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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 2/25/2021 7:00 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: Meeting by Remote Participation
Online Meeting - See Below
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes  
Meeting video:  
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211350 1211350CommunicationUpdating this Council on preparations for the first community meeting regarding Civilian Oversight on March 24, 2021.Placed on file  Action details Not available
211356 1211356CommunicationReporting on the High School Building Committee Meeting on February 22, 2021.Placed on file  Action details Not available
211358 1211358Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 16, 2021.Approved  Action details Not available
211361 1211361Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on February 16, 2021.Approved  Action details Not available
211363 1211363Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on February 17, 2021.Approved  Action details Not available
211362 1211362Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 18, 2021.Approved  Action details Not available
211359 1211359Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 18, 2021.Approved  Action details Not available
211360 1211360Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 23, 2021.Approved  Action details Not available
211354 1211354CommunicationUpdating this Council on the Racial and Social Justice Director hiring process.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
211335 1211335Grant of LocationSubmitted by Extenet to install 38 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 7502 near Kenneson Road to a proposed handhole, then continuing 2 feet to a small wireless facility at 274 Broadway.Approved  Action details Not available
211333 1211333Grant of LocationSubmitted by RCN to install 100 feet of conduit in Whipple Street, connecting existing Utility pole 447/4 to an existing Manhole 24005 near 24 Whipple Street.Approved  Action details Not available
211334 1211334Grant of LocationSubmitted by RCN to install 55 feet of conduit in Willow Avenue, connecting existing Utility pole 198-11 to an existing Manhole 11104 near 109 Willow Avenue.Approved  Action details Not available
211329 1211329Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Action details Not available
211330 1211330RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Not available
211331 1211331MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, January 28, 2021.Approved  Action details Not available
211336 1211336Grant of LocationSubmitted by Extenet to install 34 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 1902 near Langmaid Ave to a proposed handhole, then continuing 2 feet to a small wireless facility near 321 Broadway.Approved  Action details Not available
211380 1211380Public CommunicationTufts submitting comments responding to Agenda #12 re: campus Covid rates.Placed on file  Action details Not available
211367 1211367Mayor's RequestCity Clerk conveying a request to release the minutes of this Council's Jan. 14, 2021 Executive Session re: #211181, a request of the Mayor to appear in Executive Session to discuss public safety and security matters. Note that this Council may enter into Executive Session to consider this request.Approved  Action details Not available
211370 2211370OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Human Rights Commission advise the Committee on Housing and Community Development how the City may address reported cases of suspected hate speech on public and private property.Approved  Action details Not available
211371 2211371OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services use the attached tool to help small businesses and schools adapt to the evolving science around Covid-19 by sharing current data, identifying risks, and defining contingencies.Approved  Action details Not available
211382 2211382OrderThat this Council consider advocating for an additional $750,000 in the FY22 budget, as attached, for safe streets and equitable mobility.Approved  Action details Not available
211336 2211336Grant of LocationSubmitted by Extenet to install 34 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 1902 near Langmaid Ave to a proposed handhole, then continuing 2 feet to a small wireless facility near 321 Broadway.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211357 2211357Mayor's RequestIn her capacity as the Chair of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, calling on this Council to meet in executive session as necessary to address the adoption of the Committee's Report of 2/2/21 (Agenda #31), or strategy with respect to potential litigation therefrom.Approved  Action details Not available
211332 2211332CitationCommending Marvin Spitzer on the auspicious occasion of his 100th birthday.Approved  Action details Not available
211383 2211383OrderThat the Director of Capital Projects appear before this Council to discuss whether the OSHA record of violations is used as a factor in determining the successful bidder for City contracts.Approved  Action details Not available
211384 2211384OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to discuss whether his Department does or may use the OHSA record of applicants for permits as a factor in determining whether to issue the permits.Approved  Action details Not available
211381 2211381OrderThat this Council authorizes Councilor Rossetti to send a bypass letter to Matthew Fairchild with assistance from Outside Counsel.Approved  Action details Not available
211334 2211334Grant of LocationSubmitted by RCN to install 55 feet of conduit in Willow Avenue, connecting existing Utility pole 198-11 to an existing Manhole 11104 near 109 Willow Avenue.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211333 2211333Grant of LocationSubmitted by RCN to install 100 feet of conduit in Whipple Street, connecting existing Utility pole 447/4 to an existing Manhole 24005 near 24 Whipple Street.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211335 2211335Grant of LocationSubmitted by Extenet to install 38 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 7502 near Kenneson Road to a proposed handhole, then continuing 2 feet to a small wireless facility at 274 Broadway.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211351 2211351ResolutionUrging the State Legislature to adopt the Public Lands Preservation Act (SD146, HD271).Approved  Action details Not available
211352 2211352OrderThat the Rules Committee work with the City Solicitor to establish firm procedures regarding executive sessions to ensure compliance with the Open Meeting Law.Approved  Action details Not available
211353 2211353OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services create a vaccination site, once more vaccines become available, given the number of vulnerable populations.Approved  Action details Not available
211355 2211355OrderThat the Mayor, the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on Public School reopening plans.Approved  Action details Not available
211343 2211343ResolutionCalling for a better future for Somerville’s female workforce in 2021 and beyond.Approved  Action details Not available
211348 2211348OrderThat the Committee on Land Use revisit whether to remove parking minimums outside of Transit Areas.Approved  Action details Not available
211349 2211349OrderThat the Committee on Land Use consider regulating the height of rooftop mechanicals on commercial buildings that abut Neighborhood Residence and Urban Residence districts.Approved  Action details Not available
211340 2211340OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council the reason for the increases of Covid cases at Tufts, where 300 persons were isolated and quarantined last week, and explain to this Council whether those numbers are included in Somerville's counts.Approved  Action details Not available
211341 2211341ResolutionThat Tufts update this Council on its student housing plans for the University district.Approved  Action details Not available
211342 2211342ResolutionThat Tufts reconfirm that it is not expanding beds in any of its buildings outside of the University district.Approved  Action details Not available
211346 2211346OrderThat the Committee on Housing and Community Development convene housing advocates and staff to address racial disparities in home mortgages, including programs like Boston's One+ program to increase assistance for first-time and low-income home buyers.Approved  Action details Not available
211347 2211347OrderThat the Director of SPCD provide regular 6-month updates to this Council on new affordable third units in Neighborhood Residence districts, including the number of inquiries, the number being constructed, and any issues or themes emerging.Approved  Action details Not available
211247 2211247CommunicationReporting on the Childrens' Cabinet.Placed on file  Action details Not available
211263 2211263Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 2, 2021.Approved  Action details Not available
211344 2211344OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection of Bristol Road, Broadway and Willow Avenue.Approved  Action details Not available
211339 2211339OrderThat Director of Mobility and the Chief Fire Engineer discuss the potential impacts to the Teele Square Firehouse from the proposed Holland Street/Teele Square infrastructure and repaving work.Approved  Action details Not available
211337 2211337OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services, Shape up Somerville, and the Somerville Food Security Coalition update and prepare recommendations for this Council regarding access to food resources for anyone who needs help.Approved  Action details Not available
211338 2211338OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management discuss with this Council a maintenance plan for the city's school buildings, in light of the attached communication.Approved  Action details Not available
211345 2211345OrderThat this Council's Committee on Housing and Community Development review the findings of the Condo Conversion Annual Report.Approved  Action details Not available
211368 3211368Mayor's RequestCity Solicitor requesting approval to retain the pro bono services of Todd & Weld as outside counsel to advise the city with respect to the establishment of safe consumption sites.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211364 3211364Mayor's RequestRequesting the adoption of an Order of Taking for 9-11 Aldersey Street for historic, open space, and affordable housing purposes.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211337 3211337OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services, Shape up Somerville, and the Somerville Food Security Coalition update and prepare recommendations for this Council regarding access to food resources for anyone who needs help.Approved  Action details Not available
211347 3211347OrderThat the Director of SPCD provide regular 6-month updates to this Council on new affordable third units in Neighborhood Residence districts, including the number of inquiries, the number being constructed, and any issues or themes emerging.Approved  Action details Not available
211369 3211369Mayor's RequestAssistant City Solicitor responding to #211197 re: a Home Rule Petition to create a gender-neutral City Charter.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211365 3211365Mayor's RequestRequesting an appropriation of $2,200,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Water and Sewer Stabilization Fund.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211343 3211343ResolutionCalling for a better future for Somerville’s female workforce in 2021 and beyond.Approved  Action details Not available
211372 3211372Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the attached 2021 Local Election Calendar.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211373 3211373Mayor's RequestRequesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,450,397 in a bond for the cost of acquiring the property at 9-11 Aldersey Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211379 3211379Officer's CommunicationDirector of SPCD submitting information regarding mid-year transfers to establish new positions and new projects in the Mobility Division.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211376 4211376Mayor's RequestRequesting to establish a Senior Planner position in the SPCD Mobility Division at an annual salary of $88,434 (NU7) and transfer $10,237 from the SPCD Housing Personal Services Account to the SPCD Mobility Personal Services Account to fund this position from May 15 to June 30, 2021.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211377 4211377Mayor's RequestRequesting to establish an Outreach Coordinator position in the SPCD Mobility Division at an annual salary of $62,424 (NU11) and transfer $7,266 from the SPCD Planning and Zoning Personal Services Account to the SPCD Mobility Personal Services Account to fund this position from May 15 to June 30, 2021.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211374 4211374Mayor's RequestRequesting a transfer of $50,000 from the SPCD Planning and Zoning Personal Services Account to the SPCD Mobility Ordinary Maintenance Account for a mid-year professional services request.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211375 4211375Mayor's RequestRequesting to establish a Senior Planner position in the SPCD Mobility Division at an annual salary of $88,434 (NU7) and transfer $10,237 from the SPCD Economic Development Personal Services Account to the SPCD Mobility Personal Services Account to fund this position from May 15 to June 30, 2021.Referred for recommendation  Action details Not available
211378 4211378Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $45,200 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for support of the Local Cultural Council re-grant program.Approved  Action details Not available
211348 4211348OrderThat the Committee on Land Use revisit whether to remove parking minimums outside of Transit Areas.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
211310 4211310Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GreyKey.Approved  Action details Not available
211280 4211280Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GLX Cameras.Approved  Action details Not available
211281 4211281Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Covert Device Cameras.Approved  Action details Not available
211282 4211282Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GPS and Monitor.Approved  Action details Not available
211283 4211283Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Thermal Imaging Cameras.Approved  Action details Not available
211277 4211277Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Use Policy.Approved as amended  Action details Not available
211278 4211278Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Pole Cameras.Approved  Action details Not available
211279 4211279Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Homeland Security Cameras.Approved  Action details Not available
211242 4211242OrderThat the Director of Sustainability and Environment provide this Council with updates to the Climate Forward Plan.Work completed  Action details Not available
209775 4209775CommunicationDirector of Public Space and Urban Forestry responding to #207167 re: updated Capital Investment Plan progress reports for parks and open space projects.Work completed  Action details Not available
209781 5209781CommunicationDirector of Infrastructure and Asset Management responding to #s 209656, 209641, 209546, 209348 & 209174 re: flooding in various locations.Work completed  Action details Not available
211366 5211366Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $5,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mount Auburn Hospital to the Council on Aging for the implementation of the Ageless Grace Exercise Program.Approved  Action details Not available
209612 5209612OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation work with the Superintendent of Schools to develop a policy for "utilizing artificial turf in the heat" similar to the policy used by Burlington, MA.Work completed  Action details Not available
209613 5209613OrderThat the Director of Sustainability and Environment, the Director of SPCD, The Director of Communications, and the Commissioner of Public Works develop a plan for a "Resiliency Hub" when extreme weather events occur.Work completed  Action details Not available
209614 5209614ResolutionThat the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change discuss its 2020 plan with this Council’s Committee on Open Space, Energy and Environment.Work completed  Action details Not available
211284 5211284CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Anzalone as Deputy Fire Chief.Approved  Action details Not available
211273 5211273Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $1,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Stabilization Fund to replenish reserves used to create the Small Business Emergency Relief Fund.Approved  Action details Not available
211272 5211272Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $1,500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to replenish reserves used to create the Small Business Emergency Relief Fund.Approved  Action details Not available
211279 5211279Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Homeland Security Cameras.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211278 5211278Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Pole Cameras.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211271 5211271Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $1,843,117 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Rainy Day Stabilization Fund to replenish reserves used to create the Small Business Emergency Relief Fund.Approved  Action details Not available
211277 5211277Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Use Policy.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211314 5211314CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Patrick J. Halloran to the position of Fire Captain.Approved  Action details Not available
211283 5211283Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Thermal Imaging Cameras.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211313 5211313CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Steven J. Mauras to the position of District Fire Chief.Approved  Action details Not available
209840 5209840CommunicationDirector of Public Space and Urban Forestry responding to #209444 re: the field at Lincoln Park.Work completed  Action details Not available
211282 5211282Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GPS and Monitor.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211270 5211270Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $1,909,945 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization FundApproved  Action details Not available
211281 5211281Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Covert Device Cameras.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211280 5211280Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GLX Cameras.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211310 5211310Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GreyKey.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211312 5211312OrdinanceRequesting an amendment to the Surveillance Technology Ordinance to permit the Fire Department to use surveillance technology in exigent circumstances.Ordinance ordained  Action details Not available
211315 5211315CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Derek J. Nolan to the position of Fire Captain.Approved  Action details Not available
211316 5211316CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of James M. Piwinski to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Approved  Action details Not available
211178 5211178OrderThat the City Solicitor draft a home rule petition to change all pronouns in the City Charter and the City Ordinances to gender-neutral.Work completed  Action details Not available
211317 5211317CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Paul A. Moreira to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Approved  Action details Not available
211346 5211346OrderThat the Committee on Housing and Community Development convene housing advocates and staff to address racial disparities in home mortgages, including programs like Boston's One+ program to increase assistance for first-time and low-income home buyers.Kept in committee  Action details Not available
211378 5211378Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $45,200 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for support of the Local Cultural Council re-grant program.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211317 6211317CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Paul A. Moreira to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211316 6211316CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of James M. Piwinski to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211315 6211315CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Derek J. Nolan to the position of Fire Captain.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211312 6211312OrdinanceRequesting an amendment to the Surveillance Technology Ordinance to permit the Fire Department to use surveillance technology in exigent circumstances.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211270 6211270Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $1,909,945 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization FundMayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211313 6211313CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Steven J. Mauras to the position of District Fire Chief.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211314 6211314CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Patrick J. Halloran to the position of Fire Captain.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211271 6211271Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $1,843,117 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Rainy Day Stabilization Fund to replenish reserves used to create the Small Business Emergency Relief Fund.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211309 6211309Mayor's RequestRequesting the use of $27,211 in available funds in the Library Salaries Account to establish the position of Manager of Branch Services.Approved  Action details Not available
211272 6211272Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $1,500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to replenish reserves used to create the Small Business Emergency Relief Fund.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211273 6211273Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $1,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Stabilization Fund to replenish reserves used to create the Small Business Emergency Relief Fund.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211284 6211284CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Anzalone as Deputy Fire Chief.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211366 6211366Mayor's RequestRequesting acceptance of a $5,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mount Auburn Hospital to the Council on Aging for the implementation of the Ageless Grace Exercise Program.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
207373 6207373OrderThat the Director of Sustainability and Environment develop an electric vehicle charging infrastructure program.Work completed  Action details Not available
208042 6208042OrderThat the Director of Sustainability and Environment inform this Council about New York City's "Climate Mobilization Act," which includes dramatic emission reductions for tall buildings, and explain which aspects could be adapted here.Work completed  Action details Not available
208232 6208232OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Commissioner of Public Works explore starting a monthly volunteer trash pickup day for the Dilboy DCR and Alewife Brook areas.Work completed  Action details Not available
209444 6209444OrderThat the Director of SPCD and the Director of Finance advise this Council, in writing, why, with an appropriation of $9.3 million, the grass field at Lincoln Park was incorrectly installed the first time.Work completed  Action details Not available
210571 7210571CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Giovanna Lorenzet Marin to the position of Reserve Police Officer.Approved  Action details Not available
210577 7210577CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Matthew Fairchild to the position of Reserve Police Officer.Not approved  Action details Not available
210573 7210573CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Jose DaCosta to the position of Reserve Police Officer.Approved  Action details Not available
211308 7211308Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $55,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance to the SPCD Economic Development Professional & Technical Services Account, to conduct a District Improvement Financing analysis for the Boynton Yards, Clarendon Hill, and Union Square redevelopment projects.Approved  Action details Not available
211309 7211309Mayor's RequestRequesting the use of $27,211 in available funds in the Library Salaries Account to establish the position of Manager of Branch Services.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
211308 8211308Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $55,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance to the SPCD Economic Development Professional & Technical Services Account, to conduct a District Improvement Financing analysis for the Boynton Yards, Clarendon Hill, and Union Square redevelopment projects.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
210573 8210573CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Jose DaCosta to the position of Reserve Police Officer.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
207167 8207167OrderThat the Director of SPCD share biannual CIP progress reports for all new open space and parks projects.Work completed  Action details Not available
210571 8210571CommunicationRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Giovanna Lorenzet Marin to the position of Reserve Police Officer.Mayoral Approval  Action details Not available
209592 13209592Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology General Use Policy.Placed on file  Action details Not available