City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 9/14/2023 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
23-1386 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
23-1387 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1388 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, July 13, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1389 11.4.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, July 20, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1390 11.5.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, August 3, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1333 12.1.CitationCommending John Wilson on the conclusion of his mind-boggling HBO series, "How To with John Wilson".ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1350 12.2.CitationCommending Edra Mercer on the auspicious occasion of her 100th birthday.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1335 13.1.Grant of LocationCambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install 63 feet of conduit in Medford Street, from existing Verizon Manhole 26/515 to a point of pickup at 35 Medford Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1336 13.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 198 feet of conduit in Broadway, from Manhole 1922 located at the intersection of Broadway and Fenwick Street to a point of pickup at 366 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1337 13.3.Grant of LocationVerizon applying for a Grant of Location to install 429 feet of conduit along Somerville Avenue and Poplar Street, from Manhole 44/252 in Somerville Avenue to Manhole 44/20 located at the intersection of Poplar Street and Linwood Street.Approved with conditionsPass Action details Video Video
23-1338 13.4.Grant of LocationVerizon applying for a Grant of Location to install 209 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from Manhole 44/42 to existing Extenet handhole located near 345 Somerville Avenue.Approved with conditionsPass Action details Video Video
23-1355 14.1.OrderThat the Director of Engineering re-pave Highland Avenue from Central Street to Walnut Street this year instead of waiting until 2024.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1356 14.2.OrderThat the Director of Mobility and Director of Engineering install a quick-build two-way protected bicycle facility on School Street, between Highland Avenue and the Community Path.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1357 14.3.ResolutionThat the Mayor hire a minimum of four Department of Public Works Grounds Division staff to increase maintenance of public spaces and new native planting projects, in advance of the Pollinator Action Plan.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1358 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Economic Development appear before this Council to discuss the current status of the implementation of the Gilman Square Neighborhood Plan.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1359 14.5.OrderThat the Director of Capital Projects provide this Council with a printed timeline for the reconstruction of a new Winter Hill Community School.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1361 14.6.OrderThat the Director of Engineering place speed humps on School Street, between Broadway and Medford Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1362 14.7.OrderThat the Director of Mobility place in-street spring-loaded pedestrian crosswalk signs on Medford Street at Sycamore, Thurston, and Dartmouth Streets.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1360 14.8.ResolutionThat the Administration declare the second week of October as de-"RAT"ification week on an annual basis, with a robust public education campaign that includes events and announcements and the full use of the city’s communication apparatus.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1363 14.9.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works raise the low-hanging wires in front of 50 Chandler Street so that they do not get snagged on cars.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1364 14.10.OrderThat the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning discuss the potential for density bonus incentives, such as $150,000 for homeowners to build affordable housing for rent, or homeownership.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1366 14.11.OrderThat the Director of Sustainability and Environment discuss the plan for outreach for the online Climate Survey and how residents without computers are brought into the conversation.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1385 14.12.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works take the appropriate measures to repair the broken light fixtures at New Hampshire and Pennsylvania Avenues and file a complaint for Eversource to address the situation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1365 14.13.ResolutionThat the Administration discuss the progress of the parking plan within the lease of the Tufts Administration Building (TAB).Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1367 14.14.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works ensure that the new Police sub-station in East Somerville is easily accessible to the public and includes public restrooms.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1368 14.15.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works address the overgrowth and trash on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Mt. Vernon Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1369 14.16.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works address the graffiti on the sidewalk in front of 75 Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1370 14.17.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services create a homeless worker program, similar to the Roca program, that offers compensated community cleanup and other community service jobs to the un-housed.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1371 14.18.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works ensure that the port-a-potties in East Somerville are consistently cleaned.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1372 14.19.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on homelessness outreach efforts, including the hiring of four clinicians, case managers and home visitations.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1373 14.20.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on enforcement of the Dark Skies ordinance that restricts light pollution and reduces energy consumption.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1375 14.21.OrderThat the Director of Engineering consider installing water fountains along the Community Path Extension.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1376 14.22.OrderThat the Director of Engineering consider adding speed humps and other traffic calming measures to Victoria Street to mitigate the impact of cut-through traffic on this residential neighborhood.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1377 14.23.OrderThat the Director of Mobility add additional signage on Victoria Street to reduce speeds.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1374 14.24.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on the recipients of the $10 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocation for the nonprofit funding round.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1321 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on September 6, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1235 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Dennis Lemard to the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1237 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Cassie Walston to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1256 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Jeffrey DiGregorio to the position of Police Captain.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1257 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Salvatore Fusco to the position of Police Lieutenant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1258 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Samir Messaoudi to the position of Police Sergeant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1259 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Steven Scrugli to the position of Police Sergeant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1299 16.A.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Christopher J. Ward to the position of Deputy Police Chief.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1307 16.A.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Jennifer Tsolas to the Condominium Review Board.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1379 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 12, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0779 16.B.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Sidewalk Easement and Maintenance Agreement at 100 Chestnut Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1050 16.B.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $48,612.38 grant that requires a match, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Fire Department for the purchase of high visibility jackets.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1146 16.B.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to re-purpose $100,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds awarded to the Parks and Urban Forestry Division for the design of Junction Park, to be used for construction.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1196 16.B.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $13,833.64 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Admin Professional and Technical account for FY 2022 Roca services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1197 16.B.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $440 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Repair & Maintenance Vehicles Account for vehicle inspections.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1201 16.B.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $97,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Open Space Reserve Fund to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for renovation of the Brown Schoolyard.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1202 16.B.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $411,776 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Open Space Reserve Fund to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for renovation of Henry Hansen Park.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1203 16.B.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $98,053 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Historic Preservation Reserve Fund to the Somerville Museum for restoration of the collection storage area.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1207 16.B.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 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 the study of energy efficiency opportunities in affordable housing for low and moderate income households.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1208 16.B.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 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 focus groups and a feasibility study related to the development of a rental registry and energy retrofitting housing.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1229 16.B.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $57,716.11 from the Veterans Department's Ordinary Maintenance - Veterans Benefits account to the Personal Services - Salaries account to fund the Veterans Project Manager position though the end of FY 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1238 16.B.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $16,929.60 using available funds in the Engineering Repairs & Maintenance - Highways Account for Police details.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1239 16.B.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $4,269,990 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the recurring FY 2024 Sewer Improvements program.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1240 16.B.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $6,878,900 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for various sewer improvement projects as part of participation in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) I/I Local Financial Assistance Program, Phases 9-11.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1241 16.B.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $31.40 using available funds in the Law Department's Ordinary Maintenance Recordings Account for public access to court electronic recordings.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1255 16.B.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $4,980 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to the Fire Department for the purchase of emergency response equipment.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1261 16.B.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $95,000 grant with no new match required, from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program 2.0 Planning Grant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1264 16.B.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $6,285 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Elevator Repair & Maint Account for repairs to the High School elevators.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1265 16.B.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,509.75 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Interior Maint Account for asbestos testing.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1266 16.B.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $980 using available funds in the Buildings Fire Alarm Repair & Maint Account for Fire Alarm testing and services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1253 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on September 7, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1380 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on September 13, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1378 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on September 11, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0618 16.E.2.OrderThat ?the Director of Health & Human Services work with this Council and community partners to determine if the city has a current PILOT agreement with Mass General Brigham and other healthcare providers, and how mental health services can be a component of such agreements, particularly as part of a mental health gun buyback program.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-1172 16.E.3.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.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-1284 16.E.4.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council regarding increases in homelessness and the direct responses taken by the city to address those increases.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-1285 16.E.5.CommunicationConveying numerous locations suitable for temporary and long-term shelter for the homeless population.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-1286 16.E.6.OrderThat the Chief of Police conduct compliance checks on liquor stores.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-1290 16.E.7.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services engage Somerville Cares About Prevention to conduct compliance checks on establishments serving liquor to prevent over-serving of alcohol.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-1294 16.E.8.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on the progress of Safe Consumption sites.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-1351 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants to artists, organizations, and schools.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1348 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $118.44 using available funds in the Department of Infrastructure and Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1349 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Courtney Koslow to the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1354 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GrayKey Digital Forensics Analysis Tool.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1392 17.5.Mayor's CommunicationConveying information regarding Somerville's upcoming first-ever Civic Day celebration.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-1352 18.1.Officer's CommunicationCity Solicitor requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss property at Matignon pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(6).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1339 19.1.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 19.2.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.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1324 19.3.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 32 Dearborn Rd.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1342 19.4.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 39R Latin Way.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1325 19.5.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 40A Latin Way.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1347 19.6.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 75 Packard Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1326 19.7.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 125 Powder House Blvd.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1343 19.8.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 8 Whitfield Road.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1327 19.9.Public EventHaley Suarez applying for a Public Event License for Riverfest on September 16 from 10am to 10pm (raindate September 17).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1328 19.10.Public EventGil Cayford applying for a Public Event License for Rock in the Park on September 16 from 4pm to 10pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1345 19.11.Public EventDavid Margolin applying for a Public Event License for Highland Rd BP on September 17 from 3pm to 8pm (raindate October 1).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1323 19.12.Public EventJohn Long applying for a Public Event License for Chandler St BP on September 23 from 2:30pm to 7:30pm (raindate September 24).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1329 19.13.Public EventKelsey Kent applying for a Public Event License for Lexington Ave BP on September 23 from 3pm to 9pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1344 19.14.Public EventAdam Parker applying for a Public Event License for Foundation for Animals: Dog Festival on September 24 from 7am to 5pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1330 19.15.Public EventCommunications & Community Engagement Department applying for a Public Event License for Civic Day on September 30 from 8:30am to 6:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1331 19.16.Public EventBrandon Wilson applying for a Public Event License for Josephine Ave BP on September 30 from 2pm to 9:30pm (raindate October 1).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1346 19.17.Public EventMarcy Goldstein-Gelb applying for a Public Event License for Boston-Prichard Ave BP on October 1 from 3pm to 10pm (raindate October 22).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1332 19.18.Public EventZachary Baum applying for a Public Event License for Annual Vintage Market on October 8 from 9am to 9pm (raindate October 29).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1317 19.19.Public CommunicationErt Dredge submitting comments re: item #23-1162, a resolution regarding the "Idaho Stop".Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-1393 110.1.ResolutionThat the Administration update the City Council on the status of body cameras for police officers.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1397 110.2.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on the sewer separation work and any opportunities for prioritizing problematic areas of the city.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1316 110.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to extend and amend a contract with Warner Larson Incorporated for an additional three years, and a revised amount of $123,683.35, for the redesign and improvements of the Auxiliary Sports Fields at Dilboy Park.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1391 110.4.Grant of LocationEversource applying for an amendment to License BL22-000036, a Grant of Location for 205 Beacon Street.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
23-1394 110.5.LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, Form Up Sitework LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1395 110.6.Public EventKelsey Kent applying for a Public Event License for Lexington Ave BP on September 24 from 4pm to 9pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1399 111.1.OrderThat the Administration report to this Council on the ability to require further repairs on Highland Ave, and if none, an explanation on whether that complies with road engineering regulations.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available