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January 23, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 103 items

  1. 1 Published January 21, 2025, 1:30 PM, Revised Published January 23, 2025, 11:30 AM.
  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 2023, 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_gqEGKuCqTYSk9ib1GY2vRw 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 7:00 PM by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld. The City Council entered Executive Session at 7:40 PM and returned at 8:06 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 25-0144 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:32
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 25-0145 Approved ▶ jump to 1:03
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 12, 2024. 25-0146 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:46
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 8 page break
  12. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 436 feet of conduit in Highland Avenue, from existing Manhole 15224 to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 15222. 25-0106 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:22
  13. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 86 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from existing Manhole 8655 to an existing Handhole at 52 McGrath Highway. 25-0107 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:14
  14. 3.3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 61 feet of conduit in Lowell Street, from Utility Pole 215/35 to a point of pickup at 326 Lowell Street. 25-0108 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:49
  15. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  16. 4.1. That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss in the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, the introduction of an ongoing middle school girls intramural hockey program. 25-0117 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 15:12
  17. 4.2. That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its recommendations to better support parents and caregivers. 25-0118 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 66:53
  18. 4.3. That the Superintendent of Schools consider opening the Highlander Cafe within Somerville High School to the public for regular lunch hours while school is in session and that the Administration address any barriers to this request. 25-0116 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 69:28
  19. 4.4. That the Director of Water and Sewer appear before this Council to address resident claims that newly installed water meters are falsely registering air pockets in residential cold water lines as leaks, leading to significantly inaccurate bills. 25-0121 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 74:02
  20. 4.5. That the Director of Capital Projects update this Council on installing a water fountain at Nunziato Dog Park. 25-0123 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 78:46
  21. 4.6. That the Commissioner of Public Works construct an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalk path around the large tree at the corner of Walnut Street and Summit Avenue. 25-0124 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 80:29
  22. 4.7. That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council the feasibility of signal priority for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) busses in Union Square. 25-0125 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 82:09
  23. 4.8. That the Director of Mobility develop plans for a safe pedestrian crossing of Lowell Street, at Bailey Park, and additional traffic calming measures between Summer Street and Highland Avenue. 25-0126 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 83:10
  24. 4.9. That the Director of Inspectional Services report to this Council, in writing, what types of demolition permits are granted without requiring an on-site fire detail. 25-0122 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 84:45
  25. 4.10. That the Director of Veterans Services report to this Council on any plans to honor the memory of Airman Staff Sergeant Loring E. Lord, a Somerville resident and high school graduate who was shot down over Germany in the spring of 1945. 25-0127 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 85:52
  26. 4.11. That the Environmental Health Manager update this Council on the current policy regarding usage of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) and any plans to remove SGARs currently deployed in bait boxes in light of multiple recent birds of prey deaths apparently related to ingesting rat poison. 25-0130 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 88:05
  27. 4.12. That the Director of SomerViva update the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety on efforts to address immigrant rights. 25-0132 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 32:28
  28. 4.13. That the Director of Housing Stability update this Council on recent changes to condominium conversion and tenant protection laws as a result of the 2024 Housing Bond Bill and how Somerville may strengthen its protections. 25-0133 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 92:52
  29. 4.14. That the Director of Housing Stability update this Council on efforts to raise awareness for eviction sealing assistance in light of recent state legislation enabling the sealing of evictions. 25-0134 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 94:23
  30. 4.15. That the Director of Economic Development and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on the potential impacts of the proposed soccer stadium in Everett. 25-0135 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 95:33
  31. 4.16. That the Director of Health and Human Services and the Chief Fire Engineer update this Council on potential impacts of a proposed lithium battery complex in Everett. 25-0136 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 99:21
  32. 4.17. That the Director of Mobility work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to increase flex post usage and other pedestrian safety measures on crosswalks along McGrath Highway. 25-0137 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 100:15
  33. 4.18. That the Director of Mobility address the increased traffic along Lombardi Street, Mystic Avenue and Grand Union Boulevard due to signal changes. 25-0138 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 101:30
  34. 4.19. That the Director of Parking place NO IDLING signs on New Washington Street, behind the Cobble Hill complex, to discourage large truck idling by the senior homes. 25-0139 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 101:55
  35. 4.20. That the Memorialization Committee dedicate a memorial to Kenneth Lonergan. 25-0140 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 5:36
  36. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  37. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  38. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  39. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 21, 2025. 25-0119 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 102:47
  40. 6.A.2. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,725.65 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Administration In State Travel Account for EZ pass. 24-1642 Approved Pass
  41. 6.A.3. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,063.40 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Fire Alarm R&M Account for fire alarm equipment programming. 24-1643 Approved Pass
  42. 6.A.4. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $60,000 grant with no new match required, from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for traffic safety enforcement. 24-1659 Laid on the table Pass ▶ jump to 119:02
  43. 6.A.5. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $40,021 grant with no new match required, from Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for the continuation of partial funding for the Jail Diversion Coordinator position. 24-1660 Approved Pass
  44. 6.A.6. Requesting authorization to borrow $4,757,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the recurring FY 2025 Sewer Improvements program. 24-1694 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 118:28
  45. 6.A.7. Requesting the appropriation of $110,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the 90 Washington Demonstration Project Account for ongoing litigation costs. 24-1713 Approved Pass
  46. 6.A.8. Requesting approval of a transfer of $60,159 from the Public Space and Urban Forestry Capital Account to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Ordinary Maintenance Account for Tree Keeper/311 Integration expenses. 24-1718 Approved Pass
  47. 6.A.9. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $545.03 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services for reimbursement of expenses relating to the Chief of Police interview process. 24-1725 Approved Pass
  48. 6.A.10. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for 911 personnel costs. 24-1727 Approved Pass
  49. 6.A.11. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $133,427.11 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for training and recertification and additional staffing support. 24-1728 Approved Pass
  50. 6.A.12. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for ambulance service. 24-1729 Approved Pass
  51. 6.A.13. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $109,296 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Fire Department for staffing costs. 25-0016 Approved Pass
  52. 6.A.14. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $15,764.40 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software Account for voice maintenance, and in the Information Technology Computer Hardware Account for laptop accessories. 25-0017 Withdrawn Pass
  53. 6.A.15. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Barr Foundation to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a Community Heat Resilience Pilot Grant Program. 25-0018 Approved Pass
  54. 6.A.16. Director of Economic Development and Director of the Arts Council conveying an updated draft Armory Master Plan. 25-0019 Work completed
  55. 6.A.17. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Economic Development to the Economic Development Division for a Small Business Success Technical Assistance program. 25-0020 Approved Pass
  56. 6.A.18. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for a Senior Housing Bridge pilot program. 25-0021 Approved Pass
  57. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  58. 7.1. Requesting the appropriation of $186,343 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Building Insurance Account to insure additional properties. 25-0101 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 30:12
  59. 7.2. Requesting the appropriation of $1,475,428 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 25-0053 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:52
  60. 7.3. Requesting the appropriation of $365,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund to the Somerville Community Land Trust for restoration of 12 Pleasant Avenue. 25-0049 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  61. 7.4. Requesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the CPA Open Space Land Acquisition Fund. 25-0057 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  62. 7.5. Requesting the appropriation of $200,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Open Space Reserve for the installation of water fountains at Nunziato Park. 25-0056 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  63. 7.6. Requesting the appropriation of $172,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Elizabeth Peabody House for exterior restoration of 277 Broadway. 25-0055 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  64. 7.7. Requesting the appropriation of $114,259 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Somerville Museum for preservation of artifacts in its collection. 25-0058 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  65. 7.8. Requesting the appropriation of $18,500 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve for a condition assessment of the Veterans Cemetery and other historic monuments. 25-0059 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  66. 7.9. Requesting the transfer of $346,492 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Community Housing Reserve. 25-0051 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  67. 7.10. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 12/31/2025 for Crowley Cottrell LLC to complete additional services for re-design and construction administrations fees. 25-0078 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  68. 7.11. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of three years for Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for Poplar Street Pump Station Design Services. 25-0096 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  69. 7.12. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of three years for PMA LLC for owners project manager services on the Poplar Street Pump Station project. 25-0097 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  70. 7.13. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of three years for MWH Contractors Inc. for construction manager at risk services on the Poplar Street Pump Station project. 25-0098 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  71. 7.14. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $2,500,000 grant that requires a 20% match, from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Infrastructure and Asset Management Engineering Division for the Poplar Street Pump Station. 25-0099 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  72. 7.15. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $2,400,000 grant with no new match required, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development for infrastructure and open space improvements on the Clarendon Phase II project. 25-0100 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  73. 7.16. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $33,550 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for the purchase of firefighter safety equipment. 25-0102 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  74. 7.17. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,400 using available funds in the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Economic Development Division account for 9 Aldersey Street appraisal report. 25-0079 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  75. 7.18. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $486 using available funds in the City Clerk Advertising account for legal hearing notices. 25-0103 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 119:57
  76. 7.19. Conveying an update on the Non-Union Employee Classification and Compensation Study. 25-0115 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 120:06
  77. 7.20. Conveying the 2024 Surveillance Technology Annual Report. 25-0142 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 120:43
  78. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  79. 8.1. Planning Board conveying recommendations for items #24-1447 and #24-1448. 25-0120 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 124:08
  80. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  81. 9.1. New Livery License, Med Transportation LLC, 34 Grant Street, operating 1 vehicle. 25-0109 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 124:20
  82. 9.2. New Sign/Awning License, Gauchao Brazilian Cuisine, 104 Broadway, 2 signs. 25-0110 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 124:20
  83. 9.3. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, 28 Motorsports Inc., 486R Columbia Street. 25-0111 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 124:20
  84. 9.4. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Sam's Auto Sales, 166 Boston Avenue. 25-0143 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 124:20
  85. 9.5. Laura Ortiz submitting an Open Meeting Law complaint against this City Council. Note that the Council may enter executive session pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(1) to discuss. 25-0105 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 39:02
  86. 9.6. 3 individuals submitting comments re: ceasfire. 25-0112 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 124:53
  87. 9.7. Ami Bennitt submitting comments re: #24-1580, draft Armory Master Plan. 25-0113 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 125:01
  88. 9.8. Prajkta Waditwar submitting comments re: COVID-19 response. 25-0114 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 125:12
  89. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  90. 10.1. That the Administration create an annual survey of Somerville parents and guardians, similar to but unrelated to the Happiness Survey and unrelated to Somerville Public Schools, and distribute it through various channels in print and online. 25-0141 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 66:53
  91. 10.2. That this City Council hold a public hearing in the Committee on Finance on the community’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget priorities. 25-0147 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 125:21
  92. 10.3. That the Director of Economic Development work with the Licensing Commission to ensure the creation of on-site social consumption licenses are discussed at upcoming meetings. 25-0153 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:28
  93. 10.4. That the Director of Economic Development present to this Council a plan to ensure compliance with Section 8-18 of the Code of Ordinances. 25-0154 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 133:02
  94. 10.5. Urging the creation of supplemental, hospitality, and event organizer licenses for on-site cannabis consumption. 25-0152 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:28
  95. 10.6. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $13,730 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software Account for voice maintenance, and the Information Technology Computer Hardware Account for laptop accessories. 25-0150 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:32
  96. 10.7. Somerville Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Maple Project and Boil Down on February 28 and March 1 from 8am to 8pm (raindate March 7 and 8). 25-0155 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 124:20
  97. 10.8. Erica Gennaro submitting comments re: speed bumps. 25-0148 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 134:17
  98. 10.9. Sravana Reddy submitting comments re: snow removal. 25-0149 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 134:35
  99. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  100. 11. LATE ITEMS
  101. 11.1. That the City Solicitor's Office is authorized to respond to the Open Meeting Law complaint by Laura Ortiz on behalf of the City Council. 25-0156 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 66:31
  102. 11.2. That the Administration immediately withdraw the School Building Community Feedback Survey, released this morning, regarding the replacement of the Winter Hill and, potentially, Brown School. 25-0157 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 134:47
  103. 101 The meeting was Adjourned at 9:35 PM.