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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 1/9/2020 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
209526 1209526LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Nine Bar Espresso, 11 Holland St.Approved  Action details Not available
209527 1209527LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Ball Square Cafe and Breakfast, 708 Broadway.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209528 1209528LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, MedWell Health and Wellness, 55 Broadway.Approved  Action details Not available
209529 1209529LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Taco Party, 711 Broadway.Approved  Action details Not available
209530 1209530LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Oat Shop, 20 College Ave.Approved  Action details Not available
209524 1209524LicenseRenewing Garage License, Junior Auto Body, 486R Columbia St.Approved  Action details Not available
209531 1209531LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, 28 Motorsports, 486R Columbia St.Approved  Action details Not available
209532 1209532LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Automotive Transport Service, 40 Joy St.Approved  Action details Not available
209533 1209533LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Green Automotive, 600 Windsor Pl.Approved  Action details Not available
209534 1209534LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, James Kiley Co, 15 Linwood St.Approved  Action details Not available
209535 1209535LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Real Auto Shop, 463 McGrath Hwy.Approved  Action details Not available
209525 1209525LicenseRenewing Automatic Amusement Devices License, Cuisine En Locale, 156 Highland Ave.Approved  Action details Not available
209460 1209460Grant of LocationSubmitted by Eversource to install 43 feet of conduit in Grand Union Boulevard from manhole #26212 to a traffic light signal at the intersection of Grand Union Blvd and Revolution Drive.Approved  Action details Not available
209463 1209463Grant of LocationSubmitted by 86 Franklin Street LLC to install 36 feet of conduit in Franklin Street from utility pole 134/20 to a point of pickup at 84 Franklin Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209523 1209523Public EventPublic Event License, Tufts University Tuftonia's Day, Professors Row between Packard Ave and Curtis St, Apr 24, 5-9PM (raindate Apr 26).Approved  Action details Not available
209461 1209461Grant of LocationSubmitted by Eversource to install 21 feet of conduit in Nashua Street from utility pole 252/5 to a point of pickup at 40 Nashua Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209462 1209462Grant of LocationSubmitted by Eversource to install 23 feet of conduit in Holland Street from manhole #8247 to a point of pickup at 17-27 Holland Street.Approved  Action details Not available
209456 1209456Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Action details Not available
209458 1209458MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, November 26, 2019, and the Regular Meeting, November 26, 2019.Approved  Action details Not available
209457 1209457RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Not available
209537 2209537OrderThat the Director of SPCD and the Commissioner of Public Works convert the traffic light at Powderhouse Blvd. and Curtis Street into a 4-way STOP signal.Approved  Action details Not available
209538 2209538OrderThat the Director of SPCD and the Commissioner of Public Works relocate the traffic signal in Davis Square on Elm Street outside the Burren to the appropriate crosswalk location.Approved  Action details Not available
209536 2209536CommunicationIn his capacity as President, conveying this Council's Standing and Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2020.Placed on file  Action details Not available
209539 2209539OrderThat the City Solicitor inform this Council of the minimum condition that would allow the Supervisor of Inspectional Services or the Commissioner of Public Works to clear a sidewalk that is in violation of the snow shoveling ordinance, and charge or lien the property owner for the cost.Approved  Action details Not available
209540 2209540OrderThat the Director of Communications discuss with this Council the possibility of a mailing or a flyer to all property owners, and/or all residents, every year or two, informing them of their responsibilities under the snow shoveling ordinance.Approved  Action details Not available
209541 2209541OrdinanceThat the newly passed Wage Theft Ordinance be amended to have a start date of June 1, 2020.Ordinance ordained  Action details Not available
209459 2209459CitationCommending Mark Howland, who has served for 15 years on the Board of Library Trustees for the betterment of Somerville's public libraries.Approved  Action details Not available
209480 2209480OrderThat the Director of SPCD update this Council on when a 2020 Housing Needs Assessment study will be complete.Approved  Action details Not available
209481 2209481OrderThat the Director of SPCD ensure that tree removal permits aren't granted for properties currently subject to a "Stop Work" order.Approved  Action details Not available
209482 2209482OrderThat the Director of Engineering construct a pedestrian crosswalk across Washington Street in front of the Public Safety Building. (2nd request)Approved  Action details Not available
209542 2209542OrdinanceThat this Council’s Committee on Licenses and Permits consider several amendments to the newly passed Wage Theft Ordinance, including wage bond advisory provisions.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209550 2209550CommunicationSchool Committee Member Sarah Phillips requesting an exemption under MGL c268A s20(d).Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209543 2209543OrdinanceThat Ordinance 1-11(b) be amended relative to Sections 12-8 and Sections 12-9 to read as set forth in the attachment.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209544 2209544OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss the impacts, updates and usage of Founders Rink being used for indoor soccer.Approved  Action details Not available
209545 2209545OrderThat the Directors of Finance, SomerStat and the Budget provide a comprehensive updated Capital Improvement Plan for all projects scheduled to come before this Council for funding by the end of FY20 and projected 5 years out.Approved  Action details Not available
209546 2209546OrderThat the Director of SPCD discuss what can be done to mitigate the flooding of Alewife Brook Parkway and Mystic Valley Parkway.Approved  Action details Not available
209553 2209553OrderThat the Chief of Police report to this Council on plans to assign more officers to the Traffic Enforcement Division, instruct patrol officers to make traffic enforcement a higher priority, and increase the ratio of payable to warning citations.Approved  Action details Not available
209554 2209554OrdinanceThat the effective date of the Surveillance Oversight Ordinance be amended to be October 15, 2020.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209555 2209555OrderThat the following items be discharged from the Legislative Matters Committee and referred to the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy: 203365, 205683, 206495, 207480, 207999, 208567, and 209358.Approved  Action details Not available
209462 2209462Grant of LocationSubmitted by Eversource to install 23 feet of conduit in Holland Street from manhole #8247 to a point of pickup at 17-27 Holland Street.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209502 2209502CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Doug Kress as Director of Health and Human Services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209523 2209523Public EventPublic Event License, Tufts University Tuftonia's Day, Professors Row between Packard Ave and Curtis St, Apr 24, 5-9PM (raindate Apr 26).Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209493 2209493CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Angela Allen as Purchasing Agent.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209503 2209503CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Jill Lathan as Director of Parks and Recreation.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209504 2209504CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of William Roche as Municipal Hearing Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209505 2209505CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Rose Durham as Clerk of Committees.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209506 2209506CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Peter Forcellese, Sr. as Legislative Clerk.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209507 2209507CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Kimberly Wells as Assistant Clerk of Committees.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209508 2209508CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Fred Massaro as Director of Capital Projects.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209509 2209509CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Steven MacEachern as Commissioner of Public Works.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209510 2209510WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
209511 2209511CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Frank Golden as Chief Assessor.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209512 2209512CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Nick Antanavica as Director of Inspectional Services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209513 2209513CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Rich Raiche as Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209514 2209514CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Jessica Fosbrook as City Engineer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209515 2209515CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Rachel Taylor as Animal Control Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209517 2209517CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Linda Dubuque as Treasurer/Collector of Taxes.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209518 2209518Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Jennifer Mancia as Executive Director of the Women's Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209519 2209519CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Nency Salamoun as Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209471 2209471ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on the plan to inform residents of the expanded eligibility for tax deferral programs.Approved  Action details Not available
209472 2209472OrderThat the Director of SPCD report back to this Council on the feasibility of piloting passive sensor mid-block pedestrian crosswalk lights that automatically flash when a person approaches the crosswalk.Approved  Action details Not available
209473 2209473ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on the teen snow shoveling program, including shoveler recruitment efforts and new income eligibility restrictions for enrollees.Approved  Action details Not available
209474 2209474ResolutionThat the Administration consider undertaking a targeted mailing to prior-year violators of snow shoveling requirements.Approved  Action details Not available
209475 2209475OrderThat the Director of SPCD, the Director of Finance or the City Solicitor inform this Council how the City will be able to ensure that deed restrictions remain during the transfer of a property.Approved  Action details Not available
209476 2209476OrderThat the Director of Water and Sewer and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide additional information regarding the elevated lead level notification, such as when the City learned about the results, how the results have been communicated, and where residents can find more information.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
209477 2209477OrderThat the Director of SPCD consider strategies to reduce the volume and impact of package delivery vehicles, such as encouraging smaller or electric vehicles and cargo bike parking, as has been tried in Manhattan and Seattle.Approved  Action details Not available
209478 2209478OrderThat the Director of SPCD present recommendations for an "Affordable Housing Overlay District" to this Council’s Committee on Land Use, to facilitate the construction of new affordable housing.Approved  Action details Not available
209479 2209479OrderThat the Committee on Housing and Community Development convene a Public Hearing on the ongoing Tufts Payment in Lieu of Taxes negotiations, and request written answers from the Administrations to the attached questions raised by the "ORS Pilot Working Group."Approved  Action details Not available
209460 2209460Grant of LocationSubmitted by Eversource to install 43 feet of conduit in Grand Union Boulevard from manhole #26212 to a traffic light signal at the intersection of Grand Union Blvd and Revolution Drive.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209525 2209525LicenseRenewing Automatic Amusement Devices License, Cuisine En Locale, 156 Highland Ave.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209535 2209535LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Real Auto Shop, 463 McGrath Hwy.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209534 2209534LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, James Kiley Co, 15 Linwood St.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209494 2209494CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Edward Bean as Finance Director.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209495 2209495CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Edward Bean as Auditor.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209496 2209496CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Ron Bonney as Superintendent of Fleet Management.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209497 2209497CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of John DeLuca as Director of Water & Sewer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209498 2209498CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Frank Wright as City Solicitor.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209499 2209499CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Candace Cooper as Director of Personnel.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209500 2209500CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Steve Craig as 311 Director.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209501 2209501CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Suzanne Rinfret as Director of Parking.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209533 2209533LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Green Automotive, 600 Windsor Pl.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209532 2209532LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Automotive Transport Service, 40 Joy St.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209531 2209531LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, 28 Motorsports, 486R Columbia St.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209524 2209524LicenseRenewing Garage License, Junior Auto Body, 486R Columbia St.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209530 2209530LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Oat Shop, 20 College Ave.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209529 2209529LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Taco Party, 711 Broadway.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209528 2209528LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, MedWell Health and Wellness, 55 Broadway.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209526 2209526LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Nine Bar Espresso, 11 Holland St.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209464 2209464OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services and the Director of SPCD report to all Ward Councilors all properties in their respective Wards registered under the Vacant Property Ordinance, with a record of any fees or fines paid, and the dates of any compliance inspections.Approved  Action details Not available
209465 2209465OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide the Ward 6 Councilor with a written update, before 1/23/20, on plans to repair the brick sidewalks and crosswalks in Davis Square.Approved  Action details Not available
209466 2209466OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update the Ward 6 Councilor on alternative locations for electrical equipment in the Brown School green space.Approved  Action details Not available
209467 2209467OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide the Ward 6 Councilor with a written update, before 1/23/20, on plans for the Willow Avenue to Grove Street sewer and storm drain project and how to mitigate flooding in that area in the interim.Approved  Action details Not available
209468 2209468ResolutionThat the Mayor and the Director of SPCD commence a public planning process for 45 College Avenue that includes a large accessible public meeting space with access for West Branch Library programming.Approved  Action details Not available
209469 2209469ResolutionThat the Mayor and the Director of SPCD commence a public planning process to consider designating pedestrian-only streets in Davis Square, with corresponding changes to traffic patterns.Approved  Action details Not available
209470 2209470ResolutionThat the Mayor and the Director of SPCD advise the Ward 6 Councilor on options for developing a four season market hall/small business incubator space in Davis Square, including the possible use of the parking lot at Day and Herbert Streets.Approved  Action details Not available
209491 3209491CommunicationRequesting approval of an exemption for David Gibbs pursuant to MGL c268A, s20(d).Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209522 3209522CommunicationDirector of Personnel responding to #209367 re: the appointment of a Chief Information Officer.Placed on file  Action details Not available
209516 3209516CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Julie Coen as Animal Control Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209521 3209521Officer's CommunicationAssistant City Solicitor responding to #209048 re: the impacts of development along Alewife Brook Parkway on the Algonquin Gas Transmission Pipeline located there.Placed on file  Action details Not available
209520 3209520Mayor's RequestAssistant City Solicitor seeking approval to appear before this Council to discuss approval of the settlement of a pending claim in connection with the flood occurring at City Hall on 11/23/2018.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209358 3209358OrderThat the City Solicitor draft an ordinance requiring the City to replace green space for those public spaces already dedicated to the public.Recommended to be sent for discussion  Action details Not available
209492 3209492CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Dave Goodridge to the position of Chief Information Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209501 3209501CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Suzanne Rinfret as Director of Parking.Work completed  Action details Not available
209509 3209509CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Steven MacEachern as Commissioner of Public Works.Work completed  Action details Not available
209552 3209552Officer's CommunicationAssistant City Solicitor responding to #206959, deeming Newport Construction and Northern Tree to be “not considered responsible bidders or offerors” for 5 years.Placed on file  Action details Not available
209502 3209502CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Doug Kress as Director of Health and Human Services.Work completed  Action details Not available
209547 3209547CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Daniel Roche to the position of Firefighter.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209548 3209548CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Randy Oliver to the position of Firefighter.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209483 3209483Mayor's RequestRequesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $6,000,000 in a bond for the renovation of the Arthur D. Healey Schoolyard.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209541 3209541OrdinanceThat the newly passed Wage Theft Ordinance be amended to have a start date of June 1, 2020.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209549 3209549Mayor's RequestCity Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session to discuss Civil Service Commission Bypass Appeal No. G2-19-256.Approved  Action details Not available
209551 4209551Officer's CommunicationSenior Planner presenting SomerVision 2040 to this Council.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209490 4209490Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an annual Vacant Property Registration Fee of $500.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
209502 4209502CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Doug Kress as Director of Health and Human Services.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209479 4209479OrderThat the Committee on Housing and Community Development convene a Public Hearing on the ongoing Tufts Payment in Lieu of Taxes negotiations, and request written answers from the Administrations to the attached questions raised by the "ORS Pilot Working Group."Kept in committee  Action details Not available
209492 4209492CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Dave Goodridge to the position of Chief Information Officer.Work completed  Action details Not available
209489 4209489Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $2,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Public Health to the Department of Health and Human Services "The 84" Middle School Pilot Chapter project.Approved  Action details Not available
209486 4209486Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for traffic enforcement programs.Approved  Action details Not available
208567 4208567Public CommunicationElizabeth Lundgren submitting comments re: #206495, the proposed native plant ordinance.Recommended to be sent for discussion  Action details Not available
209187 4209187Grant of LocationSubmitted by ExteNet Systems to install a small cell wireless antenna and related equipment on an existing utility pole near 59 Dartmouth Street.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
209284 4209284ResolutionSupporting House Resolution 702, The People's Justice Guarantee.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
209484 4209484Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant per year for 2020, 2021 and 2022, with no new match required, from the MA Department of Health to the Health and Human Services Department for opioid overdose prevention for homeless and at-risk-for-homelessness populations in Somerville and Cambridge.Approved  Action details Not available
209487 4209487Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $7,181.10 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for the purchase of firefighting gloves.Approved  Action details Not available
209488 4209488Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $2,218 grant with no new match required, from FM Global to the Fire Department to purchase a tablet and two cameras for fire investigators.Approved  Action details Not available
209485 4209485Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $83,616 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for staffing costs.Approved  Action details Not available
209485 5209485Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $83,616 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for staffing costs.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209488 5209488Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $2,218 grant with no new match required, from FM Global to the Fire Department to purchase a tablet and two cameras for fire investigators.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209487 5209487Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $7,181.10 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for the purchase of firefighting gloves.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209484 5209484Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant per year for 2020, 2021 and 2022, with no new match required, from the MA Department of Health to the Health and Human Services Department for opioid overdose prevention for homeless and at-risk-for-homelessness populations in Somerville and Cambridge.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
207999 5207999Public Communication3 residents submitting comments re: #206495, the proposed native plant ordinance.Recommended to be sent for discussion  Action details Not available
209358 5209358OrderThat the City Solicitor draft an ordinance requiring the City to replace green space for those public spaces already dedicated to the public.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
209489 5209489Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $2,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Public Health to the Department of Health and Human Services "The 84" Middle School Pilot Chapter project.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209486 5209486Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for traffic enforcement programs.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209551 6209551Officer's CommunicationSenior Planner presenting SomerVision 2040 to this Council.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
209486 6209486Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for traffic enforcement programs.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
207480 6207480OrderThat the City Solicitor review the legal standing of each site identified in Sec. 12-131 of the proposed Public Space Conservation Ordinance to identify if there are any terms by which each site was acquired, or is held, that would prevent it from being dedicated to the public.Recommended to be sent for discussion  Action details Not available
207480 8207480OrderThat the City Solicitor review the legal standing of each site identified in Sec. 12-131 of the proposed Public Space Conservation Ordinance to identify if there are any terms by which each site was acquired, or is held, that would prevent it from being dedicated to the public.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
205683 9205683Public CommunicationTori Antonino submitting comments re: #203365, calling for a native planting ordinance.Recommended to be sent for discussion  Action details Not available
206495 9206495OrderThat 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
203365 12203365OrderThat 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