City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 2/8/2018 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
205112 1205112Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole in Joint Session with the Planning Board on January 30, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
205113 1205113Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on January 31, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
205114 1205114Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 1, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
205111 1205111Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 6, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
205116 1205116Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on Rules, meeting on February 7, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
205066 1205066Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205067 1205067MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Organizational Meeting, January 1, 2018, and the Regular Meeting, January 11, 2018.Approved  Action details Not available
205126 1205126Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk requesting approval of his Public Official's Bond.Approved  Action details Not available
205142 1205142Public CommunicationUnion Square Main Streets submitting comments re: #204999, a Resolution recognizing the Union Sq Neighborhood Council.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205143 1205143Public CommunicationRob Buchanan submitting comments re: #204999, a Resolution recognizing the Union Sq Neighborhood Council.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205144 1205144Public CommunicationPhilip Parsons submitting comments re: #204999, a Resolution recognizing the Union Sq Neighborhood Council.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205145 1205145Public CommunicationLhadon Tethong and Dhondup Phunkhang submitting comments re: #204999, a Resolution recognizing the Union Sq Neighborhood Council.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205146 1205146WithdrawnNot used.   Action details Not available
205147 1205147Public CommunicationAndy Greenspon submitting comments re: #204999, a Resolution recognizing the Union Sq Neighborhood Council.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205148 1205148Public CommunicationKatie Gradowski submitting comments re: #204999, a Resolution recognizing the Union Sq Neighborhood Council.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205149 1205149Public CommunicationJoe Beckmann submitting comments re: #204999, a Resolution recognizing the Union Sq Neighborhood Council.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205150 1205150Public CommunicationGreen and Open Somerville submitting comments re: a Somerville Green Standard in the proposed zoning overhaul.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205151 1205151Public CommunicationAlan Bingham submitting comments re: the draft Demolition Review Ordinance.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205152 1205152Public CommunicationSomerville YIMBY submitting comments re: the Clarendon Hill Redevelopment Project.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205133 1205133LicenseNew Outdoor Seating License, When Pigs Fly, 241 Elm St, 1 A-Frame sign.Approved  Action details Not available
205134 1205134LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Dunkin Donuts, 504 Broadway, opening 24/7.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205141 1205141LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Executive Auto Leasing and Sales, 30 Medford St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205140 1205140LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Webster Auto Sales, 61 Prospect St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205139 1205139LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Union Gulf Service, 231 Washington St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205138 1205138LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, CM Auto Sales, 39 Webster Ave.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205137 1205137LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, 28 Motorsports, 486R Columbia St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205136 1205136LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205135 1205135LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Somerville Motors, 182 Washington St.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205154 2205154OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility to address the low-hanging wires at the intersection of Porter Street and Gould Avenue.Approved  Action details Not available
205115 2205115ResolutionThat the Administration work with US2 to amend the Development Covenant to allow this Board to recognize a Neighborhood Council to negotiate a CBA and discuss the amendment with this Board prior to execution.Approved  Action details Not available
205117 2205117OrderThat a rule be added to the Rules of this Board to require that video recordings be made of all Board and Committee meetings whenever possible, and audio recordings otherwise, and that these recordings be made available for public review on this Board's web portal.Approved  Action details Not available
205153 2205153OrderThat the Director of Communications include a 10-minute community announcement period at the start of every ResiStat meeting so community members can share information about meetings and events, so other attendees become aware of things going on in their ward and the city.Approved  Action details Not available
205177 2205177CommunicationConveying the January, 2018, report of the High School Building Committee.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205130 2205130CommunicationDirector of Parks and Recreation responding to #203507 re: shaded areas at pools.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205133 2205133LicenseNew Outdoor Seating License, When Pigs Fly, 241 Elm St, 1 A-Frame sign.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
205068 2205068CitationCommending Michael Cabral on the auspicious occasion of his retirement after 31 years of dedicated service, including serving as Acting Chief, in the Police Department.Approved  Action details Not available
205069 2205069CitationCommending Martha Costa on the auspicious occasion of her retirement after 31 years of dedicated service in the Police Department.Approved  Action details Not available
205070 2205070CitationCommending the East Somerville Community School Marimba Club for their musical passion and performance.Approved  Action details Not available
205084 2205084OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking increase parking enforcement on Columbia Street.Approved  Action details Not available
205085 2205085OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking explain to this Board when and where the "48 Hour Parking Rule" is enforced, and why it is necessary.Approved  Action details Not available
205086 2205086ResolutionThat the Administration clarify for this Board the role of Stantec Corp. as a contractor tasked with building the proposed storm water storage tank at Nunziato Field, and as a consulting firm for US2, the Union Square Master Developer.Approved  Action details Not available
205087 2205087OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works install public trash and recycling receptacles on the sidewalk outside the Bloc Cafe on Bow Street.Approved  Action details Not available
205088 2205088OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking enforce the No Parking zone at the corner of Belmont Street and Spring Hill Terrace.Approved  Action details Not available
205089 2205089OrderThat the Director of Communications modify the city's online meeting calendar portal so the agenda hyper-links are more intuitive to new users.Approved  Action details Not available
205090 2205090ResolutionThat the Administration provide this Board with an update on the timeline for the creation of the Office of Housing Stability.Approved  Action details Not available
205091 2205091ResolutionThat the Administration provide this Board with an opinion on whether or not to draft a home rule petition raising the owner occupied residential tax exemption from 35% to 40%.Approved  Action details Not available
205092 2205092OrderThat the Traffic Commission consider creating a process for residents to comment on parking changes that affect their streets.Approved  Action details Not available
205093 2205093OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Board on the city’s current efforts to address the opiate crisis in terms of treatment, recovery, support and prevention.Approved  Action details Not available
205094 2205094OrderThat the Director of Engineering re-pave Thurston Street, from Broadway to Medford Street.t.Approved  Action details Not available
205095 2205095OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking repair the two leaning signs on Medford Street at the Winter Hill Community School.Approved  Action details Not available
205096 2205096OrderThat the Director of Recreation appear before this Board’s Committee on Youth Services to provide information on the membership and function of the Recreation Commission.Approved  Action details Not available
205097 2205097OrderThat this Board’s Committee on Housing and Community Development discuss a ‘Housing Hackathon’.Approved  Action details Not available
205098 2205098ResolutionThat the Administration update this Board on opportunities for expanded advertisement of the city’s tax deferral program, and other tools that may help seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes to achieve financial stability.Approved  Action details Not available
205099 2205099OrderThat the Director of Libraries share his vision for neighborhood access to branch libraries and/or library services.Approved  Action details Not available
205100 2205100ResolutionThat the Administration appear before this Board to discuss a possible Transit and Pedestrian Advisory Group.Approved  Action details Not available
205101 2205101OrderThat the Chief of Police monitor traffic speed on Cameron Avenue and take appropriate actions.Approved  Action details Not available
205102 2205102OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking and the Chief of Police advise this Board on whether trucks are prohibited from Cameron Avenue, and if so, enforce that restriction.Approved  Action details Not available
205103 2205103OrderThat the Director of SPCD advise this Board of the mitigation requirements for construction of the Elmwood Street/Cameron Avenue housing project.Approved  Action details Not available
205104 2205104OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on Cameron Avenue.Approved  Action details Not available
205105 2205105OrderThat the Director of Sustainability and Environment confirm that all municipal buildings, excluding schools, have recycling programs.Approved  Action details Not available
205106 2205106ResolutionThat the Administration work with this Board to review and update the city’s sexual harassment policy for all city staff.Approved  Action details Not available
205107 2205107ResolutionThat the Administration work with this Board to implement a Code of Conduct policy and discuss training all staff and Aldermen.Approved  Action details Not available
205108 2205108ResolutionThat the Administration work with this Board to review current sexual harassment policies for all union members and civil service employees, and develop such policies when absent.Approved  Action details Not available
205109 2205109ResolutionThat the Administration and Director of Parks and Recreation develop a financial policy for programming for persons under 18 years of age that ensures gender equity when using public funds.Approved  Action details Not available
205110 2205110OrderThat the Director of SPCD ensure that all school and city park designs for child use contain a gender equity lens in the design stage, so all children are served.Approved  Action details Not available
205071 2205071OrderThat the City Solicitor prepare a Home Rule Petition to change the name of the Board of Aldermen to City Council.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205073 2205073OrderThat the Chief of Police provide this Board with an update on surveillance cameras in the city.Approved  Action details Not available
205074 2205074OrderThat the Director of SPCD provide this Board with its capital plan for all open space in the city.Approved  Action details Not available
205075 2205075OrderThat the Director of Water and Sewer report to this Board on whether our municipal tap water is safe to drink.Approved  Action details Not available
205076 2205076ResolutionThat the Administration appropriate funds to contract a community organization to provide free or low-cost legal services on immigration and naturalization issues to immigrants living in Somerville.Approved  Action details Not available
205072 2205072OrderThat the Chief of Police provide this Board with the number of incidents of the circulation of racist, anti-Semitic or hate-speech literature in 2016 and 2017.Approved  Action details Not available
205077 2205077OrderThat the Director of SPCD update this Board on Cambridge’s plan to eliminate the left turn onto Massachusetts Avenue from the Porter Square shopping center, which is likely to add traffic to White Street, a small street that is inadequate for such traffic.Approved  Action details Not available
205078 2205078OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works assess the sidewalk at 11 Rogers Avenue for danger of collapse and repair the sinkhole there.Approved  Action details Not available
205079 2205079OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking enforce the no parking restriction by the hydrant at 33 Hudson Street.Approved  Action details Not available
205080 2205080OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking stripe the entire street space by the curb at the hydrant at 33 Hudson Street to deter parking there.Approved  Action details Not available
205081 2205081OrderThat the Director of Personnel explain to this Board in writing why the City does not give part-time employees who work less than 20 hours a week earned sick time.Approved  Action details Not available
205082 2205082OrderThat the Director of Traffic and Parking install bright yellow YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS signs at the crosswalk by the Kennedy School on Elm Street.Approved  Action details Not available
205083 2205083OrderThat this Board’s Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters develop a comprehensive procedure manual regarding review processes for all categories of appointments and re-appointments.Approved  Action details Not available
205127 3205127CommunicationDirector of SPCD responding to #203981 re: a memorial bench donation program.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205119 3205119Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to establish a Consolidated Gift Account to accept donations for commemorative benches.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204865 3204865ResolutionThat the Administration meet with this Board in Executive Session to provide an update on collective bargaining.Approved  Action details Not available
205132 3205132CommunicationDirector of Traffic and Parking responding to items approved at the January 11, 2018 meeting.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205131 3205131CommunicationDirector of Traffic and Parking responding to items approved at the January 25, 2018 meeting.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205129 3205129Officer's CommunicationDirector of Inspectional Services submitting all noncriminal tickets issued by ISD from 2015 to the present.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205122 3205122Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the services of the law firm Motley Rice LLC to act on the city's behalf regarding the marketing, prescribing, distribution, or sale of opioids.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205155 3205155Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition relative to Retirement Board divestment from fossil fuel companies.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205176 3205176Officer's CommunicationAssistant City Solicitor responding to #205056 re: open meeting law questions.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205121 3205121Mayor's RequestRequesting that this Board declare a portion of the Somerville Recreation Building at 19 Walnut Street available for disposition by lease.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205128 3205128Officer's CommunicationDirector of SPCD conveying an overview and summary of the 5-Year HUD Plan process.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205156 3205156Mayor's RequestRequesting a transfer of $16,250 from the Salary Contingency Account to the Health & Human Services Personal Services Salaries Account to fund an Environmental Health Liaison.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205157 3205157Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $16,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash') to the Engineering Division Salaries Account to fund a Construction Liaison and Compliance Manager.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205158 3205158Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $20,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Engineering Division Salaries Account to fund a Construction Project Manager.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205159 3205159Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $16,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash') to the Communications Department Salaries Account to fund a Construction Information Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205160 3205160Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $18,750 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to SPCD's Transportation & Infrastructure Division Salaries Account to fund a GLX Project Liaison.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205161 3205161Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $21,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance to the Capital Projects Department Salaries Account to fund a Project Manager.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205162 3205162Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $18,750 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to SPCD's Transportation & Infrastructure Division Salaries Account to fund a Streetscape and Public Space Planner.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205163 3205163Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $21,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Engineering Department Salaries Account to fund a Project Manager.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205164 3205164Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $20,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Engineering Department Salaries Account to fund a Junior Project Manager.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205165 3205165Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $21,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to SPCD's Transportation & Infrastructure Division Salaries Account to fund a Senior Urban Forestry & Landscape Planner.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205166 3205166Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $18,750 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to SPCD's Transportation & Infrastructure Division Salaries Account to fund a Transportation Planner.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205167 3205167Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $21,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Inspectional Services Department Salaries Account to fund a Senior Zoning Review Planner.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205168 3205168Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $27,500 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Projects Department Salaries Account to fund a Capital Projects Assistant Director.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205169 3205169Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $7,200 from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to the Water Enterprise Fund Salaries Account to fund a Director of Finance & Administration.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205170 3205170Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $15,300 from Sewer Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to the Sewer Enterprise Fund Salaries Account to fund a Director of Finance & Administration.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205171 3205171Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $32,692 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the SPCD Office of Housing Stability Salaries Account to fund a Director of Housing Stability.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205172 3205172Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $20,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the SPCD Office of Housing Stability Salaries Account to fund a Deputy Director of Housing Stability/Program Development.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205173 3205173Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $15,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the SPCD Office of Housing Stability Salaries Account to fund a Housing Counselor/Case Manager.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205174 3205174Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $15,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the SPCD Office of Housing Stability Salaries Account to fund a Housing Counselor/Case Manager.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205175 3205175Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $12,500 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the SPCD Office of Housing Stability Salaries Account to fund a Housing Intake Specialist.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205123 4205123Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from UASI to the Police Department for purchasing maritime equipment.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204618 4204618OrderThat this Board record all of its committee meetings by video or audio for the public record.Work completed  Action details Not available
205124 4205124CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Rachel Borgatti to the Conservation Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205125 4205125CommunicationRequesting the re-appointment of Owen Wartella to the Conservation Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
204999 4204999ResolutionCongratulating the elected Board members of the Union Square Neighborhood Council on their formation and acknowledging that they are prepared to negotiate a CBA for Union Square.Approved  Action details Not available
205056 4205056OrderThat the City Solicitor provide an opinion with respect to the Open Meeting Law on a committee chairperson's authority to allow public discussion when the committee meeting is attended by greater than a quorum of the full Board.Work completed  Action details Not available
205118 4205118Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to preserve affordable housing through a tenant's right to purchase.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205120 5205120Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to enter into a tax agreement with Sunwealth for a solar energy system at 444 Somerville Avenue.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
205012 6205012Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $71,383.60 from the USQ Revitalization Stabilization Fund for legal services.Approved  Action details Not available
205121 6205121Mayor's RequestRequesting that this Board declare a portion of the Somerville Recreation Building at 19 Walnut Street available for disposition by lease.Placed on file  Action details Not available
205012 7205012Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $71,383.60 from the USQ Revitalization Stabilization Fund for legal services.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
204497 8204497Mayor's RequestRequesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond to repair and improve the Buena Vista Garage.Approved  Action details Not available
204497 9204497Mayor's RequestRequesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond to repair and improve the Buena Vista Garage.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
205083 10205083OrderThat this Board’s Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters develop a comprehensive procedure manual regarding review processes for all categories of appointments and re-appointments.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
203192 12203192Public CommunicationUnion United submitting comments re: the Union Square Development Covenant.Work completed  Action details Not available
203097 14203097Officer's CommunicationAssistant City Solicitor submitting the US2-City Development Covenant.Placed on file  Action details Not available