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October 10, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 96 items

  1. 1 Published October 8, 2024, 1:30 PM, Revised Published October 10, 2024 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_aeHSgJ2VQKSOON0gYLumZw 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 Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. The Council entered into recess at 8:34 PM and returned at 8:45 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-1474 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:23
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-1475 Approved ▶ jump to 0:59
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 12, 2024. 24-1476 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:38
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 8 page break
  12. 3.1. Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 34 feet of conduit in Foley Street, from an existing communications manhole to a point of pickup near 350 Assembly Row. 24-1435 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:48
  13. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from Manhole 20647 to a point of pickup at 453 Somerville Avenue. 24-1436 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:01
  14. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  15. 4.1. That the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility install ALL-WAY STOP signs and safety measures at the Cedar Street intersection with the Community Path. 24-1464 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 82:01
  16. 4.2. That city departments ensure timely communication and coordination for field line painting. 24-1463 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 88:12
  17. 4.3. That the Director of Mobility install a raised crosswalk at the intersection of Cedar Street and the Community Path. 24-1465 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 82:00
  18. 4.4. That the Director of Mobility explore ways to make the intersection of Gilman and Aldrich Streets safer, including adding clear signage and painting. 24-1466 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 92:41
  19. 4.5. In support of Ballot Question 2. 24-1467 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 24:37
  20. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  21. 5.1. Requesting approval of an Open Space Access Easement at 5 Middlesex Avenue and Harold Cohen Way. 24-1375 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 70:21
  22. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  23. 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
  24. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 2, 2024. 24-1469 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 104:40
  25. 6.A.2. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Shumeane Benford to the position of Chief of Police. 24-1170 Approved Pass
  26. 6.A.3. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Courtney Brunson to the Somerville Redevelopment Authority. 24-1226 Approved Pass
  27. 6.A.4. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lynn Richards to the Planning Board. 24-1232 Approved Pass
  28. 25 page break
  29. 6.B. OPEN SPACE, ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE
  30. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on October 3, 2024. 24-1470 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 108:03
  31. 6.B.2. That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment provide this Council with any updated plans and timelines for a municipal composting program. 24-0042 Work completed
  32. 6.B.3. That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment discuss with this Council the next steps for implementing the Climate Forward Plan. 24-1198 Work completed
  33. 6.C. RODENT ISSUES SPECIAL COMMITTEE
  34. 6.C.1. Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on September 30, 2024. 24-1468 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 110:06
  35. 6.C.2. That the Environmental Health Coordinator discuss the current contract with the pest control company that administers the city's rat abatement program. 24-0203 Work completed
  36. 6.C.3. That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the area at the intersection of Broadway and Glen Street for rodent activity. 24-1035 Work completed
  37. 6.C.4. That the City Solicitor review Ordinance 11-038 (Rodent Control) and provide opinions for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues on 1. whether city inspectors may enter onto private property; 2. how much time must elapse subsequent to the issuance of a citation for the city to “cause the work to be performed and charge the owner of the property and place a lien against the property for expenses incurred"; and 3. the minimum amount of time that may be imposed pursuant to 11-038 (e). 24-1275 Work completed
  38. 6.C.5. That the Environmental Health Manager prepare a written report for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues, on the number of Residential Rodent Control Assistance Program requests submitted from January 1, 2024 to date, including the average waiting time for inspections and bait station installation and a plan of action to expedite the process. 24-1277 Work completed
  39. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  40. 7.1. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:28
  41. 7.2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 3.2.6 Building Types of the Zoning Ordinance to allow the building types permitted in the Neighborhood Residence (NR) zoning district to also be permitted in the Urban Residence (UR) zoning district. 24-1447 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:39
  42. 7.3. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1 and 11.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to improve the regulation of bicycle parking. 24-1448 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:39
  43. 7.4. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2, 4-6, 8, and 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise the regulations for laboratory uses and buildings. 24-1460 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:39
  44. 7.5. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2, 3-6, and 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise the regulations for arts and creative enterprise, office, and residential uses. 24-1461 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:39
  45. 7.6. Requesting that this Council rescind item #23-0977, an appropriation of $1,300,000, from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a Feasibility Study. 24-1458 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 71:53
  46. 7.7. Requesting approval to appropriate $1,300,000 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a feasibility study to renovate or construct a new building to serve the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and that such new construction may also accommodate the enrollment needs of the Benjamin G. Brown School. 24-1459 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 71:53
  47. 7.8. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  48. 7.9. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  49. 7.10. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  50. 7.11. Requesting the transfer of $174,776 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve. 24-1431 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  51. 7.12. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  52. 7.13. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  53. 7.14. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  54. 7.15. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  55. 7.16. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  56. 7.17. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  57. 7.18. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  58. 7.19. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  59. 7.20. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  60. 7.21. Withdrawn. 24-1372 Withdrawn Pass
  61. 7.22. Withdrawn. 24-1376 Withdrawn Pass
  62. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  63. 8.1. City Solicitor responding to item #24-1275, an Order that the City Solicitor review and provide opinions regarding Ordinance 11-038 (Rodent Control) . 24-1433 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 113:52
  64. 8.2. SomerStat Director conveying an update on the Happiness Survey. 24-1455 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 51:32
  65. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  66. 9.1. Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street. 24-1437 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  67. 9.2. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 3 License, Ed's Used Auto Parts, 516 Columbia Street. 24-1438 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  68. 9.3. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Mystic Auto Sales, 712 Mystic Avenue. 24-1456 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  69. 9.4. Republic Fitness applying for a Public Event License for Republic Fitness Saturday Morning Outdoor Yoga Class on October 12, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, and November 23 from 9am to 11:30am. 24-1450 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  70. 9.5. David Margolin applying for a Public Event License for Highland Road BP 2024 on October 13 from 3pm to 7:30pm (raindate October 20). 24-1451 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  71. 9.6. Alexandra Feldman applying for a Public Event License for School Street BP on October 19 from 11am to 6pm (raindate October 26). 24-1462 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  72. 9.7. Garlic Enthusiasts MetroWest applying for a Public Event License for Poly Pumpkin Spice Meetup on October 19 from 12:30pm to 5pm (raindate October 26). 24-1452 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  73. 9.8. Daniel Wong applying for a Public Event License for Oak Street BP on October 19 from 1:30pm to 7pm (raindate October 20). 24-1439 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  74. 9.9. Emily Hardt applying for a Public Event License for Endicott Avenue & Neighborhood BP on October 20 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate October 27). 24-1440 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  75. 9.10. Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Truck O' Treat on October 24 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate October 31). 24-1441 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 79:06
  76. 9.11. Kelsey Coffin applying for a Public Event License for Partridge Ave Halloween Party on October 27 from 4pm to 10pm (raindate October 31). 24-1453 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  77. 9.12. Danielle Angelillo applying for a Public Event License for Halloween BP on October 31 from 3pm to 9pm. 24-1442 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  78. 9.13. Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Free Clothing Store on November 16 from 8am to 4pm (raindate November 17). 24-1454 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  79. 9.14. Harris Berenholz submitting comments re: ceasefire. 24-1449 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  80. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  81. 10.1. In support of safety and transparency on public transit. 24-1479 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:46
  82. 10.2. That the Administration explore opportunities to utilize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Catalyst Fund to spur new housing acquisition or production, particularly in the Winter Hill, Gilman Square, and East Somerville neighborhoods. 24-1480 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 115:53
  83. 10.3. That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the streetlights along Mystic Avenue between the Medford line and Temple Street. 24-1481 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 121:45
  84. 10.4. That the Director of Mobility install STOP signs making the intersections of Temple Street and the following streets 4-way stops: Bailey Road, Governor Winthrop Road, Puritan Avenue, Putnam Street, and Ten Hills Road. 24-1482 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 123:24
  85. 10.5. That the Director of Mobility install a flashing STOP sign on Puritan Avenue at its intersection with Temple Street. 24-1483 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 123:23
  86. 10.6. That the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Medford Street between Central and School Streets. 24-1484 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 123:23
  87. 10.7. That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to discuss the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)’s application to the Mass Architectural Access Board, on behalf of the City of Somerville, to circumvent Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. 24-1486 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 31:17
  88. 10.8. That the Director of Economic Development appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the immediate plans and short-term response efforts to best support and sustain small businesses, post-COVID. 24-1488 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 123:36
  89. 10.9. That the Chief of Police and the Director of Human Resources appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the current crossing guard staffing numbers and the recruitment plan for the 2024/2025 school year. 24-1489 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 125:06
  90. 10.10. Conveying information regarding the Construction Advisory Group. 24-1490 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 126:44
  91. 10.11. Requesting acceptance of an easement for a pedestrian bridge over the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line. 24-1477 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 113:38
  92. 10.12. Requesting acceptance of an open space access agreement for 5 Middlesex Avenue and Harold Cohen Way. 24-1478 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 70:25
  93. 10.13. Ani Ajemian applying for a Public Event License for Halloween on Heath on October 27 from 1pm to 9pm. 24-1487 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 130:46
  94. 10.14. Eileen Carranza submitting comments re: leaf blowers. 24-1485 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 130:56
  95. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  96. 93 The meeting was Adjourned at 9:12 PM.