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April 25, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 118 items

  1. 1 Published April 23, 2024, 2:45 PM, Revised April 25, 2024, 10:55 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_-l6MX2llTluzAqokjIgfCA 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 7:02 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. The Council entered recess at 7:50 PM and returned at 7:53 PM. The Council entered recess at 9:03 PM and returned at 9:15 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-0604 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:26
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-0605 Approved ▶ jump to 1:12
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 28, 2024. 24-0606 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:46
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit in Quincy Street, from Utility Pole 296/6 to a point of pickup at 30 Quincy Street. 24-0552 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:56
  12. 10 page break
  13. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  14. 4.1. In support of An Act Relative to the Future of Clean Heat in the Commonwealth and An Act Establishing a Moratorium on New Gas System Expansion. 24-0583 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:23
  15. 4.2. In support of The I AM bill: An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products in Prisons, Homeless Shelters and Public Schools. 24-0584 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:16
  16. 4.3. In support of increased safety for sex workers. 24-0585 Approved as amended Pass ▶ jump to 23:33
  17. 4.4. That the Administration utilize American Rescue Plan Act money to address excessive water bills for residents. 24-0586 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 38:06
  18. 4.5. That the Administration develop a program to recruit and train Somerville High School students to become firefighters and police officers in Somerville. 24-0587 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 42:04
  19. 16 page break
  20. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  21. 5.1. Conveying an update on Police and Fire hiring. 24-0455 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 46:50
  22. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  23. 19 page break
  24. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  25. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 23, 2024. 24-0568 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 134:07
  26. 6.A.2. Requesting approval to appropriate $302,720 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to use as a Green Communities grant match to fund energy improvements for 42 Cross Street. 24-0412 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 136:14
  27. 6.A.3. Requesting authorization to borrow $7,310,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the FY 2024 Water Main Rehabilitation program as part of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority's Local Water System Assistance Program. 24-0476 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 136:14
  28. 6.A.4. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $108,373.07 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Natural Gas Account for natural gas expenses. 24-0485 Approved Pass
  29. 6.A.5. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $307.97 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Admin Postage Machine Rental Account for postage machine lease expenses. 24-0486 Approved Pass
  30. 6.A.6. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,780 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Rental Buildings Account for the lease of conduit to carry Fire Alarm equipment. 24-0487 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.7. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $224.67 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Bituminous Supplies Account for the purchase of asphalt. 24-0488 Approved Pass
  32. 6.A.8. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $493.08 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Motor Parts and Accessories Account for vehicle repair parts. 24-0489 Approved Pass
  33. 6.A.9. Requesting approval to enter into an 84- and 89-month contract renewal term with Big Belly for existing equipment and deliverables, and enter into a new 96-month contract term with Big Belly for new units. 24-0490 Approved Pass
  34. 6.A.10. Requesting approval of a transfer of $42,500 from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Housing Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Public Space and Urban Forestry Personal Services Account to cover a projected year-end salary deficit. 24-0492 Approved Pass
  35. 6.A.11. Requesting authorization to borrow $1,800,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the annual recurring FY 2024 Sewer System Evaluation & Infiltration/Inflow Assessment. 24-0495 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 136:14
  36. 6.A.12. Requesting approval of a pedestrian access easement on Charlestown Place, approval of a grant of easements over certain alleys located in the D2.2 parcel, and approval of a grant of license from the City to Union Square RELP. 24-0540 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 136:14
  37. 6.A.13. Requesting approval of the Conveyance and Easement for Parcel D2.2 (Union Square) Civic Space Lot 2A. 24-0541 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 136:14
  38. 6.B. OPEN SPACE, ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE
  39. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on April 18, 2024. 24-0567 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 137:38
  40. 6.B.2. That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry report to this Council’s Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy on the status of the parks and open spaces that have been completed or are under construction and planning as part of redevelopment projects. 24-0091 Work completed
  41. 6.B.3. That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the condition of Conway Field and the displacement of infill that is occurring there during extreme rainfall events, as well as the schedule for regular grooming and maintenance of the City’s artificial turf athletic fields. 24-0472 Work completed
  42. 6.C. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
  43. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on April 17, 2024. 24-0566 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 141:23
  44. 6.C.2. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 24-28 Broadway, the former Taco Loco site, due to repeated cleanliness and business violations within the last two years. 24-0093 Work completed
  45. 6.C.3. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 112 Broadway, formerly the East End Grill, for any violations within the last ten years. 24-0094 Work completed
  46. 6.C.4. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 176-182 Broadway, formerly Patsy's Pastries, in the last ten years. 24-0095 Work completed
  47. 6.C.5. That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect 112 Broadway, 176-182 Broadway, and 24-28 Broadway for violations and report the findings to the Ward 1 City Councilor. 24-0096 Work completed
  48. 6.C.6. That the Director of Inspectional Services address trash and other violations by the Rent-A-Center on Broadway. 24-0097 Work completed
  49. 6.C.7. That the Administration update this Council on plans for the $244,891.15 received as part of the Massachusetts Municipal Opioid Abatement Payments. 24-0371 Work completed
  50. 6.C.8. That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect 112 Broadway, 176-182 Broadway, and 24-28 Broadway for violations and report the findings to the Ward 1 City Councilor. 24-0384 Work completed
  51. 6.C.9. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 176-182 Broadway, formerly Patsy's Pastries, in the last ten years. 24-0385 Work completed
  52. 6.C.10. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 112 Broadway, formerly the East End Grill, for any violations within the last ten years. 24-0386 Work completed
  53. 6.C.11. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 24-28 Broadway, the former Taco Loco site, due to repeated cleanliness and business violations within the last two years. 24-0387 Work completed
  54. 6.C.12. That the Director of Inspectional Services appears before the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to discuss implementation of the Vacant Properties Ordinance, and provide the Ward 1 Councilor with a list of registered properties, the dates they were registered and any fees and fines associated with the properties. 24-0388 Work completed
  55. 6.C.13. That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to discuss the department's methods of reporting, inputting and organizing fines within their databases. 24-0389 Work completed
  56. 6.C.14. That the Executive Director of the Arts Council appear before the Housing and Community Development Committee to present a Porchfest safety plan that addresses pedestrian safety concerns, promotion of street closures, intersection crossing safety and the prevention of aggressive and dangerous driver behavior during the active event hours. 24-0417 Work completed
  57. 6.C.15. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the recent collapse of a house at 16 Bonair Street. 24-0429 Work completed
  58. 6.C.16. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the status of any permits issued to contractors associated with 16 Bonair Street. 24-0430 Work completed
  59. 6.C.17. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor on enforcement of the Dark Skies Ordinance. 24-0469 Work completed
  60. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  61. 7.1. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to add Section 8.5 Interim Planning Overlay District (IPOD) and the Brickbottom sub-area. 24-0551 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:18
  62. 7.2. Requesting the appropriation of $2,041,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly School to accommodate Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School students. 24-0577 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  63. 7.3. Requesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Emergency Response Stabilization Fund to provide temporary shelter, food, and other common necessaries of life to displaced individuals and families. 24-0579 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  64. 7.4. Requesting the appropriation of $248,111 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas Account for the remediation of an expected year end deficit. 24-0574 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  65. 7.5. Requesting the appropriation of $237,468 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Buildings Interior Building Maintenance Account for repairs to the Dilboy Pool. 24-0572 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  66. 7.6. Requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for building improvements at 77 Broadway for the East Somerville Police sub-station. 24-0576 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  67. 7.7. Requesting approval to appropriate $2,041,000 from the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly School to accommodate Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School students. 24-0578 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  68. 7.8. Requesting approval to appropriate $400,000 from the Emergency Stabilization Fund to support critical emergency shelter services. 24-0580 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  69. 7.9. Requesting approval of a transfer of $1,095,000 from various Department of Public Works personal services accounts to the Department of Public Works Buildings Electricity Account to cover a deficit. 24-0573 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  70. 7.10. Requesting approval of a transfer of $13,800 from the Police Salaries Account to the Police Special Items Rental Buildings Account to pay the remaining East Substation lease payments for FY 2024. 24-0564 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  71. 7.11. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $243,094 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to the Office of Sustainability and Environment, for a residential decarbonization outreach campaign and two-year Energy Advisor position. 24-0575 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  72. 7.12. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alyssa DuBois to the Board of Health. 24-0581 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:46
  73. 7.13. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Margaret H. Coit to the Board of Health. 24-0582 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:46
  74. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  75. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  76. 9.1. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Caruso & McGovern Construction Inc. 24-0553 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  77. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Edward Ahern. 24-0554 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  78. 9.3. Renewing Drainlayer's License, JNJ Sacca Inc. 24-0555 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  79. 9.4. Renewing Drainlayer's License, LaMountain Brothers Inc. 24-0556 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  80. 9.5. Renewing Drainlayer's License, New England Style Inc. 24-0557 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  81. 9.6. Renewing Drainlayer's License, P. Gioioso & Sons Inc. 24-0558 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  82. 9.7. Renewing Garage License, Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Ave. 24-0559 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  83. 9.8. Renewing Garage License, K Professional Auto Detailing, 682 Mystic Ave. 24-0560 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  84. 9.9. Renewing Garage License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway. 24-0561 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  85. 9.10. Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Buffalo Exchange Ltd, 238 Elm St. 24-0562 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  86. 9.11. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Michael H. Garvey, Med. #57. 24-0563 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  87. 9.12. New Outdoor Parking License, John's Auto Sales, 216 McGrath Hwy, store 23 vehicles on premises. 24-0588 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  88. 9.13. New Sign and Awning License, Toca Chida, 333 Great River Rd, 3 awnings. 24-0589 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  89. 9.14. Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Community Growing Center 2024 Event Calendar on May through December from various times. 24-0590 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  90. 9.15. Somerville Open Studios applying for a Public Event License for Open Studios informational table on May 4 and 5 from 11:30am to 6:30pm. 24-0591 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  91. 9.16. Jason Oberstein applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest for Flying Turtle on May 11 from 11am to 3pm (raindate May 12). 24-0593 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  92. 9.17. Jonathan Bernhardt applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Charnwood on May 11 from 1pm to 4pm (raindate May 12). 24-0595 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  93. 9.18. Nate Kaufman applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Highland Rd on May 11 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate May 12). 24-0596 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  94. 9.19. Dave Rothfarb applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Aberdeen on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12). 24-0592 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  95. 9.20. Liz Hewitt applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Craigie on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12). 24-0594 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  96. 9.21. Jeff Kaufman applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Morrison on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12). 24-0597 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  97. 9.22. Nels Nelson applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Munroe on May 11 from 3pm to 7pm (raindate May 12). 24-0599 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  98. 9.23. Claire Crowther applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Morgan on May 11 from 3:30pm to 6pm (raindate May 12). 24-0598 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  99. 9.24. Alexandra Weiner applying for a Public Event License for Calvin Street BP on May 25 from 10am to 8pm (raindate May 26). 24-0600 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  100. 9.25. Veterans Department applying for a Public Event License for Memorial Day Parade on May 26 from 8am to 3pm. 24-0602 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  101. 9.26. Maria M. Carreiro-Luis applying for a Public Event License for Ermandade do Devino Espirito Santo on May 26 from 9am to 3pm. 24-0603 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  102. 9.27. Somerville Community Corporation nominating Gonzalo J. Puigbo to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee. 24-0601 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 147:33
  103. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  104. 10.1. Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Sidewalk Easement and Maintenance License at 599 Somerville Avenue. 24-0565 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 146:35
  105. 10.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, CRL Inc. 24-0608 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  106. 10.3. New Extended Operating Hours License, Eat Greek Gyros, 215 Elm St, for in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 2am. 24-0609 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 147:50
  107. 10.4. Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 355 Artisan Way. 24-0610 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  108. 10.5. Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 445 Artisan Way. 24-0611 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  109. 10.6. Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 479 Canal St. 24-0612 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  110. 10.7. Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 455 Grand Union Blvd. 24-0613 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  111. 10.8. Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 333 Great River Rd. 24-0614 Approved with conditions Pass ▶ jump to 148:01
  112. 10.9. Gary Rowe applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Bailey on May 11 from 11:30am to 2:30pm (raindate May 12). 24-0616 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  113. 10.10. Toriah Mimms applying for a Public Event License for The Curl Bar BP on May 26 from 8am to 8pm (raindate June 8). 24-0615 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 146:58
  114. 10.11. Mo Rizkallah requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 5 Homer Square from Neighborhood Residence (NR) to Urban Residence (UR). 24-0607 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 148:26
  115. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  116. 11. LATE ITEMS
  117. 11.1. That this City Council opposes the use of lateral hiring in the Fire Department. 24-0617 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:25
  118. 115 The meeting was Adjourned at 9:31 PM.