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May 22, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 131 items

  1. 1 Published May 20, 2025, 1:00 PM, Revised Published May 22, 2025, 12:15 PM.
  2. 1 NOTICE: This is NOT the official version of the City Council's minutes. While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first checking with the City Clerk.
  3. 2 NOTICE: Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, this meeting of the City Council may be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audiovideo recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Register at the following website to listen to this meeting live or to testify at any public hearing: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZU-7swOXTxavXH0JATGmmw Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
  4. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES
  5. 3 The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld. The City Council entered recess at 8:19 PM and returned at 8:31 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 25-0997 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:22
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 25-0998 Approved ▶ jump to 0:54
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 24, 2025. 25-0999 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 15:38
  9. 1.4. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 16, 2025. 25-1000 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 15:47
  10. 2. CITATIONS
  11. 2.1. Commending Tom Lamar for six years of service as Chair of the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 25-0990 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 15:55
  12. 2.2. Commending the Kiwanis Club on the auspicious occasion of its 100th anniversary of support to the community. 25-0991 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 26:27
  13. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  14. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 38 feet of conduit in Corinthian Road from Utility Pole 261/2 to an approximate point of pickup at 1006 Broadway. 25-0951 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 26:41
  15. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 54 feet of conduit in Albion Street, from Utility Pole 3/22 to an approximate point of pickup at 156 Albion Street. 25-0954 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 27:33
  16. 3.3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 67 feet of conduit in Stickney Avenue, from Utility Pole 322/2 to an approximate point of pickup at 15 Stickney Avenue. 25-0952 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 28:10
  17. 3.4. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 80 feet of conduit in Glenwood Road, from Manhole 7417 to an approximate point of pickup at 72 Glenwood Road. 25-0953 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 28:44
  18. 3.5. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 160 feet of conduit in Broadway, from Manhole 1922 to an approximate point of pickup at 356 Broadway. 25-0955 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 29:17
  19. 3.6. FirstLight Fiber, Inc. applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 168 feet of conduit in Inner Belt Road and 1 new Manhole to a point of pickup at 30 Inner Belt Road. 25-0956 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 29:48
  20. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  21. 4.1. That the Administration create a Senior Liaison position in the Mayor’s Office. 25-0984 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 47:25
  22. 4.2. That the Administration create a Senior Advisory Group to advise on policies impacting seniors in the city. 25-0985 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 47:25
  23. 4.3. Conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund. 25-0979 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 166:42
  24. 4.4. Conveying a report of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 25-0980 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 168:43
  25. 4.5. That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on preventative maintenance plans for all school buildings, and progress on providing the public with tools to view preventative maintenance plans and actions. 25-0987 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 171:35
  26. 4.6. That the Administration update this Council on the report and recommendations of the Davis Square Public Safety Working Group. 25-0986 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 171:59
  27. 4.7. That the Director of Mobility install STOP signs on Ten Hills Road at Governor Winthrop Road, making the intersection a four-way stop. 25-0988 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 172:17
  28. 4.8. That the Commissioner of Public Works appear before the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance to discuss the recent break-in at the Winter Hill School building and the measures being taken to secure the building. 25-0989 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 172:32
  29. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  30. 5.1. In support of Head Start. 25-0908 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 173:49
  31. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  32. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  33. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 20, 2025. 25-0982 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 176:53
  34. 6.A.2. That the City Solicitor confirm whether an LGBTQ Legal Services Stabilization Fund can be created to pay fees associated with gendered document changes and potential court sealing of records associated with such documents. 24-1686 Work completed
  35. 6.A.3. Conveying the cost of changes to identity documents, in support of item #24-1686. 25-0270 Work completed
  36. 6.A.4. Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition submitting comments re: item #24-1686, creation of an LGBTQ Legal Services Stabilization Fund. 25-0336 Work completed
  37. 6.A.5. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management discuss with this Council what strategies and resources are being utilized to bring Somerville’s Tannery Brook Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) into compliance with the current and future long-term CSO control plans. 25-0510 Work completed ▶ jump to 182:20
  38. 6.A.6. That the Director of Housing include a line item contribution to the Affordable Housing Trust’s FY 2026 ordinary maintenance budget in order to sustain its funding for affordable housing development and assistance to households facing rent or mortgage arrears. 25-0568 Work completed
  39. 6.A.7. That the Director of Housing Stability calculate and present a budget proposal for sufficient funding that will enable it to continue its programs of municipal flex funding, legal assistance and related housing search services for residents facing displacement and homeless families and individuals in FY 2026. 25-0569 Work completed
  40. 6.A.8. That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment clarify the situation regarding the federal grant application for composting and, depending on its likely fulfillment, calculate a budget line item to insure that the small-scale pilot program can continue into FY 2026 and expand to more households. 25-0570 Work completed
  41. 6.A.9. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $583.03 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Motor Parts and Accessories Account for the purchase of vehicle parts. 25-0662 Approved Pass
  42. 6.A.10. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $270 using available funds in the Department of Public Works R&M Vehicles Account for vehicle inspections. 25-0663 Approved Pass
  43. 6.A.11. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,137.70 using available funds in the Department of Public Works R&M Parks and Playgrounds Account for irrigation services. 25-0664 Approved Pass
  44. 6.A.12. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $504 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Administration Police Details Account for police detail services. 25-0665 Approved Pass
  45. 6.A.13. Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,777 from the Police Overtime Account to the Police Grant Match Account for the FY 2025 Shannon Grant match requirement. 25-0666 Approved Pass
  46. 6.A.14. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $122,681.25 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Community First Partnership to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for an Energy Advisor and outreach materials. 25-0813 Approved Pass
  47. 6.A.15. Requesting approval to appropriate $45,000 from the Street Tree Stabilization Fund for FY 2025 Ash tree treatments. 25-0836 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 181:04
  48. 6.A.16. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $274,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) training. 25-0846 Approved Pass
  49. 6.A.17. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $90 using available funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account for case management for workers' compensation. 25-0850 Approved Pass
  50. 6.A.18. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $30,000 grant that requires a match, from the RIZE Massachusetts Foundation to the Health and Human Services Department for public health vending machines. 25-0852 Approved Pass
  51. 6.A.19. Requesting the transfer of $200,000 from the Community Preservation Act Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve. 25-0854 Approved Pass
  52. 6.A.20. Requesting the appropriation of $200,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Open Space Reserve for the design of the Kennedy Schoolyard. 25-0855 Approved Pass
  53. 6.A.21. Requesting approval to appropriate $228,000 from the Medicinal Marijuana Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of three positions related to youth-serving staff in FY 2026. 25-0857 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 181:04
  54. 6.A.22. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $36,000 grant with no new match required, from Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. 25-0860 Approved Pass
  55. 6.A.23. Requesting approval of a transfer of $400,000 from the Department of Public Works Highway Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account. 25-0861 Approved Pass
  56. 6.A.24. Requesting approval of a transfer of $600,000 from various Department of Public Works Personal Services Accounts to various Department of Public Works Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to fund projected budget shortfalls. 25-0862 Approved Pass
  57. 6.A.25. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $8.87 using available funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account for managed care services for workers' compensation. 25-0863 Approved Pass
  58. 6.A.26. Requesting approval of a transfer of $363,000 from the Department of Public Works Grounds Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account. 25-0873 Approved Pass
  59. 6.A.27. Requesting approval to appropriate $450,000 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for the replacement of the Brown School Boiler. 25-0874 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 181:04
  60. 6.A.28. Requesting approval to appropriate $350,000 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund to replace the Department of Public Works Water Department Boiler System. 25-0875 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 181:04
  61. 6.A.29. Requesting approval to amend the purpose of the Street Tree Stabilization Fund to align with the Tree Preservation Ordinance. 25-0892 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 181:04
  62. 6.A.30. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $11,400 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for fire education for school students and senior residents. 25-0902 Approved Pass
  63. 6.A.31. That the city hereby adopts Chapter 329 of the Acts of 1987, An Act Increasing Local Control Over The Annual School Budget. 25-0905 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 182:44
  64. 6.A.32. Requesting approval of a lease agreement at 50 Tufts Street. 25-0919 Withdrawn
  65. 6.A.33. Requesting the appropriation of $151,502 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department, Legal Services Account for additional outside legal counsel services. 25-0922 Approved Pass
  66. 6.B. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  67. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on May 15, 2025. 25-0969 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:46
  68. 6.B.2. Horace-Ward LLC, Bealm Realty, LLC, Delhi Properties, LLC, and Delhi Properties ll, LLC requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 11 Horace Street, 5-7, 9, 13, and 15 Ward Street, and 15 and 21 South Street from Mid-Rise 4 (MR4) to Mid-Rise 6 (MR6). 24-1584 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 194:08
  69. 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  70. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 13, 2025. 25-0949 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 195:06
  71. 6.C.2. Amending Sections 9-31 through 9-44 of the Code of Ordinances to support the end of wage theft. 24-1754 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 199:48
  72. 6.C.3. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Pole Cameras. 25-0864 Approved Pass
  73. 6.C.4. Conveying the updated 2024 Surveillance Technology Annual Report. 25-0837 Work completed
  74. 6.D. TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE
  75. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on May 19, 2025. 25-0981 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 200:41
  76. 6.D.2. That the Director of Mobility speak with this Council regarding the Safe Streets Ordinance 2025 annual report. 25-0647 Work completed
  77. 6.D.3. That the Director of Parking consider adding additional handicapped parking spots on Washington Street by the Cobble Hill senior center. 25-0927 Work completed
  78. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  79. 7.1. Requesting approval of a Substation Easement near 51 Prospect Street for NStar Electric Company. 25-0967 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 203:24
  80. 7.2. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $257,540 grant with no new match required, from Eversource Energy to the Engineering Division for permanent resurfacing and restoration of various streets. 25-0948 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 203:24
  81. 7.3. Requesting approval to accept and expend an $82,357.50 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Aging and Independence to the Council on Aging for social, educational, and physical wellness programming. 25-0971 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 203:24
  82. 7.4. Requesting approval to accept and use a gift with an approximate value of $5,399 from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to the Fire Department for improving rescue capabilities during a rail incident. 25-0903 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 203:24
  83. 7.5. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $575.16 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Department Office Supplies Account for cork boards. 25-0785 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 203:24
  84. 7.6. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Sullivan to the position of Firefighter. 25-0983 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 203:50
  85. 7.7. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ayerim Decena to the Commission for Women. 25-0992 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 203:50
  86. 7.8. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ashley Guevara to the Commission for Women. 25-0993 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 203:50
  87. 7.9. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Bobbi Van Gilder to the Commission for Women. 25-0994 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 203:50
  88. 7.10. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Danielle Dees to the Commission for Women. 25-0995 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 203:50
  89. 7.11. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Patty Thistle to the Commission for Women. 25-0996 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 203:50
  90. 7.12. Proclaiming May 2025 to be Jewish American Heritage Month. 25-0972 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 30:47
  91. 7.13. Withdrawn. 25-0897 Withdrawn
  92. 7.14. Withdrawn. 25-0932 Withdrawn
  93. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  94. 8.1. Director of Infrastructure & Asset Management conveying progress on the Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan, related Water & Sewer capital investments, and Stormwater fee strategies. 25-0966 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 88:16
  95. 8.2. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 25-0968 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 204:40
  96. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  97. 9.1. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Caruso & McGovern Construction Inc. 25-0957 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:44
  98. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, D'Allessandro Corp. 25-0958 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  99. 9.3. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Environic Solutions Inc. 25-0959 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  100. 9.4. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Hercules C+G Drain Inc. 25-0960 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  101. 9.5. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Papa John's, 622 Somerville Avenue. 25-0961 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  102. 9.6. Renewing Garage License, MAC, 53 Russell Street. 25-0962 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  103. 9.7. Renewing Livery License, Mass Cab, 45 Endicott Avenue. 25-0963 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  104. 9.8. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Early Bird Transportation, LLC, Med. #49. 25-0964 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  105. 9.9. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, V.I.N.L. Transportation, Inc., Med. #65. 25-0965 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  106. 9.10. 8 individuals submitting comments re: Israel. 25-0973 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 205:07
  107. 9.11. Rebecca Lopes-Filho submitting comments re: school budget. 25-0974 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 205:07
  108. 9.12. Sublime Systems submitting comments re: items #24-1460, #25-0128, #25-0129, and #25-0131, amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for laboratory, research and development, and arts uses. 25-0975 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 205:14
  109. 9.13. Bill Valetta submitting comments re: item #25-0085, an Order regarding zoning for bonuses for additional affordable housing and other enumerated community benefits. 25-0976 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 205:14
  110. 9.14. Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: McGrath Boulevard. 25-0977 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 205:07
  111. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  112. 10.1. Conveying the report and recommendations of the PILOT Advisory Task Force. 25-1004 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 64:35
  113. 10.2. That the Director of Mobility update this Council on recent changes to the #90 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus route and the reasons for those changes. 25-1012 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 205:22
  114. 10.3. That the Director of Mobility place a speed bump on Pinckney Street and consider the Neighborway potential of this street. 25-1014 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 208:22
  115. 10.4. That the Commissioner of Public Works include East Broadway for city plantings and greenery. 25-1013 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:35
  116. 10.5. That the Commissioner of Public Works address the leaning electric poles on Alston Street. 25-1015 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:45
  117. 10.6. That the City Solicitor provide an opinion on whether this Council can restrict the use of autonomous driving testing within city limits, either through an outright ban or through requirement of a special permit. 25-1017 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 208:55
  118. 10.7. That the City Solicitor provide an opinion on whether an individual within a vehicle or the autonomous vehicle company would be responsible if issued a citation during autonomous driving testing. 25-1018 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 208:55
  119. 10.8. That this Council consider whether to ban or restrict autonomous vehicle testing locally, if permitted by law. 25-1019 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 208:55
  120. 10.9. That the Mayor disclose to this Council any communication with Waymo or its parent company Google regarding autonomous driving tests within city limits. 25-1016 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 208:55
  121. 10.10. Recognizing May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 25-1020 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 212:04
  122. 10.11. Requesting approval of a lease agreement at 50 Tufts Street. 25-1023 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 214:20
  123. 10.12. Conveying a memorandum regarding item #25-0905. 25-1022 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 215:04
  124. 10.13. New Garage License, 599 Somerville Ventures LLC, 599 Somerville Avenue, 33 vehicles inside, 0 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed. 25-1006 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 215:14
  125. 10.14. Communications and Community Engagement Department applying for a Public Event License for Slice of the City Extension on May 27 and June 17 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. 25-1008 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  126. 10.15. Republic Fitness applying for a Public Event License for Republic Fitness Summer Series on June 5, June 24, July 9 and July 22 from 4:30pm to 7pm. 25-1007 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:47
  127. 10.16. Darci Hanna and Christopher Spicer Hankle submitting comments re: school budget. 25-1009 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 215:24
  128. 10.17. Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets submitting comments re: McGrath Boulevard. 25-1010 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 215:31
  129. 10.18. Ruth Stern submitting comments re: ceasefire. 25-1011 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 215:31
  130. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  131. 129 The meeting was Adjourned at 10:39 PM.