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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 9/26/2024 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
24-1405 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
24-1406 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
24-1407 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 22, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1361 13.1.Small Wireless FacilityCrown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on a new pole at 50 Brastow Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1392 14.1.OrderThat the Chief of Police resume the practice of issuing tickets rather than warnings for serious moving violations that endanger public safety, including speeding and running red lights.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1394 14.2.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install speed limit signage, and update the signage to NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES and include scooters and mopeds, along the Community Path and at all its various entrances.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1396 14.3.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its recommendations to better support parents and caregivers.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1397 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss with this Council the recent cancellation and rescheduling of the Fall Festival originally scheduled for September 21st.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1398 14.5.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works provide this Council with a list of the elevators in all city buildings, the operational status of each elevator, and the maintenance and inspection records for each.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1399 14.6.OrderThat the Director of Mobility update this Council on the current timeline for the Highland Avenue Redesign Project.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1401 14.7.OrderThat the Chairman of the Board of Election Commissioners report to this Council, the number of in-person early voting ballots in each election since the inception of early voting, as well as the cost of early voting in the 2023 municipal election.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1400 14.8.ResolutionThat the Administration facilitate bike parking for large licensed public events in the city.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1341 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on September 19, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0428 16.A.2.ResolutionThat the Administration provide an update on the Braille embosser purchased in summer 2023, including its current location and the plan to put it to use.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0911 16.A.3.OrderThat the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry provide this Council’s Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations with an update on the inclusive playground swing project being worked on in collaboration with parent advocates.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1005 16.A.4.OrderThat the ADA Coordinator provide this Council with an update on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Task Force.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1032 16.A.5.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council how to serve residents through an ongoing transit equity program when the Taxi to Health program funding ends in October.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1343 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 24, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1225 16.B.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $6,018,969 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for street and sidewalk reconstruction.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1227 16.B.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $56,215.42 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs for a BlueBike station at 200 Inner Belt Road.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1228 16.B.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension for fourteen months with a new expiration date of 12/31/2025, for P Gioioso & Sons Inc for construction services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-1229 16.B.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension for twelve months with a new expiration date of 12/31/2025, for Stantec Consulting Services Inc for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-1261 16.B.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a technical assistance grant valued at $25,000 with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for sustainable and resilient zoning development.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-1309 16.B.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $770 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Food Supplies & Refreshments Account for food served at a Departmental Training meeting with Department Heads.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-1339 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 17, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0693 16.C.2.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for exterior cameras at fire stations.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
24-0716 16.C.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to add Sections 8-375 through 8-381 to promote and enforce safer construction practices.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
24-1340 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on September 19, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0086 16.D.2.ResolutionThat the Administration explain the issues that are preventing Reavis Field from opening and how the process may be expedited.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1342 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on September 23, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1263 16.E.2.OrderThat the Director of Libraries, and other relevant departments, appear before this Council’s Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations to discuss the plans for the library closing in the middle of the day and what immediate steps are being taken to reopen the library during this time period to best support library staff and patrons.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1267 16.E.3.ResolutionThat the Administration and relevant city departments discuss an immediate action plan to address the increase of fights happening at Edward L. Leathers Community Park after students are released from school.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1270 16.E.4.ResolutionThat the Administration discuss the sufficiency of after school programs for high school students and the methods of outreach and guidance to ensure that all students have access to activities that meet their needs and interests.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1271 16.E.5.ResolutionThat the Administration discuss the scope and limitations of staff at Somerville High School to supervise high school students in the after school period.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1273 16.E.6.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on the status of the process to provide the resources and programming needed to safely re-open the Central Library during mid-day hours.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1295 16.E.7.OrderThat the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer provide a record of all calls to first responders regarding incidents at all Somerville Public Library locations since September 1, 2023.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1305 16.E.8.ResolutionThat the Administration explore activating Somerville High School for community uses outside of school hours.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1313 16.E.9.CommunicationConveying full support for the Public Library Board of Trustees and Director of Libraries in their efforts to maintain safe and accessible library environments for patrons and employees alike.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1314 16.E.10.CommunicationConveying an invitation to the public to a community conversation about resources needed to restore full library access, hosted by Somerville's youth community and Somerville Municipal Employees Association members.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1326 16.E.11.OrderThat the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator take the necessary measures to ensure ADA compliance for the second floor of 165 Broadway for the purposes of expanding youth services.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available
24-1344 16.F.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on September 25, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0466 16.F.2.ResolutionThat the Administration provide the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance with regular updates about the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for the Winter Hill and Brown Schools.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available
24-1284 16.F.3.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the Construction Advisory Group for the planned construction project to replace the Winter Hill and Brown schools.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1338 16.G.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on September 16, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0450 16.G.2.OrderThat the Director of Parking update this Council on efforts to ticket vehicles with illegal license covers, including how many tickets have been issued for this reason in the last year.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0972 16.G.3.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Moreland Street from Main Street to Mystic Avenue.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0973 16.G.4.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Meacham Street from Edgar Avenue to Fremont Street.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0974 16.G.5.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install additional signage to address illegal turns up Moreland Street to access East Albion Street from Mystic Avenue.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0975 16.G.6.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install solar powered YOUR SPEED IS signs on Moreland Street between Main Street and Meacham Street.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0976 16.G.7.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install new, more visible STOP signs at the intersections of Meacham and Moreland Streets and Meacham and Fremont Streets to address drivers failing to stop.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1004 16.G.8.OrderThat the Director of Mobility change the intersection of Meacham and Fremont Streets to a 4 WAY STOP.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1058 16.G.9.ResolutionThat the Administration and this Council work with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to address long-standing issues with service reliability with the Union Square (D-line) branch of the Green Line.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1062 16.G.10.Public CommunicationJarred Johnson submitting comments re: Green Line Extension.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1208 16.G.11.ResolutionThat the Administration update the Ward Six Councilor on the process for monitoring and adjusting traffic signals in Davis Square.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-1375 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an Open Space Access Easement at 5 Middlesex Avenue and Harold Cohen Way.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
24-1337 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $141,300 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the E911 Personal Services Other Lump Sum Benefits Account to fund a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU/Local 888 E911 Call Taker/Dispatcher's Union.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1332 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants to artists, organizations, and schools.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-1333 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $220,120.80 from the Receipts Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero Safety efforts.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-1336 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $46,170 from the Salary Contingency account to various E911 Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with SEIU/Local 888, E911 Call Taker/Dispatcher Union.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1379 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $22,633.58 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas Account for prior year balances on bills.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-1380 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,675 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish Removal Account for Recycling Services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-1378 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $160 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Administration License Reimbursement Account for commercial license employee expense.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-1381 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $15 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish Removal Account for disposal of break out material.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-1370 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an exemption for Peter George as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1369 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an exemption for Marco Osoy as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1368 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an exemption for Johnathan Tsirigotis as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1330 18.1.Officer's CommunicationCity Solicitor responding to item #24-1290, an order requesting an opinion regarding spot zoning.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-1402 19.1.LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, Commonwealth Construction & Utilities.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1345 19.2.LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, TID Trenchless LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1403 19.3.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Bassco Excavating.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1346 19.4.LicenseNew Sign / Awning License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 61 Washington Street, 4 signs.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1347 19.5.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Broadway Gulf Inc., 212 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1348 19.6.LicenseRenewing Garage License, New England Collision Center Inc., 224 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1350 19.7.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Alpha Phi, 14 Sawyer Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1349 19.8.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Kappa Alpha, 25 Whitfield Road.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1351 19.9.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Theta Chi, 100 Packard Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1352 19.10.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Zeta Beta Tau, 126 Packard Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1353 19.11.LicenseRenewing Second Hand Dealer License, Great Eastern Vintage, 236 Pearl Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1357 19.12.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Auto Plus LLC, 229 Lowell Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1358 19.13.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Gulf, Inc., 212 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1355 19.14.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 1 License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 259 McGrath Highway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1356 19.15.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 1 License, Mercedes Benz of Boston Commercial Vans, 161 Linwood Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1354 19.16.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 1 License, Smart Center Boston, 257 McGrath Highway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1404 19.17.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1359 19.18.Small Wireless FacilityCrown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 76 School Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1360 19.19.Small Wireless FacilityCrown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 6 Main Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1363 19.20.Public EventOdd Numbered Records applying for a Public Event License for oDD nUMBERED rECORDS Concert Series on September 29 and October 6 from 2pm to 6pm (raindate October 13).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1364 19.21.Public EventHarris Gruman applying for a Public Event License for HONK! Festival on October 4, 5, and 6 for various start and end times.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1393 19.22.Public EventTadhg Pearson applying for a Public Event License for Munroe Play Street on October 4, 11, 18, 25, and 31 from 2:30pm to 8:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1365 19.23.Public EventBow Market applying for a Public Event License for Curated Vintage Market on October 13 from 9am to 9pm (raindate November 3).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1366 19.24.Public EventJeremy Blackowicz applying for a Public Event License for Kingston Street BP on October 19 from 12pm to 9pm (raindate October 20).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1362 19.25.Public EventRacial and Social Justice applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Annual Domestic Violence Vigil on October 30 from 5pm to 7:30pm (raindate October 31).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1367 19.26.Public CommunicationCharles DeCecca requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 501 Mystic Valley Parkway from Neighborhood Residence (NR) to Urban Residence (UR).Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-1389 19.27.Public CommunicationBrian Kim and Nancy Iappini submitting comments re: Davis Square.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-1390 19.28.Public CommunicationEllen Jacobs and Chris Devers submitting comments re: Library closures.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-1391 19.29.Public Communication300 individuals submitting comments re: ceasefire.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-1427 110.1.CitationCommending Jay Colbert on the auspicious occasion of his retirement after over 36 years of distinguished service to the Fire Department.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1411 110.2.OrderThat the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development review the Gilman Square Urban Study and update this Council before the end of FY 2025 about the feasibility of pursuing that model.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1412 110.3.OrderThat the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development begin the process of engaging with the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council on their long-term plans to develop Gilman Square and update this Council before the end of FY 2025 on how the Administration plans to produce community-driven development.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1413 110.4.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services submit a written report of outstanding 311 requests submitted for the Edgerly School building and provide an update to this Council with a plan to ensure that staff and students have safe and appropriate facilities.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1414 110.5.OrderThat the Chief of Police update this Council on how the Police Department will ensure members of the public remain separated during counter-protests.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1415 110.6.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation provide this Council with the list of youth program offerings, their cap and their enrollment data in 2023 and 2024.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1416 110.7.OrderThat the Director of Mobility work with the Ward 5 Councilor on installing bike parking next to Neighborhood Produce after the Broadway at Boston Avenue intersection work is completed.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1418 110.8.OrderThat the Chief Assessor determine the ownership of open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue to determining who is responsible for maintenance.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1419 110.9.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services inspect open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue for rodent activity and bait accordingly.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1420 110.10.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works clean the open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue of trash and debris.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1421 110.11.OrderThat the Director of Parking install a NO THROUGH STREET sign on Alston Street by the Cross Street intersection.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1422 110.12.OrderThat the Tree Warden inspect the trees behind Chester Avenue and address falling limbs.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1423 110.13.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services address graffiti on Alston Street and ensure the property owners are maintaining their properties.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1424 110.14.OrderThat the Director of Mobility place a sided bump on Alston Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1425 110.15.OrderThat the Director of Mobility prioritize Alston Street for a potential Neighborways project.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1426 110.16.OrderThat the Director of Parking enforce parking permit laws on Alston Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-1373 110.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an exemption for James McEwen as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1408 110.18.Public CommunicationKristin Anderson and David White submitting comments re: Alewife Brook.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-1409 110.19.Public Communication3 individuals submitting comments re: ceasefire.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-1428 110.20.Public CommunicationChristopher Rosol submitting comments re: cyclist safety.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video