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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 10/11/2018 7:00 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: City Council Chamber-City Hall-93 Highland Avenue
City Hall
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
206802 1206802Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on October 3, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
206798 1206798Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on October 4, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
206800 1206800Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 9, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
206797 1206797Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 9, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
206758 1206758Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Action details Not available
206759 1206759MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, September 13, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
206761 1206761Grant of LocationSubmitted by Eversource to install 60 feet of conduit in Beacon St, from Pole 24/51 to a point of pickup at 369-371 Beacon St.Approved  Action details Not available
206762 1206762Grant of LocationSubmitted by Crown Castle Fiber to install 44 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 7454 to a proposed Handhole at 1060 Broadway.Approved  Action details Not available
206812 1206812Public EventPublic Event License, School St Block Party, from Summer St to Knapp St, Oct 13, 11AM-6PM (raindate Oct 20).Approved  Action details Not available
206813 1206813Public EventPublic Event License, Infra-Structure Concert, ArtFarm, Oct 20, 10AM-2AM.Approved with conditions  Action details Not available
206799 1206799Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on October 2, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
206816 1206816LicenseNew Outdoor Seating and Goods License, MedWell Health and Wellness, 55 Broadway, 1 A-Frame sign.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
206817 1206817LicenseAmending Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Master Used Cars, 121 Prospect St, increasing vehicles outside from 23 to 26, and extending hours Mon-Fri to 7:30PM and Sat to 5:30PM.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
206832 1206832Public CommunicationNational Association of Regional Councils submitting comments re: #206743, a Resolution opposing the FCC's decision on accelerating wireless broadband deployment.Placed on file  Action details Not available
206814 1206814WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
206815 1206815LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Alpha Tau Omega, 134 Professors Row.Approved  Action details Not available
206833 1206833Public CommunicationAnika Van Eaton submitting comments re: #206768, to consider amending skate park hours.Placed on file  Action details Not available
206834 1206834Public CommunicationKevin Malone submitting comments re: #206768, to consider amending skate park hours.Placed on file  Action details Not available
206830 1206830LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Zeta Psi Fraternity, 80 Professors Ave.Approved  Action details Not available
206831 1206831LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Delta Upsilon Fraternity, 114 Professors Row.Approved  Action details Not available
206828 1206828LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, JP Vara Inc.Approved  Action details Not available
206829 1206829LicenseRenewing Open Air Vendor License, Next Wave-Full Circle School, 8 Bonair St.Approved  Action details Not available
206829 2206829LicenseRenewing Open Air Vendor License, Next Wave-Full Circle School, 8 Bonair St.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206835 2206835OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Public Works install NO SMOKING signs in the public parks in and around Ward 7 and Davis Square.Approved  Action details Not available
206836 2206836OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works and the City Engineer address before the Committee on Public Utilities and Works what appears to be the failure of a contractor to tie the local sewer line from Ten Hills Road into the Shore Drive main sewer pipe, which was part of a major separation contract, and discuss measures that will be undertaken to oversee future water and sewer projects.Approved  Action details Not available
206837 2206837OrdinanceThat Ordinance 2-311 be amended by changing the phrase "former school committee member" to "former or current school committee member".Ordinance ordained  Action details Not available
206828 2206828LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, JP Vara Inc.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206831 2206831LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Delta Upsilon Fraternity, 114 Professors Row.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206830 2206830LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Zeta Psi Fraternity, 80 Professors Ave.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206815 2206815LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Alpha Tau Omega, 134 Professors Row.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206823 2206823ResolutionThat Tufts University engage the Somerville community in its public Master Planning process.Approved  Action details Not available
206826 2206826OrderThat the Director of Engineering and/or the Commissioner of Public Works repair the pedestrian and bicycle ramp under the railroad bridge on Sacramento Street, and respond to this Board in writing before the next meeting of the Committee on Public Utilities and Works.Approved  Action details Not available
206824 2206824OrderThat the Director of SPCD and the Director of Parks and Recreation share a 5-year master design plan and financial investment plan for any DCR parks like Draw 7, Foss, Dilboy, Blessing of the Bay, etc.Approved  Action details Not available
206825 2206825OrderThat the Director of Information Technology and the Director of Finance update this Board on cyber privacy security plans for protecting resident/consumer private financial data.Approved  Action details Not available
206801 2206801OrderThat the City Solicitor review the video of the October 9, 2018 Licenses and Permits Committee meeting and advise the Committee how to proceed with #206754, a Lodging House License application from Theta Delta Chi, 123 Packard Ave.Approved  Action details Not available
206818 2206818OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking install a NO PARKING FROM HERE sign at the parking lot at 315 Broadway.Approved  Action details Not available
206819 2206819OrderThat the appropriate department adjust the hours of the dog parks from 8:00 am to 7:00 am.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
206820 2206820OrderThat the Director of SPCD update this Board on the Healy schoolyard redesign and consider making it a top priority.Approved  Action details Not available
206821 2206821OrderThat the Superintendent of Inspectional Services bait the sewer at 48-50 Ash Avenue for rodents.Approved  Action details Not available
206822 2206822ResolutionSupporting the 1,500 hotel workers of Unite Here Local 26, currently on strike at 7 Marriott-managed hotels in Boston.Approved  Action details Not available
206777 2206777OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works update the Ward 3 Alderman on repairing and renovating Walnut Street Park. (see #206061)Approved  Action details Not available
206813 2206813Public EventPublic Event License, Infra-Structure Concert, ArtFarm, Oct 20, 10AM-2AM.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206812 2206812Public EventPublic Event License, School St Block Party, from Summer St to Knapp St, Oct 13, 11AM-6PM (raindate Oct 20).Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206762 2206762Grant of LocationSubmitted by Crown Castle Fiber to install 44 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 7454 to a proposed Handhole at 1060 Broadway.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206761 2206761Grant of LocationSubmitted by Eversource to install 60 feet of conduit in Beacon St, from Pole 24/51 to a point of pickup at 369-371 Beacon St.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206766 2206766OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking paint two additional crosswalks at the intersection of Cherry Street and Highland Avenue.Approved  Action details Not available
206760 2206760CitationCommending the Little Sisters of the Poor, on the 150th anniversary of their arrival in America.Approved  Action details Not available
206811 2206811Mayor's CommunicationConveying the Report of the Clean and Open Elections Task Force.Placed on file  Action details Not available
206803 2206803OrderThat #203365, #206495, #205683 and #205807, all currently in the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, be discharged from that Committee and referred to the Committee on Legislative Matters.Approved  Action details Not available
206767 2206767OrderThe Director of Personnel update this Board on the status of all vacant positions.Approved  Action details Not available
206768 2206768OrderThat this Board’s Committee on Legislative Matters consider amending Ordinance 12-48, relating to the hours of operation of skate parks.Approved  Action details Not available
206769 2206769OrderThat the City Solicitor draft an ordinance requiring that projects above a certain size include an impact statement regarding trees and green space, with updates at all stages of design, and prohibiting this Board from authorizing funds for any project that does not include this impact statement.Approved  Action details Not available
206770 2206770ResolutionThat the Administration create a Task Force to develop a master plan for green and open spaces.Approved  Action details Not available
206771 2206771ResolutionThat the Administration continue to advertise and to accept applications for membership on the Urban Forestry Committee, if there is to be a delay of more than one month in staffing.Approved  Action details Not available
206772 2206772ResolutionOpposing the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court.Approved  Action details Not available
206773 2206773ResolutionThat the Administration establish a widely-advertised Fair Housing enforcement program that proactively tests for illegal housing discrimination.Approved  Action details Not available
206774 2206774OrderThat the Director of SPCD send a mailer and place flyers on doors and cars to all residents within the High School parking zones, informing them of the ongoing survey for parking needs.Approved  Action details Not available
206775 2206775OrderThat the Director of Engineering, in consultation with local community and small business groups, change the construction warning signs surrounding Union Square to emphasize that businesses remain open during construction.Approved  Action details Not available
206776 2206776OrderThat the Director of Engineering consider using colored asphalt rather than paint, for bike lanes.Approved  Action details Not available
206778 2206778OrderThat the Director of SPCD and the Director of Engineering work with the Ward 3 Alderman to use $75,000 contributed by the 125 Lowell developers, to enhance traffic calming in the vicinity.Approved  Action details Not available
206779 2206779OrderThat the Director of Engineering or the Commissioner of Public Works share with this Board the current process for coordinating street paving with underground utility repairs, including how it compares with the Worcester Cooperative Paving Program.Approved  Action details Not available
206780 2206780ResolutionThat the Administration work with other municipalities for the creation of a DPU community advisory board, similar to the MWRA’s advisory board, to provide input on the regulation of utilities.Approved  Action details Not available
206781 2206781OrderThat gas leaks be a regular topic on any standing meetings with Eversource or National Grid.Approved  Action details Not available
206782 2206782OrderThat the Director of SPCD, with the Director of Sustainability and Environment, explain the feasibility of encouraging or requiring that areas of new utility infrastructure – such as Boynton Yards or the Inner Belt – use sustainable forms of energy.Approved  Action details Not available
206783 2206783ResolutionThat the Administration and this Board support Bill H2683, “An Act relative to protecting consumers of gas and electricity from paying for leaked and unaccounted for gas.”Approved  Action details Not available
206784 2206784ResolutionOffering appreciation and encouragement for people who have spoken up – whether a person is the target or a colleague and bystander -- when they face workplace situations that make them feel excluded, harassed, or uncomfortable.Approved  Action details Not available
206785 2206785ResolutionSupporting the Personnel Department in its continuing efforts to make it more possible for employees and residents to speak up, with the recognition that it is a continuing process of improvement and learning for all involved.Approved  Action details Not available
206786 2206786ResolutionThat the Administration update this Board on transferring the management of Foss Park to the City, to improve conditions and access.Approved  Action details Not available
206787 2206787ResolutionThat the Administration update this Board on establishing a waste reduction position, ideally using revenue saved from reducing recycling and solid waste costs.Approved  Action details Not available
206788 2206788OrderThat the City expand its public notices to online and non-English-speaking news media.Approved  Action details Not available
206789 2206789OrderThat the City Solicitor provide this Board with written state and local regulations regarding public notices.Approved  Action details Not available
206790 2206790OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes at the locations described within.Approved  Action details Not available
206791 2206791OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the concrete around the manholes at the locations described within.Approved  Action details Not available
206792 2206792OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works remove the impermeable surface along Alston Street, next to the MBTA separation fence.Approved  Action details Not available
206793 2206793OrderThat the Director of SPCD install a bike lane along Myrtle Street.Approved  Action details Not available
206794 2206794OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works remove the trash from the end of Flint Street, by McGrath Highway.Approved  Action details Not available
206795 2206795OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the cracked sidewalk at 2 Ellsworth Street.Approved  Action details Not available
206796 2206796OrderThat the Director of Engineering reassess the position of Otis Street on the pavement list and adjust if needed.Approved  Action details Not available
206763 2206763OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking and the Director of SPCD meet with Partridge Avenue residents and the Ward 5 Alderman to discuss traffic calming between Medford and Vernon Streets.Approved  Action details Not available
206764 2206764OrderThat the Chief of Police provide traffic enforcement to prevent vehicles from speeding on Partridge Avenue, between Medford and Vernon Streets, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours.Approved  Action details Not available
206765 2206765OrderThat the Director of Engineering, the Commissioner of Public Works and the Superintendent of Inspectional Services report to this Board on possible actions to incentivize residents to de-pave their properties, such as waiving dumpster fees and lending de-paving tools.Approved  Action details Not available
206729 3206729Public EventPublic Event License, Somerville Honor Run, Davis Sq area, Nov 11, 5AM-3PM.Approved with conditions  Action details Not available
206730 3206730Public EventPublic Event License, Boston Turkey Trot 8K Run, Assembly Row-Mystic Reservation, Nov 22, 4AM-Noon.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
206804 3206804Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to provide legal voting rights for residents aged 16 and older.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
206809 3206809CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Seamus Lynch to the position of Fire Fighter.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
206810 3206810CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Troy Martini to the position of Fire Fighter.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
206744 3206744OrderThat the City Solicitor appear before this Board on September 27, 2018 and explain how a City asset, and physical building, like the Homans Building, can be demolished without the approval of this Board.Approved  Action details Not available
206827 3206827CommunicationDirector of Parks & Recreation responding to #205109 re: a policy for gender equity for programs serving persons under 18.Placed on file  Action details Not available
206825 3206825OrderThat the Director of Information Technology and the Director of Finance update this Board on cyber privacy security plans for protecting resident/consumer private financial data.Approved  Action details Not available
206838 4206838CommunicationPlanning Board conveying its recommendations re: #206285, zoning ordinance amendments regarding adult use marijuana establishments.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
206807 4206807Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $18,723.97 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the Law Enforcement and Youth Partnership Jr. Academy summer program.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
206666 4206666ResolutionThat the Administration adopt a holistic urban development approach, following the Cuidad Dulce (Sweet City) model, that attends to all members of the community, especially marginalized populations, both human and nature.Approved  Action details Not available
205959 4205959CommunicationLegislative Liaison responding to #200593 with updated reports on Police and Fire services rendered to tax-exempt facilities.Work completed  Action details Not available
205683 4205683Public CommunicationTori Antonino submitting comments re: #203365, calling for a native planting ordinance.Recommended to be sent for discussion  Action details Not available
205998 4205998Public Communication3 residents submitting comments re: #205728, a proposed Fire Suppression Charge.Work completed  Action details Not available
206729 4206729Public EventPublic Event License, Somerville Honor Run, Davis Sq area, Nov 11, 5AM-3PM.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206808 4206808Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Dept of Public Health to the Police Department for the purchasing and training of Naxalone.Approved  Action details Not available
206765 4206765OrderThat the Director of Engineering, the Commissioner of Public Works and the Superintendent of Inspectional Services report to this Board on possible actions to incentivize residents to de-pave their properties, such as waiving dumpster fees and lending de-paving tools.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
205091 4205091ResolutionThat the Administration provide this Board with an opinion on whether or not to draft a home rule petition raising the owner occupied residential tax exemption from 35% to 40%.Work completed  Action details Not available
205678 4205678CommunicationCity Treasurer responding to #203230 re: whether the city can restrict financial institutions from participating in city borrowing.Work completed  Action details Not available
206229 4206229ResolutionThat the Administration add $250,000 to the FY19 budget to purchase additional trees.Work completed  Action details Not available
206495 4206495OrderThat the City Solicitor consider the attached language in the drafting of a Native Tree and Plantings Ordinance, as ordered by #203365.Recommended to be sent for discussion  Action details Not available
206584 4206584ResolutionThat the Administration explain to this Board why the new textile recycling contract was not subject to the city's Living Wage ordinance, and inform this Board when that contract will be re-negotiated.Work completed  Action details Not available
206239 4206239ResolutionThat the Administration increase the annual salary of the Director of the Council On Aging to align with the numerous other Directors who oversee a similar number of staff and contribute to the well-being of thousands in our Community.Work completed  Action details Not available
206805 5206805Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $300,000 grant with no new match required, from the EPA to the SPCD Economic Development Division for citywide Brownfield site assessments.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204867 5204867OrderThat the Chief Assessor and the Director of Communications provide an update on how this year’s tax deferral program can be advertised to each eligible home owner, and how the application process can be streamlined.Work completed  Action details Not available
204881 5204881ResolutionThat the Mayor allocate $25,000 for the remainder of FY18 for this Board to hire its own legal counsel to provide independent legal analysis and advice on legal matters.Work completed  Action details Not available
206808 5206808Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Dept of Public Health to the Police Department for the purchasing and training of Naxalone.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206323 5206323Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $34,000 to the Parks and Recreation Budget Ordinary Maintenance Fee Account to fund a license payment for the DCR Boathouse.Approved  Action details Not available
205960 5205960CommunicationLegislative Liaison responding to #205477 re: Block 8 payments.Work completed  Action details Not available
206715 5206715Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a Confirmatory Reciprocal Easement over Block 11 in Assembly Square.Approved  Action details Not available
205807 5205807ResolutionThat the City Solicitor draft an ordinance to establish the city’s current green space as a minimum allowed amount, as described within.Recommended to be sent for discussion  Action details Not available
205729 5205729Officer's CommunicationLegislative Liaison updating this Board on the city's recycling costs.Work completed  Action details Not available
206806 5206806Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $20,000 grant that requires a match, from MA DCR to SPCD's Transportation and Infrastructure Division for an Urban Forestry Management Plan.Approved  Action details Not available
206666 5206666ResolutionThat the Administration adopt a holistic urban development approach, following the Cuidad Dulce (Sweet City) model, that attends to all members of the community, especially marginalized populations, both human and nature.Approved  Action details Not available
206716 5206716Mayor's RequestRequesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,350,000 in a bond for the renovation/construction of the West Branch Library.Approved  Action details Not available
205950 6205950Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a reciprocal easement over portions of Block 6 in Assembly Row.Approved  Action details Not available
206243 6206243Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of the fee interest in portions of Great River Road, Revolution Drive and Grand Union Boulevard.Approved  Action details Not available
206806 6206806Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $20,000 grant that requires a match, from MA DCR to SPCD's Transportation and Infrastructure Division for an Urban Forestry Management Plan.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
203448 6203448OrderThat the City Assessor and Finance Director provide revenue comparisons for real estate and other taxes received, for a hotel vs. a commercial building of comparable size.Work completed  Action details Not available
203742 6203742OrderThat the Fleet Manager provide a 2017 mid-year report of all services provided by the Fleet Management Department, and the expenses to date in each of its line items.Work completed  Action details Not available
206715 6206715Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a Confirmatory Reciprocal Easement over Block 11 in Assembly Square.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206716 6206716Mayor's RequestRequesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,350,000 in a bond for the renovation/construction of the West Branch Library.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206323 6206323Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $34,000 to the Parks and Recreation Budget Ordinary Maintenance Fee Account to fund a license payment for the DCR Boathouse.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206243 7206243Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of the fee interest in portions of Great River Road, Revolution Drive and Grand Union Boulevard.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206451 7206451Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $3,100 grant with no new match required, from the MA Attorney General to the Health and Human Services Department, for summer youth jobs.Approved  Action details Not available
203230 7203230OrderThat the City Solicitor advise this Board whether the city may restrict financial institutions from participating in city borrowing based on their business activities, and whether the city may engage in a negotiated underwriting process with a pre-selected lending institution under certain circumstances.Work completed  Action details Not available
203365 7203365OrderThat the City Solicitor draft an ordinance requiring native tree and plantings for all open space, to meet the goals of sustainability and biodiversity.Recommended to be sent for discussion  Action details Not available
206452 7206452Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $2,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mount Auburn Hospital to the Health & Human Services Department for health equity training.Approved  Action details Not available
206100 7206100Officer's CommunicationCPA Manager submitting the FY18 CPA Annual Report and FY19 Community Preservation Plan as supporting documents for the CPA FY19 budget.Work completed  Action details Not available
206242 7206242Mayor's RequestRequesting the acceptance of certain Assembly Row streets as Public Ways, including portions of Great River Road, Revolution Drive and Grand Union Boulevard.Approved  Action details Not available
205950 7205950Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a reciprocal easement over portions of Block 6 in Assembly Row.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
202711 7202711Officer's CommunicationDirector of SomerStat submitting a memorandum analyzing an increase in the residential exemption.Work completed  Action details Not available
206442 7206442Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $6,000 from the CPA Fund Open Space and Recreational Land Reserve budget to Groundwork Somerville, for the conservation restriction fee for the 5 Palmer parcel.Approved  Action details Not available
199297 8199297ResolutionThat the Administration implement a PILOT program to promote partnerships with major local non-profit institutions for fair-value voluntary PILOTs.Work completed  Action details Not available
206242 8206242Mayor's RequestRequesting the acceptance of certain Assembly Row streets as Public Ways, including portions of Great River Road, Revolution Drive and Grand Union Boulevard.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206442 8206442Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $6,000 from the CPA Fund Open Space and Recreational Land Reserve budget to Groundwork Somerville, for the conservation restriction fee for the 5 Palmer parcel.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
204025 8204025CommunicationAsst. City Solicitor responding to #203230 re: restricting or pre-selecting financial institutions for city borrowing.Work completed  Action details Not available
206451 8206451Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $3,100 grant with no new match required, from the MA Attorney General to the Health and Human Services Department, for summer youth jobs.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206452 8206452Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $2,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mount Auburn Hospital to the Health & Human Services Department for health equity training.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
206811 9206811Mayor's CommunicationConveying the Report of the Clean and Open Elections Task Force.Kept in committee  Action details Not available