docketcity.com
Home › Somerville › Meetings

City Council

June 13, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 114 items

  1. 1 Published June 11, 2024, 12:55 PM, Revised Published June 13, 2024, 10:30 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_v5ceoNj3Q7GOy2FbcqAtCQ 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 recess at 7:40 PM and returned at 7:51 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-0915 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:18
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-0916 Approved ▶ jump to 1:04
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 9, 2024. 24-0917 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:05
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 7 page break
  11. 2.1. Commending the Community Growing Center for 30 years of service and commitment to green spaces. 24-0906 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:14
  12. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  13. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 102 feet of conduit in Revolution Drive from Manhole #26211 to a point of pickup at the intersection of Revolution Drive and Assembly Square Drive. 24-0862 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 17:03
  14. 3.2. Cambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install 60 feet of conduit in Mystic Avenue from existing Eversource Manhole #22835 to a proposed Handhole, then continuing to a point of pickup at Utility Pole #249/9 located near 75 Mystic Avenue. 24-0863 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 17:51
  15. 3.3. Cambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install 43 feet of conduit in Mystic Avenue from existing Eversource Manhole #22834 to a proposed Handhole, then continuing to Utility Pole #249/4 located near 29 Mystic Avenue. 24-0864 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 18:43
  16. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  17. 4.1. That the Director of Mobility daylight the corner of Maple Avenue and School Street. 24-0901 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 86:43
  18. 14 page break
  19. 4.2. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 86:59
  20. 4.3. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 87:27
  21. 4.4. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 87:52
  22. 4.5. That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development update this Council on the possibility of receiving additional federal financing for transit-oriented development through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA 49) initiative and the potential eligibility of projects in Somerville. 24-0909 Approved as amended and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 98:12
  23. 19 page break
  24. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  25. 5.1. Requesting approval of a conveyance and grant of easement for Leonard Grimes Park at 31 Tufts Street. 24-0656 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 101:44
  26. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  27. 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
  28. 23 page break
  29. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on June 11, 2024. 24-0885 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 35:23
  30. 6.A.2. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alyssa DuBois to the Board of Health. 24-0581 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.3. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Margaret H. Coit to the Board of Health. 24-0582 Approved Pass
  32. 6.A.4. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Matthew Kane to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 24-0803 Approved Pass
  33. 6.A.5. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael Finnegan to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 24-0804 Approved Pass
  34. 6.B. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
  35. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on June 11, 2024. 24-0884 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 103:11
  36. 6.B.2. Requesting approval of the proposed 2024-2028 Department of Housing and Urban Development 5-Year Consolidated Plan, One Year Action Plan, and Community Participation Plan for Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership, and Emergency Solutions Grant programming. 24-0636 Approved Pass
  37. 6.B.3. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management address the structural safety and rodent issues with the city-owned building on Skilton Avenue. 24-0664 Work completed
  38. 6.B.4. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management devise and share with this Council a long-term plan for the city-owned building at 10 Skilton Avenue. 24-0665 Work completed
  39. 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  40. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 28, 2024. 24-0881 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 19:30
  41. 6.C.2. Amending Section 12-116 of the Code of Ordinances to create a Safe Streets ordinance, to expedite protected bike lanes. Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 22:39
  42. 6.D. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
  43. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on June 5, 2024. 24-0883 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 104:43
  44. 6.D.2. That the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on the plan to prioritize the deployment of masks and tests to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 24-0451 Work completed
  45. 6.E. SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
  46. 6.E.1. Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on May 29, 2024. 24-0882 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 107:18
  47. 6.E.2. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a report to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee with a risk assessment identifying and analyzing major risks to projects the department is currently overseeing. 24-0534 Work completed
  48. 6.E.3. That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Administration discuss with the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee, the status of science lab spaces at Somerville Public Schools and what is being done to safely reopen any closed lab features following a gas leak reported at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. 24-0535 Work completed
  49. 6.E.4. That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee, the installation of a floor cover for the gymnasium at Somerville High School to prevent damage to the floor and to expand the gym’s usability to non-athletic events. 24-0536 Work completed
  50. 6.E.5. That the Commissioner of Public Works report to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee on the timeline and progress toward installing water and electrical access at the Benjamin G. Brown School schoolyard. 24-0537 Work completed
  51. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  52. 7.1. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 111:40
  53. 7.2. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 111:57
  54. 7.3. Requesting the appropriation of $1,001,750.89 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design services. 24-0859 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 111:58
  55. 7.4. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 111:59
  56. 7.5. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of four months for PMA, LLC for Owner's Project Manager services for the Somerville High School project. 24-0769 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 85:59
  57. 7.6. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of four months with Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc. for design services for the Somerville High School project. 24-0770 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 86:37
  58. 7.7. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of five months for Suffolk Construction for Construction Manager services for the Somerville High School project. 24-0771 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 86:37
  59. 7.8. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:01
  60. 7.9. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:02
  61. 7.10. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:03
  62. 7.11. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:04
  63. 7.12. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:06
  64. 7.13. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:06
  65. 7.14. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:07
  66. 7.15. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:09
  67. 7.16. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of James M. Donovan to the position of Deputy Police Chief. 24-0895 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:11
  68. 7.17. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Johnson to the position of Firefighter. 24-0894 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:12
  69. 7.18. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jacob Luria to the Municipal Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund Board of Trustees. 24-0861 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 112:20
  70. 7.19. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 112:35
  71. 7.20. Proclaiming the week of May 12 through May 19, 2024 to be Taiwanese American Heritage Week. 24-0813 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 112:50
  72. 7.21. Proclaiming that Saturday, June 22, 2024 is Arbor Day in the City of Somerville. 24-0904 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 113:01
  73. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  74. 8.1. Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment conveying information regarding item #24-0575, a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. 24-0776 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 113:18
  75. 8.2. Planning Board conveying recommendations for item #24-0416. 24-0854 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 113:31
  76. 8.3. Director of Water and Sewer conveying the FY 2025 Water & Sewer Rate proposal. 24-0913 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 51:23
  77. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  78. 9.1. New Drainlayer's License, MC Excavation Inc. 24-0865 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 113:43
  79. 9.2. Renewing Flammables License, Cumberland Farms #2469, 701 Somerville Ave. 24-0868 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 113:56
  80. 9.3. Renewing Flammables License, Speedway #02513, 709 McGrath Hwy. 24-0867 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 113:57
  81. 9.4. Renewing Flammables License, Winter Hill Yacht Club, 500 Artisan Way. 24-0866 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 113:59
  82. 9.5. Renewing Garage License, Boston Sand and Gravel Company, 492R Rutherford Ave. 24-0871 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:01
  83. 9.6. Renewing Garage License, Drain Doctor, Inc, 612 Broadway. 24-0870 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:01
  84. 9.7. Renewing Garage License, Four Wheels Auto, 83A Albion St. 24-0869 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:02
  85. 9.8. New Outdoor Parking License, DM Collision Center LLC, 30 Joy St., 40 vehicles. 24-0874 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:04
  86. 9.9. Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Star Markets Company #2575, 275 Beacon St., 3 vehicles 24-0875 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:04
  87. 9.10. Renewing Taxi Medallion, Early Bird Transportation, LLC, Med. #49. 24-0872 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:06
  88. 9.11. Renewing Taxi Medallion, Sadel and G Transportation, Inc., Med. #70. 24-0873 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:08
  89. 9.12. Veterans Department applying for a Public Event License for PFC John J. Hayden, Jr. Hero Square Dedication on June 1 from 10am to 12pm. 24-0908 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 114:17
  90. 9.13. Veterans Department applying for a Public Event License for Mary F. MacDougall Considine Hero Square Dedication on June 1 from 12pm to 2pm. 24-0907 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 114:56
  91. 9.14. Rosa Carson applying for a Public Event License for Friday Dance Hour on June 14, June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, August 2, August 9, and August 30 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. 24-0893 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:11
  92. 9.15. Janine Fay applying for a Public Event License for Dancing in the Street on June 20 from 5pm to 9:30pm. 24-0891 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:12
  93. 9.16. Koryn Zammuto applying for a Public Event License for 4th of July Celebration at The Public on June 27 from 2pm to 10:30pm (raindate June 28). 24-0914 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:13
  94. 9.17. Camberville Community Music applying for a Public Event License for Marion St. BP on June 30 from 10am to 8pm. 24-0879 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:15
  95. 9.18. Glen Maganzini applying for a Public Event License for Kids Like You and Me's Summer Showdown! on July 6 from 12pm to 7pm (raindate July 7). 24-0892 Approved Pass
  96. 9.19. St. Benedict Parish applying for a Public Event License for A Mile with Jesus on July 7 from 12pm to 1:30pm. 24-0880 Approved Pass
  97. 9.20. Aaron Greiner applying for a Public Event License for Parkdale St BP on July 13 from 11am to 7pm (raindate July 14). 24-0878 Approved Pass
  98. 9.21. East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Summer in the Park on July 27 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate July 28). 24-0877 Approved Pass
  99. 9.22. Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) conveying the alteration of location of a section of State highway. 24-0855 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 115:21
  100. 9.23. Emily Duquette submitting comments re: item #24-0641, a Zoning Map Amendment for the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). 24-0898 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 115:30
  101. 9.24. 13 individuals, including 9 residents, submitting comments re: items #24-0680 and #24-0679, a Zoning Map and Zoning Text amendment to create the Somernova Innovation Sub-Area. 24-0899 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 115:42
  102. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  103. 10.1. That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the trash barrel on Broadway and Macarthur Street. 24-0923 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 116:00
  104. 10.2. That the Director of Inspectional Services provide the Ward 1 City Councilor with any tickets and fines associated with the Home Depot, Circuit City, and the surrounding area in the past ten years. 24-0920 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 116:52
  105. 10.3. That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the Home Depot, Circuit City, and surrounding area for code violations and report back to the Ward 1 City Councilor. 24-0921 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 116:52
  106. 10.4. That the Director of Inspectional Services (ISD) provide the Ward 1 City Councilor with a list of all ISD tickets issued in Ward 1 on May 6, 2024. 24-0924 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 117:45
  107. 10.5. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 118:23
  108. 10.6. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 118:35
  109. 10.7. 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 Referred for recommendation
  110. 10.8. Alexander Mathews submitting comments re: rent control. 24-0918 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 119:40
  111. 10.9. Susan Lee submitting comments re: items #24-0680 and #24-0679, a Zoning Map and Zoning Text amendment to create the Somernova Innovation Sub-Area. 24-0919 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 119:47
  112. 10.10. Karen Thurston submitting comments re: parking. 24-0926 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 120:02
  113. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  114. 111 The meeting was Adjourned at 9:00 PM.