docketcity.com
Home › Somerville › Meetings

City Council

January 25, 2024 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 109 items

  1. 1 Published January 23, 2024, 1:00 PM, Revised January 25, 2024, 12:45 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_8btfbqjgSMyhXT6dDOP4IQ 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 9:06 PM and returned at 9:24 PM. The City Council entered recess at 9:46 PM and returned at 10:02 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 24-0113 Placed on file ▶ jump to 2:10
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 24-0114 Approved ▶ jump to 118:24
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, December 14, 2023. 24-0115 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 118:41
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  12. 4.1. That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss how inclusive playground accessibility is being considered in future playground plans and redesign projects. 24-0070 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 118:51
  13. 4.2. That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning discuss the potential for density bonus incentives, such as $150,000 for homeowners to build affordable housing for rent or homeownership. 24-0071 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 177:16
  14. 4.3. That the Director of Health and Human Services provide an update on the communication efforts and rollout of the Warming Center, including the plan to inform Armory tenants, and the plan for security and client assistance. 24-0072 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 177:43
  15. 4.4. That the Director of Office of Housing Stability appear before the Housing and Community Development Committee to discuss the current status of residents facing displacement and the number of households seeking rental assistance. 24-0075 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 178:09
  16. 4.5. That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development discuss the maintenance plan for the Armory building. 24-0076 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 178:27
  17. 4.6. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 178:40
  18. 4.7. That the Administration provide an update on plans for Universal Basic Income/Guaranteed Basic Income implementation and roll out. 24-0074 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 179:27
  19. 4.8. That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this City Council how the sidewalk clearing pilot program is working this winter. 24-0085 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 179:52
  20. 4.9. That the Director of Engineering install robust, permanent pedestrian crossing signage at the intersection of Vinal and Highland Avenues, given the importance of this crosswalk for High School students and many others. 24-0088 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 180:05
  21. 4.10. That the Administration explain the issues that are preventing Reavis Field from opening and how the process may be expedited. 24-0086 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 181:38
  22. 4.11. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 183:24
  23. 4.12. In support of an enduring ceasefire in Gaza. 24-0089 Approved as amended Pass ▶ jump to 2:40
  24. 4.13. That the Director of Economic Development take the steps described within, relative to the Armory building. 24-0090 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 184:22
  25. 4.14. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 184:47
  26. 4.15. In her capacity as Chair of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee, conveying new guidelines for discussion, for interviewing applicants in committee. 24-0092 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 185:47
  27. 4.16. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 195:48
  28. 4.17. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 198:00
  29. 4.18. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 198:36
  30. 4.19. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 199:18
  31. 4.20. That the Director of Inspectional Services address trash and other violations by the Rent-A-Center on Broadway. 24-0097 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 199:46
  32. 4.21. That the Tree Warden inspect and trim the tree at 11 Melvin Street. 24-0098 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 199:57
  33. 4.22. That the Tree Warden trim the tree at 11 Illinois Avenue. 24-0099 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 200:07
  34. 4.23. That the Director of Parking address the low-hanging traffic sign on Washington Street, by Oliveria's Steakhouse and the BlueBike Station, that makes it difficult for pedestrians to pass. 24-0100 Approved Pass
  35. 4.24. That the Commissioner of Public Works inspect the many uneven sidewalks on the north side of Broadway in East Somerville, commonly known as the State streets. 24-0101 Approved Pass
  36. 4.25. That the Commissioner of Public Works address the uneven sidewalk in front of 11 Illinois Avenue. 24-0102 Approved Pass
  37. 4.26. That the Director of Water and Sewer clean the sewer at the intersection of Gilman and Cross Streets. 24-0103 Approved Pass
  38. 4.27. That the Commissioner of Public Works work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) to address the piles of trash under Interstate-93, by the Stop and Shop. 24-0104 Approved Pass
  39. 4.28. That the Director of Engineering inspect the traffic signal at Foley Street and Middlesex Avenue to ensure the timing is functioning correctly. 24-0105 Approved Pass
  40. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  41. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  42. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  43. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 23, 2024. 24-0077 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 205:12
  44. 6.A.2. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,833.59 using available funds in the Human Resources Department Professional & Technical Services Account for investigative services. Approved Pass
  45. 6.A.3. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,175.32 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Professional & Technical Services Account for online payment services. Approved Pass
  46. 6.A.4. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $37,500 grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for maritime related training and equipment. Approved Pass
  47. 6.A.5. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $15,000 grant with no new match required, from New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) to the Arts Council for training and funding for a public art project. Approved Pass
  48. 6.A.6. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $13,190.05 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Moving Services Account for moving of furniture and equipment. Approved Pass
  49. 6.A.7. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of eight months with Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc. for design services for the Somerville High School project. Approved Pass
  50. 6.A.8. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of eight months for PMA, LLC for Owner's Project Manager services for the Somerville High School project. Approved Pass
  51. 6.A.9. Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $48,529.99 grant with no new match required, from the Boston's Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for installation of access controls, card entry access, and indoor fencing. Approved Pass
  52. 6.A.10. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $135,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance for the implementation of a records management system. Approved Pass
  53. 6.A.11. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $16,041.33 using available funds in the Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management Professional & Technical Services Account for the Asset Management Program. Approved Pass
  54. 6.A.12. Requesting approval to accept a $5,000 gift from the Cummings Foundation for the Basic Income Pilot. Approved Pass
  55. 6.A.13. Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $75,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team expenditures and overtime. Approved Pass
  56. 6.A.14. Requesting approval of a grant of easement and maintenance agreement for US Union Square D2.1 Owner LLC for 10 Prospect Street and Somerville Avenue. Approved Pass ▶ jump to 209:17
  57. 6.A.15. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $420 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fire Alarm R&M Account for alarm monitoring. Approved Pass
  58. 6.A.16. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1632.31 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Roofing R&M Account for roof repairs. Approved Pass
  59. 6.A.17. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $325 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Towing Account for towing services. Approved Pass
  60. 6.A.18. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $122,627 grant with no new match required, from Mass General Hospital/Cambridge Health Alliance to the Health and Human Services Department for recruitment and training of Community Health Workers. Withdrawn
  61. 6.A.19. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $28.75 using available funds in the Human Resources Department Wellness Account for an employee Weight Watchers wellness benefit. Approved Pass
  62. 6.A.20. Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with WSP, Inc. for design work on the Somerville Avenue Utilities and Streetscape Improvements project. 24-0012 Approved Pass
  63. 6.A.21. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for senior transportation. 24-0013 Approved Pass
  64. 6.A.22. 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. 24-0014 Approved Pass
  65. 6.A.23. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,600 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Councils on Aging to the Council on Aging for the Somerville Memory Cafe. 24-0015 Approved Pass
  66. 6.A.24. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $91,211.79 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Fire Department for staffing costs. 24-0035 Approved Pass
  67. 6.A.25. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $53,200 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for the Local Cultural Council grant program. 24-0036 Approved Pass
  68. 6.A.26. Requesting the appropriation of $260,836.34 from the GLX Developer Contribution Fund Account for procuring an owners project representative for the 100 Chestnut Pedestrian Bridge. 24-0045 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 210:05
  69. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  70. 7.1. Requesting the appropriation of $1,405,962 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Community Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 24-0053 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 208:30
  71. 7.2. 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 Referred for recommendation
  72. 7.3. 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 Referred for recommendation
  73. 7.4. 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 Referred for recommendation
  74. 7.5. Requesting the transfer of $75,605 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Community Housing Reserve. 24-0052 Referred for recommendation
  75. 7.6. 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 Referred for recommendation
  76. 7.7. 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 Referred for recommendation
  77. 7.8. 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 Referred for recommendation
  78. 7.9. 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 Referred for recommendation
  79. 7.10. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Austin Brower to the Board of Elections Commissioners. 24-0084 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 210:44
  80. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  81. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  82. 9.1. New Lodging House License, Tufts University, 29 Sawyer Ave, 27 residents. 24-0109 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 210:54
  83. 9.2. Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 56 Professors Row. 24-0108 Approved Pass
  84. 9.3. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Raymy Inc, #59. 24-0110 Approved Pass
  85. 9.4. Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Intercar, 39 Webster Ave. 24-0111 Approved Pass
  86. 9.5. Five residents submitting comments re: proposed Zoning Ordinance Climate & Equity Innovation Sub-Area Overlay District. 24-0112 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 211:15
  87. 9.6. Julie Corwin submitting comments re: Green Line Extension. 24-0068 Placed on file Pass
  88. 9.7. Dan Seaman submitting comments re: Little Free Library on Cedar Street. 24-0069 Placed on file Pass
  89. 9.8. Peter Heald submitting comments re: facial recognition technology. 24-0082 Placed on file Pass
  90. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  91. 10.1. That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment work with this Council and Green and Open Somerville to develop a job description for an Invasive Species position to spearhead outreach, education, and citywide invasive plant species removal and to allocate funding for such a position in the FY 2025 budget. 24-0106 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 211:52
  92. 10.2. That the Director of Economic Development update this Council on efforts taken to inform relevant business owners about the newly implemented closed captioning ordinance. 24-0107 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 213:17
  93. 10.3. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 214:52
  94. 10.4. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 215:18
  95. 10.5. That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on leaks at the Arts at the Armory Building 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. 24-0118 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 215:43
  96. 10.6. 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 Referred for recommendation
  97. 10.7. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jason Mackey to the Human Rights Commission. 24-0119 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 216:21
  98. 10.8. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Martin Polignone to the Human Rights Commission. 24-0120 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 216:37
  99. 10.9. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Elyse Best to the Human Rights Commission. 24-0121 Approved Pass
  100. 10.10. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mallory Carroll to the Commission for Women. 24-0122 Approved Pass
  101. 10.11. New Drainlayer's License, D'Alessandro Corp. 24-0123 Approved Pass
  102. 10.12. New Garage License, John's Auto Sales Inc, 181 Somerville Ave, for 2 vehicles inside and 22 vehicles outside for mechanical repairs only, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: Closed. 24-0124 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 216:53
  103. 10.13. Meriwether Buruss submitting comments re: ceasefire. 24-0083 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 217:04
  104. 10.14. Eleven individuals, including five residents, submitting comments re: item 24-0089 a resolution in support of an enduring ceasefire in Gaza. 24-0125 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 217:14
  105. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  106. 11. LATE ITEMS
  107. 11.1. Amending Section 7.2.7 of the Zoning Ordinances to add Shared Workspace & Arts Education to Table 7.2.7 Permitted Uses. Ordinance ordained Pass
  108. 11.2. Conveying that the Chair of the Committee on Finance will provide an update on the City Council’s shared budget priorities process for FY 2025 at the next City Council meeting on February 8. 24-0131 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 218:06
  109. 107 The meeting was Adjourned at 10:46 PM on a Roll Call vote of 9 in favor (McLaughlin, Davis, Sait, Mbah, Burnley, Clingan, Strezo, Pineda Neufeld, Ewen-Campen), 1 opposed (Wilson), 1 absent (Scott).