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October 24, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 97 items

  1. 1 Published October 22, 2024, 12:45 PM, Revised Published October 24, 2024 11:00 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_-eHlbNx3ROivALNBX9LClQ 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. The City Council entered recess at 7:12 PM and returned at 7:16 PM. The City Council entered Executive Session at 7:37 PM and returned at 9:11 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-1521 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:31
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-1522 Approved ▶ jump to 1:12
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 26, 2024. 24-1523 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:53
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  12. 4.1. That the Director of Libraries and other relevant departments discuss strategies and lay out safety protocols in advance to ensure a safe environment for everyone during events that may draw protests. 24-1514 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 130:35
  13. 4.2. That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry consider the impact of park equipment that requires special parts that may take long periods to replace when creating future parks. 24-1515 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 131:59
  14. 4.3. That the Director of Sustainability and Environment invest in rodent proof composting barrels in the upcoming composting pilot program. 24-1516 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 133:10
  15. 4.4. That the Director of Engineering address rainwater runoff on Myrtle Street. 24-1517 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 135:35
  16. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  17. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  18. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  19. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 22, 2024. 24-1508 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 135:48
  20. 6.A.2. That the Director of Grants Development and External Funds and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Director update this Council on ARPA grant encumbrances ahead of the obligation deadline of December 31, 2024. 24-1300 Work completed
  21. 6.A.3. Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants to artists, organizations, and schools. 24-1332 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 140:30
  22. 6.A.4. Requesting the appropriation of $220,120.80 from the Receipts Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero Safety efforts. 24-1333 Approved Pass
  23. 6.A.5. Requesting approval to create the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the fund of $262,000 from the Union Square RELP Master Developer LLC to satisfy special permit conditions. 24-1334 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 140:30
  24. 6.A.6. Requesting approval to appropriate $262,000 from the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund to implement the conditions of Planning Board case PB 2019-04. 24-1335 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 140:30
  25. 6.A.7. Requesting the approval of a time-only contract extension for three years with a new expiration date of 9/1/2027, for the Somerville Hispanic Association for community development for restoration of 59 Cross Street. 24-1374 Approved Pass
  26. 6.A.8. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $250,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Department of Transportation to the Mobility Division for an East Somerville soundwall feasibility study. 24-1377 Approved Pass
  27. 6.A.9. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $160 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Administration License Reimbursement Account for commercial license employee expense. 24-1378 Approved Pass
  28. 6.A.10. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $22,633.58 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas Account for prior year balances on bills. 24-1379 Approved Pass
  29. 6.A.11. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,675 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish Removal Account for Recycling Services. 24-1380 Approved Pass
  30. 6.A.12. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $15 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish Removal Account for disposal of break out material. 24-1381 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.13. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $33,940.50 grant from Metro North Regional Employment Board to the Health and Human Services Department for the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program. 24-1410 Approved Pass
  32. 6.A.14. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $45.97 using available funds in the City Clerk Maintenance Contract Account for printer/copier service. 24-1417 Approved Pass
  33. 6.A.15. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $24,802.06 using available funds in the Information Technology Cellular & Paging Services and Leased - Photocopier Equipment Accounts for cellular and copier services. 24-1429 Approved Pass
  34. 6.A.16. Requesting the appropriation of $542,675 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Open Space Reserve Fund for the development of the ArtFarm park improvement project. 24-1430 Approved Pass
  35. 6.A.17. Requesting the transfer of $174,776 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve. 24-1431 Approved Pass
  36. 6.A.18. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $310,100 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for resilience hubs. 24-1434 Approved Pass
  37. 6.A.19. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $48,930.22 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering. 24-1443 Approved Pass
  38. 6.A.20. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $60 using available funds in the Department of Public Works License Reimbursement Account for employee reimbursement for hoisting licensing. 24-1444 Approved Pass
  39. 6.A.21. Requesting approval to accept a donation of equipment valued at $15,000 with no new match required, from the City of Boston Department of Emergency Management to the Department of Public Works for two trailers. 24-1445 Approved Pass
  40. 6.A.22. Requesting acceptance of an easement for a pedestrian bridge over the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line. 24-1477 Withdrawn Pass
  41. 6.B. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
  42. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on October 21, 2024. 24-1507 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 143:08
  43. 6.B.2. That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) update this Council on current efforts to create a Community Center as part of the new developments in Union Square and Boynton Yards. 24-0146 Work completed
  44. 6.B.3. That the Administration hold a community meeting within the next 30 days to address the impacts of the missing United States Postal Service mail, and the overall lack of mail delivery in various parts of Somerville. 24-0902 Work completed
  45. 6.C. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  46. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on October 17, 2024. 24-1506 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 148:44
  47. 45 page break
  48. 6.D. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  49. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 15, 2024. 24-1505 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 149:41
  50. 6.D.2. That the Administration make it easier for residents to host block parties by simplifying and shortening the approval process, and take steps to provide monetary awards or grants of $100 for approved block parties. 24-1269 Work completed
  51. 6.D.3. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 6-97 of the Code of Ordinances to change the effective date for the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance. 24-1457 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 159:02
  52. 6.D.4. That, effective January 1, 2025, the City Council shall no longer review and approve applications for block parties, and that the City Clerk shall assume responsibility for final approval of applications for block parties. 24-1510 Approved Pass
  53. 6.E. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
  54. 6.E.1. Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 23, 2024. 24-1509 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 159:55
  55. 6.E.2. New Garage License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor St, 242 vehicles inside, 0 vehicles outside for storing vehicles only, 7 days a week 24 hours. 24-1043 Approved Pass
  56. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  57. 7.1. Requesting approval of a Deed, Easement and Grant of Maintenance License for 808 Windsor Street. 24-1503 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 26:41
  58. 7.2. Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $940,000 from the tax levy to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Firefighters Local 76. 24-1511 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:24
  59. 7.3. Requesting the appropriation of $233,881 from the Salary Contingency, Salaries account to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with Firefighters Local 76. 24-1512 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:43
  60. 7.4. Requesting approval of an extension for 15 months with a new expiration date of 3/31/2026, and an increase of $68,227.63, for the University of Massachusetts Boston for research and implementation services for the Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot. 24-1513 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 29:04
  61. 7.5. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $500,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for the Blessing of the Bay MassTrails improvement project. 24-1491 Referred for recommendation
  62. 7.6. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $171,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for a Special Response Team rescue vehicle. 24-1260 Referred for recommendation
  63. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  64. 8.1. City Solicitor requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss a recent decision in Cobble Hill Center, LLC v. Somerville Redevelopment Authority. 24-1520 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 35:47
  65. 8.2. Director of Health and Human Services conveying the Board of Health Annual Report for 2023. 24-1432 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 165:10
  66. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  67. 9.1. New Drainlayer's License, A & B Services, Inc. 24-1492 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:38
  68. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, DOG Excavation. 24-1504 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  69. 9.3. Renewing Lodging House License, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, 98 Professors Row. 24-1494 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  70. 9.4. Renewing Outdoor Goods License, 130 Broadway, LLC, 130 Broadway. 24-1495 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  71. 9.5. New Second Hand Dealer License, Vintage Treasures, 482 Broadway. 24-1493 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  72. 9.6. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie Street. 24-1497 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  73. 9.7. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Brake, 45 Broadway. 24-1496 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  74. 9.8. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Joy St Motors, 24 Joy Street. 24-1498 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  75. 9.9. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Somerville Motors, Inc., 182 Washington Street. 24-1499 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  76. 9.10. Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 115 Pearl Street. 24-1519 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  77. 9.11. Madeleine Finkenaur applying for a Public Event License for Fall Samhain Festival on October 25 from 6pm to 11:30pm. 24-1500 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  78. 9.12. Dominique Stassart applying for a Public Event License for Halloween Trick or Treat on October 31 from 3pm to 8pm. 24-1501 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  79. 9.13. Veterans Services Division applying for a Public Event License for Henry Hansen Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 7 from 8:30am to 10:30am. 24-1518 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  80. 9.14. Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for 10th Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll on December 7 from 10am to 7pm (raindate December 8). 24-1502 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:48
  81. 78 page break
  82. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  83. 10.1. Commending Patricia Contente for sixteen years of dedicated service to the City of Somerville. 24-1535 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:06
  84. 10.2. That the Chief of Police provide an explanation regarding why there was no police assistance or crossing guard coverage at the intersection of Curtis Street and Powderhouse Boulevard during school drop-off hours on October 23, 2024. 24-1529 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 165:27
  85. 10.3. That the Chief of Police, in collaboration with the Director of Mobility, develop and present a plan to ensure that crossing guards are adequately stationed at critical intersections near schools during high-traffic hours and that, in the absence of crossing guards, police officers are deployed to ensure the safety of students and families. 24-1530 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 167:21
  86. 10.4. Conveying an update on the activities of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund (JCRT). 24-1526 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 167:48
  87. 10.5. Conveying an update on the activities of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 24-1527 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 169:31
  88. 10.6. Celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week. 24-1536 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 14:57
  89. 10.7. That this Council hereby welcomes Nina Bear Ewen-Campen to Somerville, extends its best wishes to her very proud parents, and looks forward to Nina’s bright future in Somerville. 24-1528 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 171:27
  90. 10.8. Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Crossing Easement Agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). 24-1531 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 141:28
  91. 10.9. Harvard University conveying its Fall 2024 Accountability Report. 24-1524 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 172:00
  92. 10.10. Tufts University conveying its Fall 2024 Accountability Report. 24-1525 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 172:00
  93. 10.11. 1,034 individuals, including two residents, submitting comments re: ceasefire. 24-1534 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 172:00
  94. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  95. 11. LATE ITEMS
  96. 11.1. That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Water and Sewer implement a minimum 24-hours notice policy prior to any planned water service interruption. 24-1542 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 174:25
  97. 94 The meeting was Adjourned at 9:59 PM.