City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 11/21/2023 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
23-1743 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
23-1744 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1745 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, October 26, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1725 13.1.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 26 feet of conduit in Eastman Road, from Utility Pole 106/5 to a point of pickup at 21 Eastman Road.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1726 13.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 56 feet of conduit in North Street, from Utility Pole 190/4 to a point of pickup at 24 North Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1653 13.3.Officer's CommunicationChief Assessor presenting proposed FY 2024 Tax Classifications and requesting the adoption of a minimum residential factor for FY 2024 and acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, a residential exemption of 35% of average assessed value for owner-occupied properties.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1697 14.1.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss how inclusive playground accessibility is being considered in future playground plans and redesign projects.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1724 14.2.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on the progress of rodent mitigation.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1728 14.3.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management conduct an audit of all city-owned properties in the Assessor’s database and report back to this Council with a full list.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1716 14.4.CommunicationIn his capacity as President, cancelling the Regular Meeting of this Council scheduled for December 28, 2023.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
23-1699 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 14, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1508 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $500 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for transcription services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1516 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $56,215.42 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup cost of a BlueBike station at the 74 Middlesex Avenue Development site.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1553 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension of five months for Suffolk Construction, for Construction Manager services for the Somerville High School project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1568 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,370,177 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the 90 Washington Demonstration Project Account for additional legal services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1581 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a Community Compact Best Practices Technical Assistance grant for $45,000 with no new match required, from the MA Department of Revenue Division of Local Services to the Economic Development Division for the development of a Commercial Tenant Guidebook.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1586 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a thirty-month extension to the Benefit Strategies, LLC contract for Flexible Spending Account employee benefit administration.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1587 16.A.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $1,424 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for employment medical screens.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1588 16.A.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $2,205 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for employment medical screens.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1591 16.A.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $900 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Transportation Account for Dilboy Field bus transportation.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1640 16.A.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $475 using available funds in the City Clerk's R&M - Software Account for ordinance hosting annual support fee.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1655 16.A.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $165,687 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to pay for the final phase of the LED conversion project at the Albert F. Argenziano School.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1660 16.A.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,970 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for transcription services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1661 16.A.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $2,502,191 from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation, Parking Meter Receipts Account to reduce the FY 2024 Tax Rate.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1663 16.A.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $28,200 to the Department of Public Works Snow Removal Account for the procurement of roadway sensors for snow removal equipment.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1669 16.A.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $375 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Food Supplies and Refreshment Account for dinner for staff for FY 2024 budget hearings.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1670 16.A.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $384,858 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the School Department for unbudgeted expenditures relating to the relocation of Winter Hill Community Innovation School students.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1671 16.A.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $272,970 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the School Department to fund forensic services on the School Department Information Technology (IT) network.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1672 16.A.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $718.51 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Maint Contract-Office Equip Account for additional printing needed for Community Meeting materials.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1673 16.A.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $49,974 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the School Department School Lunch Revolving Fund for providing meal services to participants in summer programs run by the Parks & Recreation Department.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1674 16.A.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $219,697 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to various Department of Public Works Accounts to fund unbudgeted expenditures related to the Winter Hill Community Innovation School move.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1675 16.A.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $8,150 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Access Salaries Account to correct a budget miscalculation.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1676 16.A.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the Capital-Building Improvements Account to fund needed building improvements.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1701 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on November 15, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-0051 16.B.2.OrderThat the Administration collaborate with the Bicycle Committee, the School Department, the Somerville Bike Kitchen and other local organizations to develop a program to help Somerville youth and other residents learn to repair bicycles donated by the City of Somerville.Work completed  Action details Not available
22-0055 16.B.3.OrderThat the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development work with the owner of 125 Highland Ave and local non-profit housing developers to convert that structure into permanently affordable housing.Work completed  Action details Not available
22-0172 16.B.4.OrderThat the Director of Public Works and the Director of the Office Sustainability and Environment discuss the possibility of installing Cigarette Bin Voting Boxes throughout the community.Work completed  Action details Not available
22-0178 16.B.5.OrderThat the Director of Housing provide a comprehensive list of bedroom counts and number of accessible units for construction projects permitted over the past three years and continue to track this dataWork completed  Action details Not available
22-1295 16.B.6.OrderThat the City Solicitor provide an opinion on the legality of landlords including non-disclosure agreements in leases.Work completed  Action details Not available
22-1408 16.B.7.OrderThat the Housing and Community Development Committee discuss the Democracy Collaborative’s report on Advancing Community Wealth Building in the City of Somerville.Work completed  Action details Not available
22-1570 16.B.8.OrderThat the Director of Housing update this Council on maintenance issues of the 100 Homes Program.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-0274 16.B.9.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services create and distribute an outgoing participation survey for participants of the Teen Snow Shoveling program.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1358 16.B.10.OrderThat the Director of Economic Development appear before this Council to discuss the current status of the implementation of the Gilman Square Neighborhood Plan.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1396 16.B.11.Officer's CommunicationFair Housing Commission conveying the Fiscal Year 2022 Fair Housing Commission Annual Report.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1703 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on November 16, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1198 16.C.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinances, Sections 3.1 Neighborhood Residence and 3.2 Urban Residence, to permit the house and triple decker building types without any conditions, and to repeal the lot depth, dwelling units per lot, and development benefits requirements.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
23-1205 16.C.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to repeal Section 10.9 Steep Slopes.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
23-1381 16.C.4.Public CommunicationFour residents submitting comments re: item #23-0791, amending the Zoning Ordinances to include vegetated roofs.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1489 16.C.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinances to replace the text of Section 9.1.11 Residential Use Categories and revise Table 9.1.1 Permitted Uses and the corresponding permitted use table of each zoning district, in accordance with changes to Table 9.1.1, to replace the two residential use categories.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
23-1700 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on November 14, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1702 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 15, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1544 16.E.2.LicenseNew Used Car Dealer License, Sam's Auto Sales, 166 Boston Avenue, 0 vehicles inside, 28 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1545 16.E.3.LicenseNew Garage License, Sam's Gas and Service, 166 Boston Avenue, 2 vehicles inside, 4 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-4pm, Sun: closed.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1546 16.E.4.LicenseTransferring Flammables License, from John's Auto sales to Sam's Gas & Service 166 Boston Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
23-1704 16.F.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on November 20, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1698 16.G.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on November 13, 2023.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-0610 16.G.2.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works report on leaks and building system failures that have caused the shutdown of municipal buildings, excluding school buildings, in the last five years.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-0891 16.G.3.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works inspect the tree wells in front of 173 Broadway for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1184 16.G.4.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on recent air conditioning failures in City Hall and what repairs have been or will be completed to address those issues.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1187 16.G.5.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works appear before this Council to discuss what actions have and can be taken to ensure that trash and recycling barrels do not obstruct sidewalks after pick-up.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1355 16.G.6.OrderThat the Director of Engineering re-pave Highland Avenue from Central Street to Walnut Street this year instead of waiting until 2024.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1397 16.G.7.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on the sewer separation work and any opportunities for prioritizing problematic areas of the city.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1399 16.G.8.OrderThat the Administration report to this Council on the ability to require further repairs on Highland Ave, and if none, an explanation on whether that complies with road engineering regulations.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1432 16.G.9.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a report on the status of the Fire Department Master Planning Study, including projected timelines for the feasibility study, design, bidding and construction, and prioritization strategies.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1433 16.G.10.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the repairs of the Teele Square Fire Station, including a timeline for such repairs.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1434 16.G.11.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on recent damages to the City Hall clock tower and share any concerns regarding potential damage to the building structure.Work completed  Action details Not available
23-1721 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $955,000 from the Participatory Budgeting Stabilization Fund for the purpose of implementing the winning projects from Somerville's first Participatory Budgeting cycle.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1718 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $170,000 from the Union Square Community Benefits Stabilization Fund, with $100,000 for workforce development services and $70,000 for small business technical assistance services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1641 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to amend the Community Preservation Act Fund's FY 2023 grant of $425,000 to the Somerville Hispanic Association for Community Development, to change the scope of the building renovations without increasing the funds.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1737 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $181,740 from Salary Contingency to various Department of Public Works School Custodian Personal Services Accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with the Firemen and Oilers, Local 3, Service Employees International Union.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1732 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $25,000 from various SomerStat Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to the SomerStat Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to fund additional temporary employee time.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1722 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $116,800 grant that requires a match, from the MA Department of Transportation to the Mobility Division for the West Broadway Vision Zero Implementation project.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1720 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept an in-kind gift valued at $15,000 with no new match required, from the SUGi project to the Parks and Urban Forestry Division for materials and professional services for the Miyawaki forest planting.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1733 18.1.Officer's CommunicationDirector of the Department of Racial and Social Justice conveying the preliminary findings of the Public Safety for All survey.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
23-1734 18.2.Officer's CommunicationDirector of the Department of Racial and Social Justice conveying the Police Department Staffing and Operations Analysis.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
23-1715 18.3.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying the non-binding votes of the 2024 City Council Caucus.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
23-1735 19.1.LicenseNew Garage License, Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Avenue, for 5 inside, 0 outside for storing vehicles, Mon-Sun: 7am-8pm.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1729 19.2.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Aris Auto Inc, 3 Craigie St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1736 19.3.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Broadway Brake, 45 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1730 19.4.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1731 19.5.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Green Automotive Inc, 600 Windsor Pl.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1727 19.6.Public EventUnion Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for 9th Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll on December 2 from 10am to 7pm (raindate December 3).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1741 19.7.Public EventMayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Annual City Hall Tree Lighting on December 7 from 5pm to 9pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1742 19.8.Public EventMayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Annual Menorah Lighting on December 10 from 4pm to 7pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1717 19.9.Public CommunicationCrystal Huff submitting comments re: rat mitigation.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
23-1746 19.10.Public Communication43 residents submitting comments re: item #23-1694, a Home Rule Petition authorizing regulation of rent in residential dwelling units.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
23-1738 110.1.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management deliver a study showing the steps to de-carbonize mechanical systems in existing school buildings as part of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Feasibility Study, and assess potential grants and funding to help accelerate this process.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1739 110.2.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a list of schools that do not have solar panels, and a plan including potential grant and funding sources to install solar panels in those buildings following any roof repairs and replacements.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1747 110.3.ResolutionThat the Administration immediately engage in contract negotiations with the Somerville Municipal Employees Association (SMEA) Unit B, due to increasing losses of staff due to low wages.Approved  Action details Video Video
23-1758 110.4.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services provide the Ward 1 City Councilor with monthly updates on efforts to address homelessness in East Somerville.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1759 110.5.OrderThat the Director of Engineering add signage to streets that intersect with Gilman Street, indicating that the street allows two way bicycle traffic.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1760 110.6.OrderThat the Director of Engineering add a curb cut to the Walnut Street Park, by Skilton Ave, to create a clear path for cyclists from Walnut Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1761 110.7.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services address the rodent holes around the East Branch Library.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
23-1762 110.8.OrderThat the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry trim the tree by 11 Illinois Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
23-1723 110.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to extend a contract with Janeth Moreno from Moreno Law for one year, to June 30, 2024, for the provision of immigration legal services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1751 110.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $298,280 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for the Crisis Intervention Team Training and Technical Assistance Center (CITT-TAC) jail diversion program.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1755 110.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for enhanced 911 Telecommunicator personnel costs.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1754 110.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $120,420.65 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for Emergency Medical Dispatch training.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1752 110.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $39,398 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for jail diversion.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1753 110.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Department of Emergency Medical Dispatch to the Police Department for Emergency Medical Dispatch work with Cataldo Ambulance Service of Massachusetts.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1756 110.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from State Opioids Response to the Police Department for the Post-Overdose Follow-Up with First Responders program.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1763 110.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Alexis Washburn to the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1765 110.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Helen Corrigan to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1766 110.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Ingrid Schneider to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1767 110.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Laurie Brandt to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1768 110.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Murshid Buwembo to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1769 110.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Sheila Tracy to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1770 110.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Nick Altschuller to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1771 110.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of M. Michael Shaps to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
23-1748 110.24.Officer's CommunicationPlanning Board conveying recommendations for items #23-1198, #23-1205, #23-1305, #23-1306, and #23-1489.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
23-1740 110.25.Public CommunicationUrban Forestry Committee submitting comments re: green roof coverage.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
23-1749 110.26.Public CommunicationPedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: item #23-1461, amending the Code of Ordinances to create a Safe Streets ordinance.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
23-1750 110.27.Public CommunicationAti Waldman submitting comments re: ceasefire in Gaza.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
23-1773 111.1.OrderThat the Director of Engineering provide this Council with a timeline for all utility work and paving projects scheduled for Highland Ave including the Highland Ave redesign project.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video