MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
March 22, 2018
77 recorded votes, 77 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 #205340
Approve the minutes of the February 22, 2018 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 22, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205342
Celebrating the life, and condemning the killing, of Marielle Franco, a community organizer, human rights activist, and city councilor from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who was the...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Davis, Niedergang, Rossetti, Hirsch, Mbah, White Jr., McLaughlin Celebrating the life, and condemning the killing, of Marielle Franco, a community organizer, human rights activist, and city councilor from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who was the victim of an apparent targeted killing on March 14 at the age of 38.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205343
That the Director of SPCD contact local mortgage lenders to determine how the proposed "Tenants Right to Purchase" policy might affect the ability of home-buyers to secure financing, and report...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen, Scott That the Director of SPCD contact local mortgage lenders to determine how the proposed "Tenants Right to Purchase" policy might affect the ability of home-buyers to secure financing, and report back to this Board in writing.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205344
That the Director of SPCD contact several Title Insurance brokers and ascertain their views on whether the proposed "Tenants Right to Purchase" policy would affect their ability to provide title...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Director of SPCD contact several Title Insurance brokers and ascertain their views on whether the proposed "Tenants Right to Purchase" policy would affect their ability to provide title insurance, and report back to this Board in writing.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205345
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes at 65-71 Bow Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205346
That the Administration examine collaborating with other cities and towns to build a more uniform website, while providing each with the ability to maintain its own content
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205347
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on Woods Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205348
The Entire Board In support of MA House Bill 615 and the Bridge the Gap to Affordable Senior Healthcare campaign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205350
That the Director of Traffic and Parking increase enforcement for vehicles parking too close to corners on Porter Street at the intersections of Mountain Avenue, Porter Avenue, Francis Street...
By Ald. Niedergang, Ewen-Campen That the Director of Traffic and Parking increase enforcement for vehicles parking too close to corners on Porter Street at the intersections of Mountain Avenue, Porter Avenue, Francis Street, Crown Avenue and Brastow Avenue.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205351
That the City Engineer insure that the Cedar Street contractor re-stripe the faded crosswalk on Sartwell Avenue at Cedar Street as soon as possible
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205352
That the Director of SPCD report to the Ward 5 Alderman and this Board on the plans for closure of the Ball Square bridge and Broadway for GLX construction activity
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205353
That this Board discharge from the Legislative Matters Committee #204620, amending the penalties for rodent control violations (Ords 1-11(b) and 11-38)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205354
That this Board discharge from the Legislative Matters Committee #204621, amending the penalties for certain trash violations (Ord 9-55)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205355
Reaffirming support for the City and School District to consider joining Brockton’s lawsuit against the State, which calls for a revised district funding formula to provide greater resources for...
By Ald. Hirsch, Ballantyne Reaffirming support for the City and School District to consider joining Brockton’s lawsuit against the State, which calls for a revised district funding formula to provide greater resources for communities to meet the needs of children.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205356
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services establish a system of ongoing rodent population monitoring at several hot-spots in high-impact neighborhoods, to determine and regularly report on...
By Ald. Hirsch, McLaughlin That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services establish a system of ongoing rodent population monitoring at several hot-spots in high-impact neighborhoods, to determine and regularly report on the effectiveness of interventions.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205357
The Entire Board That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Superintendent of Inspectional Services convene a public community meeting to debrief with residents on the condition of sidewalks...
By Ald. Hirsch, Niedergang, Ewen-Campen, and the Entire Board That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Superintendent of Inspectional Services convene a public community meeting to debrief with residents on the condition of sidewalks this winter with regard to mobility concerns.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205358
That the Director of Health and Human Services share a draft plan, organizational chart and budget for the formation of an Out-of-School-Time Division, to coordinate across city departments and...
By Ald. Hirsch, Clingan, Davis That the Director of Health and Human Services share a draft plan, organizational chart and budget for the formation of an Out-of-School-Time Division, to coordinate across city departments and nonprofit and volunteer- run organizations.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205359
That the Director of SPCD share a report on the CDBG program as it relates to inter-division cooperation and the city’s larger Health and Human Service goals
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205360
That the Administration share plans for this summer’s youth jobs program, including the cost to nonprofits for hiring youths and any opportunity to create stipend work for younger teens in local...
By Ald. Hirsch That the Administration share plans for this summer’s youth jobs program, including the cost to nonprofits for hiring youths and any opportunity to create stipend work for younger teens in local nonprofits.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205361
That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Superintendent of Schools share their policies and procedures for allocating indoor spaces and outdoor spaces, in particular for local or...
By Ald. Hirsch, Davis, Mbah, Ewen-Campen, Clingan That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Superintendent of Schools share their policies and procedures for allocating indoor spaces and outdoor spaces, in particular for local or youth-serving organizations.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205362
That the Director of Engineering report to this Board the reason for the delay in repaving Broadway on Winter Hill
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205363
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services place fresh rat traps by the Healy School near Meacham Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205364
That the Commissioner of Public Works install a sign on the outside of the Healy schoolyard fence, on the Meacham Street side, instructing people not to feed birds as this attracts rodents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205365
That the Administration amend its appointment and hiring practices with regard to public safety positions in accordance with MGL c151B, to allow this Board to review applicants responsibly for...
By Ald. Scott, Ewen-Campen, Niedergang, Davis, Mbah, Clingan That the Administration amend its appointment and hiring practices with regard to public safety positions in accordance with MGL c151B, to allow this Board to review applicants responsibly for confirmation; specifically, that candidates be presented for preliminary approval by this Board prior to being directed for medical review or physical assessment.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205367
That the Commissioner of Public Works inform this Board of the policy for using standard Russell trucks for collecting recycling bins, and consider requiring that recycling collection trucks be...
By Ald. Scott That the Commissioner of Public Works inform this Board of the policy for using standard Russell trucks for collecting recycling bins, and consider requiring that recycling collection trucks be labeled explicitly.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205368
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a DO NOT ENTER EXCEPT ABUTTERS AND BICYCLES 7–9AM AND 4–6PM sign at the intersection of Durham and Beacon Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205369
That the Director of SPCD share with this Board the exact open space inventory, and clarify why there is a discrepancy between SomerVision’s Open Space Plan and the State inventory of the city's...
By Ald. Ballantyne, Ewen-Campen That the Director of SPCD share with this Board the exact open space inventory, and clarify why there is a discrepancy between SomerVision’s Open Space Plan and the State inventory of the city's open space.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205370
That the Director of SPCD specify what projects increased the 17 acres of open space in the SomerVision Progress Report
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205371
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on March 21, 2018
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on March 21, 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 Chris Ward to the position of Police Captain
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205372 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
That the City Solicitor advise this Board as to whether the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters may review, in executive session, the minutes of a prior executive session
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205373 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
That the City Solicitor advise this Board whether the sequence of appointments can be adjusted so the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments may review relevant information regarding...
By Ald. Davis That the City Solicitor advise this Board whether the sequence of appointments can be adjusted so the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments may review relevant information regarding candidates, including without limitation non-medical background checks.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205374
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 20, 2018
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 20, 2018.
Yes: Ballantyne, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, Mbah, NiedergangNo: Clingan, McLaughlin, Scott, WhiteThe minutes list Mary Jo Rossetti as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED. [6 TO 4] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Ewen-Campen, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Clingan ABSENT: Rossetti.”
Mayor's Request #205156 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a transfer of $16,250 from the Salary Contingency Account to the Health & Human Services Personal Services Salaries Account to fund an Environmental Health Liaison
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205159 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $16,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash') to the Communications Department Salaries Account to fund a Construction Information Officer
Yes: Ballantyne, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, Mbah, NiedergangNo: Clingan, McLaughlin, Scott, WhiteThe minutes list Mary Jo Rossetti as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [6 TO 4] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Ewen-Campen, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Clingan ABSENT: Rossetti.”
Mayor's Request #205161 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $21,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance to the Capital Projects Department Salaries Account to fund a Project Manager
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205164 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $20,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Engineering Department Salaries Account to fund a Junior Project Manager
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205165 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $21,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to SPCD's Transportation & Infrastructure Division Salaries Account to fund a Senior Urban Forestry & Landscape...
Requesting the appropriation of $21,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to SPCD's Transportation & Infrastructure Division Salaries Account to fund a Senior Urban Forestry & Landscape Planner.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205167 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $21,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Inspectional Services Department Salaries Account to fund a Senior Zoning Review Planner
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205168 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $27,500 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Projects Department Salaries Account to fund a Capital Projects Assistant Director
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205301 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a Time Only extension of the Weston & Sampson Lincoln Park construction contract, to December 31, 2018
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205375
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on March 14, 2018
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on March 14, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205376 (report of the Housing and Community Development Committee)
That the City Solicitor prepare an opinion on whether the city may prioritize minority owned businesses in city contracts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205377 (report of the Housing and Community Development Committee)
That the City Solicitor prepare an opinion on whether liquor licenses may be granted preferentially to woman and minority owned businesses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205378
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 15, 2018
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 15, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #205379
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on March 14, 2018
Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on March 14, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #205388
City Solicitor requesting approval to retain as outside counsel KP Law, with Darren Klein, Esq., as the attorney of record, to represent the City in matters related to Michael Kiely, including...
City Solicitor requesting approval to retain as outside counsel KP Law, with Darren Klein, Esq., as the attorney of record, to represent the City in matters related to Michael Kiely, including Civil Service Commission No. 1-18-018, and Open Meeting Law complaints related to that case or the decision not to confirm his promotion to Police Lieutenant.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #205392
Director of Parks and Recreation requesting to update this Board on the Fields Master Plan
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205393
Public Event License, Connexion Church Community Easter Egg Hunt, Chuckie Harris Park, Mar 31, Noon-4PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205394
Public Event License, Greek Orthodox Church Holy Friday Procession, 29 Central St and area streets, Apr 6, 8:30-9:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205395
Public Event License, Mayor's Spring Cleanup, citywide with bbq at Blessings of the Bay Boathouse, Apr 21, 8AM-3PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205396
Public Event License, Arts Council Porchfest, citywide, May 12, 11AM-7PM (raindate May 13)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205397
Public Event License, Wallace St Block Party, Jun 2, 1-9:30PM (raindate Jun 3)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205398
Public Event License, Arts Council Big Gay Dance Party, Union Sq Plaza, Jun 2, 2-9:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205399
Public Event License, Arts Council Fixer Fair, Union Sq Plaza, Jun 10, 11AM- 4PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205401
Public Event License, Arts Council Joe's Jazz and Blues Festival, Union Sq Plaza, Jun 16, 10AM-7PM (raindate Jun 17)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205408
The Entire Board Requesting that Somerville’s Congressional Delegation oppose House Bill 4242 and Senate Bill 2193, which cause irreparable damage to the Veterans Administration healthcare system
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205409
That the Director of Traffic and Parking repair the leaning street sign on the median of Broadway, by George Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205410
That the Director of Traffic and Parking repair the Lincoln Street sign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205411
That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the raised sidewalk at 95 Flint Street and 195 Walnut Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205412
That the Director of SPCD suggest strategies to mitigate ground floor commercial retail space vacancies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205413
That the Administration consider partnering with MIT to provide advice on renewable energy sources
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205414
Requesting the appropriation of $4,985 from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to the Water Enterprise Fund Salaries Account to fund a Director of Finance & Administration
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205415
Requesting the appropriation of $10,592 from Sewer Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to the Sewer Enterprise Fund Salaries Account to fund a Director of Finance & Administration
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205416
Requesting the appropriation of $11,250 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash') to the Engineering Division Salaries Account to fund a Construction Liaison and Compliance Manager
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205417
Requesting the appropriation of $13,846 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Engineering Division Salaries Account to fund a Construction Project Manager
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205418
Requesting the appropriation of $12,980 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to SPCD's Transportation & Infrastructure Division Salaries Account to fund a Streetscape and Public Space Planner
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205419
Requesting the appropriation of $14,711 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Engineering Department Salaries Account to fund a Project Manager
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205422
New Drainlayer's License, Hope Trucking and Demolition
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205423
New Drainlayer's License, LVMJ Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205424
That this Board discharge from the Legislative Matters Committee #203839, amending ordinances to strengthen certain rodent eradication efforts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205425
That this Board discharge from the Legislative Matters Committee #204975, seeking an opinion on whether this Board can require landlords to distribute voter registration forms to all new tenants
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205426
That this Board authorizes Outside Counsel Darren Klein, Esq., Attorney of Record for KP Law, to respond to Michael Kiely’s Open Meeting Law Complaint filed against this Board on March 16, 2018
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #205427
The Entire Board That the Director of Sustainability and the Environment and other appropriate city staff report to this Board on the hazardous waste that was recently found in soil tests at...
By Ald. White Jr., and the Entire Board That the Director of Sustainability and the Environment and other appropriate city staff report to this Board on the hazardous waste that was recently found in soil tests at Conway Park.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205428
That the Administration update this Board on any plans to revise the Snow Emergency policy to prohibit parking in school lots, so the School Department can make independent decisions regarding...
By Ald. Davis, Hirsch That the Administration update this Board on any plans to revise the Snow Emergency policy to prohibit parking in school lots, so the School Department can make independent decisions regarding school closings and delays.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205429
That the Administration advise this Board on what information sources are available and what sources are used to assess weather conditions in making both snow emergency and school cancellation...
By Ald. Davis That the Administration advise this Board on what information sources are available and what sources are used to assess weather conditions in making both snow emergency and school cancellation decisions, in light of the attached email citing the forecasts of MEMA.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #205430
That the Administration work with the Ward 7 Alderman to craft a "Conditions of Award" letter for the Clarendon Hill Redevelopment Project
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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