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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final-revised
Meeting date/time: 8/25/2022 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
22-1464 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
22-1465 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1466 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, June 23, 2022.Approved  Action details Video Video
22-1379 13.1.Grant of LocationComcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 28 feet of conduit in Central St, from Utility Pole 56/2 located at the intersection of Cypress St and Central St to a point of pickup at 7 Central St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1377 13.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 65 feet of conduit in Broadway, from Manhole 2642 located at the intersection of Broadway and Walker St to a point of pickup at 872 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
22-1378 13.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 20 feet of conduit in Warwick St, from Utility Pole 357/1 to a point of pickup at the rear of 171 Cedar St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1380 13.4.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 160 feet of conduit in the intersection of Somerville Ave and Central St, from Manhole 8637 to a point of pickup at 7 Central St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1381 13.5.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 11 feet of conduit in Hardan Rd, from Utility Pole 503/2 to a point of pickup at 10 Hardan Rd.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1382 13.6.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 11 feet of conduit in the intersection of Jay St and Howard St, from Utility Pole 183/1 to a point of pickup at 38 Jay St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1383 13.7.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 28 feet of conduit in Pennsylvania Ave, from Manhole 4698 to a point of pickup at 12 Pennsylvania Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1384 13.8.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 5 feet of conduit in South St, from Utility Pole 316/3 to a point of pickup at 26 South St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1385 13.9.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 12 feet of conduit in Woodbine St, from Utility Pole 632/3 to a point of pickup at 19 Woodbine St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1386 13.10.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 416 feet of conduit in Middlesex Ave as follows: Starting from proposed Manhole 31554, connecting Manhole 20357 and 20356 to two points of pickup at 5 Middlesex Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1387 13.11.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 8 feet of conduit in Aldersey St, from Utility Pole 4/2 to a point of pickup at 9 Aldersey St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1388 13.12.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 1,352 feet of conduit at the intersection of Foley St and Middlesex Ave, in Kensington Ave, to McGrath Hwy and for future use on Middlesex Ave, and to a point of pickup at 845 McGrath Hwy.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1389 13.13.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install two proposed manholes and a total of 327 feet of conduit in the intersection of Assembly Square Dr and Mystic Ave to the Somerville/Charlestown line.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
22-1390 13.14.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
22-1391 13.15.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 75 feet of conduit in the intersection of Oxford St and Beacon St, from Utility Pole 48/33 to a point of pickup at 372 Beacon St.Approved  Action details Video Video
22-1461 14.1.OrdinanceThat Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2-319 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding bereavement leave, be amended as attached.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1459 14.2.OrderThat the City Solicitor update this Council on the 8/11/22 Civil Service Commission decision Fairchild, Matthew v. City of Somerville, and the impact on the confirmations process.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1460 14.3.OrderThat the Director of Parking consider placing new resident educational literature regarding parking permits on cars in residential areas instead of ticketing during the first five days of September.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1457 14.4.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on the dedicated summer teen spaces, including how they were marketed to teens and usage of the three sites throughout the summer.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1458 14.5.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on the timeline and process for identifying a permanent Teen Center.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1408 14.6.OrderThat the Housing and Community Development Committee discuss the Democracy Collaborative’s report on Advancing Community Wealth Building in the City of Somerville.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1409 14.7.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services provide free menstrual products in all restrooms in City buildings.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1410 14.8.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services increase rat control efforts from Wigglesworth Street to Dana Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1411 14.9.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services immediately increase rat control measures in the areas of Fellsway West to Temple Street and Broadway to Jaques Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1423 14.10.ResolutionThat the Administration create a housing task force to address an immediate pathway to low-income home ownership.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1424 14.11.ResolutionThat the Administration use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to expand the SomerVIP program.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1425 14.12.ResolutionThat the Administration compile a report focusing on aging in community in Somerville, with the data outlined below.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1426 14.13.ResolutionThat the Traffic Commission approve the installation of speed bumps on Wigglesworth Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1476 14.14.Home Rule PetitionProposing a Home Rule Petition, with the Mayor's support, to authorize the City of Somerville to establish a net zero emissions standard for new constructed buildings and major renovation projects.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1412 14.15.OrderThat the Director of Mobility provide this Council with an updated schedule for the redesign of Highland Avenue.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1413 14.16.OrderThat the Director of Parking consider a "local preference" parking permit policy for the post-reconstruction resident parking spaces on Highland Avenue.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1427 14.17.ResolutionThat this City Council supports Senate Bill S.1323 "An act to update the Public Shade Tree law", which would increase the penalty for the illegal removal of public shade trees from the current maximum of $500, to the actual replacement value of the trees.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1428 14.18.CommunicationConveying recommendations for an effective body worn camera Use Policy in Somerville.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1414 14.19.OrderThat the Director of Planning and the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry report on how land is being set aside to meet Somervision 2040’s goal of 105 new acres.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1415 14.20.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management present the Brown School final report and explain how the findings will be integrated into future school building feasibility studies.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1416 14.21.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works report on all major repairs made to school buildings during the summer.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1417 14.22.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works provide quarterly reports to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee on any major repairs and 311 work orders in school buildings.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1418 14.23.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works report on planned repairs for the East Somerville Community School facade failures.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1419 14.24.OrderThat the Director of Housing include in the inclusionary preference, a priority for families with children enrolled in Somerville Public Schools.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1443 14.25.OrderThat the Director of Housing report on the percentage of inclusionary units that are occupied by those applicants with a Somerville Live/Work preference.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1444 14.26.OrderThat the Director of Housing report on expansion of outreach to residents who qualify for a Somerville Live/Work preference and to non-English speaking residents.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1445 14.27.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.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1446 14.28.OrderThat the Director of Human Resources provide a preliminary report on staff feedback regarding the Commonwealth's Paid Family and Medical Leave policy.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1447 14.29.ResolutionThat the relevant committee hold a hearing regarding the adoption of the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 175M: Family and Medical Leave.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1448 14.30.OrderThat the City hereby adopt the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 175M: Family and Medical Leave.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1449 14.31.OrderThat the City Solicitor and the Director of Parking provide this Council with an opinion on whether the adoption of Chapter 90, Section 20A of the Massachusetts General Laws would allow the City to mail tickets for traffic violations, including those identified through 311 reports.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1452 14.32.OrderThat the City hereby rescinds its adoption of the provisions of Chapter 90, Section 20A½ of the Massachusetts General Laws.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1453 14.33.OrderThat the City hereby adopts the provisions of Chapter 90, Section 20A of the Massachusetts General Laws.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1450 14.34.OrderThat the Director of Communications publicize proposed changes to bus routes in multiple languages, and provide flyers that are available physically and electronically.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1454 14.35.OrderThat the Director of Mobility provide this Council with a timeline for a final Bicycle Network Vision Plan.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1455 14.36.OrderThat the Director of Mobility report on the feasibility of installing quick-build protected bike lanes on Broadway, and ways that the City plans to enhance safety for cyclists.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1456 14.37.OrderThat the Director of Mobility provide an update on the timeline for the Community Path extension.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1292 15.1.CitationCommending Mary Skipper on her selection as Superintendent of Boston Public Schools.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1372 15.2.OrderThat this Council meet in Executive Session pursuant to MGL c30A s21(a)(1), to review protected personnel information or to discuss matters related to individual candidates, regarding Item #214034, confirmation of the promotion of Timothy Van Nostrand to the position of Police Sergeant.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1258 15.3.Mayor's RequestMayor requesting confirmation of the promotion of Timothy Van Nostrand to the position of Police Sergeant.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1320 15.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of Police Officer assignments at Polling Places on Election Day as required by the VOTES Act.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1430 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinance Article 3, Residence Districts and Article 9, Use Provisions, to permit the adaptive reuse of commercial building types in the NR and UR zoning districts.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1431 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinance Articles 4 (Mid Rise Districts), 5 (High Rise Districts), 6 (Commercial Districts), 8 (Overlay Districts), and 9 (Use Provisions) to permit additional uses for any ground story commercial space fronting a Pedestrian Street.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1439 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $993,132 in a bond, and to authorization to appropriate the same amount for the General Fund portion of the Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements project.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Not available
22-1440 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $662,088 in a bond, and authorization to appropriate the same amount for the Sewer portion of the Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements Project.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-0477 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant of $750,000, with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), Division of Conservation Services (DCS) to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for the renovation of Conway Park.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1421 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from State E911 to the Police Department for E911 Telecommunicator personnel costs.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1441 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $108,226.71 grant from Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to the Health & Human Services for the Public Health Shared Services Grant.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1422 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $104,951.96 grant with no new match required, from State E911 to the Police Department for E911 Training and Certification of 911 Telecommunicators.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1420 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from State E911 to the Police Department for E911 emergency medical dispatch services.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-0432 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $357,881.73 using available funds in the Department Public Works Administrative, Highway, and Sanitation Accounts for the purposes of resolving outstanding invoices.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1438 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $29,820 using available funds in the Law Department Outside Legal Counsel Services Account for Legal Services.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1437 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $371.24 using available funds in the Health and Human Service Professional and Technical Account for Service Labor Cost for Mobile Market Van.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1433 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $207.69 using available funds in the Fire Department and Vehicle Repairs Account for the purchase of automotive parts.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1434 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $60.06 using available funds in the Fire Department and Vehicle Repairs Account for supplies for the repair shop.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Not available
22-1432 17.15.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming that The City of Somerville recognizes the week of September 4 - 10, 2022 as National Suicide Prevention Week.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
22-1462 17.16.Mayor's CommunicationConveying an update regarding work completed during Summer, 2022 to Somerville Public Schools buildings.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
22-1463 17.17.Mayor's CommunicationConveying a joint Memorandum from the Mayor and Fire Chief with an update regarding the new Assembly Square Fire Station.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
22-1442 18.1.Officer's CommunicationPlanning Board Chair conveying the Planning Board's recommendations for proposed amendments to the Somerville Zoning Ordinance, items #213430, #213601, #213705, #213807, and #213886.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1407 19.1.Public CommunicationBoynton Yards LandCo LLC requesting approval of the attached Land Conveyance petition for Boynton Yards.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
22-1401 19.2.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Assembly Row 5B LLC, 455 Grand Union Blvd.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1402 19.3.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Mass Inspection, 712 Mystic Ave.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1403 19.4.LicenseNew Sign/Awning License, La Cosecha, 85 Broadway, LED channel letters sign.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1404 19.5.LicenseTransferring Taxi Medallion License, from Ormond Transportation Company Inc to Early Bird Transportation LLC Medallion #49.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1405 19.6.LicenseTransferring Taxi Medallion License, from Ormond Transportation Company Inc to Renaissance Taxi Service LLC Medallion #50.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1406 19.7.LicenseTransferring Taxi Medallion License, from Alewife Transportation Company Inc to Charlie's Family LLC Medallion #80.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1392 19.8.Public EventJade Lu applying for a Public Event License for Thrift Store Prom on August 27 from 5pm to 10:30pm (raindate September 3).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1451 19.9.Public EventArthur D. Healey School applying for a Public Event License for Welcome Back to School on August 29 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm (raindate September 15).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1393 19.10.Public EventRyan Well applying for a Public Event License for Craft demo on August 29 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm (raindate September 5).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1394 19.11.Public EventCity of Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Military Health and Wellness Day on September 10 from 9am to 3pm (raindate September 11).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1400 19.12.Public EventSociety of S.S. Cosmas & Damian applying for a Public Event License for Procession for S.S. Cosmas & Damian on September 11 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm (raindate September 18).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1395 19.13.Public EventAlex Feldman applying for a Public Event License for Rogers Ave Block Party on September 17 from 4pm to 8:30pm (raindate September 18).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1396 19.14.Public EventEast Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Foodie Crawl on September 20 from 2pm to 10:30pm (raindate September 21).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1397 19.15.Public EventHONK! applying for a Public Event License for HONK! Festival on October 7 from 2pm-9:30pm, October 8 from 10am-10pm, and October 9 from 10am-2pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1398 19.16.Public EventElisabeth Adams applying for a Public Event License for Berkeley St Block Party on October 15 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate October 16).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1399 19.17.Public EventJim Adams applying for a Public Event License for Hudson St Block Party on October 22 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate October 23).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1467 110.1.ResolutionThat the Somerville City Council hereby designates August 31, 2022, as Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Somerville.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1471 110.2.OrderThat the Mobility Department work to clearly mark all speed bumps in the city.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
22-1470 110.3.ResolutionThat the appropriate City Department provide work with the Fire Department and Local 76 to move the Highland Avenue station's kitchen to the second floor.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1472 110.4.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works repair the sprinkler/splash pad at Lexington Park as soon as possible.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
22-1475 110.5.LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, High Quality Excavating Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1474 110.6.Small Wireless FacilityExtenet applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole near 51 Beacon Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1473 110.7.Public EventSomerville Education Foundation applying for a Public Event License for Back to School Jam on August 31 from 11:30am to 1:30pm (raindate September 1).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
22-1477 111.1.ResolutionThat the entire City Council commends the City Clerk's Office, IT staff, and everyone else who played a role in transitioning City Council business to the new Legistar online platform.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video