City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final-revised
Meeting date/time: 2/9/2023 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
23-0220 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
23-0230 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0188 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, January 12, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0197 12.1.CitationCommending Cleanthe Marsh on the auspicious occasion of her 100th birthday.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0228 12.2.CitationCommending Ed DaSilva on the occasion of his retirement from the Information Technology Department after 33 years of distinguished service.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0223 13.1.Grant of LocationVerizon applying for a Grant of Location to install 92 feet of conduit in the intersection of Herbert St and Chester St, from Utility Pole 8 to 240 Elm St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0224 13.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 102 feet of conduit in Kent St, from Utility Pole 191/3 to a point of pickup at 22 Kent St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0225 13.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 8 feet of conduit in Sawyer Ave, from Utility Pole 307/4 to a point of pickup at 29 Sawyer Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0211 14.1.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove or raise above human height, the dangerously low-hanging wires in front of 102 Line Street and report to this City Council, the owner of the pole.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0212 14.2.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires separated and tied to a fence on the property at Chapel Street and College Avenue and report to this City Council, the owner of the pole.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0214 14.3.ResolutionSupporting Payment In Lieu of Taxes legislation in Massachusetts, bills HD.2091 and SD.761.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0215 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Mobility consider adding speed humps to Clarendon Avenue to slow down cut-through traffic from Broadway to Massachusetts Avenue.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0216 14.5.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council, the ending of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency, its impact on residents, and the city's access to vaccines, testing and other resources.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0217 14.6.OrderThat the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry, the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment, and the Director of Communications and Community Engagement discuss with this Council, opportunities to increase communication and education of residents on the impact of black swallow-wort and how to effectively remove and dispose of it.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0209 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 8, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0235 16.A.2.ResolutionSupporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee on adding an access to information provision.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0207 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 7, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0058 16.B.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to extend the Invoice Cloud contract for credit card processing for over-the-counter and meter transactions.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0096 16.B.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $6,318.46 using available funds in the Information Technology Computer Supplies Account for computer supplies, internet services, and phone services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0109 16.B.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $91,211.79 grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for staffing costs.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0119 16.B.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Barletta Heavy Division, for work on the Somerville Avenue Utilities and Streetscape Improvements project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0121 16.B.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension for CBA Landscape Architects, for the Henry Hansen Memorial Park design services beyond the three year maximum, to 9/30/2024.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0125 16.B.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to create the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Stabilization Fund.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0126 16.B.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension for the Weston and Sampson Engineering and Licensed Site Professional contract for Conway park beyond the three year maximum, to 12/31/2023.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0201 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on February 2, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-0273 16.C.2.OrderThat the Director of Housing provide the data requested within for inclusionary homes built after 2016, to better understand how the program is addressing housing needs.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0290 16.C.3.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the recruitment and retention of Teen Snow Shoveling Program participants.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1683 16.C.4.OrderThat the Director of Housing discuss how anticipated increases in utility, heating and water bills will affect affordable housing tenants.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1793 16.C.5.OrderThat the Director of the Office of Housing Stability discuss the potential impact of the anticipated January 2023 Social Security cost of living increase on affordable housing.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0203 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on February 2, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0191 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on January 31, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-0037 16.E.2.OrderThat the administration advise the City Council, and provide the language to allow cannabis delivery in the most streamlined way possible.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0047 16.E.3.OrderThat the Administration re-submit the Report of the Clean and Open Elections Task Force.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0180 16.E.4.OrderThat the Director of Housing provide a written update on the current status of compliance with the Short-Term Rental Ordinance.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0451 16.E.5.OrderThat the City Solicitor prepare a revision to the appropriate ordinance so vehicles that are parked in a crosswalk, or blocking a bicycle lane, ADA ramp, bus stop, or sidewalk may be towed as well as ticketed.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0074 16.E.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the continued employment of Acting Somerville Police Chief Charles J. Femino.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0086 16.E.7.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the 2022 Surveillance Technology Annual Report.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0106 16.E.8.Mayor's CommunicationConveying information regarding item 23-0084, a Mayor's Request requesting the adoption of the Specialized Energy Code.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0172 16.E.9.OrderThat the Council amend the Surveillance Technology Ordinance to clarify that it covers cameras used for automated traffic or parking enforcement.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0196 16.E.10.OrderThat the City Council adopt a change to the Surveillance Technology Ordinance consistent with the discussions in the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on January 31, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0182 16.F.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on January 30, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-0296 16.F.2.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services, the Director of Inspectional Services and the Environmental Health Coordinator update this Council on current rodent mitigation plans.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0297 16.F.3.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the replacement of trash bins due to rodent activity.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0346 16.F.4.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services consider a financial relief program for low income residents who are paying out of pocket for increased rodent expenses, including car and home repairs.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-2036 16.F.5.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services inspect Chuckie Harris Park, the General Insulation building and 161 Broadway for signs of rodent issues and food waste.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-2037 16.F.6.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services bait the sewers along Pennsylvania Avenue and adjacent streets and develop a plan to address rodent issues, in anticipation of planned water pipeline renovation.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0062 16.F.7.OrderThat the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the Environmental Health Coordinator discuss the feasibility of including neighborhood-specific rat control funding in Community Benefits Agreements.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0063 16.F.8.OrderThat the Environmental Health Coordinator and the Director of Inspectional Services discuss resident reports of cars damaged by rats over the past five years.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0069 16.F.9.OrderThat the Environmental Health Coordinator update this Council on any past pilots and any future plans for use of rodent hormonal birth control.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0131 16.F.10.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services and the Environmental Health Coordinator update this Council on the SMART box program and other rodent control measures.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0192 16.G.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting in Joint Session with the School Committee Building Maintenance Subcommittee on February 1, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-0186 16.G.2.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works report on all school building deferred maintenance projects completed following the ventilation system assessment, proposed completion dates, and strategies to assess needs for future deferred maintenance projects.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1418 16.G.3.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works report on planned repairs for the East Somerville Community School facade failures.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1715 16.G.4.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on preventive maintenance plans for all school buildings.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1716 16.G.5.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works and the Chief Information Officer provide an update on ongoing issues with Wi-Fi services for all schools.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0205 16.H.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Traffic and Parking meeting on February 6, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1830 16.H.2.OrderThat the Director of Mobility present to this Council on where heavy commercial vehicles are restricted per Traffic Regulations Section 7-27 Operation of Heavy Commercial Vehicles.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1832 16.H.3.OrderThat the Director of Parking, Director of Mobility, and Director of Engineering present to this Council on engagement and consideration of business needs regarding curbside changes.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1834 16.H.4.OrderThat the Director of Mobility and Director of Engineering present to this Council on documentation of vehicle types, timing and frequency, and turning movements when determining on-street loading zones.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1835 16.H.5.OrderThat the Director of Mobility provide an update on the businesses surveyed regarding Highland Ave improvements and share the data collected.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1836 16.H.6.OrderThat the Director of Constituent Services add a 311 Service Request category for reporting parking in bicycle lanes.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1837 16.H.7.OrderThat the Director of Mobility evaluate cut through traffic on Vernon Street and Trull Street and provide recommendations for traffic calming.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-2080 16.H.8.Public CommunicationGreen Cab Company, Inc. requesting an increase the taxicab meter rate to $1.95 for the first 1/8 of a mile, $0.45 for each additional 1/8 of a mile and waiting time of $28 per hour.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
22-2118 16.H.9.OrderThat the Director of Mobility consider installing speed humps on Highland Road, at the intersection with Morrison Avenue.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0093 16.H.10.OrderThat the Director of Mobility share and discuss with this Council, the plan to use the $100,000 in funding secured from the state for a traffic study of the intersection of Route 16 and Broadway.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0187 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Municipal Election Calendar for 2023.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0234 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Camera Ticket Enforcement.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0122 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Calla Taylor to the Urban Forestry Committee.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0180 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund for the construction of Junction Park.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0179 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $350,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund for the construction of Henry Hansen Park.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0178 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund to the Elizabeth Peabody House for historic building window restoration.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0177 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $250,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund to the Mystic River Watershed Association to design a shared use community path at Blessing of the Bay Park.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0176 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund for design of a park at 217 Somerville Ave.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0181 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $15,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund to Mudflat Pottery School, Inc. for a Facade Restoration Study.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0162 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to use available funds in the Health and Human Services Salaries Account in the amount of $21,982 to fund an additional Case Manager position.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0198 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Mobility Division for traffic engineering design and related implementation at the intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0190 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $79,500 grant with no new match required, from the MA Executive Office of Public Safety to the Police Department for staffing costs.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0213 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education to the Health and Human Services SomerPromise Division for LGBTQIA Out-of-School Time Youth Programming.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0195 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $67,050 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for unrestricted operational support.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0186 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $45,406.77 grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for maritime related equipment.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0184 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $17,821.96 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for the purchase of ballistic vests, helmets and medical equipment.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0185 17.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $3,348.18 grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for the purchase of residential lock boxes.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0199 18.1.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk submitting an amendment to Section 10-63 of the Code of Ordinances to clarify the Surveillance Technology Ordinance regarding parking ticket devices.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
23-0113 18.2.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk submitting an amendment to Section 13-6.1 of the Code of Ordinances to increase taxicab meter rates.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
23-0040 18.3.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of F. Kelley Landolphi to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0041 18.4.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Potere to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0222 19.1.LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Chow N Joy, 626 Somerville Ave, opening Sun-Thurs until 1am and Fri-Sat until 2am for take-out and delivery services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0221 19.2.LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Falafel Place, 1 Main St, opening Mon-Sun until 3am for in-store, take-out, and delivery services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-0226 19.3.Public EventSomerville Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Maple Boil on February 17 and March 11 from 7:30am to 7:30pm (raindate March 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0227 19.4.Public EventBicycle Advisory Committee applying for a Public Event License for Family Bike CPX Ride on May 14 from 8am to 10:30am (raindate May 21).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0229 19.5.Public CommunicationChris Dwan submitting comments re: Union Square MBTA stop pedestrian crossing.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0218 19.6.Public CommunicationCommission for Women submitting comments re: item #23-0075, an Ordinance establishing Paid Leave for Survivors.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0219 19.7.Public CommunicationBicycle Advisory Committee submitting comments re: ticketing by 311.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0237 110.1.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on efforts to provide warming centers for unhoused individuals during the recent cold spell.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0238 110.2.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services provide Smart Boxes throughout East Somerville to address rodent issues.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0239 110.3.OrderThat the Director of Mobility place a large YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS sign at the intersection of Broadway, Lombardi Way and Mt. Vernon Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0240 110.4.OrderThat the Director of Mobility prioritize the intersection of Broadway, Lombardi Way and Mt. Vernon Street for traffic calming measures.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0241 110.5.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council's Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters regarding efforts to hire more firefighters.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0242 110.6.ResolutionThat the Administration inform this Council regarding efforts to update the firefighter hiring process, since the reserve list has been eliminated.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0236 110.7.ResolutionCommending staff and first responders on their efforts to help residents during the recent extreme cold spell.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0244 111.1.OrderThat this City Council recognize February as Black History Month.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video