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September 26, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 142 items

  1. 1 Published September 24, 2024, 1:40 PM, Revised September 26, 2024 12:00 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 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_aFlHrJHtRpaW5jL23XFa2A 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 City Council entered into recess at 7:39 PM and returned at 7:44 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-1405 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:21
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-1406 Approved ▶ jump to 1:01
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 22, 2024. 24-1407 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:25
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 3.1. Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on a new pole at 50 Brastow Avenue. 24-1361 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 6:42
  12. 10 page break
  13. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  14. 4.1. That the Chief of Police resume the practice of issuing tickets rather than warnings for serious moving violations that endanger public safety, including speeding and running red lights. 24-1392 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 66:09
  15. 4.2. That the Director of Mobility install speed limit signage, and update the signage to NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES and include scooters and mopeds, along the Community Path and at all its various entrances. 24-1394 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 70:41
  16. 4.3. That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council 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. 24-1396 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 77:46
  17. 4.4. That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss with this Council the recent cancellation and rescheduling of the Fall Festival originally scheduled for September 21st. 24-1397 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 80:24
  18. 4.5. That the Commissioner of Public Works provide this Council with a list of the elevators in all city buildings, the operational status of each elevator, and the maintenance and inspection records for each. 24-1398 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 85:27
  19. 4.6. That the Director of Mobility update this Council on the current timeline for the Highland Avenue Redesign Project. 24-1399 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 87:42
  20. 4.7. That the Chairman of the Board of Election Commissioners report to this Council, the number of in-person early voting ballots in each election since the inception of early voting, as well as the cost of early voting in the 2023 municipal election. 24-1401 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:21
  21. 4.8. That the Administration facilitate bike parking for large licensed public events in the city. 24-1400 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 90:55
  22. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  23. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  24. 6.A. EQUITY, GENDER, FAMILIES AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS COMMITTEE
  25. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on September 19, 2024. 24-1341 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 95:31
  26. 6.A.2. That the Administration provide an update on the Braille embosser purchased in summer 2023, including its current location and the plan to put it to use. 24-0428 Work completed
  27. 6.A.3. That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry provide this Council’s Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations with an update on the inclusive playground swing project being worked on in collaboration with parent advocates. 24-0911 Work completed
  28. 6.A.4. That the ADA Coordinator provide this Council with an update on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Task Force. 24-1005 Work completed
  29. 6.A.5. That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council how to serve residents through an ongoing transit equity program when the Taxi to Health program funding ends in October. 24-1032 Work completed
  30. 28 page break
  31. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  32. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 24, 2024. 24-1343 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 98:35
  33. 6.B.2. Requesting authorization to borrow $6,018,969 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for street and sidewalk reconstruction. 24-1225 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 101:42
  34. 6.B.3. Requesting approval to appropriate $56,215.42 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs for a BlueBike station at 200 Inner Belt Road. 24-1227 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 102:12
  35. 6.B.4. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for fourteen months with a new expiration date of 12/31/2025, for P Gioioso & Sons Inc for construction services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project. 24-1228 Approved Pass
  36. 6.B.5. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for twelve months with a new expiration date of 12/31/2025, for Stantec Consulting Services Inc for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project. 24-1229 Approved Pass
  37. 6.B.6. Requesting approval to accept and expend a technical assistance grant valued at $25,000 with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for sustainable and resilient zoning development. 24-1261 Approved Pass
  38. 6.B.7. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $770 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Food Supplies & Refreshments Account for food served at a Departmental Training meeting with Department Heads. 24-1309 Approved Pass
  39. 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  40. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 17, 2024. 24-1339 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 102:43
  41. 6.C.2. Conveying the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for exterior cameras at fire stations. 24-0693 Placed on file Pass
  42. 6.C.3. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to add Sections 8-375 through 8-381 to promote and enforce safer construction practices. 24-0716 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 104:45
  43. 6.D. OPEN SPACE, ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE
  44. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on September 19, 2024. 24-1340 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 105:42
  45. 6.D.2. That the Administration explain the issues that are preventing Reavis Field from opening and how the process may be expedited. 24-0086 Work completed
  46. 6.E. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
  47. 6.E.1. Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on September 23, 2024. 24-1342 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 9:47
  48. 6.E.2. That the Director of Libraries, and other relevant departments, appear before this Council’s Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations to discuss the plans for the library closing in the middle of the day and what immediate steps are being taken to reopen the library during this time period to best support library staff and patrons. 24-1263 Work completed
  49. 6.E.3. That the Administration and relevant city departments discuss an immediate action plan to address the increase of fights happening at Edward L. Leathers Community Park after students are released from school. 24-1267 Work completed
  50. 6.E.4. That the Administration discuss the sufficiency of after school programs for high school students and the methods of outreach and guidance to ensure that all students have access to activities that meet their needs and interests. 24-1270 Work completed
  51. 6.E.5. That the Administration discuss the scope and limitations of staff at Somerville High School to supervise high school students in the after school period. 24-1271 Work completed
  52. 6.E.6. That the Administration update this Council on the status of the process to provide the resources and programming needed to safely re-open the Central Library during mid-day hours. 24-1273 Work completed
  53. 6.E.7. That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer provide a record of all calls to first responders regarding incidents at all Somerville Public Library locations since September 1, 2023. 24-1295 Work completed
  54. 6.E.8. That the Administration explore activating Somerville High School for community uses outside of school hours. 24-1305 Work completed
  55. 6.E.9. Conveying full support for the Public Library Board of Trustees and Director of Libraries in their efforts to maintain safe and accessible library environments for patrons and employees alike. 24-1313 Work completed
  56. 6.E.10. Conveying an invitation to the public to a community conversation about resources needed to restore full library access, hosted by Somerville's youth community and Somerville Municipal Employees Association members. 24-1314 Work completed
  57. 6.E.11. That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator take the necessary measures to ensure ADA compliance for the second floor of 165 Broadway for the purposes of expanding youth services. 24-1326 Approved and sent for discussion Pass
  58. 6.F. SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
  59. 6.F.1. Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on September 25, 2024. 24-1344 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 110:22
  60. 6.F.2. That the Administration provide the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance with regular updates about the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for the Winter Hill and Brown Schools. 24-0466 Approved and sent for discussion Pass
  61. 6.F.3. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the Construction Advisory Group for the planned construction project to replace the Winter Hill and Brown schools. 24-1284 Work completed
  62. 6.G. TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE
  63. 6.G.1. Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on September 16, 2024. 24-1338 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 116:30
  64. 6.G.2. That the Director of Parking update this Council on efforts to ticket vehicles with illegal license covers, including how many tickets have been issued for this reason in the last year. 24-0450 Work completed
  65. 6.G.3. That the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Moreland Street from Main Street to Mystic Avenue. 24-0972 Work completed
  66. 6.G.4. That the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Meacham Street from Edgar Avenue to Fremont Street. 24-0973 Work completed
  67. 6.G.5. That the Director of Mobility install additional signage to address illegal turns up Moreland Street to access East Albion Street from Mystic Avenue. 24-0974 Work completed
  68. 6.G.6. That the Director of Mobility install solar powered YOUR SPEED IS signs on Moreland Street between Main Street and Meacham Street. 24-0975 Work completed
  69. 6.G.7. That the Director of Mobility install new, more visible STOP signs at the intersections of Meacham and Moreland Streets and Meacham and Fremont Streets to address drivers failing to stop. 24-0976 Work completed
  70. 6.G.8. That the Director of Mobility change the intersection of Meacham and Fremont Streets to a 4 WAY STOP. 24-1004 Work completed
  71. 6.G.9. That the Administration and this Council work with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to address long-standing issues with service reliability with the Union Square (D-line) branch of the Green Line. 24-1058 Work completed
  72. 6.G.10. Jarred Johnson submitting comments re: Green Line Extension. 24-1062 Work completed
  73. 6.G.11. That the Administration update the Ward Six Councilor on the process for monitoring and adjusting traffic signals in Davis Square. 24-1208 Work completed
  74. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  75. 7.1. Requesting approval of an Open Space Access Easement at 5 Middlesex Avenue and Harold Cohen Way. 24-1375 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 56:58
  76. 7.2. Requesting approval to appropriate $141,300 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the E911 Personal Services Other Lump Sum Benefits Account to fund a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU/Local 888 E911 Call Taker/Dispatcher's Union. 24-1337 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 64:22
  77. 7.3. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 121:06
  78. 7.4. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 121:09
  79. 7.5. Requesting the appropriation of $46,170 from the Salary Contingency account to various E911 Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with SEIU/Local 888, E911 Call Taker/Dispatcher Union. 24-1336 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:39
  80. 7.6. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 121:11
  81. 7.7. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 121:12
  82. 7.8. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 121:13
  83. 7.9. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 121:15
  84. 7.10. Requesting approval of an exemption for Peter George as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). 24-1370 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:18
  85. 7.11. Requesting approval of an exemption for Marco Osoy as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). 24-1369 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:16
  86. 7.12. Requesting approval of an exemption for Johnathan Tsirigotis as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). 24-1368 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:17
  87. 85 page break
  88. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  89. 8.1. City Solicitor responding to item #24-1290, an order requesting an opinion regarding spot zoning. 24-1330 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 125:31
  90. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  91. 9.1. New Drainlayer's License, Commonwealth Construction & Utilities. 24-1402 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  92. 9.2. New Drainlayer's License, TID Trenchless LLC. 24-1345 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  93. 9.3. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Bassco Excavating. 24-1403 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  94. 9.4. New Sign / Awning License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 61 Washington Street, 4 signs. 24-1346 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  95. 9.5. Renewing Garage License, Broadway Gulf Inc., 212 Broadway. 24-1347 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  96. 9.6. Renewing Garage License, New England Collision Center Inc., 224 Somerville Avenue. 24-1348 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  97. 9.7. Renewing Lodging House License, Alpha Phi, 14 Sawyer Avenue. 24-1350 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  98. 9.8. Renewing Lodging House License, Kappa Alpha, 25 Whitfield Road. 24-1349 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  99. 9.9. Renewing Lodging House License, Theta Chi, 100 Packard Avenue. 24-1351 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  100. 9.10. Renewing Lodging House License, Zeta Beta Tau, 126 Packard Avenue. 24-1352 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  101. 9.11. Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Great Eastern Vintage, 236 Pearl Street. 24-1353 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  102. 9.12. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Auto Plus LLC, 229 Lowell Street. 24-1357 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  103. 9.13. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Gulf, Inc., 212 Broadway. 24-1358 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  104. 9.14. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 1 License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 259 McGrath Highway. 24-1355 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  105. 9.15. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 1 License, Mercedes Benz of Boston Commercial Vans, 161 Linwood Street. 24-1356 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  106. 9.16. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 1 License, Smart Center Boston, 257 McGrath Highway. 24-1354 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  107. 9.17. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway. 24-1404 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  108. 9.18. Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 76 School Street. 24-1359 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  109. 9.19. Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 6 Main Street. 24-1360 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  110. 9.20. Odd Numbered Records applying for a Public Event License for oDD nUMBERED rECORDS Concert Series on September 29 and October 6 from 2pm to 6pm (raindate October 13). 24-1363 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  111. 9.21. Harris Gruman applying for a Public Event License for HONK! Festival on October 4, 5, and 6 for various start and end times. 24-1364 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  112. 9.22. Tadhg Pearson applying for a Public Event License for Munroe Play Street on October 4, 11, 18, 25, and 31 from 2:30pm to 8:30pm. 24-1393 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  113. 9.23. Bow Market applying for a Public Event License for Curated Vintage Market on October 13 from 9am to 9pm (raindate November 3). 24-1365 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  114. 9.24. Jeremy Blackowicz applying for a Public Event License for Kingston Street BP on October 19 from 12pm to 9pm (raindate October 20). 24-1366 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  115. 9.25. Racial and Social Justice applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Annual Domestic Violence Vigil on October 30 from 5pm to 7:30pm (raindate October 31). 24-1362 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:42
  116. 9.26. Charles DeCecca requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 501 Mystic Valley Parkway from Neighborhood Residence (NR) to Urban Residence (UR). 24-1367 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 126:14
  117. 9.27. Brian Kim and Nancy Iappini submitting comments re: Davis Square. 24-1389 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 126:03
  118. 9.28. Ellen Jacobs and Chris Devers submitting comments re: Library closures. 24-1390 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 126:04
  119. 9.29. 300 individuals submitting comments re: ceasefire. 24-1391 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 126:05
  120. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  121. 10.1. Commending Jay Colbert on the auspicious occasion of his retirement after over 36 years of distinguished service to the Fire Department. 24-1427 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:38
  122. 10.2. That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development review the Gilman Square Urban Study and update this Council before the end of FY 2025 about the feasibility of pursuing that model. 24-1411 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 21:16
  123. 10.3. That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development begin the process of engaging with the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council on their long-term plans to develop Gilman Square and update this Council before the end of FY 2025 on how the Administration plans to produce community-driven development. 24-1412 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 21:15
  124. 10.4. That the Director of Inspectional Services submit a written report of outstanding 311 requests submitted for the Edgerly School building and provide an update to this Council with a plan to ensure that staff and students have safe and appropriate facilities. 24-1413 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 43:17
  125. 10.5. That the Chief of Police update this Council on how the Police Department will ensure members of the public remain separated during counter-protests. 24-1414 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 126:36
  126. 10.6. That the Director of Parks and Recreation provide this Council with the list of youth program offerings, their cap and their enrollment data in 2023 and 2024. 24-1415 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 140:30
  127. 10.7. That the Director of Mobility work with the Ward 5 Councilor on installing bike parking next to Neighborhood Produce after the Broadway at Boston Avenue intersection work is completed. 24-1416 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 141:11
  128. 10.8. That the Chief Assessor determine the ownership of open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue to determining who is responsible for maintenance. 24-1418 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 142:31
  129. 10.9. That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue for rodent activity and bait accordingly. 24-1419 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 142:30
  130. 10.10. That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue of trash and debris. 24-1420 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 142:30
  131. 10.11. That the Director of Parking install a NO THROUGH STREET sign on Alston Street by the Cross Street intersection. 24-1421 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 142:30
  132. 10.12. That the Tree Warden inspect the trees behind Chester Avenue and address falling limbs. 24-1422 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 142:30
  133. 10.13. That the Director of Inspectional Services address graffiti on Alston Street and ensure the property owners are maintaining their properties. 24-1423 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 142:30
  134. 10.14. That the Director of Mobility place a sided bump on Alston Street. 24-1424 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 142:30
  135. 10.15. That the Director of Mobility prioritize Alston Street for a potential Neighborways project. 24-1425 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 142:30
  136. 10.16. That the Director of Parking enforce parking permit laws on Alston Street. 24-1426 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 142:30
  137. 10.17. Requesting approval of an exemption for James McEwen as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). 24-1373 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 125:20
  138. 10.18. Kristin Anderson and David White submitting comments re: Alewife Brook. 24-1408 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 144:09
  139. 10.19. 3 individuals submitting comments re: ceasefire. 24-1409 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 144:08
  140. 137 The meeting was Adjourned at 9:26 PM.
  141. 10.20. Christopher Rosol submitting comments re: cyclist safety. 24-1428 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 144:08
  142. 11. ADJOURNMENT