City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 4/25/2024 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
24-0604 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
24-0605 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
24-0606 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 28, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0552 13.1.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit in Quincy Street, from Utility Pole 296/6 to a point of pickup at 30 Quincy Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0583 14.1.ResolutionIn support of An Act Relative to the Future of Clean Heat in the Commonwealth and An Act Establishing a Moratorium on New Gas System Expansion.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0584 14.2.ResolutionIn support of The I AM bill: An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products in Prisons, Homeless Shelters and Public Schools.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0585 14.3.ResolutionIn support of increased safety for sex workers.Approved as amendedPass Action details Video Video
24-0586 14.4.ResolutionThat the Administration utilize American Rescue Plan Act money to address excessive water bills for residents.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0587 14.5.ResolutionThat the Administration develop a program to recruit and train Somerville High School students to become firefighters and police officers in Somerville.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0455 15.1.Mayor's CommunicationConveying an update on Police and Fire hiring.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0568 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 23, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0412 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $302,720 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to use as a Green Communities grant match to fund energy improvements for 42 Cross Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0476 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $7,310,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the FY 2024 Water Main Rehabilitation program as part of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority's Local Water System Assistance Program.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0485 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $108,373.07 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Natural Gas Account for natural gas expenses.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0486 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $307.97 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Admin Postage Machine Rental Account for postage machine lease expenses.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0487 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,780 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Rental Buildings Account for the lease of conduit to carry Fire Alarm equipment.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0488 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $224.67 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Bituminous Supplies Account for the purchase of asphalt.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0489 16.A.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $493.08 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Motor Parts and Accessories Account for vehicle repair parts.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0490 16.A.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to enter into an 84- and 89-month contract renewal term with Big Belly for existing equipment and deliverables, and enter into a new 96-month contract term with Big Belly for new units.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0492 16.A.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $42,500 from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Housing Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Public Space and Urban Forestry Personal Services Account to cover a projected year-end salary deficit.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0495 16.A.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $1,800,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the annual recurring FY 2024 Sewer System Evaluation & Infiltration/Inflow Assessment.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0540 16.A.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a pedestrian access easement on Charlestown Place, approval of a grant of easements over certain alleys located in the D2.2 parcel, and approval of a grant of license from the City to Union Square RELP.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0541 16.A.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Conveyance and Easement for Parcel D2.2 (Union Square) Civic Space Lot 2A.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0567 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on April 18, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0091 16.B.2.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry report to this Council’s Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy on the status of the parks and open spaces that have been completed or are under construction and planning as part of redevelopment projects.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0472 16.B.3.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the condition of Conway Field and the displacement of infill that is occurring there during extreme rainfall events, as well as the schedule for regular grooming and maintenance of the City’s artificial turf athletic fields.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0566 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on April 17, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0093 16.C.2.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 24-28 Broadway, the former Taco Loco site, due to repeated cleanliness and business violations within the last two years.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0094 16.C.3.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 112 Broadway, formerly the East End Grill, for any violations within the last ten years.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0095 16.C.4.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 176-182 Broadway, formerly Patsy's Pastries, in the last ten years.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0096 16.C.5.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services inspect 112 Broadway, 176-182 Broadway, and 24-28 Broadway for violations and report the findings to the Ward 1 City Councilor.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0097 16.C.6.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services address trash and other violations by the Rent-A-Center on Broadway.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0371 16.C.7.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on plans for the $244,891.15 received as part of the Massachusetts Municipal Opioid Abatement Payments.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0384 16.C.8.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services inspect 112 Broadway, 176-182 Broadway, and 24-28 Broadway for violations and report the findings to the Ward 1 City Councilor.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0385 16.C.9.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 176-182 Broadway, formerly Patsy's Pastries, in the last ten years.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0386 16.C.10.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 112 Broadway, formerly the East End Grill, for any violations within the last ten years.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0387 16.C.11.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 24-28 Broadway, the former Taco Loco site, due to repeated cleanliness and business violations within the last two years.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0388 16.C.12.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services appears before the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to discuss implementation of the Vacant Properties Ordinance, and provide the Ward 1 Councilor with a list of registered properties, the dates they were registered and any fees and fines associated with the properties.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0389 16.C.13.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services appear before the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to discuss the department's methods of reporting, inputting and organizing fines within their databases.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0417 16.C.14.OrderThat the Executive Director of the Arts Council appear before the Housing and Community Development Committee to present a Porchfest safety plan that addresses pedestrian safety concerns, promotion of street closures, intersection crossing safety and the prevention of aggressive and dangerous driver behavior during the active event hours.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0429 16.C.15.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the recent collapse of a house at 16 Bonair Street.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0430 16.C.16.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the status of any permits issued to contractors associated with 16 Bonair Street.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0469 16.C.17.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor on enforcement of the Dark Skies Ordinance.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0551 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to add Section 8.5 Interim Planning Overlay District (IPOD) and the Brickbottom sub-area.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0577 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $2,041,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly School to accommodate Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School students.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0579 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Emergency Response Stabilization Fund to provide temporary shelter, food, and other common necessaries of life to displaced individuals and families.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0574 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $248,111 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas Account for the remediation of an expected year end deficit.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0572 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $237,468 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Buildings Interior Building Maintenance Account for repairs to the Dilboy Pool.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0576 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $150,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for building improvements at 77 Broadway for the East Somerville Police sub-station.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0578 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $2,041,000 from the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly School to accommodate Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School students.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0580 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $400,000 from the Emergency Stabilization Fund to support critical emergency shelter services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0573 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $1,095,000 from various Department of Public Works personal services accounts to the Department of Public Works Buildings Electricity Account to cover a deficit.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0564 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $13,800 from the Police Salaries Account to the Police Special Items Rental Buildings Account to pay the remaining East Substation lease payments for FY 2024.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0575 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $243,094 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to the Office of Sustainability and Environment, for a residential decarbonization outreach campaign and two-year Energy Advisor position.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0581 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Alyssa DuBois to the Board of Health.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0582 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Margaret H. Coit to the Board of Health.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0553 19.1.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Caruso & McGovern Construction Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0554 19.2.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Edward Ahern.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0555 19.3.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, JNJ Sacca Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0556 19.4.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, LaMountain Brothers Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0557 19.5.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, New England Style Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0558 19.6.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, P. Gioioso & Sons Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0559 19.7.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0560 19.8.LicenseRenewing Garage License, K Professional Auto Detailing, 682 Mystic Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0561 19.9.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0562 19.10.LicenseRenewing Second Hand Dealer License, Buffalo Exchange Ltd, 238 Elm St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0563 19.11.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Michael H. Garvey, Med. #57.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0588 19.12.LicenseNew Outdoor Parking License, John's Auto Sales, 216 McGrath Hwy, store 23 vehicles on premises.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0589 19.13.LicenseNew Sign and Awning License, Toca Chida, 333 Great River Rd, 3 awnings.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0590 19.14.Public EventFriends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Community Growing Center 2024 Event Calendar on May through December from various times.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0591 19.15.Public EventSomerville Open Studios applying for a Public Event License for Open Studios informational table on May 4 and 5 from 11:30am to 6:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0593 19.16.Public EventJason Oberstein applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest for Flying Turtle on May 11 from 11am to 3pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0595 19.17.Public EventJonathan Bernhardt applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Charnwood on May 11 from 1pm to 4pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0596 19.18.Public EventNate Kaufman applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Highland Rd on May 11 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0592 19.19.Public EventDave Rothfarb applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Aberdeen on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0594 19.20.Public EventLiz Hewitt applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Craigie on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0597 19.21.Public EventJeff Kaufman applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Morrison on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0599 19.22.Public EventNels Nelson applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Munroe on May 11 from 3pm to 7pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0598 19.23.Public EventClaire Crowther applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Morgan on May 11 from 3:30pm to 6pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0600 19.24.Public EventAlexandra Weiner applying for a Public Event License for Calvin Street BP on May 25 from 10am to 8pm (raindate May 26).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0602 19.25.Public EventVeterans Department applying for a Public Event License for Memorial Day Parade on May 26 from 8am to 3pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0603 19.26.Public EventMaria M. Carreiro-Luis applying for a Public Event License for Ermandade do Devino Espirito Santo on May 26 from 9am to 3pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0601 19.27.Public CommunicationSomerville Community Corporation nominating Gonzalo J. Puigbo to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0565 110.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Sidewalk Easement and Maintenance License at 599 Somerville Avenue.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0608 110.2.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, CRL Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0609 110.3.LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Eat Greek Gyros, 215 Elm St, for in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 2am.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0610 110.4.LicenseRenewing Garage License, FRIT, 355 Artisan Way.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0611 110.5.LicenseRenewing Garage License, FRIT, 445 Artisan Way.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0612 110.6.LicenseRenewing Garage License, FRIT, 479 Canal St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0613 110.7.LicenseRenewing Garage License, FRIT, 455 Grand Union Blvd.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0614 110.8.LicenseRenewing Garage License, FRIT, 333 Great River Rd.Approved with conditionsPass Action details Video Video
24-0616 110.9.Public EventGary Rowe applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Bailey on May 11 from 11:30am to 2:30pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0615 110.10.Public EventToriah Mimms applying for a Public Event License for The Curl Bar BP on May 26 from 8am to 8pm (raindate June 8).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0607 110.11.Public CommunicationMo Rizkallah requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 5 Homer Square from Neighborhood Residence (NR) to Urban Residence (UR).Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0617 111.1.ResolutionThat this City Council opposes the use of lateral hiring in the Fire Department.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video