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May 8, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 127 items

  1. 1 Published May 6, 2025, 12:15 PM, Revised Published May 8, 2025, 12:00 PM, Revised Published May 8, 2025 4:30 PM (added appropriation as 10.3).
  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_xOqo9An-SIuwdYJvv9FR4A 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 Six City Councilor Lance Davis.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 25-0928 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:41
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 25-0929 Approved ▶ jump to 1:24
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 10, 2025. 25-0930 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 1:55
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 46 feet of conduit in Cross Street East, from Utility Pole 588/2 to an existing Manhole 20716. 25-0877 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:27
  12. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 49 feet of conduit in Prospect Street, from existing Manhole 23058 to a point of pickup at 110 Prospect Street. 25-0878 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:17
  13. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  14. 4.1. In support of Head Start. 25-0908 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 42:37
  15. 4.2. That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry discuss with this Council, opportunities to create a dog park in West Somerville. 25-0917 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 42:49
  16. 4.3. That the Mayor create and make public specific plans that outline the full scope of the work necessary at the Cummings School, including capacity, time, and cost, to host Somerville Public School students in the event of an emergency, and provide regular updates to this Council on such plans until completed. 25-0906 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 43:33
  17. 4.4. Recognizing May as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Month and May 15 as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day. 25-0916 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:53
  18. 4.5. That the Director of Mobility update this Council on when the Highland Avenue redesign community process will begin. 25-0918 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:02
  19. 4.6. That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to discuss recent changes to business permitting in relation to "risk categorization" and the impact they may have on businesses. 25-0923 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 45:04
  20. 4.7. That the Director of Mobility replace the flex posts by the bus and bike lane on Washington Street, near the East Somerville Green Line station. 25-0924 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 46:12
  21. 4.8. That the Director of Mobility place a YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS sign on Garfield Street at the intersection of Broadway. 25-0925 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 46:26
  22. 4.9. That the Director of Parking consider adding additional handicapped parking spots on Washington Street by the Cobble Hill senior center. 25-0927 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 46:38
  23. 4.10. That the Mayor include $266,000 in the FY 2026 budget to continue funding Food For Free services. 25-0926 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 47:45
  24. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  25. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  26. 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
  27. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on April 30, 2025. 25-0869 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 48:25
  28. 6.A.2. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Primrose Chareka to the Human Rights Commission. 25-0654 Approved Pass
  29. 6.A.3. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Suelin Chen to the Human Rights Commission. 25-0655 Approved Pass
  30. 6.A.4. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Paola Mendez to the Human Rights Commission. 25-0657 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.5. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Martin Pavlinic to the Urban Design Commission. 25-0732 Approved Pass
  32. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  33. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 6, 2025. 25-0931 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 49:25
  34. 6.B.2. Requesting the transfer of $55,631 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Open Space Reserve. 25-0398 Approved Pass
  35. 6.B.3. Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Preservation Act Budgeted Reserve and Open Space Reserve for improvements to Dilboy Auxiliary Fields. 25-0399 Approved Pass
  36. 6.B.4. Requesting approval of a Deed, Maintenance License, and Maintenance Easement for 808 Windsor Street. 25-0523 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 53:24
  37. 6.B.5. Requesting approval to create the Chestnut Street Multimodal Safety Stabilization Fund and accept a payment of $99,127 from the developer of 100 Chestnut Street to implement multimodal safety and access improvements. 25-0524 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 54:05
  38. 6.B.6. Requesting the appropriation of $1,468,693 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 25-0651 Approved Pass
  39. 6.B.7. Requesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the CPA Open Space Land Acquisition Fund. 25-0652 Approved Pass
  40. 6.B.8. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $35,300 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for upgrades to the Emergency Operation Center. 25-0674 Approved Pass
  41. 6.B.9. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $61,301.89 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for replacement of cameras. 25-0683 Approved Pass
  42. 6.B.10. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $12,430.19 using available funds in the Police Department In Service Training, Professional & Technical Services, Repairs to Radio Alarm, and Public Safety Supplies accounts. 25-0686 Approved Pass
  43. 6.B.11. That the Chief Assessor and the City Treasurer discuss with this Council the issue of residents not receiving initial motor vehicle excise tax bills, resulting in demand fees. 25-0745 Work completed
  44. 6.B.12. City Solicitor requesting approval to retain Verrill Dana, LLP, as outside legal counsel with respect to Combined Sewer Overflow Control matters. 25-0824 Approved Pass
  45. 6.C. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  46. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 1, 2025. 25-0890 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 54:46
  47. 6.C.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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 59:50
  48. 6.C.3. John Fragione and Agostino Feola, Trustees of Frala Realty Trust, requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 295-297 Medford Street and 93 Walnut Street from Mid-Rise 3 (MR3) to Mid-Rise 4 (MR4). 25-0269 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 60:01
  49. 6.D. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  50. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 29, 2025. 25-0865 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 32:12
  51. 6.D.2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 12, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances to modify the Tree Preservation Ordinance. 25-0566 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 40:59
  52. 6.D.3. Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the City of Somerville to employ automated enforcement of certain traffic violations. 25-0781 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:02
  53. 6.D.4. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Hudl Focus cameras. 25-0838 Approved Pass
  54. 52 page break
  55. 6.E. RODENT ISSUES SPECIAL COMMITTEE
  56. 6.E.1. Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on April 30, 2025. 25-0868 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 61:11
  57. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  58. 7.1. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Article 8 of the Zoning Ordinance to update Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) references. 25-0907 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:02
  59. 7.2. Requesting approval of a lease agreement at 50 Tufts Street. 25-0919 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  60. 7.3. Requesting approval to amend the purpose of the Street Tree Stabilization Fund to align with the Tree Preservation Ordinance. 25-0892 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  61. 7.4. Requesting approval to appropriate $450,000 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for the replacement of the Brown School Boiler. 25-0874 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  62. 7.5. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  63. 7.6. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  64. 7.7. Requesting approval to appropriate $45,000 from the Street Tree Stabilization Fund for FY 2025 Ash tree treatments. 25-0836 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  65. 7.8. Requesting the appropriation of $200,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Open Space Reserve for the design of the Kennedy Schoolyard. 25-0855 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  66. 7.9. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  67. 7.10. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  68. 7.11. Requesting approval of a transfer of $400,000 from the Department of Public Works Highway Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account. 25-0861 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  69. 7.12. Requesting approval of a transfer of $363,000 from the Department of Public Works Grounds Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account. 25-0873 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  70. 7.13. Requesting the transfer of $200,000 from the Community Preservation Act Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve. 25-0854 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  71. 7.14. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  72. 7.15. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  73. 7.16. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $127,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team equipment and training. 25-0849 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  74. 7.17. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  75. 7.18. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $38,500 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team equipment. 25-0848 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  76. 7.19. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  77. 7.20. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  78. 7.21. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  79. 7.22. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  80. 7.23. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  81. 7.24. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  82. 7.25. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  83. 7.26. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  84. 7.27. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:16
  85. 7.28. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Eli Kim to the position of Police Lieutenant. 25-0899 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:50
  86. 7.29. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Dylan Lambert to the position of Police Sergeant. 25-0900 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:50
  87. 7.30. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alba Solis to the Affordable Housing Trust. 25-0901 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:08
  88. 7.31. Requesting approval of an exemption for Tara Murphy Beardsley as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). 25-0856 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:22
  89. 7.32. Requesting approval of an exemption for Keegan Bliss as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). 25-0866 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:37
  90. 7.33. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Pole Cameras. 25-0864 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 65:50
  91. 7.34. Proclaiming that the week of May 11 through May 18, 2025 is Taiwanese American Heritage Week. 25-0867 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 66:00
  92. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  93. 8.1. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 25-0896 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 66:23
  94. 8.2. Planning Board conveying recommendations for items #25-0200, #25-0457, and #25-0590. 25-0921 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 67:46
  95. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  96. 9.1. Renewing Drainlayer's License, GVC Construction, Inc. 25-0879 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  97. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Umbro & Sons Construction Corp. 25-0880 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  98. 9.3. Renewing Flammables License, 74M Property Owner, LLC, 74 Middlesex Avenue. 25-0881 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  99. 9.4. Renewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway. 25-0882 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  100. 9.5. Renewing Flammables License, Cumberland Farms #2469, 701 Somerville Avenue. 25-0883 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  101. 9.6. Renewing Flammables License, Sam's Gas & Service, 166 Boston Avenue. 25-0884 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  102. 9.7. Renewing Flammables License, The Home Depot #2667, 75 Mystic Avenue. 25-0885 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  103. 9.8. Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 53 Boston Street. 25-0886 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  104. 9.9. Wandering Fusion Festival applying for a Public Event License for Wandering Fusion Festival on June 6 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. 25-0889 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  105. 9.10. Sophia Li applying for a Public Event License for DIS Midsummer Picnic on June 21 from 11am to 1:30pm (raindate June 22) 25-0888 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  106. 9.11. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big Gay Dance Party on June 21 from 2pm to 9pm (raindate June 22). 25-0887 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  107. 9.12. Tori Antonino submitting comments re: 375 Harold Cohen Way. 25-0893 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 69:47
  108. 9.13. 16 residents submitting comments re: item #25-0200, a Zoning Text Amendment to amend Sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l, 3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m. 25-0894 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 69:57
  109. 9.14. 625 individuals submitting comments re: Israel. 25-0895 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 70:11
  110. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  111. 10.1. That the city hereby adopts Chapter 329 of the Acts of 1987, An Act Increasing Local Control Over The Annual School Budget. 25-0905 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 70:19
  112. 10.2. That the Administration work with Somerville Public Schools and the Commissioner of Public Works to effectively budget for and fund current equipment maintenance costs, including but not limited to air compressors and ovens, at the High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, and develop plans to include CTE equipment maintenance needs in future budgeting and funding cycles. 25-0933 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 77:45
  113. 10.3. Requesting the appropriation of $170,000 from the Salary Contingency account to various Police Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Employees Association. 25-0944 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 24:51
  114. 10.4. Renewing Drainlayer's License, DOG Excavation. 25-0938 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  115. 10.5. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Mass Earthworks & Demolition. 25-0939 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  116. 10.6. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Alfredo's Italian Kitchen, 288 Broadway. 25-0940 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  117. 10.7. Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street. 25-0941 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  118. 10.8. Renewing Flammables License, Good Gas Somerville, 343 Medford Street. 25-0942 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  119. 10.9. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, BAETDA Transportation Services LLC, Med. #51,73,77,87,93. 25-0943 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  120. 10.10. Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Western Pearl Street Reconstruction Concept Design Open House on May 13 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate May 14). 25-0947 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  121. 10.11. Brown School Parent Teacher Association applying for a Public Event License for Brown School Fun Run on May 23 from 8am to 3pm. 25-0945 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  122. 10.12. Health & Human Services Department applying for a Public Event License for Pride Flag Raising on June 5 from 5pm to 6:30pm. 25-0946 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:08
  123. 10.13. Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) conveying the alteration of location of a section of State highway. 25-0934 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 78:19
  124. 10.14. Alison Ellis submitting comments re: mayoral term. 25-0935 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 78:33
  125. 10.15. Steven Kubel submitting comments re: Israel. 25-0936 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 78:41
  126. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  127. 124 The meeting was Adjourned at 8:22 PM.