MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
January 11, 2018
56 recorded votes, 56 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward Seven Alderman Katjana Ballantyne.
Present: Stephanie Hirsch, Wilfred Mbah, Mary Jo Rossetti, William White, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Mark Niedergang, Lance Davis, Katjana Ballantyne
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Minutes #204845
Approve the minutes of the November 21, 2017 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, November 21, 2017.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204847
That the Director of SPCD update this Board on what is being done to preserve minority owned businesses in the city
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204848
That the Superintendent of Schools provide this Board with information regarding homelessness among the student population, including the demographics of those affected and what steps are being...
By Ald. Mbah That the Superintendent of Schools provide this Board with information regarding homelessness among the student population, including the demographics of those affected and what steps are being taken to prevent those at risk from becoming homeless.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204849
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services report to this Board, no later than January 18, 2018, all snow removal violations issued to property owners in December and January, and explain...
By Ald. Rossetti, White Jr., Mbah, Hirsch That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services report to this Board, no later than January 18, 2018, all snow removal violations issued to property owners in December and January, and explain how properties are identified for infractions.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204850
That the Administration work with this Board to join the 15 ‘Age Friendly Communities’ in Massachusetts by implementing age-friendly employer initiatives and encouraging our local businesses to do...
By Ald. Rossetti, Hirsch, Ballantyne, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, White Jr., Mbah, Niedergang, Davis That the Administration work with this Board to join the 15 ‘Age Friendly Communities’ in Massachusetts by implementing age-friendly employer initiatives and encouraging our local businesses to do the same.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204851
That the Administration update this Board on its efforts to form an Office of Housing Stability, as recommended by the Sustainable Neighborhoods Working Group and mentioned in the Mayor’s recent...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen, Ballantyne That the Administration update this Board on its efforts to form an Office of Housing Stability, as recommended by the Sustainable Neighborhoods Working Group and mentioned in the Mayor’s recent inaugural address.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204852
That the Chief of Police report to this Board, the current approach for enforcing laws relating to cell phone use while driving, and any relevant studies regarding the prevalence of such use in...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Chief of Police report to this Board, the current approach for enforcing laws relating to cell phone use while driving, and any relevant studies regarding the prevalence of such use in the city.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204854
That the Chief Assessor report to this Board, the number of properties (residential and commercial) that have been bought and sold within a 1-year period, and the extent of improvements that were...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Chief Assessor report to this Board, the number of properties (residential and commercial) that have been bought and sold within a 1-year period, and the extent of improvements that were made during that period, for the past five years.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204855
That the Traffic Commission consider supporting the neighborhood petition to make Crocker Street a one-way street for its entire length, and to exempt it from the odd/even snow emergency parking...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Traffic Commission consider supporting the neighborhood petition to make Crocker Street a one-way street for its entire length, and to exempt it from the odd/even snow emergency parking shift each year.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204856
That the Director of Engineering and the Commissioner of Public Works work with this Board to consider possible strategies to address the persistent issue of snow being plowed onto sidewalks...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Director of Engineering and the Commissioner of Public Works work with this Board to consider possible strategies to address the persistent issue of snow being plowed onto sidewalks during large snow storms.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204857
That the Administration inform the Ward 3 Aldermen who will bear the financial costs of mitigating the recent flooding and related damage at 125 Lowell Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204858
That the Director of Traffic and Parking update the Ward 3 Alderman about any previous traffic studies for traffic calming on School Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204859
That the Director of Traffic and Parking consider additional lane-usage signs along Somerville Avenue leading up to its intersection with Washington Street in Union Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204860
That the Director of SPCD arrange a meeting with the MBTA and this Board to discuss the elimination of the Route 95 bus stop on Mystic Avenue across from Fremont Street, and how that stop can be...
By Ald. Clingan That the Director of SPCD arrange a meeting with the MBTA and this Board to discuss the elimination of the Route 95 bus stop on Mystic Avenue across from Fremont Street, and how that stop can be restored with proper lighting, markings, etc.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204861
That the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility to raise the low hanging wires at the corner of Shore Drive and Putnam Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204862
That the Director of SPCD appear before this Board to discuss the timeline for repaving Broadway, between Central Street and the McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204863
That the Administration update this Board on the former Winter Hill Star Market and the associated lawsuit, as requested in #201772
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204864
That the Administration consider a mid-year appropriation for additional traffic coordination or engineering staff to manage the many complex projects underway, communicate with residents and...
By Ald. Hirsch That the Administration consider a mid-year appropriation for additional traffic coordination or engineering staff to manage the many complex projects underway, communicate with residents and businesses, and carry out any possible immediate traffic calming using real-time data.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204866
That the Director of Personnel provide updated information on employee demographics, including gender, ethnicity and any other tracked categories, with the average wages by demographic group
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204867
That the Chief Assessor and the Director of Communications provide an update on how this year’s tax deferral program can be advertised to each eligible home owner, and how the application process...
By Ald. Hirsch That the Chief Assessor and the Director of Communications provide an update on how this year’s tax deferral program can be advertised to each eligible home owner, and how the application process can be streamlined.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204868
That the Director of SPCD provide an update on the progress made on all recommendations included in the December 2015 Sustainable Neighborhood Working Group report
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204869
That Director of Sustainability and Environment include the School Department’s Finance Director in discussions of #204436, to examine procurement criteria for cafeteria food and drink vendors...
By Ald. Hirsch That Director of Sustainability and Environment include the School Department’s Finance Director in discussions of #204436, to examine procurement criteria for cafeteria food and drink vendors given the amount of waste created by food packaging.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204870
That the Administration report to this Board, by the next Youth Services Committee meeting, on ways to expand open swimming hours at the Kennedy School pool, such as Sundays, Friday/Saturday...
By Ald. Hirsch, Ballantyne, Scott That the Administration report to this Board, by the next Youth Services Committee meeting, on ways to expand open swimming hours at the Kennedy School pool, such as Sundays, Friday/Saturday evenings, school holidays and half-day Wednesdays.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204871
That the Administration report to this Board, by the next Youth Services Committee meeting, on ways to keep the Kennedy School playground open for public use during non-school day daytime hours
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204872
That the Administration provide an update on the progress of plans outlined in the Somerville Fields Master Plan
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204873
That the Administration, with the School Department, provide data by student income, school and grade, on children being served after school at school- based and non-profit providers, to identify...
By Ald. Hirsch That the Administration, with the School Department, provide data by student income, school and grade, on children being served after school at school- based and non-profit providers, to identify gaps in service and better coordinate and expand such programming.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204874
That the Director of Traffic and Parking publish de-identified parking permit data in the city’s open data portal so as to permit community analysis and discussion of issues related to the supply...
By Ald. Hirsch, Niedergang That the Director of Traffic and Parking publish de-identified parking permit data in the city’s open data portal so as to permit community analysis and discussion of issues related to the supply and demand of parking.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204875
The Entire Board That the City Solicitor prepare a Home Rule Petition regarding a Right of First Refusal to allow tenants to have the first option to purchase their homes if they are going to be sold
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204876
The Entire Board That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Traffic and Parking meet with the Committee on Traffic and Parking to discuss policies and procedures to limit residential parking...
By Ald. Niedergang, Hirsch, and the Entire Board That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Traffic and Parking meet with the Committee on Traffic and Parking to discuss policies and procedures to limit residential parking permits for residents of properties that are granted relief from parking requirements by the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Planning Board.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204877
That the Commissioner of Public Works report to this Board why snow plows cannot go at a slower speed to avoid throwing snow over curbs and onto sidewalks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204878
That the Commissioner of Public Works deploy a shoveling crew after major snowstorms to shovel out the sidewalks of elderly and disabled residents that get buried by city snowplows, and that the...
By Ald. Niedergang, Mbah That the Commissioner of Public Works deploy a shoveling crew after major snowstorms to shovel out the sidewalks of elderly and disabled residents that get buried by city snowplows, and that the Director of Health and Human Services and the Director of Communications work together to register such residents so they can contact 311 to get their sidewalks re-shoveled after they have been buried by snowplows.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204879
That the Director of Communications coordinate the messaging about when to shovel with the Commissioner of Public Works so that residents are not told to shovel their sidewalks when snow plows are...
By Ald. Niedergang, Mbah That the Director of Communications coordinate the messaging about when to shovel with the Commissioner of Public Works so that residents are not told to shovel their sidewalks when snow plows are still plowing snow over curbs and burying sidewalks.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204880
The Entire Board That the Director of SPCD report to this Board whether he plans to propose to the Traffic Commission that 20 mph speed zones be adopted citywide
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204881
That the Mayor allocate $25,000 for the remainder of FY18 for this Board to hire its own legal counsel to provide independent legal analysis and advice on legal matters
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204882
That the Director of Traffic and Parking add a second crosswalk and install a flashing PEDESTRIAN CROSSING sign on both sides of Summer Street at Cherry Street to enhance safety for children and...
By Ald. Niedergang, Davis That the Director of Traffic and Parking add a second crosswalk and install a flashing PEDESTRIAN CROSSING sign on both sides of Summer Street at Cherry Street to enhance safety for children and parents walking to the Kennedy School.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204883
That the Director of Traffic and Parking add a second crosswalk on Summer Street at Hancock Street and on Lexington Avenue at Hancock Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204884
The Entire Board That this Board explore establishing a community-based independent Community Land Trust that can purchase property in conjunction with non- profit organizations and private...
By Ald. Scott, and the Entire Board That this Board explore establishing a community-based independent Community Land Trust that can purchase property in conjunction with non- profit organizations and private citizens, and make housing permanently affordable.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204885
That the City Clerk and the Director of SPCD expand abutter notices for Zoning Board of Appeal, Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission hearings to include tenants of abutting...
By Ald. Scott That the City Clerk and the Director of SPCD expand abutter notices for Zoning Board of Appeal, Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission hearings to include tenants of abutting properties in addition to property owners.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204886
That the City Solicitor and the City Arborist clarify the ordinance requiring tree removal for a new driveway or other construction project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204887
That the Director of SPCD provide this Board by end of February with the tree planting schedule, by Ward, for Spring 2018
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204888
That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Director of Finance report to this Board how much money was spent per year on girls' programs and boys' programs during FY16, FY17 and FY18 to date
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204889
That the City Arborist trim the tree at 26 Mead Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204890
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install signs on the eastbound side of Broadway to restrict traffic on Victoria Street, Garrison Avenue and Farragut Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204891
That the Chief of Police cite motorists traveling in the wrong direction on Clarendon Avenue and Victoria Street from Woodstock Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #204927
Public Event Permit, Co-Incidence Festival music performances, Sidewalks from Union Sq to 321 Washington St, Jan 19-25, 1 hour each day starting between 5 and 10 PM and ending between 6 and 11PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #204941
Renewing Livery License, Mass Cab, 45 Endicott Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204945
That the City Solicitor advise this Board on options to allow primary enforcement of city ordinances by city representatives, including Police and Parking Control Officers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204946
That the City Clerk revise the wording of the opening prayer to change the words, "all men and women" to "all people"
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204947
That the City Clerk and the City Solicitor advise this Board on whether the opening prayer and the salute to the flag are required at the beginning of meetings
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204948
That the Administration explore additional pedestrian safety strategies for crosswalks when the crossing signs have to be removed during winter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204949
That the Commissioner of Public Works advise this Board on the priority policy for clearing snow from sidewalk curb cuts at intersections
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204950
That the Administration advise this Board on the city's ability to clear sidewalks that have not been cleared and charge the property owner for the cost
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204951
That the Administration advise this Board whether data is kept, or can be kept, on repeat offenders of the snow removal ordinance, and whether penalties can be increased for repeat offenders
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204952
That the Commissioner of Public Works remove all space savers from parking spots on all city streets and that the Director of Communications remind residents of the prohibition on reserving...
By Ald. Niedergang That the Commissioner of Public Works remove all space savers from parking spots on all city streets and that the Director of Communications remind residents of the prohibition on reserving parking spots for personal use.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204959
Congratulating Alderman Matt McLaughlin on the happy occasion of his upcoming wedding
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #204960
That the Director of SPCD update this Board on plans to renovate the area under I-93, near the Stop & Shop, for pedestrian access to Assembly Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the Somerville City Council’s official minutes, posted on the city’s Legistar meeting calendar (July 2022 on) and its older meeting portal (2010 to mid-2022), both linked from the City Council page on somervillema.gov. We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: City of Somerville (somervillema.gov) official headshots for Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Lance Davis, Wilfred Mbah, Naima Sait, J.T. Scott and Kristen Strezo; The Somerville Times (thesomervilletimes.com) for Emily Hardt, Jon Link, Matthew McLaughlin and Ben Wheeler. Former councilors show initials.
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