beverages between the hours of 10:00 AM and 12:00 noon on Sundays, the last Monday in May and on Christmas day or on the day following when said day occurs on Sunday.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0332 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a grant of easement and maintenance agreement for BRE-BMR Assembly I Innovation LLC and BRE-BMR Middlesex LLC.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0300 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $2,068,800 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount to participate in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for Lead Service Replacement program and rescind Docket #214477, authorization to borrow $1,477,738 in a bond for participation in the FY23 MWRA Lead Line Replacement Program.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0325 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $827,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Stabilization Fund for site preparation, construction, and furnishing of a safe consumption site.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0312 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $425,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the Somerville Hispanic Association for community development for continued historic preservation of Grace Baptist Church.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0310 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $151,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the Somerville Museum for collections conservation.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0316 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to repurpose $3,500,000 in unused COVID-19 Stabilization Fund appropriations for affordable housing opportunities for low-income residents.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0317 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $3,500,000 from the COVID-19 Stabilization Fund to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide affordable housing opportunities for low-income residents.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0311 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $20,125 from the Information Technology Department Salaries Account to the Information Technology Department Maintenance Software Account to procure and standardize on the Zoom platform for remote meetings.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0296 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $5,761.47 grant with no new match required, from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to the Fire Department for equipment to develop emergency operations capacity.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0315 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $5,234.59 grant with no new match required, from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to the Fire Department for the purchase of protective equipment to support active threat preparedness initiatives.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0297 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $2,982.40 grant with no new match required, from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to the Fire Department for equipment to develop emergency operations capacity.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0301 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $65,686.35 using available funds various Public Works Ordinary Maintenance accounts for various services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0313 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $480 using available funds in the Engineering Capital Outlay Engineering/Architecture Account for the FY22 Pavement & Sidewalk Assessment.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0290 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $289.68 using available funds in the Elections Department Office Supplies Account for index dividers, ledger paper, and water.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0326 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Dorothy Suput to the Urban Forestry Committee.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0356 17.17.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the Somerville Linkage Nexus Study Final Report.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0331 18.1.Officer's CommunicationChief of Police conveying a memorandum regarding implementation of an Ordinance Securing the Rights of Individuals Seeking Gender Affirming Care and Reproductive Healthcare, pursuant to Section 2-10 (j) (3) of the Code of Ordinances.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0333 18.2.Officer's CommunicationChief of Police conveying a bi-annual report, pursuant to Section 2-10 (h) of the Code of Ordinances.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0334 18.3.Officer's CommunicationChief of Police conveying a bi-annual report, pursuant to Section 2-6 (g) of the Code of Ordinances.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0358 19.1.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, A.A. Will Corporation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0343 19.2.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, A.P. Flowers & Son LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0366 19.3.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Baystate Engineering Corp.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0344 19.4.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, C.M. Conway Construction Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0346 19.5.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Insite Contracting Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0345 19.6.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, James W. Flett Co., Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0347 19.7.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Mirra Co., LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0348 19.8.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0349 19.9.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, R.M. Pacella Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0350 19.10.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Super Service Today Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0351 19.11.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Tufts Constructions Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0353 19.12.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Dino, 308 McGrath Hwy.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0352 19.13.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Original Auto Body and Mechanic Inc, 12 Joy St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0354 19.14.LicenseNew Sign/Awning License, BrightView, 401 Highland Ave, 1 awning and 2 wall mounted signs.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0355 19.15.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, God's Blessing Cab Inc., Med. #60.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0364 19.16.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Joseph Nicolas, Med. #79.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0365 19.17.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Renaissance Taxi Service LLC, Med. #50.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0299 19.18.Public CommunicationOrganization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy (OPEN) submitting comments re: nondiscrimination provisions in ordinances based on relationship structure.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0360 110.1.OrdinanceAmending Section 1-19 of the Code of Ordinances to remove the phrase "Honorably Purchased from Pawtuckets - 1639" from the City seal.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0359 110.2.OrderThat the City Solicitor advise this Council regarding the city's ability to use General Funds for a mass medical debt relief program.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0361 110.3.OrderThat the Director of SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs and other appropriate staff report to this Council what steps are taken when migrants arrive in the city unexpectedly, and confirm whether a written policy or plan exists for this contingency.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0371 110.4.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0367 110.5.Public CommunicationTufts University conveying its Spring 2023 Accountability Report.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0370 110.6.Public CommunicationHarvard University conveying its Spring 2023 Accountability Report.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0368 110.7.Public CommunicationCrystal Huff submitting comments re: use of Free Cash for affordable housing.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0187 111.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Municipal Election Calendar for 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Not available