City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 7/11/2013 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
195223 1195223Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Action details Not available
195224 1195224MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, June 4, 2013, and the Regular Meeting, June 13, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195293 1195293Public CommunicationDavid Dahlbacka submitting comments re: #194060, a zoning amendment to permit a larger ground-floor supermarket at Assembly Square.Placed on file  Action details Not available
195266 1195266Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on July 1, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195277 1195277Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Veterans and Public Service, meeting on July 2, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195273 1195273Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on July 2, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195270 1195270Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on July 9, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195269 1195269Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on July 10, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195271 1195271Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on July 10, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195260 1195260Committee ReportReport of the Flood Forum Special Committee, meeting on July 10, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195259 1195259Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on July 11, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195258 1195258Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments, meeting on July 11, 2013.Approved  Action details Not available
195305 1195305Public CommunicationFred Berman submitting comments re: #194060, a zoning amendment to permit a larger ground-floor supermarket at Assembly Square.Placed on file  Action details Not available
195283 2195283Public EventPublic Event Permit, Pet Palooza, Grand Union Blvd., Aug 2-4, 8AM-8PM each day (event runs 10-5PM on Aug 3-4).Approved  Action details Not available
195291 2195291LicenseSign/Awning Permit, Spoke Wine Bar, 89 Holland St., 1 hanging sign.Approved  Action details Not available
195237 2195237OrderThat the Director of Public Health and the Director of SPCD (ISD) inspect the Shaw's at 275 Beacon Street and report back to this Board on its findings and actions taken.Approved  Action details Not available
195238 2195238OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking and the City Traffic Engineer meet with the Ward 2 Alderman concerning pedestrian and cyclist safety issues at the intersections of Oxford and Beacon Streets and Somerville Avenue and Beacon Street.Approved  Action details Not available
195235 2195235Zoning OrdinanceThat the Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by changing all CCD 55 zoning districts in Ward 3 to CCD 45.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
195227 2195227Grant of LocationGrant of Location submitted by Lightower Fiber Network to install 139 feet of conduit in Crocker St, from a manhole to a pole, to provide service to 230 Highland Ave.Approved  Action details Not available
195229 2195229Grant of LocationGrant of Location submitted by Lightower Fiber Network to install 137 feet of conduit in School St, from a manhole to a point of pickup at 93 Highland Ave., to provide service to 81 Highland Ave.Approved  Action details Not available
195228 2195228Grant of LocationGrant of Location submitted by Lightower Fiber Network to install 54 feet of conduit in Walnut St, from a manhole to a pole at Highland Ave., to provide service to both 81 and 230 Highland Ave.Approved  Action details Not available
195226 2195226Grant of LocationGrant of Location submitted by Lightower Fiber Network to install 11 feet of conduit in Holland St, from a Level 3 duct bank to 40 Holland St., to provide service to 40 Holland St.Approved  Action details Not available
195225 2195225Grant of LocationGrant of Location submitted by Norfolk Ram Group to install 2 monitoring wells in Beacon Street and 1 monitoring well in Park Street, all near 81 Park Street.Approved  Action details Not available
195250 2195250OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) and the Director of Public Health utilize all means possible to combat the rodent infestation in the Florence Street neighborhood.Approved  Action details Not available
195251 2195251OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) review the rodent control plan for the construction of the Shore Drive pedestrian bridge which will access Assembly Square.Approved  Action details Not available
195252 2195252OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the street light at the corner of Shore Drive and Ten Hills Road.Approved  Action details Not available
195253 2195253OrderThat the Chief of Police explain the street closure plan associated with Boston’s July 4th fireworks celebration.Approved  Action details Not available
195254 2195254OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the chain link fence located between the states avenues and Rt. 93 South.Approved  Action details Not available
195255 2195255OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works replace the missing bricks on the sidewalk at College and Highland Avenues, outside of the bank entrance, and inspect Davis Square Plaza weekly to re-seat loose bricks and tree well rocks.Approved  Action details Not available
195256 2195256OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works trim all the trees butting up against the homes on Winslow Avenue, from Clifton Street to College Avenue.Approved  Action details Not available
195233 2195233OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the uplifted sidewalk at 60 Pearl Street.Approved  Action details Not available
195234 2195234OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the street light at 34 Franklin Street.Approved  Action details Not available
195272 2195272OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) craft a sign ordinance to address various sign issues throughout the city.Approved  Action details Not available
195265 2195265OrderThat the City Engineer contact Congressman Capuano to request information regarding federal assistance for the residents of Dane Avenue, Kingman Road and Clark Street who have been affected by flooding issues.Approved  Action details Not available
195264 2195264OrderThat the City Engineer and the Commissioner of Public Works inspect the catch basins at and across the street from 15 Dane Avenue for reports of running water.Approved  Action details Not available
195263 2195263ResolutionThat the Administration create a fund for mitigation for residents of Dane Avenue, Kingman Road and Clark Street, to include the purchase and installation of backflow preventers.Approved  Action details Not available
195262 2195262OrderThat the Director of Communications implement a plan for regular communications, including CTY-Connect, email, and direct mail, with residents in the affected areas of Ward 2 regarding anticipated floods, as well as updates on projects and plans for infrastructure improvements.Approved  Action details Not available
195261 2195261OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works deploy street sweepers to Dane Avenue, Kingman Road and Clark Street immediately after a flood, and restrict access to abutters only until the water recedes.Approved  Action details Not available
195303 2195303LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Delta Tau Delta Foundation, 98 Professors Row.Approved  Action details Not available
195301 2195301Public EventPublic Event Permit, MA Organization for Addiction Recovery Motorcycle Ride for Recovery Registration, High School Concourse, Aug 24, 9AM-Noon (raindate 8-25).Approved  Action details Not available
195302 2195302Public EventPublic Event Permit, MGH 5K Run for Rhythm, Davis Square and area streets, Sep 15, 8-2PM.Approved  Action details Not available
195304 2195304LicenseSign/Awning Permit, Sarma Restaurant, 249 Pearl St., 1 sign.Approved  Action details Not available
195294 2195294OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking reverse the one way direction of traffic on Village Street to mitigate the effects of increased traffic due to the addition of residential units.Approved  Action details Not available
195308 2195308OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking survey the Cedar Street residents abutting Trum Field regarding the proposed request to eliminate parking spots there so residents can access their driveways.Approved  Action details Not available
195307 2195307OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) and the Director of Public Health appear before this Board’s Committee on Public Health and Safety to provide an update on the city-wide rodent problem, including all areas that have been baited, and to present a comprehensive approach to deal with this problem, including the necessary resources and funding.Approved  Action details Not available
195311 2195311OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) review all business locations displaying goods, offering outdoor seating, or displaying signs on sidewalks, for proper permits, and direct any business not properly licensed to remove all of the above until the proper approvals are obtained.Approved  Action details Not available
195284 2195284Public EventPublic Event Permit, Shannon Grant Basketball Tournament, Trum Field, Aug 3, 8-4PM.Approved  Action details Not available
195285 2195285Public EventPublic Event Permit, Somerville Road Runners 5K Race to the Row, Assembly Sq., Aug 18, 7-5PM.Approved  Action details Not available
195286 2195286Public EventPublic Event Permit, Garden Club Plant Sale, Davis Sq. Statue Park, Sep 21, 6-2PM (raindate Sep 28).Approved  Action details Not available
195287 2195287LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Baystate Engineering.Approved  Action details Not available
195288 2195288LicenseRenewing Garage License, Teddy's Foreign Motors, 68 Joy St.Approved  Action details Not available
195289 2195289LicenseSign/Awning Permit, Comcast of MA/NH LLC, 116 Beacon St., 2 signs.Approved with conditions  Action details Not available
195290 2195290LicenseSign/Awning Permit, The Kirkland Tap and Trotter, 425 Washington St., 1 blade sign.Approved  Action details Not available
195239 2195239OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works inspect the tree at 110 Bartlett Street and have it removed if deemed diseased or dead.Approved  Action details Not available
195240 2195240ResolutionThat the Traffic Commission consider eliminating parking spots alongside Trum Field, on Cedar Street towards Franey Road, to allow residents to access their driveways.Approved  Action details Not available
195241 2195241OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking and the Traffic Engineer work with the Ward 5 Alderman to make exiting side streets onto Medford Street safer.Approved  Action details Not available
195242 2195242OrderThat the Superintendent of Recreation provide this Board with more information on the flyers that went home with student report cards, advertising the new youth football league.Approved  Action details Not available
195243 2195243OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) inspect Winter Street for an increase in rodent activity and overflowing trash, distribute literature about proper trash storage, and report back to this Board with findings.Approved  Action details Not available
195244 2195244OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) bait Walker Street for rodents and distribute literature about the proper way to store trash and compost bins.Approved  Action details Not available
195245 2195245OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works provide this Board with a complete list of new street trees planted in the city this year and how many were planted to replace trees that have been removed without a hearing.Approved  Action details Not available
195246 2195246OrderThat the Director of Sustainability and Environment provide this Board with a plan for city-wide residential composting, to be discussed in the Committee on Legislative Matters.Approved  Action details Not available
195247 2195247Zoning OrdinanceThat the Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by changing all CCD45 and CCD55 zoning districts in Ward 4 to RC zoning districts.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
195248 2195248OrderThat the Director of SPCD appear before this Board to provide an update on the status of the Union Square renewal plan and any transactions that have taken place.Approved  Action details Not available
195249 2195249OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) bait Maple Street, Oakland Avenue, Marshall Street from Broadway to Pearl Street and Richdale Avenue from School Street to Sycamore Street.Approved  Action details Not available
195292 2195292LicenseNew Hawker Peddler, Timothy Robertson, selling books.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
195257 2195257CommunicationActing as President, cancelling the Regular meetings of this Board that were scheduled for July 25, 2013, and August 8, 2013.Placed on file  Action details Not available
195230 2195230OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking direct PCOs to patrol the fire lanes on Pinckney Street and Pinckney Place for violations.Approved  Action details Not available
195231 2195231OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) address safety concerns at 24 Cross Street East, and ensure that all entrances are secure.Approved  Action details Not available
195267 2195267OrderThat the City notify abutters of the community garden path, behind the Somerville Avenue Rite-Aid Pharmacy, of potential contamination problems.Approved  Action details Not available
195268 2195268OrderThat further applications for liquor licenses at Assembly Square be brought to the attention of the Committee on Housing and Community Development.Approved  Action details Not available
195236 2195236OrderThat the Chief of Police place a speed board on Central Street between Somerville Avenue and Summer Street near the Greek Orthodox Church.Approved  Action details Not available
195276 2195276OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the fence at the end of Nashua Street.Approved  Action details Not available
195274 2195274OrderThat the City Clerk send a second communication to the State Delegation, requesting them to contact the MBTA to remove all graffiti from the retaining wall between the railroad tracks and the Lowell Street bridge.Approved  Action details Not available
195275 2195275OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works provide the Ward 1 Alderman with a prioritized re-pavement plan.Approved  Action details Not available
195232 2195232OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) and the Director of Health inspect 39 Pinckney Street and all abutting proprieties for rat infestation and the death of two pets due to rat poison.Approved  Action details Not available
195282 3195282Mayor's CommunicationConveying the Somerville Bicycle Committee's 2012 Annual Report.Placed on file  Action details Not available
195167 3195167ResolutionThat the Administration update this Board on any potential impacts of the proposed casino in Everett, and on efforts to mitigate those impacts and oppose the project.Work completed  Action details Not available
194331 3194331Public CommunicationMA DOT responding to #194058 re: Pedestrian lighting under Rt 93 at Sullivan Square.Work completed  Action details Not available
195299 3195299Mayor's CommunicationConveying the city's Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program.Placed on file  Action details Not available
195310 3195310Officer's CommunicationDPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted this evening.Placed on file  Action details Not available
195278 3195278Mayor's RequestRequesting that this Board convene in Executive Session for an update on negotiations with Comcast to renew the cable telecom license.Approved  Action details Not available
195300 3195300CommunicationDirector of Traffic and Parking responding to various Board Orders.Placed on file  Action details Not available
195297 3195297Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to execute a five year lease agreement for the Grove Street Parking Lot.Approved  Action details Not available
195296 4195296Mayor's RequestRequesting the acceptance of a grant of $362,175 from the Department of Energy Resources for Clean Energy projects.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
195295 4195295Mayor's RequestRequesting an appropriation of $120,000 and authorization to borrow that amount in a bond for the renovation of the Highland Avenue Fire Station, Engine #7.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
195306 4195306Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition directing the Retirement Board to retire Police Officer Mario Oliveira.Approved as amended  Action details Not available
194356 4194356ResolutionThat this Board requests that the Dedication Committee consider naming a street corner on Walnut Street in memory of the late Ted Buttner, USN retired and World War II veteran.Work completed  Action details Not available
194058 4194058OrderThat the City Clerk request our state delegation to contact the MA Highway Dept. to increase pedestrian lighting under I-93, outside the Sullivan Sq. T Station.Work completed  Action details Not available
194667 4194667ResolutionThat the City place an "empty chair" in City Hall as a reminder to never forget our nation's POW/MIA military personnel.Work completed  Action details Not available
194677 4194677ResolutionThat the Director of SPCD work with this Board to establish recommended guidelines to submit to the Licensing Commission to assist it in deciding applications for the new liquor licenses.Work completed  Action details Not available
194679 4194679OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works resurface the dog park at Nunziato Field with a more durable material.Work completed  Action details Not available
194809 4194809ResolutionThat the Administration advise the Ward 1 Alderman of the status of this Board's 2010 resolution, binding Federal Realty Investment Trust to ensuring all retail tenants of Assembly Square adhere to a local hiring ordinance via a written contract.Work completed  Action details Not available
194308 4194308OrderThat the Director of SPCD (Transportation and Infrastructure) contact the MBTA and the State Delegation to remedy the problems with the fence at the end of Nashua Street, and report any suggested remedies from the MBTA to this Board's Committee on Public Utilities and Works within 30 days.Work completed  Action details Not available
194307 4194307OrderThat the Director of SPCD (Transportation and Infrastructure) contact the MBTA and the State Delegation to eradicate all graffiti on the retaining wall between the railroad tracks and the Lowell Street bridge, and report any corrective actions to this Board's Committee on Public Utilities and Works.Work completed  Action details Not available
194960 4194960OrderThat the Director of Veterans Services replace the faded pictures at Henry Hanson Park.Work completed  Action details Not available
195062 4195062ResolutionThat the Administration update this Board on the status of #194667, regarding the placement of an empty chair in City Hall to remind the public of the sacrifices made by our service men and women and their families, and that the Administration schedule an unveiling ceremony to commemorate its inclusion in City Hall.Work completed  Action details Not available
195078 4195078OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works (arborist) check all trees on Auburn Avenue for infestation, and appear before this Board's Committee on Public Utilities and Works to describe the city's policies with regard to the placement of trees and the handling of diseased trees.Work completed  Action details Not available
195202 4195202LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, Target, 180 Somerville Ave., Opening 1AM to 11PM on "Black Friday," 11/29.Approved with conditions  Action details Not available
195199 4195199LicenseSign/Awning Permit, World Missions Apostolic Church, 622 Somerville Ave., blade sign over Kent St. entrance.Approved  Action details Not available
195200 4195200LicenseSign/Awning Permit, Dental Arts Associates, 396 Highland Ave., 3 signs.Approved  Action details Not available
195280 4195280Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to declare as Surplus certain IT Dept. Network Equipment.Approved  Action details Not available
195281 4195281Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to declare as Surplus certain IT Dept. Telephony Equipment.Approved  Action details Not available
195208 5195208CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Binoj Pradhan to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Approved  Action details Not available
195210 5195210CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Bradbury Stearns as an Alternate to the Historic Preservation Commission.Approved  Action details Not available
195190 5195190CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Kenneth Silva to the position of Fire Captain.Approved  Action details Not available
195191 5195191CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Michael Marino to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Approved  Action details Not available
195192 5195192CommunicationRequesting the appointment Kenneth Lippens to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Approved  Action details Not available
195036 5195036Officer's CommunicationCommissioner of Public Works responding to various Board Orders submitted this evening.Work completed  Action details Not available
194813 5194813ResolutionThat the Administration appear before this Board to explain the current leadership and organizational chart of the Inspectional Services Dept.Work completed  Action details Not available
194854 5194854LicenseNew Fortuneteller License, Psychic Readings by Mary, 382 Somerville Ave.Approved with conditions  Action details Not available
194827 5194827OrderThat the Director of SPCD, the Superintendent of Inspectional Services and the Director of Planning appear before this Board regarding the Inspectional Services/Building Dept.'s granting of permits in a consistent, professional and timely manner.Work completed  Action details Not available
195012 5195012LicenseRenewing and Amending Extended Operating Hours License, Chow N Joy, 626C Somerville Ave., Extending Sun-Thu to 2 AM, Fri-Sat to 3 AM.Approved as amended  Action details Not available
194796 5194796Officer's CommunicationDPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders.Work completed  Action details Not available
194216 5194216CommunicationDirector of Traffic and Parking responding to various Board Orders.Work completed  Action details Not available
194276 5194276OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works inform this Board whether Somerville Avenue has been turned over to the City by the State, and, if reconstruction is still incomplete, what actions are being taken to resolve any outstanding issues.Work completed  Action details Not available
194046 5194046OrderThat the Director of SPCD report back to the Ward 5 Alderman regarding noise created by the retaining wall along the railroad tracks at the former MaxPak site.Work completed  Action details Not available
194051 5194051OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Work and the Director of SPCD report to this Board regarding re-surfacing and drainage measures on the developed community path.Work completed  Action details Not available
193058 5193058OrderThat the Director of SPCD and the Historic Preservation Commission report on the status of the accessibility study for the West Branch Library.Work completed  Action details Not available
193060 5193060OrderThat the Director of SPCD provide the information requested herein regarding the purchase of real estate by the Redevelopment Authority.Work completed  Action details Not available
193061 5193061OrderThat prior to purchasing any future property by the Redevelopment Authority, the Director of SPCD notify this Board of such purchases and the anticipated funding for such purposes.Work completed  Action details Not available
193062 5193062OrderThat the Director of SPCD appear before the Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss any funds paid, or anticipated to be paid, through the Redevelopment Authority to Federal Realty Investment Trust.Work completed  Action details Not available
195309 5195309Mayor's RequestRequesting that this Board appropriate $400,000, and borrow that amount in a bond, for design and engineering services on Central Broadway, from Foss Park to Magoun Square.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
195298 5195298Mayor's RequestRequesting an extension of a Contract with FW Russell & Sons for solid waste pickup and hauling.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
195279 5195279Officer's CommunicationRequesting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to add a new Section 6.6: North Point Special District, modify Section 5.4: Design and Site Plan Review, and make related modifications to Sections 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 17.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
193572 6193572OrderThat the Director of SPCD provide this Board with the final agreement with FRIT pertaining to the disposition of Yard 21 and inform this Board whether any covenants with IKEA or FRIT apply to future purchasers of the IKEA site at Assembly Square.Work completed  Action details Not available
192122 6192122OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works conduct a study of Dane Avenue to determine causes of excessive flooding during rain events.Work completed  Action details Not available
192483 6192483OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on the Somerville Avenue reconstruction project and the City's acceptance of it, including the restrictions the City is under regarding traffic, parking and streetscape changes because the project is incomplete and still under State jurisdiction.Work completed  Action details Not available
194447 6194447LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Diva Indian Bistro, 246 Elm St.Approved  Action details Not available
194506 6194506OrderThat the Director of SPCD (ISD) appear before this Board’s Committee on Licenses and Permits to explain enforcement of the city’s sign ordinance.Work completed  Action details Not available
195193 6195193CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Rona Fischman to the Fair Housing Commission.Approved  Action details Not available
195194 6195194CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Bernice Dixon to the Fair Housing Commission.Approved  Action details Not available
195205 6195205Mayor's RequestRequesting the acceptance of three Environmental Protection Agency grants totaling $600,000 for clean up activities at the former Kiley Barrel site.Approved  Action details Not available
195209 6195209CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Colin Killick to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Approved  Action details Not available
195218 6195218Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the 2013-2017 HUD Five Year Consolidated Plan and the 2013-2014 HUD One Year Action Plan for CDBG, HOME, and ESG programmingApproved  Action details Not available
195138 7195138Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an Order of Taking of a parcel of land identified as Parcel 061-D-004 on the Assessors Map.Approved  Action details Not available
194653 7194653CommunicationSPCD Special Counsel responding to #193060 re: the purchase of real estate by the Redevelopment Authority.Work completed  Action details Not available
192484 7192484OrderThat the Director of SPCD provide this Board with the status of the lots on South Street and plans for an alternate location for an off leash dog park in Ward 2.Work completed  Action details Not available
190456 9190456Mayor's CommunicationConveying the Final Inspectional Services Division Organizational Review.Placed on file  Action details Not available
193734 9193734CommunicationRequesting the reappointment of Barry Rafkind to the Human Rights Commission.Placed on file  Action details Not available
191056 12191056OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utilities to address the overloaded and low hanging wires at Somerville Avenue at Kent Street, Somerville Avenue at Linden Street, and along Tyler Street.Work completed  Action details Not available