City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final-revised
Meeting date/time: 1/26/2023 7:00 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
23-0156 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on filePass Roll call Video Video
23-0151 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0124 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, December 8, 2022.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0114 13.1.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 33 feet of conduit in Morrison Avenue, from Utility Pole 238/24A to a point of pickup at 195 Morrison Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0127 14.1.OrderThat this City Council invites Somerville resident David Gibbs to speak about the youth mental health crisis in the city.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0128 14.2.OrderThat the Director of Engineering build an ADA-compliant sidewalk bump-out around the large tree on Walnut Street, just south of Summit Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0129 14.3.OrderThat the Director of Engineering expand the traffic island at Spring and Atherton Streets to remove the slip lane, and connect the green space to the west side of Spring Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0131 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services and the Environmental Health Coordinator update this Council on the SMART box program and other rodent control measures.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0130 14.5.ResolutionThat the Participatory Budgeting Working Group update this Council on the status of the participatory budgeting process.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0136 14.6.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works fill the pothole on Ten Hills Road, near Governor Winthrop Road.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0137 14.7.OrderThat the Director of Communications provide this Council with an accounting of how the cable franchise fees have been expended over the past five years.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0157 14.8.OrderThat the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works hold a public hearing regarding the cable franchise agreements at its February 13, 2023 meeting.WithdrawnPass Action details Video Video
23-0138 14.9.ResolutionThat the Administration provide an update on contract negotiations with local cable providers at the February 13, 2023 meeting of this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0139 14.10.ResolutionRecognizing January 27, 2023 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0140 14.11.OrderThat the Chief of Police report to this Council, in writing, the number of drink-spiking incidents reported in the past two years.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0141 14.12.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Director of Health and Human Services, and the Director of Libraries work with the School Department to discuss creating a Somerville restaurant surplus supply program, in collaboration with the Teen Center.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0142 14.13.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires hanging from the pole and tied to the porch railing at 9 Pearl Street Place, and report to this Council who owns the pole.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0143 14.14.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires wrapped around a telephone pole and in the street in front of 19 Church Street, and report to this Council who owns the pole.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0144 14.15.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on issues with the High School Field House track flooring material and bleachers.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0145 14.16.OrderThat the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain the selections of surface materials for school parks and playgrounds.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0146 14.17.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the status of the Cummings School, and the potential for future occupancies and uses.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0147 14.18.OrderThat the Director of Economic Development provide an update on Use and Occupancy agreements for all Armory tenants, and explain how extensions are being coordinated with the Master Plan process.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0148 14.19.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide updates on any capital projects or improvements planned for the Armory building as part of the Master Plan process.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0149 14.20.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on current and future maintenance plans for the Armory building.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0135 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on January 25, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0168 16.A.2.ResolutionSupporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to maintain the Mayor-Council system of governance.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0169 16.A.3.ResolutionSupporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to retain the current City Council structure.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0170 16.A.4.ResolutionSupporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to retain a two-year City Council term.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0171 16.A.5.ResolutionThat the proposed Charter be revised to change the language to a two-year mayoral term, and to revise the proposed vacancy process to align with that change.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0134 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 24, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1798 16.B.2.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on efforts to use District Improvement Financing to capture new tax growth, specifically for new affordable housing.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-2060 16.B.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $358 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services Account for pre-employment placement exams and drug screens.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
22-2061 16.B.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $3,012.03 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services Account for May 2021 Employee Assistance Program.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
22-2062 16.B.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $4,950 using available funds in the Human Resources Arbitration Services Account for FY 2022 arbitration services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
22-2083 16.B.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $75,000 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for a Blue Bike Station at Boynton Yards at 101 South Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0016 16.B.7.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.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0017 16.B.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,332 using available funds in the Office of Sustainability and Environment Ordinary Maintenance Professional and Technical Services Account for preventative maintenance of solar arrays.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0035 16.B.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to extend a contract with the Community Action Agency of Somerville for an additional four months to 2/29/2023 for housing search and stabilization services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0037 16.B.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $5,000 from the Office of Sustainability and Environment Ordinary Maintenance Account to the Office of Sustainability and Environment Personal Services Account to reallocate approved funding for interns to the appropriate budget line.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0043 16.B.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $1,050 gift with no new match required, from Tufts University Technology Support Center to the Council on Aging to reduce the cost of a luncheon for older adults.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0044 16.B.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $796.67 using available funds in the City Clerk Office Supplies Account for various supplies.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0046 16.B.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $95,474.26 using available funds in various Department of Public Works Ordinary Maintenance Accounts for various services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0049 16.B.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $4,545,827 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for streets and sidewalk reconstruction.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0132 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on January 17, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1056 16.C.2.OrderThat the Chief of Police report to this Council, any verified or suspected false reports of gunshots by ShotSpotter.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1057 16.C.3.OrderThat the Chief of Police report to this Council, any communications between the Police Department and ShotSpotter regarding ambiguous or contested detections.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1452 16.C.4.OrderThat the City hereby rescinds its adoption of the provisions of Chapter 90, Section 20A½ of the Massachusetts General Laws.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1453 16.C.5.OrderThat the City hereby adopts the provisions of Chapter 90, Section 20A of the Massachusetts General Laws.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-2050 16.C.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 7, Article X of the Code of Ordinances, to add a registry component to the short-term rentals ordinance.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
23-0085 16.C.7.Officer's CommunicationChief of Police conveying a response to item 22-1056, an order that the Chief of Police report to this Council, any verified or suspected false reports of gunshots by ShotSpotter.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0101 16.C.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to require the adoption of Institutional Master Plans.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0103 16.C.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for residents aged 16 and 17 years old.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0104 16.C.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition further defining the purposes of the Affordable Housing Trust.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0172 16.C.11.OrderThat the Council amend the Surveillance Technology Ordinance to clarify that it covers cameras used for automated traffic or parking enforcement.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available
23-0133 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on January 23, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-0058 16.D.2.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services discuss with this Council how to increase reliability and frequency of enforcement of public health violations in the City.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-0959 16.D.3.OrderThat the Chief of Police provide this Council with a list of confirmed shootings between April 2018 and April 2022.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1055 16.D.4.OrderThat the Chief of Police deliver to this Council, a written report of the Police Department's protocol for addressing encampments of un-housed individuals, including any resources that are offered, and whether those individuals are transported and to where.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1307 16.D.5.OrderThat the Chief of Police provide this Council with a written report on the number of calls for service related to un-housed individuals, the nature of those calls, and the number directed toward or responded to in collaboration with the Somerville Homeless Coalition.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1359 16.D.6.OrderThat the Community Outreach, Help and Recovery (COHR) team work in conjunction with the Homeless Coalition to address homelessness in East Somerville open spaces.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1445 16.D.7.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services report on the status of the enforcement of Section 11-111 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding Registration and maintenance of vacant property.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1739 16.D.8.OrderThat the Director of Housing and the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council regarding repeated requests to provide shelter to homeless residents.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1757 16.D.9.OrderThat the ARPA Specialist update this Council on the City's plans to use ARPA funding to address chronic homelessness.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1761 16.D.10.OrderThat the Chief of Police work with the Office of Housing Stability to submit a written report answering the questions contained within.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1767 16.D.11.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Council on COVID and flu vaccination clinics and strategies to increase opportunities for residents to access vaccines.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1932 16.D.12.OrderThat the Chief Fire Engineer inform the appropriate Ward Councilor and Councilors-at-Large, as soon as safely practicable, when a major fire has occurred in their Ward, including the number of residents impacted.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1933 16.D.13.OrderThat the Director of Emergency Management, the Director of the Office of Housing Stability, the Director of Health and Human Services, the Chief Fire Engineer, and other relevant staff, discuss with this Council the resources and support services provided to residents impacted by a disaster or crisis such as fire or flood.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-1934 16.D.14.ResolutionThat the Mayor designate a central point of contact for providing on-site response for mass displacement events such as fires and floods, and coordinating efforts to assist impacted residents.Work completedPass Action details Not available
22-2123 16.D.15.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services and the Superintendent of Water and Sewer update this Council on the feasibility of partnering with a vendor to conduct COVID-19 wastewater testing.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0081 16.D.16.OrderThat the Board of Health deliver its annual report to this City Council in January, in compliance with Section 6-20 of the Code of Ordinances, with emphasis on the work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0094 16.D.17.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services share with this Council any plans to encourage or require indoor masking in light of the recent COVID-19 surge.Work completedPass Action details Not available
23-0095 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 10.8 Commercial Signs, of the Zoning Ordinances, to permit commercial signs by right.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0111 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Ryan Kiracofe to the Community Preservation Committee.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0110 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan, and Form of Agreement for Winter Hill.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0125 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to create the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Stabilization Fund.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0109 17.5.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.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0119 17.6.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.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0058 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to extend the Invoice Cloud contract for credit card processing for over-the-counter and meter transactions.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0155 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting that City Councilors submit budget funding priorities by March 29, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0123 17.9.Mayor's CommunicationConveying an update on Participatory Budgeting.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0159 17.10.Mayor's CommunicationConveying updates to the FY 2023 City Council budget requests and requesting budget priorities for FY 2024.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0153 19.1.LicenseAmending Dog Kennel License, RiverDog Daycare, 321 Somerville Ave, expanding to increase capacity to 45 dogs.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0115 19.2.LicenseRenewing Outdoor Goods License, 130 Broadway LLC, 130 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0154 19.3.LicenseRenewing Outdoor Parking License, Star Market, 275 Beacon St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0120 19.4.LicenseTransferring Taxi Medallion License, from Lochmere Taxi Inc to Pierre Michel, Medallion #91.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0117 19.5.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, V.I.N.L. Transportation Inc, Med #65.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0118 19.6.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Pearl Street Auto Sales, 182 Pearl St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0116 19.7.Public EventZachary Chang-Otanez applying for a Public Event License for Engineers Without Borders 6K Run on April 23 from 12pm to 5:30pm (raindate April 30).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0163 110.1.ResolutionThat the Administration provide an update regarding the progress in establishing a Warming Center for un-housed residents.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0164 110.2.ResolutionUrging the Mayor to move forward without further delay on the Purchasing Parity Study.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0166 110.3.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on the progress toward a Safe Consumption Site and provide a timeline for establishment.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0167 110.4.OrderThat the Director of Mobility provide a report on acquiring e-bikes through the city's BlueBike partnership.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-0074 110.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the continued employment of Acting Somerville Police Chief Charles J. Femino.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0096 110.6.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.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0121 110.7.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.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0126 110.8.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.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
23-0042 110.9.Officer's CommunicationEconomic Development Director conveying a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and accompanying memorandum on the 90 Washington Street Demonstration Project Plan.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0152 110.10.Public CommunicationSomerville Stands Together submitting comments re: Comcast franchise negotiations.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0084 111.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting the adoption of the Specialized Energy Code, 225 CMR, Sections 22 and 23, including Appendices RC and CC, in their entirety as the minimum energy code for the City.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-0173 111.2.CommunicationConveying a report of the Wage Theft Advisory Committee, meeting on January 17, 2023.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
23-0174 111.3.OrderThat the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning provide the Ward 1 City Councilor with all materials pertaining to the proposed Zoning Overhaul, introduced in 2014.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video