docketcity.com
Home › Somerville › Meetings

City Council

June 27, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 109 items

  1. 1 Published June 25, 2024, 12:15 PM, Revised June 27, 2024 12:15 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_WsxRynTiROyOp5v06Q9Njg 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.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-0997 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:32
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-0998 Approved ▶ jump to 1:24
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 23, 2024. 24-0999 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:23
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 2.1. Commending Arn Franzen on the occasion of his retirement from the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division after more than 20 years of distinguished service. 24-0903 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:34
  11. 9 page break
  12. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  13. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 32 feet of conduit in Mount Pleasant Street, from Utility Pole 243/3 to a point of pickup at 24-28 Mount Pleasant Street. 24-0993 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 16:30
  14. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  15. 4.1. That the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Moreland Street from Main Street to Mystic Avenue. 24-0972 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 51:00
  16. 4.2. That the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Meacham Street from Edgar Avenue to Fremont Street. 24-0973 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 50:59
  17. 4.3. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 50:59
  18. 4.4. That the Director of Mobility install solar powered YOUR SPEED IS signs on Moreland Street between Main Street and Meacham Street. 24-0975 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 50:59
  19. 4.5. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 50:59
  20. 4.6. That the Commissioner of Public Works install big belly trash barrels at the intersection of Meacham and Moreland Streets. 24-0977 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 51:23
  21. 4.7. Celebrating the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, recognizing July as Disability Pride Month and the 26th of July as Americans with Disabilities Act Day. 24-0978 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 17:16
  22. 4.8. In his capacity as President, cancelling this Council's Regular meetings scheduled for July 25 and August 8, 2024. 24-0970 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 51:43
  23. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  24. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  25. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  26. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on June 25, 2024. 24-0981 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 51:57
  27. 6.A.2. Requesting approval of a transfer of $40,000 from the Kennedy Pool Electricity Account to the Kennedy Pool Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to increase employees for programs. 24-0681 Placed on file Pass
  28. 6.A.3. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $385 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for transcription services. 24-0697 Approved Pass
  29. 6.A.4. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $250 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for translation/interpretation services. 24-0698 Approved Pass
  30. 6.A.5. Requesting approval to accept a gift valued at $18,000, from Boston's Office of Emergency Management to the Department of Public Works for a generator. 24-0719 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.6. Requesting approval to settle a claim for $7,182 pursuant to Section 2-124 of the Code of Ordinances. 24-0767 Approved Pass
  32. 6.A.7. Requesting approval of a transfer of $7,182 from the Unemployment Compensation account to the Law Department Judgments and Settlements account to settle a pending claim. 24-0768 Approved Pass
  33. 6.A.8. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $60,067 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the traffic safety program. 24-0772 Approved Pass
  34. 6.A.9. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Mobility Division for traffic safety improvements at the Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway intersection. 24-0773 Placed on file Pass
  35. 6.A.10. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for a multi-use trail at Blessing of the Bay park. 24-0774 Placed on file Pass
  36. 6.A.11. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from the Barr Foundation to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Mobility Division for the National Association of City Transportation Officials Designing Cities 2024 Conference Registration. 24-0775 Approved Pass
  37. 6.A.12. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $199.99 using available funds in the Police Department In Service Training account for public relations training for first responders. 24-0784 Approved Pass
  38. 6.A.13. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,120 using available funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical account for random drug screening and breath alcohol testing. 24-0785 Approved Pass
  39. 6.A.14. City Clerk submitting recommendations for adjustments to certain fees charged by the City Clerk’s Office, effective July 1, 2024. 24-0798 Approved Pass
  40. 6.A.15. Requesting approval to accept and expend a non-monetary grant with no new match required, from the Department of Energy Resources to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for technical assistance for writing a municipal building decarbonization roadmap. 24-0852 Approved Pass
  41. 6.A.16. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $4,573.32 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works (DPW) for the Recycling Dividend Program. 24-0853 Approved Pass
  42. 6.A.17. Requesting approval of a transfer of $78,148.40 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM)-Engineering & Architecture Account to the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continuing street, sidewalk, and pavement condition assessment and design services. 24-0856 Approved Pass
  43. 6.A.18. Requesting approval of a transfer of $927,590.89 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM)-Capital Projects Engineering & Architecture Account to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design services. 24-0857 Approved Pass
  44. 6.A.19. Requesting approval of a transfer of $74,160 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM)-Capital Projects Professional & Technical Account to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design services. 24-0858 Approved Pass
  45. 6.A.20. Requesting the appropriation of $1,001,750.89 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design services. 24-0859 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 59:08
  46. 6.A.21. Requesting the appropriation of $78,148.40 from the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continuing street, sidewalk, and pavement condition assessment and design services. 24-0860 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 59:08
  47. 6.A.22. Requesting authorization to borrow $1,271,785 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the purchase of Fire Pumper apparatus. 24-0876 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 59:08
  48. 6.A.23. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $750 using available funds in the Human Resources Advertising account for advertising costs of vacant positions. 24-0896 Approved Pass
  49. 6.A.24. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $181.92 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services account for confidential paper shredding services. 24-0897 Approved Pass
  50. 6.A.25. Requesting approval of a transfer of $109,428 from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Planning, Preservation and Zoning Division Professional Services account to the OSPCD Administration Division Legal Services account to pay outstanding legal fees related to the 90 Washington Street litigation. 24-0900 Approved Pass
  51. 6.A.26. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,847.47 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas account for Edgerly School natural gas. 24-0905 Approved Pass
  52. 6.A.27. That the Administration provide this Council with an up-to-date report on the financial activity of the Handicapped Parking Violation Fees fund. 24-0910 Work completed
  53. 6.B. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  54. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on June 24, 2024. 24-0980 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:07
  55. 6.B.2. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for use of an Unmanned Aerial System at the 2024 Somerville Police Department Junior Police Academy. 24-0912 Approved Pass
  56. 6.B.3. That the Committee on Legislative Matters recommends that this Council approve a new submission of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for exterior cameras at fire stations that is consistent with the draft discussed in Committee on June 24, 2024. 24-1010 Approved Pass
  57. 6.C. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
  58. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on June 26, 2024. 24-0982 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 62:46
  59. 6.C.2. New Flammables License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor Street, storing 3,549 gallons. 24-0793 Approved Pass
  60. 6.D. TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE
  61. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on June 24, 2024. 24-0979 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 63:50
  62. 6.D.2. That the Director of Engineering assess the timing of the traffic light at Main Street and Broadway and consider lengthening the cycle time. 24-0662 Work completed
  63. 6.D.3. Green Cab Company, Inc. requesting an increase in the taxicab meter rate to $3.80 for the first 1/8 of a mile, $0.50 for each additional 1/8 of a mile and $32 per hour waiting time. 24-0701 Approved Pass
  64. 6.D.4. That the Director of Mobility begin a public process to determine how to manage traffic issues on Benton Road in light of the upcoming change of Central Street to a one-way from Summer Street to Highland Avenue. 24-0791 Work completed
  65. 6.D.5. That the Director of Mobility daylight the corner of Maple Avenue and School Street. 24-0901 Work completed
  66. 6.D.6. That the Director of Parking place SLOW CHILDREN and NOT A THROUGH STREET signs on Alston Street by the corner of Cross Street. 24-0922 Work completed
  67. 6.D.7. That the Director of Parking discuss the policy around restricted parking signs during construction and how to limit negative impacts in the community. 24-0925 Work completed
  68. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  69. 7.1. Requesting approval of a Deed and Maintenance Agreement for Leonard Grimes Park at 31 Tufts Street. 24-0987 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 67:57
  70. 7.2. Requesting approval to appropriate $40,662.50 from the Street Tree Stabilization Fund for the Tree Inventory Update project. 24-0971 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:10
  71. 7.3. Requesting approval to accept and expend an $8,500 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program. 24-0956 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 70:58
  72. 7.4. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $2,900 grant with no new match required, from Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for the Senior Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program. 24-0957 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 71:45
  73. 7.5. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for exterior cameras at fire stations. 24-0988 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 62:25
  74. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  75. 8.1. City Clerk submitting an amendment to Section 13-6.1 of the Code of Ordinances to increase taxicab meter rates. 24-0995 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 72:31
  76. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  77. 9.1. Renewing Drainlayer's License, K.B. Aruda Construction Inc. 24-0955 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:03
  78. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Vinny Mofford Excavation LLC. 24-0994 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  79. 9.3. Somerville Museum applying for a Public Event License for Docent Openings for various dates between June 22 and October 31. 24-0992 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  80. 9.4. Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for MAMAS East Somerville neighborhood party on June 30 from 12pm to 6pm. 24-0991 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  81. 9.5. Department of Racial and Social Justice applying for a Public Event License for Disability Pride Flag Commemoration on July 11 from 4pm to 6:30pm (raindate July 24). 24-0958 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  82. 9.6. Portuguese-American Civic League applying for a Public Event License for Annual Holy Ghost Feast Procession on July 12 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. 24-0990 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  83. 9.7. Portuguese-American Civic League applying for a Public Event License for Annual Holy Ghost Feast on July 12 and July 13 from 6pm to 12am and on July 14 from 10am to 12am. 24-0963 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  84. 9.8. Dan Flynn applying for a Public Event License for Ivaloo/Harrison/Kent Streets BP on July 13 from 12pm to 5pm. 24-0989 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  85. 9.9. Melissa Kelly applying for a Public Event License for Alpine/Princeton Street BP on July 20 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate July 27). 24-0996 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  86. 9.10. Get to the Gig Boston applying for a Public Event License for NICE, a fest Vendor Market on July 26, July 27, and July 28 from 10am to 11pm. 24-0959 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  87. 9.11. Get To The Gig Boston applying for a Public Event License for NICE, a fest Vendor Market #2 on July 27 from 10am to 11pm (raindate July 28). 24-0960 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  88. 9.12. Macy Coffey applying for a Public Event License for Lowden Ave BP on July 27 from 12pm to 8:30pm (raindate July 28). 24-0961 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  89. 9.13. The Queer Theatre Project applying for a Public Event License for Shakesqueer in the Park! on August 24 and August 25 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate September 7 and September 8). 24-0962 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:02
  90. 9.14. Bridget Duffy and Naticia Hutchins submitting comments re: road safety grant. 24-0965 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 79:14
  91. 9.15. Donald Cronin and Nathanael Clauser submitting comments re: Somerville Municipal Employees Association. 24-0966 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 79:17
  92. 9.16. Felix Katzman submitting comments re: the Jewish community. 24-0967 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 79:18
  93. 9.17. Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: McGrath Boulevard. 24-0968 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 79:18
  94. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  95. 10.1. That the Director of Mobility change the intersection of Meacham and Fremont Streets to a 4 WAY STOP. 24-1004 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 50:59
  96. 10.2. That the ADA Coordinator provide this Council with an update on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Task Force. 24-1005 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 79:22
  97. 10.3. That the Director of Economic Development discuss with this Council ways to provide small businesses with financial and technical support when impacted by construction and other emergencies. 24-1008 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 79:38
  98. 10.4. That the Administration work with the vendor to review the certification and re-certification processes for affordable housing units and identify ways to streamline the process and make it less onerous for residents. 24-1009 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 81:08
  99. 10.5. Requesting the appropriation of $103,190 from the FY 2025 Salary Contingency, Salaries Account to various Fire Alarm Personal Services Accounts to fund the Memorandum of Agreement between the City and Firefighters Association of Somerville, Local 76, Fire Alarm Unit. 24-1007 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:49
  100. 10.6. Finance Director responding to item #24-0910, a Resolution requesting an up-to-date report on the financial activity of the Handicapped Parking Violation Fees fund. 24-1006 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 83:25
  101. 10.7. Christopher Rosol submitting comments re: cyclist safety. 24-1000 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 83:40
  102. 10.8. Derek DuPont and Samantha Caveny submitting comments re: road safety grant. 24-1001 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 83:41
  103. 10.9. Michael Femia submitting comments re: police funding. 24-1002 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 83:40
  104. 10.10. Jenn Harrington submitting comments re: city leadership. 24-1003 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 83:40
  105. 11. LATE ITEMS
  106. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  107. 11.1. Requesting approval to execute the Third Amendment to the lease agreement with Dana Family Series, LLC, for the Grove Street parking lot, through June 30, 2025. 24-0720 Approved Pass
  108. 11.2. That the Somerville Police Department increase patrols in and around the Mystic View Residences for July and August. 24-1011 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 83:57
  109. 106 The meeting was Adjourned at 8:28 PM on a roll call vote of 9 in favor (McLaughlin, Wilson, Sait, Mbah, Burnley, Clingan, Strezo, Pineda Neufeld, Ewen-Campen), 0 opposed, 2 absent (Davis, Scott).