MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
February 8, 2018
58 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 #205067
Approve the minutes of the January 1, 2018 organizational meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Organizational Meeting, January 1, 2018, and the Regular Meeting, January 11, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #205068
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Michael Cabral on the auspicious occasion of his retirement after 31 years of dedicated service, including serving as Acting Chief, in the Police Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #205069
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Martha Costa on the auspicious occasion of her retirement after 31 years of dedicated service in the Police Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #205070
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending the East Somerville Community School Marimba Club for their musical passion and performance
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205072
That the Chief of Police provide this Board with the number of incidents of the circulation of racist, anti-Semitic or hate-speech literature in 2016 and 2017
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205073
That the Chief of Police provide this Board with an update on surveillance cameras in the city
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205074
That the Director of SPCD provide this Board with its capital plan for all open space in the city
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205075
That the Director of Water and Sewer report to this Board on whether our municipal tap water is safe to drink
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205076
That the Administration appropriate funds to contract a community organization to provide free or low-cost legal services on immigration and naturalization issues to immigrants living in Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205077
That the Director of SPCD update this Board on Cambridge’s plan to eliminate the left turn onto Massachusetts Avenue from the Porter Square shopping center, which is likely to add traffic to White...
By Ald. Niedergang That the Director of SPCD update this Board on Cambridge’s plan to eliminate the left turn onto Massachusetts Avenue from the Porter Square shopping center, which is likely to add traffic to White Street, a small street that is inadequate for such traffic.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205078
That the Commissioner of Public Works assess the sidewalk at 11 Rogers Avenue for danger of collapse and repair the sinkhole there
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205079
That the Director of Traffic and Parking enforce the no parking restriction by the hydrant at 33 Hudson Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205080
That the Director of Traffic and Parking stripe the entire street space by the curb at the hydrant at 33 Hudson Street to deter parking there
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205081
That the Director of Personnel explain to this Board in writing why the City does not give part-time employees who work less than 20 hours a week earned sick time
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205082
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install bright yellow YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS signs at the crosswalk by the Kennedy School on Elm Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205083
The Entire Board That this Board’s Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters develop a comprehensive procedure manual regarding review processes for all categories of...
By Ald. Scott, and the Entire Board That this Board’s Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters develop a comprehensive procedure manual regarding review processes for all categories of appointments and re-appointments.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205084
That the Director of Traffic and Parking increase parking enforcement on Columbia Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205085
That the Director of Traffic and Parking explain to this Board when and where the "48 Hour Parking Rule" is enforced, and why it is necessary
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205086
That the Administration clarify for this Board the role of Stantec Corp. as a contractor tasked with building the proposed storm water storage tank at Nunziato Field, and as a consulting firm for...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Administration clarify for this Board the role of Stantec Corp. as a contractor tasked with building the proposed storm water storage tank at Nunziato Field, and as a consulting firm for US2, the Union Square Master Developer.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205087
That the Commissioner of Public Works install public trash and recycling receptacles on the sidewalk outside the Bloc Cafe on Bow Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205088
That the Director of Traffic and Parking enforce the No Parking zone at the corner of Belmont Street and Spring Hill Terrace
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205089
That the Director of Communications modify the city's online meeting calendar portal so the agenda hyper-links are more intuitive to new users
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205090
That the Administration provide this Board with an update on the timeline for the creation of the Office of Housing Stability
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205091
That the Administration provide this Board with an opinion on whether or not to draft a home rule petition raising the owner occupied residential tax exemption from 35% to 40%
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205092
That the Traffic Commission consider creating a process for residents to comment on parking changes that affect their streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205093
That the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Board on the city’s current efforts to address the opiate crisis in terms of treatment, recovery, support and prevention
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205094
That the Director of Engineering re-pave Thurston Street, from Broadway to Medford Street.t
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205095
That the Director of Traffic and Parking repair the two leaning signs on Medford Street at the Winter Hill Community School
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205096
That the Director of Recreation appear before this Board’s Committee on Youth Services to provide information on the membership and function of the Recreation Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205097
That this Board’s Committee on Housing and Community Development discuss a ‘Housing Hackathon’
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205098
That the Administration update this Board on opportunities for expanded advertisement of the city’s tax deferral program, and other tools that may help seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes to...
By Ald. Hirsch, Niedergang That the Administration update this Board on opportunities for expanded advertisement of the city’s tax deferral program, and other tools that may help seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes to achieve financial stability.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205099
That the Director of Libraries share his vision for neighborhood access to branch libraries and/or library services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205100
That the Administration appear before this Board to discuss a possible Transit and Pedestrian Advisory Group
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205101
That the Chief of Police monitor traffic speed on Cameron Avenue and take appropriate actions
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205102
That the Director of Traffic and Parking and the Chief of Police advise this Board on whether trucks are prohibited from Cameron Avenue, and if so, enforce that restriction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205103
That the Director of SPCD advise this Board of the mitigation requirements for construction of the Elmwood Street/Cameron Avenue housing project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205104
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on Cameron Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205105
That the Director of Sustainability and Environment confirm that all municipal buildings, excluding schools, have recycling programs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205106
The Entire Board That the Administration work with this Board to review and update the city’s sexual harassment policy for all city staff
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205107
The Entire Board That the Administration work with this Board to implement a Code of Conduct policy and discuss training all staff and Aldermen
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205108
The Entire Board That the Administration work with this Board to review current sexual harassment policies for all union members and civil service employees, and develop such policies when absent
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205109
That the Administration and Director of Parks and Recreation develop a financial policy for programming for persons under 18 years of age that ensures gender equity when using public funds
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205110
That the Director of SPCD ensure that all school and city park designs for child use contain a gender equity lens in the design stage, so all children are served
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204865
That the Administration meet with this Board in Executive Session to provide an update on collective bargaining
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #205111
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 6, 2018
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 6, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #204497 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond to repair and improve the Buena Vista Garage
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Scott, WhiteNo: Rossetti
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [10 TO 1] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: Rossetti.”
Mayor's Request #205012 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $71,383.60 from the USQ Revitalization Stabilization Fund for legal services
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, WhiteThe minutes list J.T. Scott as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Scott.”
Committee Report #205112
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole in Joint Session with the Planning Board on January 30, 2018
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole in Joint Session with the Planning Board on January 30, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205113
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on January 31, 2018
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on January 31, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205114
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 1, 2018
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 1, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #204999 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Congratulating the elected Board members of the Union Square Neighborhood Council on their formation and acknowledging that they are prepared to negotiate a CBA for Union Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205115 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the Administration work with US2 to amend the Development Covenant to allow this Board to recognize a Neighborhood Council to negotiate a CBA and discuss the amendment with this Board prior...
By Ald. Davis That the Administration work with US2 to amend the Development Covenant to allow this Board to recognize a Neighborhood Council to negotiate a CBA and discuss the amendment with this Board prior to execution.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205116
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rules, meeting on February 7, 2018
Report of the Special Committee on Rules, meeting on February 7, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205117 (report of the Rules Special Committee)
That a rule be added to the Rules of this Board to require that video recordings be made of all Board and Committee meetings whenever possible, and audio recordings otherwise, and that these...
By Ald. White Jr., Davis, Rossetti That a rule be added to the Rules of this Board to require that video recordings be made of all Board and Committee meetings whenever possible, and audio recordings otherwise, and that these recordings be made available for public review on this Board's web portal.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication
City Clerk requesting approval of his Public Official's Bond
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205133
New Outdoor Seating License, When Pigs Fly, 241 Elm St, 1 A-Frame sign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205153
That the Director of Communications include a 10-minute community announcement period at the start of every ResiStat meeting so community members can share information about meetings and events...
By Ald. Niedergang, Clingan That the Director of Communications include a 10-minute community announcement period at the start of every ResiStat meeting so community members can share information about meetings and events, so other attendees become aware of things going on in their ward and the city.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205154
That the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility to address the low-hanging wires at the intersection of Porter Street and Gould Avenue
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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