City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 4/11/2024 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
24-0499 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
24-0500 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
24-0501 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 14, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0503 13.1.Grant of LocationVerizon applying for a Grant of Location to install 216 feet of conduit in Broadway, from existing Verizon Manhole 44/74A located at the intersection of Broadway and Cross Street East to existing Extenet handhole located in front of 161 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0504 13.2.Grant of LocationCambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install a new handhole and a total of 188 feet of conduit in Mystic and Middlesex Avenue as follows: Starting from Manhole 23803 located on Mystic Avenue to a proposed handhole; from proposed handhole, to existing Utility Pole 213/4 located near 60 Middlesex Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0477 14.1.OrderThat the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations conduct a Committee of the Whole Public Hearing to hear how the increases in water and sewer rates are affecting Somerville residents, and be it further Ordered that all relevant city departments be in attendance.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0491 14.2.OrderThat item #24-0417 be discharged from the Committee on Housing and Community Development and sent to the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0478 14.3.ResolutionThat the Administration convene the appropriate departments to discuss the monitoring efforts of the wild turkey population within Somerville and the surrounding regions.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0496 14.4.ResolutionDeclaring April 6-12 as the Week of the Young Child.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0497 14.5.ResolutionDeclaring the month of April, 2024, as Fair Housing Month.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0455 15.1.Mayor's CommunicationConveying an update on Police and Fire hiring.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
24-0480 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on April 3, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0016 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Anandavalli Thiagarajan to the Public Library Board of Trustees.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0190 16.A.3.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Natasha Frazier to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0215 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Kenneth Silva to the position of Fire Deputy Chief.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0357 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Derek Doane to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0358 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Jack Haigis to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0362 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of John Tivinis to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0364 16.A.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Nicholas Cantone to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0365 16.A.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of William Deeks to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0393 16.A.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Sergio Rodriguez to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0481 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 9, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0054 16.B.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $35,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Open Space Reserve to the Public Space & Urban Forestry Division for design of the Kennedy Schoolyard.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0081 16.B.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the discontinuance of Palmer Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0193 16.B.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only extension to 4/30/2025 for the contract with ADS LLC for flow metering services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0202 16.B.5.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0204 16.B.6.ResolutionThat the Administration fund the creation of an entire unit within the Department of Public Works tasked with battling the city's growing rodent infestation.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
24-0211 16.B.7.ResolutionThat the Administration include in the FY 2025 budget, additional funding for rodent mitigation efforts, including an Office of Rodent Prevention similar to the one proposed in Boston, with appropriate staffing.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
24-0212 16.B.8.ResolutionThat the Administration include in the FY 2025 budget, funding for a home air filtration pilot program to address air pollution along Interstate 93.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
24-0214 16.B.9.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0245 16.B.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $450,000 from the Traffic Safety Stabilization fund for engineering and streetscape reconstruction work in the Western Washington Street area.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0274 16.B.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $1,873,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development Housing Division for replacing windows in the Mystic River and Mystic View housing developments.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0276 16.B.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $10,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Somerville Museum for preservation of assets in the museum's collections.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0280 16.B.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only extension to 6/30/2025 for the contract with Classic Site Solutions, to complete approved additional design services for the Healey schoolyard, soccer field and path.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0319 16.B.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $375,224 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for renovation and construction of Henry Hansen Park.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0320 16.B.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $131,920 grant from the Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to the Office of Sustainability and Environment to partially fund the Argenziano LED conversion project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0323 16.B.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to enter into a contract with outside legal counsel for the appeal of the Superior Court judgment against the Somerville Redevelopment Authority in the matter of the 90 Washington Street property at Cobble Hill.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0326 16.B.17.ResolutionThat the Administration provide a written update to this Council on the status of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending to date.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0327 16.B.18.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0332 16.B.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $8,050 from the Police Department Personal Services Overtime Account to the Police Department Special Items Grant Match Account to fund the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative Shannon Grant match.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0333 16.B.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $24,150 grant that requires a match, from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence prevention..ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0334 16.B.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $79,500 grant with no new match required, from SFY2024 Massachusetts Municipal Public Safety Staffing Program to the Police Department for overtime to provide adequate shift coverage.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0335 16.B.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $2,300,000 from the Open Space and Acquisition Stabilization Fund to purchase the parcel at 508-512 Columbia Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0336 16.B.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $2,300,000 from the Parks Stabilization Fund to purchase the parcel located at 508-512 Columbia Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0340 16.B.24.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0342 16.B.25.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0369 16.B.26.OrderThat the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Director update this Council on plans to allocate funds to implement a medical debt cancellation program.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0377 16.B.27.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0378 16.B.28.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0390 16.B.29.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025.Work completed  Action details Not available
24-0414 16.B.30.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $76,867 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging for social, educational and physical wellness programming.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
24-0479 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 2, 2024.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0324 16.C.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2-371, 11-125, and 11-164 the Code of Ordinances to reflect current operations of the water and sewer department, and provide time and flexibility for financial planning and development of rate forecast models.Ordinance ordained as amendedPass Action details Video Video
24-0331 1 6.C.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 11-1, 11-3, 11-4, Article V, 11-121, 11-124, 11-125, 11-126, 11-176, 11-182, and 11-183 of the Code of Ordinances to reflect current department name, titles, and operations of the water and sewer department.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
24-0476 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $7,310,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the FY 2024 Water Main Rehabilitation program as part of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority's Local Water System Assistance Program.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0495 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $1,800,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the annual recurring FY 2024 Sewer System Evaluation & Infiltration/Inflow Assessment.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0412 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $302,720 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to use as a Green Communities grant match to fund energy improvements for 42 Cross Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0492 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $42,500 from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Housing Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Public Space and Urban Forestry Personal Services Account to cover a projected year-end salary deficit.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0490 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to enter into an 84- and 89-month contract renewal term with Big Belly for existing equipment and deliverables, and enter into a new 96-month contract term with Big Belly for new units.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0485 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $108,373.07 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Natural Gas Account for natural gas expenses.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0487 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,780 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Rental Buildings Account for the lease of conduit to carry Fire Alarm equipment.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0489 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $493.08 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Motor Parts and Accessories Account for vehicle repair parts.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0486 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $307.97 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Admin Postage Machine Rental Account for postage machine lease expenses.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0488 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $224.67 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Bituminous Supplies Account for the purchase of asphalt.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0474 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Charles D. Richardson to the position of Fire Captain.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0502 17.12.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming that the City of Somerville recognizes the week of April 14-20, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0475 18.1.Officer's CommunicationRetirement Board notifying this City Council of a vote at the May 23, 2024 meeting regarding a 2024 Cost of Living Adjustment for eligible retirees.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0505 19.1.LicenseRenewing Billiards and Bowling License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0506 19.2.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, J. Derenzo Co.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0507 19.3.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Jason Anthony Corp.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0508 19.4.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Riccio Excavation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0509 19.5.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Spencer Contracting.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0510 19.6.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Tri Construction Co., Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0511 19.7.LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, Domino, 201 Elm St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0513 19.8.LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dumpling Garden, 273 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0512 19.9.LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, Lemon Thai Cuisine, 215 Highland Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0532 19.10.LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, McDonalds, 14 McGrath Hwy.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0514 19.11.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Aris Auto Inc, 3 Craigie St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0515 19.12.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Mass Inspection, 712 Mystic Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0516 19.13.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 Washington St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0517 19.14.LicenseRenewing Livery License, Boston Novelty Limo LLC, 333 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0518 19.15.LicenseRenewing Second Hand Dealer License, Kay Jewelers Outlet #2962, 360 Artisan Way.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0519 19.16.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Country Club Transportation Inc, Med. #5 7 8 10 11 12 13 46.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0520 19.17.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Lochmere Taxi Inc, Med. #22 24 25 26 91.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0521 19.18.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Green and Yellow Tnc of Somerville, Med. #27 36 37 38 53 54 67 68.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0522 19.19.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Mount Pleasant Taxi Inc, Med. #30 39 40 41 42 43.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0523 19.20.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, God's Blessing Cab Inc, Med. #60.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0524 19.21.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Charlie's Family LLC, Med. #80.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0525 19.22.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Honey Cab Inc, Med. #82.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0528 19.23.LicenseRenewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 295 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0526 19.24.LicenseRenewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 1 Davis Sq.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0527 19.25.LicenseRenewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 22-26 Union Sq.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0529 19.26.Public EventFriends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Earth Day: Pollinators, Plantings, and Possibilities on April 20 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate April 21).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0530 19.27.Public EventMayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Civic Day on April 27 from 10am to 5pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0531 19.28.Public EventBrian Tamm applying for a Public Event License for Independent Film Festival on May 1-6 from 10am to 12am.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0493 19.29.Public CommunicationChris Dwan submitting comments re: Urban Forestry Committee recommendations.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0534 110.1.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a report to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee with a risk assessment identifying and analyzing major risks to projects the department is currently overseeing.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0535 110.2.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works and the Administration discuss with the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee, the status of science lab spaces at Somerville Public Schools and what is being done to safely reopen any closed lab features following a gas leak reported at the West Somerville Neighborhood School.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0536 110.3.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee, the installation of a floor cover for the gymnasium at Somerville High School to prevent damage to the floor and to expand the gym’s usability to non-athletic events.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0537 110.4.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works report to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee on the timeline and progress toward installing water and electrical access at the Benjamin G. Brown School schoolyard.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0543 110.5.OrdinanceThat Section 9-35 of the Code of Ordinances be amended to fulfill quorum requirements for the Wage Theft Advisory Committee.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0544 110.6.OrderThat the Director of Parking update this Council on the timeline for citywide rollout of Safety Sticks, including which areas will be prioritized for enforcement.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0545 110.7.ResolutionIn Support of Surveillance Procurement Transparency.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
24-0546 110.8.CommunicationConveying an outline of the history of Civil Service hires in Somerville.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0538 110.9.Officer's CommunicationCity Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session to discuss item #24-0323, Mayor requesting approval to enter into a contract with outside legal counsel for the appeal of the Superior Court judgment against the Somerville Redevelopment Authority in the matter of the 90 Washington Street property at Cobble Hill.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0533 110.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting the adoption of an Order of Taking for the acquisition of the parcels located at 508-512 Columbia Street for the creation of a new park and open space.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0540 110.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a pedestrian access easement on Charlestown Place, approval of a grant of easements over certain alleys located in the D2.2 parcel, and approval of a grant of license from the City to Union Square RELP.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0541 110.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Conveyance and Easement for Parcel D2.2 (Union Square) Civic Space Lot 2A.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0542 110.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Hendrix to the Urban Forestry Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0547 110.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Kay Mammo to the Fair Housing Commission.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0549 110.15.LicenseNew Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood St, 0 vehicles inside, 25 vehicles outside for mechanical repairs, auto body work, and spray painting, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
24-0548 110.16.Public EventGroundwork Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Earth Day: Pollinators, Planting, and Possibilities on April 20 from 9am to 2pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0539 110.17.Public CommunicationNolan Carrier submitting comments re: item #24-0455, an update on Police and Fire hiring.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
24-0550 111.1.ResolutionCongratulating and applauding the firefighters duly appointed through the regular civil service process.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video