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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 1/11/2018 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
204944 1204944Public Communication23 residents submitting a petition re: the trees removed on Beacon Street.Placed on file  Action details Not available
204928 1204928Public EventPublic Event Permit, BA Events Race of Ireland, Davis Sq and area streets, Mar 11, 7AM-2PM.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204845 1204845MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, November 21, 2017.Approved  Action details Not available
204844 1204844Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Action details Not available
204938 1204938LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, NU Cafe and Juice Bar, 195 Washington St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204939 1204939LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Ola Gifts Cafe, 112 Broadway.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204940 1204940LicenseRenewing Outdoor Seating License, Maya Sol Mexican Grill, 179 Broadway.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204942 1204942LicenseSign/Awning Permit, Smoke Valley, 19 Union Sq, 1 sign.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204927 1204927Public EventPublic Event Permit, Co-Incidence Festival music performances, Sidewalks from Union Sq to 321 Washington St, Jan 19-25, 1 hour each day starting between 5 and 10 PM and ending between 6 and 11PM.Approved  Action details Not available
204943 1204943Public CommunicationPERAC submitting the required FY 2019 retirement system appropriation.Placed on file  Action details Not available
204936 1204936LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Real Auto Shop, 463 McGrath Hwy.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204937 1204937LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Webster Auto Sales, 61 Prospect St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204929 1204929Public EventPublic Event Permit, St. Benedict Good Friday Procession, Area streets from Cutter to Hathorn Sts, Mar 30, 3-7PM.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204930 1204930LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, Brennan Construction.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204931 1204931LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Venus Pizza and Grill, 1295 Broadway, remaining open for in-store, take-out and delivery service until 5AM 7 days/week.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204932 1204932LicenseAmending Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Master Used Cars, 121 Prospect St, to increase the number of vehicles outside to 38, and increase Saturday hours to 6PM.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204933 1204933LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, 28 Motorsports, 486R Columbia St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204934 1204934LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Union Gulf Service, 231 Washington St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204935 1204935LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Mystic Auto Sales, 712 Mystic Ave.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204941 1204941LicenseRenewing Livery License, Mass Cab, 45 Endicott Ave.Approved  Action details Not available
204957 1204957LicenseAmending Outdoor Seating License, Spoke Wine Bar, 89 Holland St, adding 1 outdoor vestibule for winter use.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204958 1204958LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, CM Auto Sales, 39 Webster Ave.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204960 2204960OrderThat the Director of SPCD update this Board on plans to renovate the area under I-93, near the Stop & Shop, for pedestrian access to Assembly Square.Approved  Action details Not available
204959 2204959ResolutionCongratulating Alderman Matt McLaughlin on the happy occasion of his upcoming wedding.Approved  Action details Not available
204892 2204892CommunicationIn her capacity as President, conveying this Board's Standing and Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2018.Placed on file  Action details Not available
204923 2204923Officer's CommunicationLegislative Liaison submitting a communication regarding the establishment of an Appointment Advisory Committee.Placed on file  Action details Not available
204875 2204875OrderThat the City Solicitor prepare a Home Rule Petition regarding a Right of First Refusal to allow tenants to have the first option to purchase their homes if they are going to be sold.Approved  Action details Not available
204874 2204874OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking publish de-identified parking permit data in the city’s open data portal so as to permit community analysis and discussion of issues related to the supply and demand of parking.Approved  Action details Not available
204873 2204873ResolutionThat the Administration, with the School Department, provide data by student income, school and grade, on children being served after school at school-based and non-profit providers, to identify gaps in service and better coordinate and expand such programming.Approved  Action details Not available
204872 2204872ResolutionThat the Administration provide an update on the progress of plans outlined in the Somerville Fields Master Plan.Approved  Action details Not available
204921 2204921CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Candace Cooper as Director of Personnel.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204941 2204941LicenseRenewing Livery License, Mass Cab, 45 Endicott Ave.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
204886 2204886OrderThat the City Solicitor and the City Arborist clarify the ordinance requiring tree removal for a new driveway or other construction project.Approved  Action details Not available
204879 2204879OrderThat the Director of Communications coordinate the messaging about when to shovel with the Commissioner of Public Works so that residents are not told to shovel their sidewalks when snow plows are still plowing snow over curbs and burying sidewalks.Approved  Action details Not available
204878 2204878OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works deploy a shoveling crew after major snowstorms to shovel out the sidewalks of elderly and disabled residents that get buried by city snowplows, and that the Director of Health and Human Services and the Director of Communications work together to register such residents so they can contact 311 to get their sidewalks re-shoveled after they have been buried by snowplows.Approved  Action details Not available
204952 2204952OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works remove all space savers from parking spots on all city streets and that the Director of Communications remind residents of the prohibition on reserving parking spots for personal use.Approved  Action details Not available
204877 2204877OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works report to this Board why snow plows cannot go at a slower speed to avoid throwing snow over curbs and onto sidewalks.Approved  Action details Not available
204876 2204876OrderThat the Director of SPCD and the Director of Traffic and Parking meet with the Committee on Traffic and Parking to discuss policies and procedures to limit residential parking permits for residents of properties that are granted relief from parking requirements by the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Planning Board.Approved  Action details Not available
204885 2204885OrderThat the City Clerk and the Director of SPCD expand abutter notices for Zoning Board of Appeal, Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission hearings to include tenants of abutting properties in addition to property owners.Approved  Action details Not available
204884 2204884OrderThat this Board explore establishing a community-based independent Community Land Trust that can purchase property in conjunction with non-profit organizations and private citizens, and make housing permanently affordable.Approved  Action details Not available
204883 2204883OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking add a second crosswalk on Summer Street at Hancock Street and on Lexington Avenue at Hancock Street.Approved  Action details Not available
204882 2204882OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking add a second crosswalk and install a flashing PEDESTRIAN CROSSING sign on both sides of Summer Street at Cherry Street to enhance safety for children and parents walking to the Kennedy School.Approved  Action details Not available
204881 2204881ResolutionThat 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.Approved  Action details Not available
204943 2204943Public CommunicationPERAC submitting the required FY 2019 retirement system appropriation.Placed on file  Action details Not available
204927 2204927Public EventPublic Event Permit, Co-Incidence Festival music performances, Sidewalks from Union Sq to 321 Washington St, Jan 19-25, 1 hour each day starting between 5 and 10 PM and ending between 6 and 11PM.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
204846 2204846WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
204890 2204890OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking install signs on the eastbound side of Broadway to restrict traffic on Victoria Street, Garrison Avenue and Farragut Avenue.Approved  Action details Not available
204880 2204880OrderThat the Director of SPCD report to this Board whether he plans to propose to the Traffic Commission that 20 mph speed zones be adopted citywide.Approved  Action details Not available
204949 2204949OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works advise this Board on the priority policy for clearing snow from sidewalk curb cuts at intersections.Approved  Action details Not available
204948 2204948ResolutionThat the Administration explore additional pedestrian safety strategies for crosswalks when the crossing signs have to be removed during winter.Approved  Action details Not available
204947 2204947OrderThat the City Clerk and the City Solicitor advise this Board on whether the opening prayer and the salute to the flag are required at the beginning of meetings.Approved  Action details Not available
204946 2204946OrderThat the City Clerk revise the wording of the opening prayer to change the words, "all men and women" to "all people".Approved  Action details Not available
204945 2204945OrderThat the City Solicitor advise this Board on options to allow primary enforcement of city ordinances by city representatives, including Police and Parking Control Officers.Approved  Action details Not available
204847 2204847OrderThat the Director of SPCD update this Board on what is being done to preserve minority owned businesses in the city.Approved  Action details Not available
204848 2204848ResolutionThat the Superintendent of Schools provide this Board with information regarding homelessness among the student population, including the demographics of those affected and what steps are being taken to prevent those at risk from becoming homeless.Approved  Action details Not available
204920 2204920CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Doug Kress as Director of the Board of Health.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204917 2204917CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Christopher Hosman as Executive Director of the Women's Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204918 2204918CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of William Roche as Municipal Hearing Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204919 2204919CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Nicholas Salerno as Elections Commissioner.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204922 2204922Mayor's RequestRequesting the appointment of Rachel Taylor as Animal Control Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204924 2204924Officer's CommunicationLegislative Liaison submitting a communication regarding the implementation of the Ordinance to Safeguard Vulnerable Road Users (aka the Sideguard Ordinance).Placed on file  Action details Not available
204864 2204864ResolutionThat the Administration consider a mid-year appropriation for additional traffic coordination or engineering staff to manage the many complex projects underway, communicate with residents and businesses, and carry out any possible immediate traffic calming using real-time data.Approved  Action details Not available
204865 2204865ResolutionThat the Administration meet with this Board in Executive Session to provide an update on collective bargaining.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
204866 2204866OrderThat the Director of Personnel provide updated information on employee demographics, including gender, ethnicity and any other tracked categories, with the average wages by demographic group.Approved  Action details Not available
204867 2204867OrderThat 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.Approved  Action details Not available
204868 2204868OrderThat the Director of SPCD provide an update on the progress made on all recommendations included in the December 2015 Sustainable Neighborhood Working Group report.Approved  Action details Not available
204869 2204869OrderThat Director of Sustainability and Environment include the School Department’s Finance Director in discussions of #204436, to examine procurement criteria for cafeteria food and drink vendors given the amount of waste created by food packaging.Approved  Action details Not available
204870 2204870ResolutionThat the Administration report to this Board, by the next Youth Services Committee meeting, on ways to expand open swimming hours at the Kennedy School pool, such as Sundays, Friday/Saturday evenings, school holidays and half-day Wednesdays.Approved  Action details Not available
204871 2204871ResolutionThat the Administration report to this Board, by the next Youth Services Committee meeting, on ways to keep the Kennedy School playground open for public use during non-school day daytime hours.Approved  Action details Not available
204887 2204887OrderThat the Director of SPCD provide this Board by end of February with the tree planting schedule, by Ward, for Spring 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
204888 2204888OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Director of Finance report to this Board how much money was spent per year on girls' programs and boys' programs during FY16, FY17 and FY18 to date.Approved  Action details Not available
204889 2204889OrderThat the City Arborist trim the tree at 26 Mead Street.Approved  Action details Not available
204891 2204891OrderThat the Chief of Police cite motorists traveling in the wrong direction on Clarendon Avenue and Victoria Street from Woodstock Street.Approved  Action details Not available
204950 2204950ResolutionThat the Administration advise this Board on the city's ability to clear sidewalks that have not been cleared and charge the property owner for the cost.Approved  Action details Not available
204951 2204951ResolutionThat the Administration advise this Board whether data is kept, or can be kept, on repeat offenders of the snow removal ordinance, and whether penalties can be increased for repeat offenders.Approved  Action details Not available
204849 2204849OrderThat the Superintendent of Inspectional Services report to this Board, no later than January 18, 2018, all snow removal violations issued to property owners in December and January, and explain how properties are identified for infractions.Approved  Action details Not available
204850 2204850ResolutionThat the Administration work with this Board to join the 15 ‘Age Friendly Communities’ in Massachusetts by implementing age-friendly employer initiatives and encouraging our local businesses to do the same.Approved  Action details Not available
204851 2204851ResolutionThat the Administration update this Board on its efforts to form an Office of Housing Stability, as recommended by the Sustainable Neighborhoods Working Group and mentioned in the Mayor’s recent inaugural address.Approved  Action details Not available
204852 2204852OrderThat the Chief of Police report to this Board, the current approach for enforcing laws relating to cell phone use while driving, and any relevant studies regarding the prevalence of such use in the city.Approved  Action details Not available
204853 2204853ResolutionThat the Administration update this Board on plans for adult-use recreational marijuana.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
204854 2204854OrderThat the Chief Assessor report to this Board, the number of properties (residential and commercial) that have been bought and sold within a 1-year period, and the extent of improvements that were made during that period, for the past five years.Approved  Action details Not available
204855 2204855ResolutionThat the Traffic Commission consider supporting the neighborhood petition to make Crocker Street a one-way street for its entire length, and to exempt it from the odd/even snow emergency parking shift each year.Approved  Action details Not available
204856 2204856OrderThat the Director of Engineering and the Commissioner of Public Works work with this Board to consider possible strategies to address the persistent issue of snow being plowed onto sidewalks during large snow storms.Approved  Action details Not available
204857 2204857ResolutionThat the Administration inform the Ward 3 Aldermen who will bear the financial costs of mitigating the recent flooding and related damage at 125 Lowell Street.Approved  Action details Not available
204858 2204858OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking update the Ward 3 Alderman about any previous traffic studies for traffic calming on School Street.Approved  Action details Not available
204859 2204859OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking consider additional lane-usage signs along Somerville Avenue leading up to its intersection with Washington Street in Union Square.Approved  Action details Not available
204860 2204860OrderThat the Director of SPCD arrange a meeting with the MBTA and this Board to discuss the elimination of the Route 95 bus stop on Mystic Avenue across from Fremont Street, and how that stop can be restored with proper lighting, markings, etc.Approved  Action details Not available
204861 2204861OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility to raise the low hanging wires at the corner of Shore Drive and Putnam Road.Approved  Action details Not available
204862 2204862OrderThat the Director of SPCD appear before this Board to discuss the timeline for repaving Broadway, between Central Street and the McGrath Highway.Approved  Action details Not available
204863 2204863ResolutionThat the Administration update this Board on the former Winter Hill Star Market and the associated lawsuit, as requested in #201772.Approved  Action details Not available
204897 2204897CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Stanley Koty as Commissioner of Public Works.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204898 2204898CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Steven MacEachern as Superintendent of Highways, Lines and Lights.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204899 2204899CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Walter Whitney as Superintendent of Public Buildings & Grounds.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204900 2204900CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Ron Bonney as Superintendent of Fleet Management.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204901 2204901CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Goran Smiljic as Superintendent of Inspectional Services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204902 2204902CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Robert King as Director of Capital Planning and Engineering.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204903 2204903CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Rich Raiche as City Engineer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204904 2204904CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of John DeLuca as Director of Water & Sewer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204905 2204905CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Frank Wright as City Solicitor.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204906 2204906CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Angela Allen as Purchasing Agent.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204907 2204907CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Steve Craig as 311 Director.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204908 2204908CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Michael Lapiana as Animal Control Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204909 2204909CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Edward Bean as Finance Director.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204910 2204910CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Rose Durham as Clerk of Committees.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204911 2204911CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Charles Sillari as Assistant Clerk of Committees.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204912 2204912CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Peter Forcellese, Sr. as Legislative Clerk.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204913 2204913CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Bryan Bishop as Director of Veterans Services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204914 2204914CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Michael Bertino as Treasurer/Collector of Taxes.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204915 2204915CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Jill Lathan as Director of Parks and Recreation.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204916 2204916CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Suzanne Rinfret as Director of Traffic and Parking.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204895 3204895Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $75,000 donation from Tufts University pursuant to its Partnership Agreement with the City.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204736 3204736OrderThat the Superintendent of Inspectional Services inform this Board of the department's practices when residents complain of structural damage to their homes caused by nearby construction activities.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
204925 3204925Officer's CommunicationDPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 12/14/17.Placed on file  Action details Not available
204926 3204926CommunicationTraffic and Parking Director submitting responses to various Board Orders submitted 11/9/17, 11/21/17 and 12/14/17.Placed on file  Action details Not available
204956 3204956CommunicationRequesting the appointment of Lara Versari to the Human Rights Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204954 3204954Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the City to impose a Real Estate Transfer Fee.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204894 4204894Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1441.25 using available funds in the Capital Projects and Planning Professional and Technical Services Account for construction administration services at the former School Administration Building.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204920 4204920CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Doug Kress as Director of the Board of Health.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
204848 4204848ResolutionThat the Superintendent of Schools provide this Board with information regarding homelessness among the student population, including the demographics of those affected and what steps are being taken to prevent those at risk from becoming homeless.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
204916 4204916CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Suzanne Rinfret as Director of Traffic and Parking.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
204953 5204953Officer's CommunicationRequesting the adoption of a New Zoning Ordinance (1/2018 update) to supersede the current Zoning Ordinance as originally adopted on March 23, 1990.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204896 5204896Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $45,625 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Housing and Economic Development to SPCD's Economic Development Division for an Advanced Manufacturing Training program.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204377 5204377OrderThat the Superintendent of Inspectional Services and the City Solicitor appear at this Board's November 9, 2017 meeting to discuss why developers have gotten building permits without meeting pre-conditions specified in zoning decisions, how the City can more effectively monitor projects for compliance with zoning conditions and other requirements, and what fines and penalties can be levied to deter future violations.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
204955 5204955Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $400,000 grant that requires a match, from the MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs PARC Grant Program to SPCD for renovations to Prospect Hill Park.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204893 5204893Officer's CommunicationRequesting the adoption of a zoning amendment to Amend Article 16 to establish that owners or developers of future PUD projects may not seek a waiver of any change to affordable housing requirements.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204885 6204885OrderThat the City Clerk and the Director of SPCD expand abutter notices for Zoning Board of Appeal, Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission hearings to include tenants of abutting properties in addition to property owners.Kept in committee  Action details Not available