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April 11, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 136 items

  1. 1 Published April 9, 2024, 12:15 PM, Revised April 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_vIa7Aay5RouQ_odj-ldXZA 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 7:09 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. The City Council entered recess at 7:28 PM and returned at 7:39 PM. The City Council entered Executive Session at 9:14 PM and returned at 9:39 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-0499 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:22
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-0500 Approved ▶ jump to 1:08
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 14, 2024. 24-0501 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:13
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 3.1. Verizon applying for a Grant of Location to install 216 feet of conduit in Broadway, from existing Verizon Manhole 44/74A located at the intersection of Broadway and Cross Street East to existing Extenet handhole located in front of 161 Broadway. 24-0503 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:24
  12. 3.2. Cambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install a new handhole and a total of 188 feet of conduit in Mystic and Middlesex Avenue as follows: Starting from Manhole 23803 located on Mystic Avenue to a proposed handhole; from proposed handhole, to existing Utility Pole 213/4 located near 60 Middlesex Avenue. 24-0504 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 5:03
  13. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  14. 4.1. That the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations conduct a Committee of the Whole Public Hearing to hear how the increases in water and sewer rates are affecting Somerville residents, and be it further Ordered that all relevant city departments be in attendance. 24-0477 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 101:05
  15. 4.2. That item #24-0417 be discharged from the Committee on Housing and Community Development and sent to the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety. 24-0491 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:02
  16. 4.3. That the Administration convene the appropriate departments to discuss the monitoring efforts of the wild turkey population within Somerville and the surrounding regions. 24-0478 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 119:24
  17. 4.4. Declaring April 6-12 as the Week of the Young Child. 24-0496 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 120:09
  18. 4.5. Declaring the month of April, 2024, as Fair Housing Month. 24-0497 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 122:51
  19. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  20. 5.1. Conveying an update on Police and Fire hiring. 24-0455 Laid on the table
  21. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  22. 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
  23. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on April 3, 2024. 24-0480 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 6:15
  24. 6.A.2. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Anandavalli Thiagarajan to the Public Library Board of Trustees. 24-0016 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 31:08
  25. 6.A.3. City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Natasha Frazier to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees. 24-0190 Approved Pass
  26. 6.A.4. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Kenneth Silva to the position of Fire Deputy Chief. 24-0215 Approved Pass
  27. 6.A.5. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Derek Doane to the position of Firefighter. 24-0357 Approved Pass
  28. 6.A.6. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jack Haigis to the position of Firefighter. 24-0358 Approved Pass
  29. 6.A.7. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of John Tivinis to the position of Firefighter. 24-0362 Approved Pass
  30. 6.A.8. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nicholas Cantone to the position of Firefighter. 24-0364 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.9. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of William Deeks to the position of Firefighter. 24-0365 Approved Pass
  32. 6.A.10. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sergio Rodriguez to the position of Firefighter. 24-0393 Approved Pass
  33. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  34. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 9, 2024. 24-0481 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 162:55
  35. 6.B.2. Requesting the appropriation of $35,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Open Space Reserve to the Public Space & Urban Forestry Division for design of the Kennedy Schoolyard. 24-0054 Approved Pass
  36. 6.B.3. Requesting approval of the discontinuance of Palmer Avenue. 24-0081 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 178:39
  37. 6.B.4. Requesting approval of a time-only extension to 4/30/2025 for the contract with ADS LLC for flow metering services. 24-0193 Approved Pass
  38. 6.B.5. Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. 24-0202 Work completed
  39. 6.B.6. That the Administration fund the creation of an entire unit within the Department of Public Works tasked with battling the city's growing rodent infestation. 24-0204 Placed on file Pass
  40. 6.B.7. That the Administration include in the FY 2025 budget, additional funding for rodent mitigation efforts, including an Office of Rodent Prevention similar to the one proposed in Boston, with appropriate staffing. 24-0211 Placed on file Pass
  41. 6.B.8. That the Administration include in the FY 2025 budget, funding for a home air filtration pilot program to address air pollution along Interstate 93. 24-0212 Placed on file Pass
  42. 6.B.9. Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. 24-0214 Work completed
  43. 6.B.10. Requesting approval to appropriate $450,000 from the Traffic Safety Stabilization fund for engineering and streetscape reconstruction work in the Western Washington Street area. 24-0245 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 179:15
  44. 6.B.11. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,873,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development Housing Division for replacing windows in the Mystic River and Mystic View housing developments. 24-0274 Approved Pass
  45. 6.B.12. Requesting the appropriation of $10,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Somerville Museum for preservation of assets in the museum's collections. 24-0276 Approved Pass
  46. 6.B.13. Requesting approval of a time-only extension to 6/30/2025 for the contract with Classic Site Solutions, to complete approved additional design services for the Healey schoolyard, soccer field and path. 24-0280 Approved Pass
  47. 6.B.14. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $375,224 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for renovation and construction of Henry Hansen Park. 24-0319 Approved Pass
  48. 6.B.15. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $131,920 grant from the Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to the Office of Sustainability and Environment to partially fund the Argenziano LED conversion project. 24-0320 Approved Pass
  49. 6.B.16. Requesting approval to enter into a contract with outside legal counsel for the appeal of the Superior Court judgment against the Somerville Redevelopment Authority in the matter of the 90 Washington Street property at Cobble Hill. 24-0323 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 178:01
  50. 6.B.17. That the Administration provide a written update to this Council on the status of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending to date. 24-0326 Work completed
  51. 6.B.18. Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. 24-0327 Work completed
  52. 6.B.19. Requesting approval of a transfer of $8,050 from the Police Department Personal Services Overtime Account to the Police Department Special Items Grant Match Account to fund the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative Shannon Grant match. 24-0332 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 169:33
  53. 6.B.20. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,150 grant that requires a match, from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence prevention.. 24-0333 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 169:33
  54. 6.B.21. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $79,500 grant with no new match required, from SFY2024 Massachusetts Municipal Public Safety Staffing Program to the Police Department for overtime to provide adequate shift coverage. 24-0334 Approved Pass
  55. 6.B.22. Requesting approval to appropriate $2,300,000 from the Open Space and Acquisition Stabilization Fund to purchase the parcel at 508-512 Columbia Street. 24-0335 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 179:15
  56. 6.B.23. Requesting approval to appropriate $2,300,000 from the Parks Stabilization Fund to purchase the parcel located at 508-512 Columbia Street. 24-0336 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 179:15
  57. 6.B.24. Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. 24-0340 Work completed
  58. 6.B.25. Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. 24-0342 Work completed
  59. 6.B.26. That the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Director update this Council on plans to allocate funds to implement a medical debt cancellation program. 24-0369 Work completed
  60. 6.B.27. Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. 24-0377 Work completed
  61. 6.B.28. Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. 24-0378 Work completed
  62. 6.B.29. Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2025. 24-0390 Work completed
  63. 6.B.30. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $76,867 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging for social, educational and physical wellness programming. 24-0414 Approved Pass
  64. 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  65. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 2, 2024. 24-0479 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 180:35
  66. 6.C.2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2-371, 11-125, and 11-164 the Code of Ordinances to reflect current operations of the water and sewer department, and provide time and flexibility for financial planning and development of rate forecast models. 24-0324 Ordinance ordained as amended Pass ▶ jump to 190:35
  67. 6.C.3. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 11-1, 11-3, 11-4, Article V, 11-121, 11-124, 11-125, 11-126, 11-176, 11-182, and 11-183 of the Code of Ordinances to reflect current department name, titles, and operations of the water and sewer department. 24-0331 Placed on file Pass
  68. 66 page break
  69. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  70. 7.1. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  71. 7.2. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  72. 7.3. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  73. 7.4. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  74. 7.5. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  75. 7.6. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  76. 7.7. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  77. 7.8. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  78. 7.9. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  79. 7.10. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  80. 7.11. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Charles D. Richardson to the position of Fire Captain. 24-0474 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 207:50
  81. 7.12. Proclaiming that the City of Somerville recognizes the week of April 14-20, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. 24-0502 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 208:03
  82. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  83. 8.1. Retirement Board notifying this City Council of a vote at the May 23, 2024 meeting regarding a 2024 Cost of Living Adjustment for eligible retirees. 24-0475 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 208:36
  84. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  85. 9.1. Renewing Billiards and Bowling License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St. 24-0505 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  86. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, J. Derenzo Co. 24-0506 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  87. 9.3. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Jason Anthony Corp. 24-0507 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  88. 9.4. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Riccio Excavation. 24-0508 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  89. 9.5. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Spencer Contracting. 24-0509 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  90. 9.6. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tri Construction Co., Inc. 24-0510 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  91. 9.7. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Domino, 201 Elm St. 24-0511 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  92. 9.8. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dumpling Garden, 273 Broadway. 24-0513 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  93. 9.9. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Lemon Thai Cuisine, 215 Highland Ave. 24-0512 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  94. 9.10. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, McDonalds, 14 McGrath Hwy. 24-0532 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  95. 9.11. Renewing Garage License, Aris Auto Inc, 3 Craigie St. 24-0514 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  96. 9.12. Renewing Garage License, Mass Inspection, 712 Mystic Ave. 24-0515 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  97. 9.13. Renewing Garage License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 Washington St. 24-0516 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  98. 9.14. Renewing Livery License, Boston Novelty Limo LLC, 333 Broadway. 24-0517 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  99. 9.15. Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Kay Jewelers Outlet #2962, 360 Artisan Way. 24-0518 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  100. 9.16. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Country Club Transportation Inc, Med. #5 7 8 10 11 12 13 46. 24-0519 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  101. 9.17. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Lochmere Taxi Inc, Med. #22 24 25 26 91. 24-0520 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  102. 9.18. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Green and Yellow Tnc of Somerville, Med. #27 36 37 38 53 54 67 68. 24-0521 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  103. 9.19. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Mount Pleasant Taxi Inc, Med. #30 39 40 41 42 43. 24-0522 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  104. 9.20. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, God's Blessing Cab Inc, Med. #60. 24-0523 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  105. 9.21. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Charlie's Family LLC, Med. #80. 24-0524 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  106. 9.22. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Honey Cab Inc, Med. #82. 24-0525 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  107. 9.23. Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 295 Broadway. 24-0528 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  108. 9.24. Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 1 Davis Sq. 24-0526 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  109. 9.25. Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 22-26 Union Sq. 24-0527 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  110. 9.26. Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Earth Day: Pollinators, Plantings, and Possibilities on April 20 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate April 21). 24-0529 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  111. 9.27. Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Civic Day on April 27 from 10am to 5pm. 24-0530 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  112. 9.28. Brian Tamm applying for a Public Event License for Independent Film Festival on May 1-6 from 10am to 12am. 24-0531 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  113. 9.29. Chris Dwan submitting comments re: Urban Forestry Committee recommendations. 24-0493 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 209:13
  114. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  115. 10.1. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 211:00
  116. 10.2. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 211:00
  117. 10.3. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 211:00
  118. 10.4. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 211:00
  119. 10.5. That Section 9-35 of the Code of Ordinances be amended to fulfill quorum requirements for the Wage Theft Advisory Committee. 24-0543 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 212:44
  120. 10.6. That the Director of Parking update this Council on the timeline for citywide rollout of Safety Sticks, including which areas will be prioritized for enforcement. 24-0544 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 214:25
  121. 10.7. In Support of Surveillance Procurement Transparency. 24-0545 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 217:21
  122. 10.8. Conveying an outline of the history of Civil Service hires in Somerville. 24-0546 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 31:38
  123. 10.9. City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session to discuss item #24-0323, Mayor requesting approval to enter into a contract with outside legal counsel for the appeal of the Superior Court judgment against the Somerville Redevelopment Authority in the matter of the 90 Washington Street property at Cobble Hill. 24-0538 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 124:15
  124. 10.10. Requesting the adoption of an Order of Taking for the acquisition of the parcels located at 508-512 Columbia Street for the creation of a new park and open space. 24-0533 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 150:38
  125. 10.11. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  126. 10.12. Requesting approval of the Conveyance and Easement for Parcel D2.2 (Union Square) Civic Space Lot 2A. 24-0541 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 172:59
  127. 10.13. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Hendrix to the Urban Forestry Committee. 24-0542 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 229:56
  128. 10.14. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kay Mammo to the Fair Housing Commission. 24-0547 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 230:06
  129. 10.15. New Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood St, 0 vehicles inside, 25 vehicles outside for mechanical repairs, auto body work, and spray painting, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed. 24-0549 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 230:14
  130. 10.16. Groundwork Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Earth Day: Pollinators, Planting, and Possibilities on April 20 from 9am to 2pm. 24-0548 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 208:50
  131. 129 page break
  132. 11. LATE ITEMS
  133. 10.17. Nolan Carrier submitting comments re: item #24-0455, an update on Police and Fire hiring. 24-0539 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 230:23
  134. 11.1. Congratulating and applauding the firefighters duly appointed through the regular civil service process. 24-0550 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 30:30
  135. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  136. 132 The meeting was Adjourned at 11:01 PM on a roll call vote of 10 in favor (McLaughlin, Davis, Wilson, Sait, Scott, Mbah, Burnley, Clingan, Strezo, Ewen-Campen), 0 opposed, and 1 absent (Pineda Neufeld).