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April 24, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 114 items

  1. 1 Published April 22, 2025, 1:00 PM, Revised Published April 24, 2025, 12:30 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_uKNAaZtHTPWRNHbJJZPEnw 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 7:01 PM by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 25-0840 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:13
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 25-0841 Approved ▶ jump to 0:52
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 27, 2025. 25-0842 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:11
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  12. 4.1. That the Director of Mobility update the traffic signal equipment at the intersection of Rogers Avenue and Boston Avenue. 25-0839 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 73:48
  13. 11 page break
  14. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  15. 5.1. That the City Solicitor appear before this City Council to discuss the proposed Charter currently in the Mayor's office and update this Council on its progress. 25-0742 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 83:19
  16. 5.2. Proposing a Home Rule Petition to establish a charter for the City of Somerville. 25-0774 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 83:43
  17. 14 page break
  18. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  19. 6.A. EQUITY, GENDER, FAMILIES AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS COMMITTEE
  20. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on April 16, 2025. 25-0820 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 83:53
  21. 6.A.2. That the Director of Human Resources, Director of Parking, Director of Mobility and Chief of Police respond to the recent incidents of four children being hit by cars in the past few months on their paths to school. 25-0463 Work completed
  22. 6.A.3. That the Chief of Police report on the current number of regularly staffed crossing guards throughout the city and the total number of crossing guard positions currently available. 25-0464 Work completed
  23. 6.B. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  24. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on April 17, 2025. 25-0825 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:58
  25. 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  26. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 15, 2025. 25-0782 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 59:23
  27. 6.C.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 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 63:16
  28. 6.C.3. That this Council discuss proposed amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance, as outlined in item #24-0493. 25-0066 Work completed
  29. 6.C.4. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2-304 through 2-310 of the Code of Ordinances to update the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change. 25-0257 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 66:58
  30. 6.C.5. Conveying the cost of changes to identity documents, in support of item #24-1686. 25-0270 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 63:25
  31. 6.C.6. Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition submitting comments re: item #24-1686, creation of an LGBTQ Legal Services Stabilization Fund. 25-0336 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 63:28
  32. 6.C.7. That the Director of Inspectional Services enforce Section 11-111 of the Code of Ordinances - Registration and maintenance of vacant property, in light of the recent collapse of 316 Somerville Avenue. 25-0379 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 63:39
  33. 6.C.8. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Hudl Focus cameras. 25-0452 Placed on file Pass
  34. 6.C.9. Requesting the acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 64G, Section 3D(a), to authorize the city to impose a community impact fee of 3% of the total amount of rent upon each transfer of occupancy of “Professionally-managed units”. 25-0483 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:00
  35. 6.C.10. Requesting the acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 64G, Section 3D(b), to authorize the city to impose the community impact allowed under Chapter 3D(a) of G.L. c. 64G, on each transfer of occupancy of a short-term rental unit in a two- or three-family dwelling, that includes the operator’s primary residence. 25-0484 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:31
  36. 6.C.11. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Hudl Focus cameras. 25-0752 Placed on file Pass
  37. 6.D. SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
  38. 6.D.1. Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on April 14, 2025. 25-0779 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 69:02
  39. 6.D.2. That the Commissioner of Public Works work with relevant city staff to develop a prioritization and tracking system of 311 requests to maintain optimal school building conditions and proactively address potential concerns. 25-0233 Work completed
  40. 6.D.3. That the Director of Parks and Recreation report on the process by which Ginny Smithers Pool patrons are promptly notified of pool cancellations or schedule changes, including any modifications that could be made to that process in light of the March 2025 temporary pool closure. 25-0466 Work completed
  41. 6.D.4. That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update and timeline for repairs to damaged play structures at the Capuano Early Education Center schoolyard. 25-0602 Work completed
  42. 6.D.5. That the Commissioner of Public Works plant natural turf in the muddy greenspace area at the Capuano Early Education Center in advance of the May 3 Family Fun Day celebration for the Capuano’s 20th anniversary. 25-0603 Work completed
  43. 6.D.6. That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the continued closure of Ginny Smithers Sanders Pool and address the lack of communication with users of the pool. 25-0642 Work completed
  44. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  45. 7.1. Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the City of Somerville to employ automated enforcement of certain traffic violations. 25-0781 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 100:30
  46. 7.2. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 100:44
  47. 7.3. Requesting the appropriation of $1,468,693 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 25-0651 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 41:01
  48. 7.4. Requesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the CPA Open Space Land Acquisition Fund. 25-0652 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 41:02
  49. 7.5. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 41:03
  50. 7.6. Requesting the transfer of $55,631 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Open Space Reserve. 25-0398 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 41:04
  51. 7.7. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 41:06
  52. 7.8. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 41:08
  53. 7.9. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $8,149.84 grant with no new match required from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for the purchase of firefighting gear for new recruits. 25-0823 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 46:46
  54. 7.10. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 41:10
  55. 7.11. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kerrey Kahn to the position of Firefighter. 25-0833 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 101:12
  56. 7.12. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Steven Flythe to the position of Firefighter. 25-0834 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 101:12
  57. 7.13. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Hudl Focus cameras. 25-0838 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 101:28
  58. 7.14. Requesting approval of an exemption for Selam Woldemariam as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(d). 25-0831 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 101:40
  59. 7.15. Requesting approval of an exemption for Erin McGovern as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(d). 25-0832 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 102:51
  60. 7.16. Conveying the updated 2024 Surveillance Technology Annual Report. 25-0837 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 103:04
  61. 7.17. Proclaiming April 2025 to be Arab American Heritage Month. 25-0822 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 103:16
  62. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  63. 8.1. City Solicitor requesting approval to retain Verrill Dana, LLP, as outside legal counsel with respect to Combined Sewer Overflow Control matters. 25-0824 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 41:18
  64. 8.2. Council on Aging Director conveying a presentation regarding the Somerville Senior Community Survey, with the UMass Boston Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging. 25-0750 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 3:52
  65. 8.3. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Director conveying an update on the obligation and current status of ARPA funds. 25-0784 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 47:31
  66. 8.4. Planning Board conveying recommendations for items #25-0269, #25-0129, #25-1460, #25-0128, and #25-0131. 25-0829 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 103:26
  67. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  68. 9.1. New Drainlayer's License, RJV Construction Corporation. 25-0786 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 103:44
  69. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Alfa Excavation Inc. 25-0787 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:25
  70. 9.3. Renewing Drainlayer's License, M.T. Mayo Corp. 25-0788 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:27
  71. 9.4. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Super Service Today Inc. 25-0789 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:28
  72. 9.5. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Pepi's Pizzeria, 516B Medford St. 25-0790 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:30
  73. 9.6. Renewing Flammables License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie St. 25-0791 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:31
  74. 9.7. Renewing Flammables License, Boston Closet Company, 229 Lowell St. 25-0792 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:33
  75. 9.8. Renewing Flammables License, Broadway Gulf, 212 Broadway. 25-0793 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:34
  76. 9.9. Renewing Flammables License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor St. 25-0794 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:35
  77. 9.10. Renewing Flammables License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 Linwood St. 25-0795 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:37
  78. 9.11. Renewing Flammables License, U-Haul Company of Boston, 600 Mystic Valley Pkwy. 25-0796 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:38
  79. 9.12. Renewing Flammables License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 Washington St. 25-0797 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:40
  80. 9.13. Renewing Flammables License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change AB0001, 182 Washington St. 25-0798 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:41
  81. 9.14. Renewing Garage License, Arco Tire Auto Service Repair LLC, 18 Clarendon Ave. 25-0799 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:43
  82. 9.15. Renewing Garage License, Four Wheels Auto, 83A Albion St. 25-0800 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:44
  83. 9.16. Renewing Garage License, Gene Automotive Repair, 56 Joy St. 25-0801 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:46
  84. 9.17. Renewing Garage License, K Professional Auto Detailing, 682 Mystic Ave. 25-0802 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:47
  85. 9.18. Renewing Garage License, Sam's Gas and Service, 166 Boston Ave. 25-0803 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:48
  86. 9.19. Renewing Garage License, Somerville Auto Center, 193 Somerville Ave. 25-0804 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:51
  87. 9.20. Renewing Garage License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change AB0001, 182 Washington St. 25-0805 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:52
  88. 9.21. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Country Club Transportation Inc, Med. #3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,46. 25-0806 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:54
  89. 9.22. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, God's Blessing Cab Inc, Med. #60. 25-0811 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:55
  90. 9.23. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Green and Yellow TNC of Somerville, Med. #27,33,34,35,36,37,38,53,54,67,68. 25-0809 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:57
  91. 9.24. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Honey Cab Inc, Med. #82. 25-0812 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:58
  92. 9.25. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, LaFoi Taxi Inc, Med. #20. 25-0807 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:59
  93. 9.26. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Lochmere Taxi Inc, Med. #21,22,23,24,25,26,91. 25-0808 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:01
  94. 9.27. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Mount Pleasant Taxi Inc, Med. #28,30,31,32,39,40,41,42,43. 25-0810 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:02
  95. 9.28. Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Community Growing Center 2025 Event Calendar from April through December for various times. 25-0817 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:07
  96. 9.29. Communications and Community Engagement Department applying for a Public Event License for Slice of the City Series on various dates between May 1-21 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. 25-0818 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:10
  97. 9.30. Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Western Pearl Street Reconstruction Concept Design Open House on May 7 from 4:30pm to 8:30pm (raindate May 8). 25-0819 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:14
  98. 9.31. Mass Farmers Markets applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Farmer's Market on every Wednesday from May 21 through November 26 from 10am to 7pm. 25-0814 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:17
  99. 9.32. Somerville Sports Club applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Sports Club Annual Holy Spirit Feast on May 25 from 9:30am to 1:30pm. 25-0815 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:19
  100. 9.33. Somerville Museum applying for a Public Event License for Som250 - Revolutionary Tours on May 25-27 from 8:00am to 4:30pm. 25-0816 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:21
  101. 9.34. Four residents submitting comments re: Founders Memorial Skating Rink. 25-0827 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 105:00
  102. 9.35. Daniel Brenner submitting comments re: Benton Road. 25-0828 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 105:06
  103. 9.36. Jenn Harrington submitting comments re: salaries. 25-0830 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 105:14
  104. 9.37. Tufts Advancing Civic Thought In Our Nation (ACTION) submitting comments re: STEM Advocacy. 25-0835 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 105:23
  105. 9.38. 480 individuals submitting comments re: Israel. 25-0843 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 105:31
  106. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  107. 10.1. Declaring April 21 to April 27, 2025, to be Greek Spirit Week. 25-0851 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 105:38
  108. 10.2. New Drainlayer's License, Garrick Santo Landscape. 25-0844 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:29
  109. 10.3. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on May 10 from 10:30am to 7pm (raindate May 11). 25-0845 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:31
  110. 10.4. 284 individuals submitting comments re: Israel. 25-0847 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 106:00
  111. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  112. 11. LATE ITEMS
  113. 11.1. In support of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in schools. 25-0858 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 74:48
  114. 111 The meeting was Adjourned at 8:48 PM on a roll call vote of 10 in favor (Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda Neufeld), 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mbah).