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July 11, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 82 items

  1. 1 Published July 9, 2024, 1:30 PM, Revised Published July 11, 2024 1:00 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_MTeuSX2MQrGQ1WDmHlKBYg 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 Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. The City Council entered recess at 7:45 PM and returned at 7:52 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-1049 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:26
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-1050 Approved ▶ jump to 1:12
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 30, 2024. 24-1051 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:50
  9. 1.4. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 13, 2024. 24-1052 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:49
  10. 1.5. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of June 20, 2024. 24-1053 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:49
  11. 1.6. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of June 25, 2024. 24-1054 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:49
  12. 10 page break
  13. 2. CITATIONS
  14. 2.1. Commending Gene Brune on the auspicious occasion of his 95th birthday. 24-1030 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:09
  15. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  16. 3.1. Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 55 feet of conduit in North Street, from Utility Pole 190/4 to a point of pickup at 34 North Street. 24-1012 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:00
  17. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 1,488 feet of conduit and three proposed manholes, as follows: Starting from MH25391, at the intersection of Prospect Street and Webster Avenue, to 169 Tremont Street; from proposed MH32362, located at the intersection of Tremont Street and Webster Avenue, to existing MH30846 located at the intersection of Windsor Place and Columbia Street; from MH32362 connecting conduit to existing MH13072 and existing MH4118 located at the intersection of Webster Avenue and Columbia Street. 24-1023 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:49
  18. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  19. 4.1. That the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Director of SomerPromise and the Out of School Time Coordinator, report to the City Council on the status of children and teen participation in the summer recreation and education programs. 24-1029 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 87:05
  20. 4.2. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 93:17
  21. 4.3. That the Director of the Somerville Housing Authority discuss the Family Self Sufficiency Program, which assists public housing residents to reach financial goals, and how to expand its purpose, presence and usage. 24-1033 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 94:01
  22. 4.4. That the Director of Economic Development discuss outdoor seating policies and fees, especially pertaining to small businesses. 24-1034 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 97:01
  23. 4.5. That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the area at the intersection of Broadway and Glen Street for rodent activity. 24-1035 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 98:47
  24. 4.6. That the Somerville City Council reaffirm its opposition to lateral hires in the Fire Department. 24-1036 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 99:04
  25. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  26. 5.1. Requesting approval of a Deed and Maintenance Agreement for Leonard Grimes Park at 31 Tufts Street. 24-0987 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 84:23
  27. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  28. 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
  29. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on July 2, 2024. 24-1024 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 36:34
  30. 6.A.2. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Johnson to the position of Firefighter. 24-0894 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.3. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of James M. Donovan to the position of Deputy Police Chief. 24-0895 Approved Pass
  32. 6.B. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  33. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on July 9, 2024. 24-1025 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 102:44
  34. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  35. 7.1. Requesting approval of an exemption for Indira Evora under MGL c268A, s20(b). 24-1055 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 86:29
  36. 7.2. Requesting approval of an exemption for Gabrielle Vieira under MGL c268A, s20(b). 24-1056 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 86:54
  37. 7.3. Conveying updates to item 24-0987, Mayor requesting approval of a Deed and Maintenance Agreement for Leonard Grimes Park at 31 Tufts Street. 24-1028 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 84:38
  38. 7.4. Conveying a memorandum regarding items 24-0216 and 24-0988. 24-1037 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 118:05
  39. 7.5. Conveying a proposal to increase the Community Preservation Act surcharge. 24-1038 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 52:02
  40. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  41. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  42. 9.1. Renewing Drainlayer's License, D&R General Contracting. 24-1039 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:14
  43. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Environic Solutions Inc. 24-1040 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  44. 9.3. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 121:13
  45. 9.4. Renewing Garage License, GE Auto Repair, 631 Somerville Ave. 24-1041 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  46. 9.5. Renewing Livery License, Mass Cab, 45 Endicott Ave. 24-1042 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  47. 9.6. New Sign/Awning License, CultureHouse, 101 Franklin St, 5 signs. 24-1044 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  48. 9.7. New Sign/Awning License, CultureHouse, 134 Washington St, 16 signs. 24-1045 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  49. 9.8. Somerville Public Library applying for a Public Event License for ComixCon 2024 on July 20 from 9am to 5pm (raindate July 27). 24-1046 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  50. 9.9. Get To The Gig Boston applying for a Public Event License for NICE, a fest on July 26, July 27, July 28, and July 29 from 8am to 10pm (raindates August 3 and August 4). 24-1022 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  51. 9.10. Somerville Public Library applying for a Public Event License for Family Movie on the Lawn: Elemental on August 14 from 6pm to 10pm. 24-1047 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  52. 9.11. Suzannah Blass applying for a Public Event License for Summit Avenue BP on August 24 from 11am to 7pm (raindate August 25). 24-1020 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  53. 9.12. East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Summer in the Park: Back to School on August 24 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate August 25). 24-1021 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  54. 9.13. Somerville Museum applying for a Public Event License for Spark of the Revolution on September 1 from 9am to 2pm (raindate September 8). 24-1019 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  55. 9.14. Mathias Neuber applying for a Public Event License for Electric Avenue BP on September 7 from 11am to 6pm (raindate September 8). 24-1018 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  56. 9.15. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Evolution of Hip Hop on September 7 from 2pm to 9:30pm (raindate September 14). 24-1048 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  57. 9.16. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Rock and Roll Yard Sale on September 8 from 7am to 7pm (raindate September 15). 24-1017 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  58. 9.17. Society of S.S. Cosmas & Damian of Somerville & Cambridge applying for a Public Event License for Procession for S.S. Cosmas & Damian on September 8 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm (raindate September 15). 24-1016 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  59. 9.18. Helen Corrigan applying for a Public Event License for Irving Street BP on September 14 from 11am to 8:30pm (raindate September 15). 24-1014 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  60. 9.19. Nancy Mader applying for a Public Event License for Robinson Street BP on September 14 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate September 15). 24-1015 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  61. 9.20. Nelson Salazar applying for a Public Event License for Virginia Street BP on September 15 from 2:30pm to 9pm. 24-1013 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  62. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  63. 10.1. Conveying a report of the Children's Cabinet. 24-1057 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 87:47
  64. 10.2. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 6:38
  65. 10.3. In support of social cannabis consumption. 24-1068 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 11:25
  66. 10.4. In support of statewide natural psychedelics therapy. 24-1069 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 28:40
  67. 10.5. Recognizing July 15-21 as the Week of Visibility for Non-Monogamy. 24-1070 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:26
  68. 10.6. New Sign/Awning License, Union Square Main Streets, 1 Bow Market Way, 4 signs. 24-1063 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  69. 10.7. Communications and Community Engagement applying for a Public Event License for Ward 5 Slice of the City on July 22 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. 24-1071 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  70. 10.8. Peter Jehlen applying for a Public Event License for OPENAIR Circus on August 2 from 4pm to 9:30pm and on August 3 and 4 from 12pm to 5:30pm. 24-1061 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  71. 10.9. Kimberly Ford applying for a Public Event License for Francis St BP on August 3 from 1pm to 10pm (raindate August 10). 24-1060 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  72. 10.10. Priscilla Ribeiro applying for a Public Event License for National Night Out on August 6 from 10am to 11pm (raindate August 7). 24-1059 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  73. 10.11. Somerville Education Foundation applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Food Nation Celebration on September 6 from 3pm to 10pm (raindate September 13). 24-1064 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:13
  74. 10.12. Kids Like You and Me applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Underground Pop Arts and Performance Showcase on September 14 from 12pm to 6pm (raindate September 15). 24-1065 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 122:23
  75. 10.13. Brandon Wilson applying for a Public Event License for Josephine Ave BP on September 14 from 1:30pm to 9:30pm (raindate September 15). 24-1067 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 122:24
  76. 10.14. Nels Nelson applying for a Public Event License for Munroe St. Playtime on September 14 from 2pm to 11pm (raindate September 15). 24-1066 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 122:27
  77. 10.15. Jarred Johnson submitting comments re: Green Line Extension. 24-1062 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 6:38
  78. 11. LATE ITEMS
  79. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  80. 11.1. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $39,000 grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for the installation of security cameras for fire stations. 24-0216 Approved Pass
  81. 11.2. That the Administration and the Director of Human Resources notify this council whenever: a director-level job becomes vacant; a director-level job is posted; and a director-level hire is made, including the start date. 24-1072 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 129:25
  82. 79 The meeting was Adjourned at 9:15 PM on a roll call vote of 9 in favor (McLaughlin, Davis, Wilson, Sait, Scott, Mbah, Burnley, Strezo, Ewen-Campen), 0 opposed, and 2 absent (Clingan, Pineda Neufeld).