City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 7/13/2023 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
23-1173 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
23-1174 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1175 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, June 8, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1132 13.1.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 158 feet of conduit in Washington Street, from Utility Pole 358/18 to Manhole 15060 near the intersection of Knowlton Street, Tufts Street, and Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1128 14.1.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
23-1162 14.2.ResolutionThat the Chief of Police adopt a policy of de-prioritizing enforcement against cyclists who treat red lights as stop signs when it is safe to do so (the “Idaho Stop”) in recognition of the compelling United States Department of Transportation data supporting this practice.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1164 14.3.ResolutionThat the Administration immediately begin the design and community outreach process for the redesign of Highland Avenue from McGrath Highway to Central Street, which is the highest priority route on the Bike Network Plan that is under municipal control.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1168 14.4.OrderThat the Chief of Police and the Commissioner of Public Works address the dumping of trash, and the overgrowth of state properties near Maine Terrace, close to Interstate-93.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1170 14.5.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works address the overgrowth along McGrath Highway that is impeding pedestrian use.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1171 14.6.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works address the trash around 165 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1169 14.7.ResolutionThat the Administration consider working with the Commonwealth to utilize vacant, vegetated state lands close to Interstate-93 that are currently blighted, for open space and pollution mitigation.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1166 14.8.ResolutionThat this City Council declares Somerville a Purple Heart Community and recognizes August 7 annually as Purple Heart Day.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1172 14.9.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on locations of sharps collection stations and work with the Commissioner of Public Works to install sharps collection stations in all public restrooms.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0922 15.1.OrderThat the City Solicitor appear in executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to update this council on the status of collective bargaining negotiations with all municipal bargaining units.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1140 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on July 10, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1059 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Switkez to the Biosafety Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1064 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Francine Rogers to the Biosafety Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1075 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Elizabeth Champion to the Condominium Review Board.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1159 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on July 12, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1104 16.B.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 7-63 through 7-67 of the Code of Ordinances, the Condominium Conversion Ordinance.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
23-1142 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on July 12, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0582 16.C.2.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 141 Beacon St.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1062 16.C.3.LicenseNew Garage License, New England Collision Center Inc, 224 Somerville Ave, 10 cars inside, 4 cars outside for mechanical repairs, autobody work, spray painting, and washing vehicles, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, and Sun: closed.Approved with conditionsPass Action details Not available
23-1148 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on July 10, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-0367 16.D.2.OrderThat this Council discuss the unmet public health needs that have been identified by Somerville's non-profits and service providers.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0608 16.D.3.OrderThat the Chief of Police provide this Council with a report containing the information requested within for all incidents where a firearm was discharged since January 1, 2018.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0616 16.D.4.OrderThat the Chief of Police and the Director of Communications and Community Engagement discuss with this Council the viability of establishing a gun buyback event, focused on those who may be a danger to themselves, including strategic outreach involving community partners in the healthcare industry.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0796 16.D.5.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on the progress and timeline for establishing a safe consumption site.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0912 16.D.6.OrderThat the Chief of Police halt the use of unmarked patrol vehicles for all traffic enforcement.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0913 16.D.7.OrderThat the Chief of Police and the Director of Mobility report to this Council on the methodology used for pedestrian and cyclist stops made by Police Department officers.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0921 16.D.8.ResolutionUrging the Mayor to fill the two vacancies on the Biosafety Committee and restore it to a functional body.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-1138 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on June 28, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0972 16.E.2.ResolutionThat the Administration expedite the planning, design and construction of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School to ensure the re-opening of said school as soon as possible.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0984 16.E.3.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Commissioner of Public Works present to this City Council, the building failures that took place in the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and a plan for assessing those failures.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0985 16.E.4.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management dedicate full time staff and/or create new position(s) to the planning, design and construction process for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and the Benjamin Brown School and include this position in the FY 2024 budget.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0987 16.E.5.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain what Request for Proposals (RFP) will be necessary for consultant services for planning and architectural services for any future school building programming and planning, and expedite those RFPs.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0989 16.E.6.ResolutionThat the Administration create a permanent staff position for a Superintendent of School Buildings within the Department of Public Works to oversee all maintenance, repairs and assessments of school buildings, and include this position in the FY 2024 Budget.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0990 16.E.7.ResolutionThat the Administration evaluate the need to create permanent staff positions within the Department of Public Works for school buildings that address the highest needs of our school buildings including, but not limited to: mechanical systems, plumbing systems, fire alarm and electrical systems and exterior envelope and structural systems.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0991 16.E.8.ResolutionThat the Administration include in the FY 2024 budget, $150,000 for an exterior envelope consultant to assess ongoing leaks in school buildings.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0779 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Sidewalk Easement and Maintenance Agreement at 100 Chestnut Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1156 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $119,032.68 from the Parks Stabilization Fund for additional construction services for Reavis Field at the High School.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1127 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend an additional $300,000, with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease & Laboratory Sciences to the Health and Human Services Department for COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1129 19.1.LicenseRenewing Billiards and Bowling License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1158 19.2.LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, GVC Construction Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1150 19.3.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Galway Excavation LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1130 19.4.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, L.V.M.J. Corporation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1131 19.5.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Tascon Corporation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1152 19.6.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, W.L. French Excavating.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1137 19.7.LicenseNew Sign/Awning License, Gong Cha, 418 Highland Ave, replacing 1 awning cover.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1154 19.8.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
23-1153 19.9.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica Music in the Park on July 14 from 5pm to 9pm (raindate July 20).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1151 19.10.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for ArtBeat: Pulse on July 15 from 8am to 11pm (raindate July 16).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1161 19.11.Public EventDalbir Singh applying for a Public Event License for Shabeel on July 15 from 8am to 7pm (raindate July 22).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1133 19.12.Public EventYessenia Lopez applying for a Public Event License for St Benedict Feast Day on July 16 from 8am to 12:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1157 19.13.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Anbdu on July 29 from 3pm to 9:30pm (raindate July 30).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1134 19.14.Public EventRichard Lawson applying for a Public Event License for Glendale Ave BP on August 12 from 11am to 6:30pm (raindate August 13).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1135 19.15.Public EventCortney Kirk applying for a Public Event License for Spring St BP on August 13 from 11:30am to 4:30pm (raindate August 20).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1136 19.16.Public EventAnthony Leccese applying for a Public Event License for Procession for S.S. Comas & Damian on September 10 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm (raindate September 17).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1155 19.17.Public EventMegan Smith applying for a Public Event License for Adrian St/Joseph St BP on September 16 from 12pm to 6pm (raindate September 17).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1167 19.18.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: Strike up the Bands on September 17 from 12pm to 8pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1163 19.19.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for What the Fluff? on September 23 from 12pm to 9pm (raindate September 24).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1165 19.20.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Ignite Festival on September 30 from 2pm to 11pm (raindate October 1).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1183 110.1.OrderThat the Director of Water and Sewer and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain what maintenance will be required for the new Poplar Street Pump Station and Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project, and how these maintenance requirements will be staffed to ensure their proper upkeep.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1184 110.2.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on recent air conditioning failures in City Hall and what repairs have been or will be completed to address those issues.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1185 110.3.ResolutionThat this Council and the Administration, resolve to support all programs to ensure that all youth reach their full potential and to eliminate all academic gaps between our white students and our students of color, starting at the early stages of development.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1186 110.4.ResolutionThat the Administration utilize city and community space for cooling centers this summer for homeless community members while we await long term warming and cooling centers.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1187 110.5.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works appear before this Council to discuss what actions have and can be taken to ensure that trash and recycling barrels do not obstruct sidewalks after pick-up.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0697 110.6.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
23-1124 110.7.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
23-1182 110.8.Public EventEmma Garfinkel applying for a Public Event License for Pomi's at the Park on July 15 from 8am to 2pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1176 110.9.Public EventNoah Pestana applying for a Public Event License for OnPoint Improv on July 23 and July 30 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (raindates July 26 and August 2).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1180 110.10.Public EventRob Moir applying for a Public Event License for Climate Action Table on July 25 from 1:30pm to 5:30pm (raindate July 26).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1179 110.11.Public EventHannah O'Brien applying for a Public Event License for Pan Mass Challenge X SmartBear on August 3 from 2:45pm to 5:15pm (raindate August 8).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1181 110.12.Public EventCouncil on Aging applying for a Public Event License for Mayor Ballantyne's Senior Picnic on August 8 from 8:30am to 2pm (raindate August 9).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1178 110.13.Public CommunicationAaron Kaplowitz submitting comments re: item #23-1162, a resolution regarding the "Idaho Stop”.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video