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February 8, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 96 items

  1. 1 Published February 6, 2024, 3:45 PM, Revised February 8, 2024 12:00 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_Yp2NY42VTr-Ynb41aOpJDQ 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 8:04 PM and returned at 8:12 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-0163 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:28
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-0164 Approved ▶ jump to 1:13
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Organizational Meeting, January 2, 2024. 24-0165 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 7:55
  9. 1.4. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, January 11, 2024. 24-0166 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 7:55
  10. 2. CITATIONS
  11. 9 page break
  12. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  13. 3.1. Extenet Systems LLC applying for a Grant of Location to install 54 feet of conduit in Washington Street from existing Eversource Utility Pole 358/66 to a proposed small wireless facility node on existing Eversource Utility Pole 358/66A, located near 415 Washington Street. 24-0153 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 8:11
  14. 11 page break
  15. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  16. 4.1. That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) update this Council on current efforts to create a Community Center as part of the new developments in Union Square and Boynton Yards. 24-0146 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 93:19
  17. 4.2. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 94:26
  18. 4.3. Opposing private jet hangar expansion at Hanscom Civil Airport and region wide. 24-0147 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:46
  19. 4.4. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 98:21
  20. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  21. 5.1. That the Director of Economic Development take the steps described within, relative to the Armory building. 24-0090 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 28:44
  22. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  23. 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
  24. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on January 31, 2024. 24-0136 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 55:12
  25. 6.A.2. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Laurie Brandt to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:32
  26. 6.A.3. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Darcy Haynes as Constable. Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:34
  27. 6.A.4. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Alan Bishop as Constable. Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:36
  28. 6.A.5. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of John Tivinis to the position of Police Officer. Placed on file Pass
  29. 6.A.6. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brian Clancy to the position of Police Officer. Approved Pass
  30. 6.A.7. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Igor Bitencourt to the position of Police Officer. Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.8. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Guylerna Pierre to the position of Police Officer. Placed on file Pass
  32. 6.A.9. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Matthew Lorizio to the position of Police Officer. Approved Pass
  33. 6.A.10. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Mary Battinelli as Constable. Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:49
  34. 6.A.11. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Mark Matthews to the position of Fire District Chief. 24-0017 Approved Pass
  35. 6.A.12. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Austin Brower to the Board of Elections Commissioners. 24-0084 Approved Pass
  36. 6.A.13. That the City Solicitor appear before the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters to discuss the scope and role of the Committee in confirming various appointments. 24-0116 Work completed
  37. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  38. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 6, 2024. 24-0137 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 101:10
  39. 6.B.2. Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $35,300 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for partial payment of the police storage structure. Withdrawn
  40. 6.B.3. Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $42,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for partial payment of the police storage structure. Withdrawn
  41. 6.B.4. Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 12/31/2024 for the contract with Warner Larson Landscape Architects, to complete additional design services and punch list work at the Healey Schoolyard and Athletic Field. 24-0038 Approved Pass
  42. 6.B.5. Requesting the transfer of $75,605 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Community Housing Reserve. 24-0052 Approved Pass
  43. 6.B.6. Requesting the appropriation of $1,405,962 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Community Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 24-0053 Approved Pass
  44. 6.B.7. Requesting the appropriation of $426,925 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the Mystic River Watershed Association for improvements to the Blessing of the Bay Linear Park. 24-0055 Approved Pass
  45. 6.B.8. Requesting the appropriation of $25,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to Vida Real for a condition assessment of the building at 404 Broadway. 24-0056 Approved Pass
  46. 6.B.9. Requesting approval of a time-only extension of three years for the contract with Vida Real for restoration of the bell tower at 404 Broadway. 24-0057 Approved Pass
  47. 6.B.10. Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 1/1/2026 for the contract with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners for design services on the Building Master Plan. 24-0067 Approved Pass
  48. 6.B.11. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $30,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Economic Development Division for the implementation of a green jobs training program for nontraditional students. 24-0079 Approved Pass
  49. 6.B.12. Requesting approval of an extension and amendment to the contract with Symmes Maini and McKee Associates for an additional three years to 2/28/2027, and a revised amount of $978,649, for Central Hill design and construction administration. 24-0080 Approved Pass
  50. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  51. 7.1. Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the continued employment of Acting Somerville Police Chief Charles J. Femino. 24-0133 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 72:04
  52. 7.2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 6-59 of the Code of Ordinances, to amend the definition of guidelines. 24-0144 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:19
  53. 7.3. Requesting the acceptance of a 30-year lease with BRE-BMR Assembly Innovation I LLC, and the appropriation of $171,969 from Free Cash to the Fire Department Special Items Account to fund said lease, for the Assembly Square Fire Station for the remainder of FY 2024. 24-0154 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:02
  54. 7.4. Requesting approval to appropriate $75,900 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for design services for a building project at 42 Cross Street. 24-0135 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:02
  55. 7.5. Requesting approval to appropriate $49,250 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for insulation projects for Department of Public Works steam systems. 24-0134 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:02
  56. 7.6. Requesting the transfer of $280,010 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Historic Preservation Reserve. 24-0129 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:02
  57. 7.7. Requesting the use of available funds in the amount of $24,317 from the Library's Personal Services account to reestablish a Librarian III West Branch Manager position. 24-0141 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:02
  58. 7.8. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $48,529.99 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for installation of access controls, card entry access, and indoor fencing. 24-0140 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:02
  59. 7.9. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $638 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Public Safety Supplies Account for Verizon Fleet subscription services. 24-0128 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:02
  60. 7.10. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $278.40 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Plumbing Supply Account for building related plumbing materials. 24-0127 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:02
  61. 7.11. Conveying the 2023 Surveillance Technology Annual Report. 24-0145 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 103:37
  62. 59 page break
  63. 59 page break
  64. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  65. 8.1. Memorialization Committee conveying the naming of a new park as part of the 74 Middlesex Ave development in honor of former State Senator Salvatore "Sal" R Albano. 24-0132 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 103:48
  66. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  67. 9.1. New Automatic Amusement Device, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive, for 117 devices. 24-0155 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 104:17
  68. 9.2. New Billiards and Bowling License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive, for 5 billiard tables and 8 bowling lanes. 24-0156 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 104:17
  69. 9.3. New Extended Operating Hours License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive, opening Monday-Sunday until 2am for in-store service only. 24-0157 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 104:17
  70. 9.4. Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from Silcor Transportation Company Inc to BAETDA Transportation Service LLC for Medallions #51, 77, 93. 24-0158 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 104:17
  71. 9.5. Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from Ormond Transportation Company Inc to Bostonshuttles.com LP for Medallion #89. 24-0159 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 104:17
  72. 9.6. Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Maple Boil 2024 on March 1 and 2 from 7:30am to 7:30pm (raindate March 8 and 9). 24-0162 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 104:17
  73. 9.7. Danny Dicamillo submitting comments re: BlueBikes. 24-0142 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 105:21
  74. 9.8. Tadhg Pearson submitting comments re: sidewalks. 24-0143 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 105:29
  75. 9.9. 984 individuals, including 7 residents submitting comments re: item 24-0089 a resolution in support of an enduring ceasefire in Gaza. 24-0160 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 105:36
  76. 9.10. Representative Mike Connolly submitting comments re: item 24-0089 a resolution in support of an enduring ceasefire in Gaza. 24-0161 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 105:50
  77. 73 page break
  78. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  79. 10.1. That the Environmental Health Coordinator discuss alternatives to the use of bait traps containing poison to dispatch rats. 24-0150 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 106:01
  80. 10.2. That the Director of Water and Sewer address the use of threatening notifications as part of the water meter replacement project. 24-0151 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 107:19
  81. 10.3. That the Director of Housing and the Director of the Office of Housing Stability discuss the parameters of qualification used by building owners and managers in selecting lottery winners for awarding lower income units. 24-0152 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 108:31
  82. 10.4. Commending Nicole Eigbrett for the relentless pursuit of housing justice as the Director of Community Organizing for the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS). 24-0173 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 8:59
  83. 10.5. That the Director of Web Content and Development include the Wage Theft Advisory Committee on the "Departments, Boards, Commissions, and Authorities" page, and compile the agendas and minutes therein. 24-0169 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 110:56
  84. 10.6. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 44:10
  85. 10.7. Recognizing February as Black History Month. 24-0167 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 113:12
  86. 10.8. Requesting approval of a transfer of $1,000 from the City Council Legal Services Account to the City Council Office Supplies Account for the purchase of furniture and supplies to create a space for children in the City Council Chamber. 24-0174 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 117:53
  87. 10.9. That the Director of Parking establish alternative drop off zones, including reverse direction drop off zones, in front of the City Hall concourse from the hours of 7:30 AM to 8:15 AM and 2:15 PM to 3:00 PM while portions of Highland Avenue are under active construction near the High School, City Hall and the Central Library. 24-0170 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 121:51
  88. 10.10. That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Parking discuss if and where additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) walking routes and ADA parking spots have been designated for visitors to the High School, City Hall and the Central Library while Highland Avenue construction is underway and while current routes and ADA parking spots may be inaccessible due to construction. 24-0171 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 123:57
  89. 10.11. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 44:10
  90. 10.12. In his capacity as Chair of the Committee on Finance, outlining the process for this Council to determine and convey its shared budget priorities for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. 24-0175 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 89:11
  91. 10.13. Requesting the appropriation of $650,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund for the Capital Projects Division to restore the City Hall clock tower and roof. 24-0130 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 103:02
  92. 10.14. New Livery License, Boston Novelty Limo LLC, 333 Broadway, operating 1 vehicle. 24-0176 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 104:17
  93. 11. LATE ITEMS
  94. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  95. 11.1. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 87:25
  96. 91 The meeting was Adjourned at 9:08 PM on a roll call vote of 11 in favor (McLaughlin, Davis, Wilson, Sait, Scott, Mbah, Burnley, Clingan, Strezo, Pineda Neufeld, Ewen-Campen), 0 opposed.