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March 28, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 119 items

  1. 1 Published March 26, 2024, 12:30 PM, Revised March 28, 2024, 1:15 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_8xeOG02qQNqIWJ2oht4Z6g 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.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-0447 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:43
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-0448 Approved ▶ jump to 1:34
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 22, 2024. 24-0449 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:20
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 12 feet of conduit in Alewife Brook Parkway, from Manhole 12332 at the intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway. 24-0434 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:31
  12. 10 page break
  13. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  14. 4.1. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 8:53
  15. 4.2. That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment and the Director of Health and Human Services discuss how climate change affects residents over 65 years old and how climate forward programs can address this demographic. 24-0419 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 10:06
  16. 4.3. That the Administration discuss post-pilot plan considerations of the Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program. 24-0418 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 10:25
  17. 4.4. Conveying a report of the Children's Cabinet. 24-0420 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 11:30
  18. 4.5. That the Administration provide an update on the Braille embosser purchased in summer 2023, including its current location and the plan to put it to use. 24-0428 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 12:32
  19. 4.6. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 14:42
  20. 4.7. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 15:12
  21. 4.8. That the Commissioner of Public Works ensure that city trash barrels in Ward 1 are emptied on a regular basis. 24-0431 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 15:31
  22. 4.9. That the Commissioner of Public Works replace any defective Big Belly trash barrels in Ward 1 with standard trash barrels until they are repaired. 24-0432 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 16:26
  23. 4.10. Announcing monthly Ward 1 community cleanups on the first Monday of every month, beginning at 5:30 pm at Connexion Church. 24-0433 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 17:08
  24. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  25. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  26. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  27. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 19, 2024. 24-0395 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 22:22
  28. 6.A.2. Finance Director conveying FY 2024 Mid-Year Financial Report in accordance with Section 2-48 of the Code of Ordinances. 24-0210 Work completed
  29. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  30. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 19, 2024. 24-0396 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 23:32
  31. 6.B.2. That this City Council hold a public hearing in the Committee on Finance on the community’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget priorities. 24-0178 Work completed
  32. 6.C. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  33. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 26, 2024. 24-0401 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 25:37
  34. 6.C.2. That this Council conveys its support for Housing Stabilization as outlined in memos and budget priorities submitted by City Councilors. 24-0459 Approved Pass
  35. 6.C.3. That this Council conveys its support in the FY 2025 budget, for homeless services including all approaches listed in councilor memos, and specifically including funding for a permanent brick and mortar location. 24-0460 Approved Pass
  36. 6.C.4. That all items in the Alternative Emergency Response category be submitted to the Mayor to be included in the FY 2025 budget. 24-0461 Approved Pass
  37. 6.C.5. That this Council conveys to the Mayor, the importance of housing affordability, including the creation of an Acquisition Fund, as a Council priority for inclusion in the FY 2025 budget. 24-0462 Approved Pass
  38. 6.C.6. That this Council conveys its support for the inclusion of municipal composting in the FY 2025 budget, including all approaches listed in Councilor memos. 24-0463 Approved Pass
  39. 6.C.7. That the Administration include rodent mitigation in the FY 2025 budget as outlined in Councilor memos and resolutions, and increase funding and staffing in the city for rodent mitigation. 24-0464 Approved Pass
  40. 6.C.8. That this Council conveys its support for providing resources in the FY 2025 budget for medical debt forgiveness, municipal building decarbonization, out of school time programming, and an overdose prevention center, as outlined in Councilor memos for their FY 2025 budget priorities. 24-0465 Approved Pass
  41. 6.D. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
  42. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on March 20, 2024. 24-0397 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 19:27
  43. 6.D.2. That the Administration, in conjunction with the Housing and Water and Sewer Departments, provide optional, affordable, water utility assessments in low-income housing units and in benevolent landlord and subsidized landlord housing, whereby residents would pay their own water and sewer bills. 24-0073 Work completed
  44. 6.E. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  45. 6.E.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on March 21, 2024. 24-0399 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 27:02
  46. 6.E.2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to amend Article 9: Use Provisions, and the Permitted Uses tables of all zoning districts, to establish a Recreational Camp for Children use within the Recreational Services use category. 24-0037 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 28:30
  47. 6.E.3. Gregg Donovan requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 321 Washington Street from Fabrication (FAB) to Commercial Industry (CI). 24-0059 Not approved Fail
  48. 6.E.4. Five residents submitting comments re: proposed Zoning Ordinance Climate & Equity Innovation Sub-Area Overlay District. 24-0112 Work completed
  49. 6.E.5. Mai Lau, 635 Somerville Avenue LLC, requesting the adoption of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Map to change the zoning district of 627 Somerville Avenue from Neighborhood Residence (NR) to Mid-Rise 3 (MR3). Withdrawn
  50. 6.F. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
  51. 6.F.1. Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on March 27, 2024. 24-0402 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 29:30
  52. 6.F.2. New Billiards and Bowling License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive, for 5 billiard tables and 8 bowling lanes. 24-0156 Approved Pass
  53. 6.F.3. New Extended Operating Hours License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive, opening Monday-Sunday until 2am for in-store service only. 24-0157 Approved Pass
  54. 6.F.4. New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Ravelo's Auto Sales, 61 Washington St, for 0 vehicles inside and 1 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed. 24-0267 Approved Pass
  55. 6.G. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
  56. 6.G.1. Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on March 20, 2024. 24-0398 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 30:46
  57. 6.G.2. That the Director of Health and Human services create an on-call emergency fire response unit to assist in connecting residents with available resources in the event of a displacement or loss of property due to a fire. 24-0149 Work completed
  58. 6.G.3. That the Director of Health and Human Services work with the Administration to allocate funding to secure COVID-19 rapid tests to be distributed at Public Libraries. 24-0168 Work completed
  59. 6.G.4. That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the availability of free city-funded COVID tests going forward after temporary relief funds have evaporated, including any plans and/or consideration of potential sources of COVID testing supplies provided through community partners. 24-0172 Work completed
  60. 6.G.5. That the Administration appear before the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to update the City Council on the status of the Police Chief search. 24-0177 Work completed
  61. 6.H. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
  62. 6.H.1. Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on March 18, 2024. 24-0394 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 35:01
  63. 6.H.2. That the Administration and the Director of Water and Sewer update this Council, in writing, on the plan to support residents who cannot afford the recent water bill increases. 24-0040 Work completed
  64. 6.H.3. That the Director of Engineering update this Council on the policy and plans pertaining to repairing leaking gas pipes versus replacing them, and the necessary transition away from gas infrastructure. 24-0148 Work completed
  65. 6.H.4. That the Director of Water and Sewer address the use of threatening notifications as part of the water meter replacement project. 24-0151 Work completed
  66. 6.I. SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
  67. 6.I.1. Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on March 25, 2024. 24-0400 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 36:59
  68. 6.I.2. That the Administration discuss with this Council’s Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, whether the financial comparisons of various new school building scenarios have taken into consideration projected costs of creating new usages at the current Winter Hill and Brown School sites. 24-0087 Work completed
  69. 6.I.3. That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on leaks at the Benjamin Brown School and any exterior envelope damages in the past six months, and actions being taken to address such leaks and damages including the recently dislodged downspout. 24-0117 Work completed
  70. 6.I.4. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment update this Council on plans to decarbonize current school buildings and any future school buildings. 24-0338 Work completed
  71. 6.I.5. That the Administration and the Director of Capital Projects, in conjunction with the Somerville Public Schools, update this Council on the scope and costs involved to renovate the basement of the Edgerly School to reunite the Winter Hill Community Innovation School community under one roof, the relevant state and federal laws triggering required compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the decision-making process around the timeline for proceeding with this work. 24-0341 Work completed
  72. 6.I.6. That the Administration provide the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance with regular updates about the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for the Winter Hill and Brown Schools. 24-0466 Approved and sent for discussion Pass
  73. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  74. 7.1. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Article 2, Article 3, Article 4, Article 5, Article 8, and Article 10 of the Zoning Ordinances to remove conflicts with the State Building Code. 24-0416 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 40:37
  75. 7.2. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 25:37
  76. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  77. 8.1. City Clerk submitting an amendment to the Rules of the City Council to accommodate remote participation and facilitate accessibility. 24-0415 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 40:53
  78. 8.2. Planning Board conveying recommendations for items #24-0037 and #24-0059. 24-0413 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 27:02
  79. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  80. 9.1. Renewing Drainlayer's License, A.P. Flowers & Son LLC. 24-0435 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  81. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Garrett Construction Co Inc. 24-0436 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  82. 9.3. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Hydra Tech Inc. 24-0437 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  83. 9.4. Renewing Drainlayer's License, J. Marchese and Sons Inc. 24-0438 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  84. 9.5. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tufts Construction Inc. 24-0439 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  85. 9.6. Renewing Drainlayer's License, United Civil Inc. 24-0440 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  86. 9.7. Renewing Garage License, Goodyear Auto Service Center, 1 Bow St. 24-0442 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  87. 9.8. Renewing Garage License, Sam's Gas and Service, 166 Boston Ave. 24-0441 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  88. 9.9. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, LaFoi Taxi Inc, Med. #20. 24-0443 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  89. 9.10. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Renaissance Taxi Service LLC, Med. #50. 24-0444 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  90. 9.11. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, BAETDA Transportation Services LLC, Med. #51, 77, 93. 24-0445 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  91. 9.12. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Bostonshuttles.com LLP, Med. #69. 24-0446 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  92. 9.13. Parent Teacher Associations submitting comments re: Edgerly School. 24-0421 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 45:16
  93. 9.14. Ed Vogel submitting comments re: ShotSpotter. 24-0422 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 45:16
  94. 9.15. Somerville Stands Together submitting comments re: CHERISH Act. 24-0423 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 45:16
  95. 9.16. Eight residents submitting comments re: item 24-0178, for a public hearing held March 19, 2024 in a meeting of the Finance Committee of the Whole. 24-0424 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 45:16
  96. 9.17. David Leung and Calvin Zhao submitting comments re: affordable housing. 24-0425 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 45:16
  97. 9.18. Henry Edward Hardy submitting comments re: public housing. 24-0426 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 45:16
  98. 9.19. Caren Kimball submitting comments re: item 24-0089 a resolution in support of an enduring ceasefire in Gaza. 24-0427 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 45:16
  99. 96 page break
  100. 97 page break
  101. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  102. 10.1. That the Director of Parking update this Council on efforts to ticket vehicles with illegal license covers, including how many tickets have been issued for this reason in the last year. 24-0450 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 45:42
  103. 10.2. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 47:45
  104. 10.3. That the Director of the Office of Housing Stability explain to this Council how requirements, paperwork, or means testing will change for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded programs that transition to funding from the city. 24-0453 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 50:33
  105. 10.4. That the Administration explain the process of how residents can receive free prepaid Charlie Cards, what paperwork or requirements they must fulfill before they receive this service, or how much funding was allocated to this program. 24-0452 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 52:15
  106. 10.5. That the Director of Mobility work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to preserve the pedestrian footbridge on McGrath Highway as part of the grounding McGrath project. 24-0467 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 55:29
  107. 10.6. That the Director of Mobility return the TEMPORARY PARKING sign, that serves local businesses, to the corner of Washington and Myrtle Streets. 24-0468 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 64:36
  108. 10.7. That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor on enforcement of the Dark Skies Ordinance. 24-0469 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 65:00
  109. 10.8. That the Director of Mobility update this Council on plans to address increased cut-through commuter traffic on Temple Street and Fellsway West on weekday mornings, including any plans to prohibit right turns onto Temple Street and Fellsway West from 7 AM to 9 AM on weekdays. 24-0470 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 67:58
  110. 10.9. That the Director of Racial and Social Justice update this Council on the promised road map from the consultant for implementing the recommendations in the report on Police Staffing and Operations delivered in November. 24-0471 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 71:16
  111. 10.10. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 74:17
  112. 10.11. Conveying an update on Police and Fire hiring. 24-0455 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 4:34
  113. 10.12. Tufts University Engineers Without Borders applying for a Public Event License for Engineers Without Borders 6K on April 7 from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (raindate April 14). 24-0473 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 44:19
  114. 10.13. Daniela Gontownik submitting comments re: item 24-0089 a resolution in support of an enduring ceasefire in Gaza. 24-0454 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 76:06
  115. 10.14. Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: FY 2025 budget. 24-0456 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 76:19
  116. 10.15. Green & Open Somerville and Earthwise Aware submitting comments re: invasive plant species. 24-0457 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 76:36
  117. 10.16. RESPOND submitting comments re: item 23-0075, an Ordinance establishing Paid Leave for Survivors. 24-0458 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 76:55
  118. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  119. 115 The meeting was Adjourned at 8:22 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).