City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 10/26/2023 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
23-1614 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
23-1615 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
23-1616 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, September 28, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1610 12.1.CitationCommending Ken Fields for his musical contributions to the arts and arts community.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1560 13.1.Grant of LocationComcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 20 feet of conduit in Beacon Street, from Utility Pole 142/25 to a point of pickup at 205 Beacon Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1592 14.1.ResolutionThat the Somerville City Council supports the passage of H.1255, An Act requiring menstrual products in buildings on public higher education campuses, H.3018 An Act requiring menstrual products in all state buildings, and S.2481, An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1594 14.2.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Director of Finance explain to this Council the steps and processes in the School Building Master Plan for a ballot vote on Proposition 2½ in reference to funding a School Building project.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1595 14.3.OrderThat the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning conduct an historic demolition review to identify buildings over 75 years old, to determine structures that could potentially be designated historic, and to expedite demolition reviews for buildings that are not potential candidates for historic preservation.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1593 14.4.ResolutionThat the Administration provide an update on the Compensation Study, including a definite delivery timeline, at the November 9, 2023 meeting of this City Council.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1596 14.5.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works install a water fountain for people and dogs at Nunziato field.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1598 14.6.OrderThat the City Solicitor advise this Council on the city's ability to take steps to combat predatory towing practices by adopting similar legislation as the City of Boston.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1599 14.7.OrderThat the Director of Parking publicize how residents can file complaints related to illegal towing, namely through the Department of Public Utilities Transportation Oversight Division.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1600 14.8.OrderThat the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment work with this Council and Green and Open Somerville to consider the creation of an Invasive Species Czar position to spearhead outreach, education, and citywide invasive plant species removal.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1597 14.9.ResolutionIn Support of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ's cleaning contract campaign.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1606 14.10.OrderThat the Director of Mobility advertise alternate walking paths to the intersection of Broadway and McGrath Highway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1601 14.11.OrderThat the Director of Mobility increase signage and visibility of the newly installed rotaries along Pearl Street, Oliver Street and Glen Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1602 14.12.OrderThat the Director of Mobility assess loading zone and metered parking at the intersection of Pearl and Cross Streets and report back to the Ward 1 Councilor.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1603 14.13.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works trim the trees by 89 Cross Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1604 14.14.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works address the broken bench in Symphony Park.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1607 14.15.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works continue to remove trash from Chuckie Harris Park on a daily basis.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1608 14.16.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the manhole cover and surrounding road at the entryway of the Cobble Hill homes.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1605 14.17.OrderThat the Director of Water and Sewer inspect the sewers on Otis Street, east of McGrath Highway, and determine if they need to be cleaned.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1609 14.18.OrderThat the Director of Engineering inspect the sinkhole in the road directly in front of the entrance to the Cobble Hill homes.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1582 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 24, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1263 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department to support the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) sustainability and upgrades.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1341 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $220,560 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to the Health and Human Services Department for Tobacco Control Prevention.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1398 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the use of $1,500 in available funds in the Inspectional Services Staff Development Account to establish a Food and Refreshments Account, to provide food and refreshments for staff during quarterly training sessions.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1401 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $29,780 from the Health and Human Services Professional and Technical Services Account to the Council on Aging Professional and Technical Services Account for nutritional counseling and education at the Senior Center.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1402 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Department of Housing and Community Development to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Administration Division for a partnership with the City of Medford to examine the zoning and economic development potential of the parcels along Broadway that are split by the municipal boundary.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1403 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $11,059.72 from the Health and Human Services Professional and Technical Account to the Department of Public Works Building Rentals Account for three additional seasonal, portable bathrooms.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1404 16.A.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,625 using available funds in the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Parks and Urban Forestry Division Account for Wedding Nook and Quincy Street open space production.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1407 16.A.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-373 of the Code of Ordinances, to establish a Vaccine Revolving Fund.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
23-1408 16.A.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to authorize a FY 2024 expenditure limitation of $60,000 for the Vaccine Revolving Fund.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1419 16.A.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,207.50 using available funds in the Fire Department Professional & Technical Account for medical case management costs.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1424 16.A.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend an $18,400 grant with no new match required, from Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for unrestricted operating support.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1425 16.A.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,250 using available funds in the Human Resources Arbitration Services Account for arbitration services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1426 16.A.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $440 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services Account for language testing services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1427 16.A.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,298.83 using available funds in the Human Resources Arbitration Services Account for arbitration transcription services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1474 16.A.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $44,167.81 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1475 16.A.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $25,418.02 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1480 16.A.18.OrderThat the Chief of Police provide a written explanation, and any accompanying documentation, of the Police Department’s receipt of GrayKey surveillance technology from Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI)/Boston without requiring a grant acceptance from the City Council.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1492 16.A.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $67,478 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve Fund to the Somerville Museum for storage area renovation.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1493 16.A.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $113,440 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve Fund to Just A Start for restoration and reinstallation of a historic window at 24 Webster Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1496 16.A.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $26,721.10 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1497 16.A.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,729.64 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Natural Gas Account for natural gas supply services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1498 16.A.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,436.40 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Grounds R&M Facility, Parks & Playgrounds for irrigation system repair and maintenance.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1499 16.A.24.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $280 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Employee Training Account for Construction Supervisor continuing education.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1500 16.A.25.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $371.44 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Motor Parts & Accessories Account for pump replacement parts.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1501 16.A.26.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for the reimbursement of Hazardous Material Response Team members.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1538 16.A.27.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $30,020 from the Parking Department Parking Meter Receipts Account to the Capital-Building Lease Account for rental of parking spaces per the lease agreement between the Trustees of Tufts College and the City of Somerville.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1576 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on October 19, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1571 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 17, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1449 16.C.2.OrderThat the City Solicitor and the Director of Parking provide this Council with an opinion on whether the adoption of Chapter 90, Section 20A of the Massachusetts General Laws would allow the City to mail tickets for traffic violations, including those identified through 311 reports.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-0076 16.C.3.OrdinanceAmending Chapter 8, Article I of the Code of Ordinances by adding a new section regarding Closed Captioning Accessibility.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
23-0078 16.C.4.ResolutionSupporting Closed Captioning Accessibility.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0234 16.C.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Camera Ticket Enforcement.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
23-1354 16.C.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GrayKey Digital Forensics Analysis Tool.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
23-1507 16.C.7.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying information regarding item #23-0076, amending the Code of Ordinances by adding a new section regarding Closed Captioning Accessibility.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1531 16.C.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GrayKey Digital Forensics Analysis Tool.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1532 16.C.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Camera Ticket Enforcement.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1574 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 18, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0583 16.D.2.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 381 Washington St.Not approvedPass Action details Not available
23-0584 16.D.3.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 387 Washington St.Not approvedPass Action details Not available
23-1210 16.D.4.LicenseNew Garage License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 61 Washington St, 3 vehicles inside, 4 vehicles outside for mechanical repairs and autobody work, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
23-1339 16.D.5.LicenseNew Garage License, Quick Auto Center, 30 Joy Street, 0 cars inside, 40 cars outside, for charging money to store vehicles, maintaining and operating a tow vehicle, and storing unregistered vehicles, Mon-Fri:8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, and Sun: closed.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1340 16.D.6.LicenseNew Garage License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 61 Washington Street, 3 cars inside, 4 cars outside, for mechanical repairs, autobody work, and charging money to store vehicles, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, and Sun: closed.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1479 16.D.7.LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Dumpling Garden, 273 Broadway, opening Sunday-Saturday from 10am to 2am for in-store, take-out and delivery service.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1486 16.D.8.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services, the Chief of Police and the City Clerk meet with this Council to discuss the operation of duly licensed live music venues in the city, and the applicability of the Noise Ordinance as written.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1590 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to add Chapter 6 Article VII to restrict and prohibit new building construction and major renovation projects that are not fossil fuel-free.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1585 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $5,561,768 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for street and sidewalk reconstruction.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1584 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $52,403 from the Salary Contingency account to Police Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with Local 888 - Crossing Guards.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1517 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $32,000 from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Housing Division Personal Services Account to the Office of Sustainability and Environment Personal Services Account to transfer the clean green program manager position to the Office of Sustainability and Environment.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1554 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $5,925.42 from the Infrastructure & Asset Management Personal Services Account to the Engineering Personal Services Account to fund an existing position.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1555 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to create a Senior Project Manager position in the Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management - Engineering Division.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1559 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval for specified City Employees to work the November 7, 2023 City Election.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1557 17.8.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the FY 2023 report of SomerViva: Office of Immigrant Affairs.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1547 18.1.Officer's CommunicationPlanning Board conveying recommendations for item #23-0940.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1558 19.1.LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, New England Construction Managers Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1611 19.2.LicenseRenewing Outdoor Goods License, 130 Broadway LLC, 130 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1580 19.3.LicenseRenewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 295 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1579 19.4.LicenseRenewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 1 Davis Sq.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1578 19.5.LicenseRenewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 22-26 Union Sq.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1612 19.6.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Hillside Service Center, 45 Mystic Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1613 19.7.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Somerville Motors Inc, 182 Washington St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1561 19.8.Public EventSamuel Feller applying for a Public Event License for Neighborhood Chili Cookoff on October 27 from 10am to 5pm (raindate November 3).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1562 19.9.Public EventTiffany Cayarga applying for a Public Event License for Kingston St BP on October 28 from 4pm to 10pm (raindate October 29).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1563 19.10.Public EventKelsey Coffin applying for a Public Event License for Partridge Ave Halloween BP on October 29 from 4pm to 9pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1564 19.11.Public EventDanielle Angelillo applying for a Public Event License for Pleasant Ave BP on October 31 from 3pm to 9pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1565 19.12.Public EventAdrienne Agarwal applying for a Public Event License for Hall St BP on November 4 from 2:30pm to 7pm (raindate November 5).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1566 19.13.Public EventAlliance for Safe Streets applying for a Public Event License for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 19 from 3pm to 7pm (raindate November 20).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1567 19.14.Public EventSomerville Road Runners applying for a Public Event License for 27th Annual Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race on November 23 from 6am to 1pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1551 19.15.Public CommunicationHarvard University conveying its Fall 2023 Accountability Report.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-1552 19.16.Public CommunicationDavid Thorpe submitting comments re: Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1556 19.17.Public CommunicationDigital Fourth submitting comments re: item #23-1354, Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GrayKey Digital Forensics Analysis Tool.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-1572 19.18.Public CommunicationYizhi You submitting comments re: homelessness in East Somerville.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-1573 19.19.Public CommunicationBill Valletta submitting comments re: City Council Orders, item #22-1593 and item #23-0612.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-1589 19.20.Public CommunicationTufts University conveying its Fall 2023 Accountability Report.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-1618 110.1.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation provide additional play and athletic equipment for the outdoor recess area at the Edgerly School.Approved as amended and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1619 110.2.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation provide an outdoor storage box at the Edgerly School for additional equipment.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1620 110.3.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the Edgerly building for noise issues during class time, and provide necessary adjustments to classrooms to address acoustic issues.Approved as amended and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1621 110.4.OrderThat the Director of Engineering provide this Council with an update on the 2013 Pedestrian Accessibility Study and the progress made in the 10 years since its release.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1622 110.5.OrderThat the Director of the Office of Racial and Social Justice update this Council on the implementation of the FileVine system that was procured to track Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaints.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1623 110.6.OrderThat the Director of the Office of Racial and Social Justice update this Council on the status of the procurement of a Braille embosser to accommodate requests for materials in Braille.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1624 110.7.OrderThat the Director of Mobility add a speed bump to Shore Drive at Governor Winthrop Road.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1625 110.8.Zoning OrdinanceAmending Section 7.2.7 of the Zoning Ordinances to add Shared Workspace & Arts Education to Table 7.2.7 Permitted Uses.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1626 110.9.ResolutionThat the Administration increase the $55,000 allotted to support food access to $100,000, in accordance with its promise to pledge $1 million for participatory budgeting.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1550 110.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $108,226.70 grant with no new match required from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department to support implementation of the Somerville-Cambridge Shared Public Health Service Initiative.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1632 110.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the reappointment of Linda Dubuque as City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1635 110.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the reappointment of Francis J. Golden as Chief Assessor and Chair of the Board of Assessors.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1631 110.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the reappointment of Michael Flynn to the Board of Assessors.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1633 110.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the reappointment of Richard Scanlon to the Board of Assessors.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1627 110.15.Officer's CommunicationChief of Police conveying supplemental information regarding Somerville's participation in the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region (MBHSR).Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-1628 110.16.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, V.I.N.L. Transportation Inc., Med. #65.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1629 110.17.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer License Class 3, Ed's Used Auto Parts, 516 Columbia St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1634 110.18.Public EventTheia Henderson applying for a Public Event License for Holyoke Rd BP on October 28 from 11am to 6pm (raindate October 29).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1636 110.19.Public EventJ.T. Scott applying for a Public Event License for Springfield St BP on October 31 from 4pm to 10:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1617 110.20.Public CommunicationCharles Zammuto requesting the adoption of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Map to change the zoning district of 563-565 Broadway from Urban Residence (UR) to Mid-Rise 4 (MR4).Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video