MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
February 22, 2018
70 recorded votes, 67 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: Wilfred Mbah, Mary Jo Rossetti, William White, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Mark Niedergang, Lance Davis, Katjana Ballantyne
Absent: Stephanie Hirsch
Every vote, in order
Minutes #205179
Approve the minutes of the January 25, 2018 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, January 25, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205180
That the Administration report to this Board on what is being done to prevent gun violence in our schools, including any active shooter training provided to teachers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205181
That the Administration consider hiring additional school nurses as soon as possible
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205182
That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance to stop Globe Direct from leaving its weekly circulars at residents' homes
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205183
That the Administration reassess the city's agreement with Globe Direct regarding stopping deliveries upon request
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205184
That the Director of Traffic and Parking consider adding painted street lane arrows and signage at the intersection of Holland Street and Broadway to improve safety
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205186
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on the south side of Highland Avenue between Somerville Hospital and Benton Road, and at 188 Lowell Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205187
That the Director of Traffic and Parking re-stripe the crosswalk on Lowell Street at Princeton Street near the bridge
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205188
That the Director of SPCD report to this Board on the feasibility of installing a crosswalk on Highland Avenue in front of the Armory
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205189
That 7 environmental items currently in the Legislative Matters Committee be discharged and assigned to another committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205190
That 2 financial items currently in the Legislative Matters Committee be discharged and assigned to another committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205191
The Entire Board That the Administration inform this Board on the annual number of eviction cases heard in Somerville District Court, the proportion for which the tenant has no legal...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen, and the Entire Board That the Administration inform this Board on the annual number of eviction cases heard in Somerville District Court, the proportion for which the tenant has no legal representation, and the estimated cost of ensuring that all Somerville tenants have such representation.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205192
That the Director of SPCD work with the Ward 3 Alderman and the Union Square Master Developer to clarify the plan and timeline for the “out-parcels” in later-phase development blocks, so...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Director of SPCD work with the Ward 3 Alderman and the Union Square Master Developer to clarify the plan and timeline for the “out-parcels” in later-phase development blocks, so businesses can plan accordingly.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205193
That the Director of Traffic and Parking explain whether it is possible to program alternative LED patterns for blinking STOP signs and other traffic signs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205194
That the Director of SPCD consider making the audible pedestrian signals in Union Square push-button activated, and inform this Board on the relative advantages and drawbacks of doing so
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205195
That the Director of SPCD work with the Ward 3 Alderman to devise traffic calming strategies on Bow Street, from Warren Avenue to Walnut Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205196
That the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility to remove the double poles at the intersection of Central and Summer Streets, where they are blocking a pedestrian walk signal
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205197
That the Director of Traffic and Parking Place a NO PARKING sign between 161 and 165 Broadway, between the bus stop and the metered spot, to increase vehicle visibility
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205198
That the Director of Veterans Services appear before this Board’s Committee on Veterans and Public Services to discuss a Global War on Terror memorial and a Women’s Service memorial
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205199
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services, the Director of Health and Human Services, and the Director of any other department involved in rodent control efforts, appear before this Board’s...
By Ald. McLaughlin That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services, the Director of Health and Human Services, and the Director of any other department involved in rodent control efforts, appear before this Board’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues each month to highlight rodent control efforts.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205200
That the Administration consider making a mid-year appropriation for an Out- of-School-Time Coordinator, to begin planning out-of-school-time programming, including this coming summer vacation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205201
The Entire Board 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...
By Ald. Scott, Davis, Ewen-Campen, and the Entire Board 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 #205202
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 20, 2018
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 20, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205203 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
That the City Solicitor advise this Board’s Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters of any legal requirements and/or standards that may exist for appointments and...
By Ald. Davis That the City Solicitor advise this Board’s Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters of any legal requirements and/or standards that may exist for appointments and re-appointments.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205204 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
That the Administration provide this Board’s Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters with all documentation considered for each appointee's appointment, and any updated...
By Ald. Davis That the Administration provide this Board’s Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters with all documentation considered for each appointee's appointment, and any updated information since the time of any appointment to a “reserve list”.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205205
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 20, 2018
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 20, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #202153 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $94,000 in a bond for additional design services for the West Branch Library Renovation Project
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Hirsch.”
Mayor's Request #205011 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a 36 month lease of the West Somerville Police Substation and office space at 1112-1114 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205013 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $29,890.97 from Free Cash to the EPA Brownfield Revolving Loan Account for payment #1 of the Conway Rink Repayment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205119 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to establish a Consolidated Gift Account to accept donations for commemorative benches
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205120 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to enter into a tax agreement with Sunwealth for a solar energy system at 444 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205123 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from UASI to the Police Department for purchasing maritime equipment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205155 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition relative to Retirement Board divestment from fossil fuel companies
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Hirsch.”
Order #205206 (report of the Finance Committee)
That the Manager of Grants Development investigate grant opportunities available to the city’s proposed Office of Housing Stability
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205207
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on February 14, 2018
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on February 14, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205208
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 13, 2018
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 13, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205209
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 15, 2018
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 15, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205071 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the City Solicitor prepare a Home Rule Petition to change the name of the Board of Aldermen to City Council
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205210
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on February 21, 2018
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on February 21, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #204774 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Billiards and Bowling License, Parise's Cafe, 97 Washington St, 1 pool table
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #204806 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Extended Operating Hours License, Dumpling Kitchen, 217 Highland Ave, Opening for take-out and delivery service only, Sun-Thu to 2AM and Fri- Sat to 2:30AM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #204931 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Extended Operating Hours License, Venus Pizza and Grill, 1295 Broadway, remaining open for in-store, take-out and delivery service until 5AM 7 days/week
No: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, White
From the minutes
“RESULT: NOT APPROVED. [0 TO 10] NAYS: Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Hirsch.”
License/Permit #205134 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Extended Operating Hours License, Dunkin Donuts, 504 Broadway, opening 24/7
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205135 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Somerville Motors, 182 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205136 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205137 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, 28 Motorsports, 486R Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205138 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, CM Auto Sales, 39 Webster Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205139 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Union Gulf Service, 231 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205140 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Webster Auto Sales, 61 Prospect St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205141 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Executive Auto Leasing and Sales, 30 Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205211 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
That the condition submitted by SPCD for used car dealer licenses issued in the Union Square Urban Revitalization Plan area be reviewed by SPCD, the City Solicitor and the City Clerk to confirm it...
By Ald. Rossetti That the condition submitted by SPCD for used car dealer licenses issued in the Union Square Urban Revitalization Plan area be reviewed by SPCD, the City Solicitor and the City Clerk to confirm it will not infringe upon licensees’ ability to conduct business.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205222
Requesting acceptance of a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the National Endowment for the Arts to the Arts Council for a Puppet performers series
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205223
Requesting acceptance of a $5,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Housing and Community Development to the Housing Division for the 2018 Youth Count
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #205230
City Solicitor requesting approval to retain outside counsel in the matters of Kiely's Civil Service Commission request and Open Meeting Law complaint
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205237
Public Event Permit, Groundwork Somerville Maple Syrup Boil Down, Community Growing Center, Mar 10, 8AM-4PM (raindates Mar 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, Apr 1)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205238
Public Event Permit, Arts Council Arbor Day Starting Over Festival, Quincy St Park, Apr 22, 9AM-2PM (raindate Apr 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205239
Public Event Permit, Dysautonomia International POTS Walk and Run, Mystic River path, May 12, 8AM-3PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205240
Public Event Permit, St Benedict Marion Parade, St Benedict Parish area streets, May 13, 11AM-Noon
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205241
Public Event Permit, Arts Council Jody Weber Dance Performance, Union Sq Plaza, Jun 14, 6-10:30PM (raindate Jun 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205242
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Cantina La Mexicana, 247 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205243
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205245
The Entire Board Condemning the outsourcing of 100 medical coding jobs by Partners Healthcare to India, and requesting from Partners Healthcare how many of those jobs were based in Somerville...
By Ald. Clingan, and the Entire Board Condemning the outsourcing of 100 medical coding jobs by Partners Healthcare to India, and requesting from Partners Healthcare how many of those jobs were based in Somerville and/or held by Somerville residents.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205246
That the Director of Engineering inspect the last 20-yard section of Ware Street, near Russell Road, and advise the Ward Alderman if it is sinking
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205247
That the Director of Sustainability and Environment report to this Board on the progress of the Mayor’s initiative to attain carbon neutrality by 2050
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205248
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on Holland, North and Elmwood Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205249
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a NO RIGHT TURN 7–10 AM AND 4–6 PM sign facing west on the corner of Church and Summer Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #205251
Assistant City Solicitor submitting an Ordinance to create a Somerville Municipal Job Creation And Retention Trust Fund
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Hirsch.”
License/Permit #205256
Public Event Permit, MOM's 5K Run start and after-party (Run approved Jan 25 as #205049), Summer St from Cutter Ave to Windom St, May 13, 7AM- 2PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205257
Renewing Drainlayer's License, LM Heavy Civil Construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205260
That the Director of Finance update this Board's Finance Committee, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on the mid-year status of the city budget
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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