MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
March 8, 2018
61 recorded votes, 59 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 #205268
Approve the minutes of the January 30, 2018 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, January 30, 2018, and the Regular Meeting, February 8, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205269
The Entire Board Supporting the students of Somerville High School in their efforts to demand that our country’s leaders act to ensure safety in all schools and neighborhoods, and extending our...
By Ald. Rossetti, Ballantyne, and the Entire Board Supporting the students of Somerville High School in their efforts to demand that our country’s leaders act to ensure safety in all schools and neighborhoods, and extending our willingness to work together with them.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205270
That the Administration provide this Board with the regulations that govern the extent to which utility companies can cut back trees
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205272
That the Administration update this Board with the parking situation at the high school
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205274
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services talk with, and if necessary ticket, the Powderhouse Pub in Ball Square for littering on the sidewalk
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205275
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. (2nd request)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205276
That this Board discharge from the Legislative Matters Committee #201740, Proposing an ordinance relative to a mid-fiscal year report of municipal finances, with next fiscal-year budget projections
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205277
That this Board discharge agenda item 204486 from the Legislative Matters Committee, "Proposing an ordinance for the management and elimination of natural gas leaks" and send a copy of the item to...
By Ald. Niedergang That this Board discharge agenda item 204486 from the Legislative Matters Committee, "Proposing an ordinance for the management and elimination of natural gas leaks" and send a copy of the item to the City Solicitor and the Director of Engineering, in preparation for discussion.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205278
That this Board discharge from the Legislative Matters Committee #203711, That the City Solicitor consult with the Commissioner of Public Works to draft an ordinance requiring contractors and...
By Ald. Niedergang That this Board discharge from the Legislative Matters Committee #203711, That the City Solicitor consult with the Commissioner of Public Works to draft an ordinance requiring contractors and utilities to secure metal plates during street construction" and that a copy of the item be sent to the City Solicitor and the Commissioner of Public Works in preparation for discussion.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205279
That this Board discharge from the Legislative Matters Committee #203190, Publishers Circulation Fulfillment responding to #203057 re: Globe Direct distribution
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205280
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a NO PARKING sign on the east side of Central Street, about 20 feet from the corner of Summer Street, to increase visibility at this dangerous...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a NO PARKING sign on the east side of Central Street, about 20 feet from the corner of Summer Street, to increase visibility at this dangerous intersection.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205281
That the Manager of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion discuss with the Ward 3 Alderman options for creating additional handicapped parking spaces on Warren Avenue at Properzi Manor
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205282
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on Highland Avenue, from Walnut Street to Greenville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205283
The Entire Board That the Director of the Council on Aging meet with the Ward 3 Alderman to discuss forming partnerships between the Housing Authority's elderly housing facilities and the many...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen, and the Entire Board That the Director of the Council on Aging meet with the Ward 3 Alderman to discuss forming partnerships between the Housing Authority's elderly housing facilities and the many "maker spaces" in the city, to encourage intergenerational tech assistance.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205284
That the Administration consider hiring a software engineer in the FY19 budget cycle to design and maintain information management systems to link data, such as information related to properties
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205285
The Entire Board That the Director of SPCD share plans, when available, for its upcoming Vision Zero planning process
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205286
The Entire Board That the Director of SPCD share what role the city has, or could have with additional staff, in assisting residents with condo association dilemmas, tenant organizing, or ensuring...
By Ald. Hirsch, and the Entire Board That the Director of SPCD share what role the city has, or could have with additional staff, in assisting residents with condo association dilemmas, tenant organizing, or ensuring that inclusionary unit owners or tenants have equal voice in building decisions.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205287
That the Community Preservation Act Manager inform this Board whether or not small open spaces can be designated as publicly accessible open space in combination with an affordable housing or...
By Ald. Hirsch That the Community Preservation Act Manager inform this Board whether or not small open spaces can be designated as publicly accessible open space in combination with an affordable housing or historic preservation funding allocation.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205288
The Entire Board Expressing appreciation for the staff of the Departments of Assessing, Communications, Health and Human Services, and the Council on Aging, for designing an excellent mailing...
By Ald. Hirsch, Niedergang, and the Entire Board Expressing appreciation for the staff of the Departments of Assessing, Communications, Health and Human Services, and the Council on Aging, for designing an excellent mailing notifying seniors of ways to lessen their tax burden, and for responding to requests for information.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205289
That the Director of Purchasing share the process for procuring food, food packaging and flatware for the school cafeterias
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205290
That the Commissioner of Public Works share the process of handling different types of cafeteria waste, including recyclables and food waste
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205292
That, in preparation for his role representing this Board at next Friday’s citywide basketball matchup with the Harlem Wizards, Alderman Jesse Clingan helps turn the game around, delivers a...
By Ald. Hirsch That, in preparation for his role representing this Board at next Friday’s citywide basketball matchup with the Harlem Wizards, Alderman Jesse Clingan helps turn the game around, delivers a perfect spin dribble, plays to make us proud and remembers that, as Yogi Berra once said, “Ninety percent of the game is half mental.”
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205293
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on March 7, 2018
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on March 7, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Charles Conway to the position of Fire Fighter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting the appointment of Lysander Amado to the position of Fire Fighter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205294
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 6, 2018
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 6, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205018 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $10,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Communications Department Professional and Technical Services Account to fund construction translation...
Requesting the appropriation of $10,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Communications Department Professional and Technical Services Account to fund construction translation services.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205029 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the approval of funding to establish an Office of Housing Stability in SPCD
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205160 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $18,750 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to SPCD's Transportation & Infrastructure Division Salaries Account to fund a GLX Project Liaison
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205166 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $18,750 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to SPCD's Transportation & Infrastructure Division Salaries Account to fund a Transportation Planner
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205171 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $32,692 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the SPCD Office of Housing Stability Salaries Account to fund a Director of Housing Stability
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205212 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create the Medical Marijuana Stabilization Fund and accept payments to the Fund from medical marijuana dispensaries
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #205214 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting to transfer CPA funds totaling $1,214,322 from the CPA Fund Budgeted Reserve to designated CPA reserves per the recommendation of the Community Preservation Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205215 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a transfer of $205,000 from the Police Department Salaries Account and $45,000 from the E-911 Salaries Account to the Fire Department Salaries Account to correct an under-funding in the...
Requesting a transfer of $205,000 from the Police Department Salaries Account and $45,000 from the E-911 Salaries Account to the Fire Department Salaries Account to correct an under-funding in the FY18 budget.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205216 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a transfer of $98,000 from the E-911 Salaries Account and $77,000 from the Parks & Recreation Field Maintenance Salaries Account to the Law Legal Services Account to fund anticipated...
Requesting a transfer of $98,000 from the E-911 Salaries Account and $77,000 from the Parks & Recreation Field Maintenance Salaries Account to the Law Legal Services Account to fund anticipated outside legal counsel invoices.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205217 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to transfer $60,000 in the Health & Human Services Department from the Salaries Account to the Professional & Technical Services Account, for temporary school nursing services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205218 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $400,000 grant that requires a match, from the MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs PARC Grant Program to SPCD for renovations to Lincoln Park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205219 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $150,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Fund Transportation Planning program to SPCD for mitigation at the...
Requesting acceptance of a $150,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Fund Transportation Planning program to SPCD for mitigation at the intersection of Rts 93, 28, and 38.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205220 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Reserve Fund to SPCD for baseline monitoring of air quality and vehicular...
Requesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Reserve Fund to SPCD for baseline monitoring of air quality and vehicular traffic in impacted neighborhoods.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205221 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the acceptance of a grant of $59,747 from HUD to support SPCD's Continuum of Care planning efforts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205295
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 27, 2018
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 27, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #204638 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting an amendment to Zoning Ordinance Article 7 to institute a study period to review recreational marijuana facilities prior to permitting them
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Hirsch, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, WhiteNo: Ewen-Campen
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [10 TO 1] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: Ewen-Campen.”
Mayor's Request #204893 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting the adoption of a zoning amendment to Amend Article 16 to establish that owners or developers of future PUD projects may not seek a waiver of any change to affordable housing requirements
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #205296
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 1, 2018
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 1, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205297
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on March 8, 2018
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on March 8, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205254 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Public Event Permit, Big Apple Circus, Assembly Row Block 7, Mar 26 - May 9 with performances Apr 7 - May 6
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205255 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Public Event Permit, Jatra Nepal Holi Color Fest, Buena Vista Parking Lot, Apr 29, 9AM-8PM (raindate May 13)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205298
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on February 28, 2018
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on February 28, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205299
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on March 5, 2018
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on March 5, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205300
Accept the report of the Committee on Youth Services, meeting on March 7, 2018
Report of the Committee on Youth Services, meeting on March 7, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205302
Requesting a transfer of $4,482 from the Police Overtime Account to the Grant Match Account to cover the Metro Mayors Shannon Grant match requirement
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205303
Requesting approval of a transfer of $2,000 in the Police Animal Control Division, from the Professional & Technical Services Account to the Overtime Account, to cover projected overtime FY18 costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205305
Requesting acceptance of a $11,388.66 grant that requires a match, from the Metro Mayors Shannon Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence prevention
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205306
Requesting acceptance of a $1,560.98 grant, with no match required, from the Federation of MA Farmers Markets to the Health and Human Services Dept. for the City's Mobile Farmers Market
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205321
Public Event Permit, Tufts University Tuftonia's Day, Tufts Campus, Apr 27, 7AM-11:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205322
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Top Gear Motor Group, 24 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205331
That the Director of Traffic and Parking add blinking lights to the STOP sign on Cherry Street before Summer Street, and install flashing PEDESTRIAN CROSSING signs on both sides of Summer Street...
By Ald. Niedergang, Davis That the Director of Traffic and Parking add blinking lights to the STOP sign on Cherry Street before Summer Street, and install flashing PEDESTRIAN CROSSING signs on both sides of Summer Street at Cherry Street, all as soon as possible, since beginning on March 19, traffic will be diverted to this intersection from the closed Highland Avenue-Cedar Street intersection.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205332
That the Director of Parks and Recreation refresh the stone dust at the Nunziato dog park and install some form of transparent dust mitigation on the fence surrounding the dog park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205334
The Entire Board That the Committee on Housing and Community Development investigate the condition of affordable housing units in the City, gathering testimony and data, to determine whether there...
By Ald. White Jr., Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, and the Entire Board That the Committee on Housing and Community Development investigate the condition of affordable housing units in the City, gathering testimony and data, to determine whether there is an affordable housing crisis that constitutes a public emergency, which may inform any home rule petitions related to affordable housing.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205337
That the Director of Traffic and Parking increase patrols during business hours and address business parking in front of fire hydrants, on the street and in no parking zones
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205338
That the City Solicitor draft a feral cat ordinance similar to Chicago's, to assist feral cats and address rodent concerns
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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