MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
July 12, 2018
76 recorded votes, 75 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 #206296
Approve the minutes of the May 31, 2018 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meetings of May 31, 2018 and June 6, 2018, and the Regular Meeting of June 14, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #206297
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Barbara Rubel, who is retiring after 45 years as Tufts University's Director of Community Relations
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #206298
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Jean Parker, on the auspicious occasion of her 99th birthday
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #206299
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Evelyn Battinelli for her outstanding stewardship of the Somerville Museum for more than 25 years
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #206300
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Michael O'Connell for his outstanding accomplishments as Director of Exhibitions at the Somerville Museum from 1988 to 2017
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206301
Submitted by Eversource to install 1,428 feet of multiple conduits in Somerville Ave, Bow St, and Washington St, all in the vicinity of their intersection, as part of the City's Union Sq...
Submitted by Eversource to install 1,428 feet of multiple conduits in Somerville Ave, Bow St, and Washington St, all in the vicinity of their intersection, as part of the City's Union Sq infrastructure upgrade.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206302
That the Director of Parks and Recreation report on how often the public outdoor pools reach capacity and what, if any, pool staffing or policy changes may enable more people to access pools on...
By Ald. Hirsch, Ballantyne That the Director of Parks and Recreation report on how often the public outdoor pools reach capacity and what, if any, pool staffing or policy changes may enable more people to access pools on hot days.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206303
That the Director of Engineering share how pedestrian detours are required for planned street work resulting in sidewalk closures
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206304
That the Community Preservation Act Manager share information about how public access agreements get arranged with CPA fund recipients
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206307
That the Administration and the Director of Communications work with the Somerville Garden Club on their “Pod Patrol: Spread the word…not the weed” educational campaign to control the invasive...
By Ald. Niedergang, Davis That the Administration and the Director of Communications work with the Somerville Garden Club on their “Pod Patrol: Spread the word…not the weed” educational campaign to control the invasive Black Swallow-wort vine that is spreading rapidly and is harmful to songbirds, monarch butterflies and native plants.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206308
That the City Solicitor draft a food truck ordinance amendment to permit food trucks with minimal disruption to current businesses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206309
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the hole in the sidewalk behind Circuit City
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206310
That the Director of Traffic and Parking place a blinking STOP sign at the intersection of Aldrich and Gilman Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206311
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the pothole at 74-76 Gilman Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206312
That the Commissioner of Public Works clean up the underpasses beneath I- 93, by Kensington Avenue and Mt. Vernon Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206313
That the Director of Traffic and Parking move the stop lines at the intersection of Cross and Pearl Streets back, to create more space for buses and large vehicles
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206314
That the Director of Traffic and Parking move the proposed handicapped parking sign at 46 Glen Street 10 inches away from the driveway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206315
That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the weeds along the train line fence on Chester Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206316
That the Director of Engineering place a crosswalk at Grand Union Blvd. and Mystic Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206317
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on July 10, 2018
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on July 10, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205521 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Vincent Lampley to the position of Deputy Fire Chief
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206097 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of James Stanford to the position of Deputy Police Chief
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 re-appointment of Andrew Haynes as Constable
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206318
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on July 10, 2018
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on July 10, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206275 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $60,000 from the Boynton Yards Stabilization Fund for engineering and design work
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.”
Mayor's Request (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to enter into a net-metering agreement with Sunwealth
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206281 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to enter into a tax agreement with Sunwealth for a solar energy system at 1 Maxwells Green
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206282 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $350,000 grant that requires an in-kind match to the Office of Sustainability and Environment from the MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for stormwater...
Requesting acceptance of a $350,000 grant that requires an in-kind match to the Office of Sustainability and Environment from the MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for stormwater system modeling and climate change planning.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206283 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of an $11,000 grant with no new match required, from the Cambridge Public Health Department to the Health and Human Services Department for participation in the regional...
Requesting acceptance of an $11,000 grant with no new match required, from the Cambridge Public Health Department to the Health and Human Services Department for participation in the regional prevention collaborative grant.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206319
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on July 9, 2018
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on July 9, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Communication #206293 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Submitting the Union Square Neighborhood Council's application for designation as the negotiating entity for a Community Benefits Agreement for the Union Square neighborhood
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #206320
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on July 11, 2018
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on July 11, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #205545 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Extended Operating Hours License, Venus Pizza and Grill, 1293 Broadway, remaining open nightly to 2:30AM for delivery service only
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206128 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, ONF Auto Body, 627 Somerville Ave, 33 vehicles inside, none outside, for mechanical repairs, auto body, spray painting, storing vehicles
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206129 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Web Motor Sales, 5 Middlesex Ave, no vehicles stored onsite
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206321
Accept the report of the Committee on Youth Services, meeting on July 2, 2018
Report of the Committee on Youth Services, meeting on July 2, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206326
Requesting approval to appropriate $196,760 from the Parks Stabilization Fund to fund Conway Park remediation
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, WhiteThe minutes list Wilfred Mbah as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #206329
Requesting acceptance of a $38,000 grant that requires a match, from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to the Health & Human Services Department for a student residency from July 1, 2018 to...
Requesting acceptance of a $38,000 grant that requires a match, from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to the Health & Human Services Department for a student residency from July 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206330
Requesting acceptance of a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from the Somerville Housing Authority to the Arts Council for support of the Mystic Mural program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206334
Public Event License, Belmont St-Spring Hill Terrace Block Party, from Summer St to Highland Ave, Jul 26, 5-9:30PM (raindates Jul 27,28)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206335
Public Event License, ESMS Movie Nights in the Park, Chuckie Harris Park, Jul 27, Aug 31, Sep 28, 5-11PM (raindates Jul 28, Sep 1, Sep 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206336
Public Event License, 7ate9 Bakery National Cheesecake Day, 199 Highland Ave, Jul 28, 8AM-6PM (raindate Jul 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206337
Public Event License, Ivaloo St Block Party, from Harrison St to Park St, Jul 28, Noon-5PM (raindate Jul 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206338
Public Event License, Bolton-Houghton-Oak Sts Block Party, Oak St from Houghton St to Bolton St, Jul 28, 1-7PM (raindate Jul 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206339
Public Event License, Newbury St Block Party, Jul 29, 11AM-9PM (raindate Aug 5)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206340
Public Event License, Hudson St Block Party, in the vicinity of 140 Hudson St only, Aug 1, 5:30PM-8:30PM (raindate Aug 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206341
Public Event License, Bow St Place Block Party, Aug 4, 3-7PM (raindate Aug 11)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206342
Public Event License, The Burren's Keep it Country Music Festival, Grove St Parking Lot, Aug 5, 8AM-10PM (raindate Aug 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206343
Public Event License, Lexington St Block Party, Aug 5, 3:30-8PM (raindate Aug 19)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206344
Public Event License, Parkdale-Lewis Sts Block Party, Parkdale St and Dead End of Lewis St, Aug 12, 5-10PM (raindate Aug 19)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206345
Public Event License, Waldo-Dimick-Marion Block Party, Waldo Ave and Dimick St from Calvin St to Marion St, Aug 18, 7AM-6PM (raindate Aug 19)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206346
Public Event License, Pembroke Ct Block Party, Aug 19, 1-7PM (raindate Aug 26)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206347
Public Event License, Teen Empowerment Block Party, Cross St East and Chuckie Harris Park, Aug 22, 11AM-6PM (raindate Aug 23)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206348
Public Event License, Grand View Ave Block Party, Sep 8, 2-8:30PM (raindates Sep 7 3:30-8:30PM, Sep 9 3:30-8:30PM)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206349
Public Event License, Race to the Row, Assembly Row area, Aug 26, 7AM- 2PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206350
Public Event License, Brastow Ave Block Party, Sep 8, Noon-10PM (raindate Sep 9)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206351
Public Event License, Bartlett-Adams Sts Block Party, Bartlett St from Broadway to Medford St, Sep 9, 11AM-5PM (raindate Sep 16)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206352
Public Event License, Society of Cosmas and Damian Procession, Rossmore- Mansfield-Medford-South-Harding Sts area, Sep 9, 3-5PM (raindate Sep 10)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206353
Public Event License, Somerville Overcoming Addiction Vigil, Trum Field Bandstand, Sep 12, 4-9PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206354
Public Event License, Hudson St Block Party, from Waldo St to Central St, Sep 15, 3-7PM (raindate Sep 16)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206355
Public Event License, ESMS Halloween Block Party, Chuckie Harris Park, Oct 27, Noon-8PM (raindate Oct 28)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206356
New Drainlayer's License, Galway Excavation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206357
New Drainlayer's License, Hercules C & G Drain
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206358
Renewing Flammables License, Shield Broadway, 620 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206359
Renewing Garage License, Green Automotive, 600 Windsor Pl
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206360
Renewing Garage License, Mike's Auto Services, 6 Beach Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206361
Renewing Garage License, A Plus Autobody, 295 Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206366
That the City observe a moratorium on all National Grid new and replacement gas line work until National Grid puts their qualified employees back to work
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206367
That the Director of Traffic and Parking temporarily deploy pop-up caution signs to protect pedestrians at intersections where there were crosswalks on Lowell Street, as there are currently no...
By Ald. Niedergang, Ewen-Campen That the Director of Traffic and Parking temporarily deploy pop-up caution signs to protect pedestrians at intersections where there were crosswalks on Lowell Street, as there are currently no street markings following the repaving of the street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206368
That the Administration present this Board with legal options for granting non- citizen residents the right to vote in local elections
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206369
That the Director of SPCD immediately explore both short- and long-term strategies to increase pedestrian accessibility to the Central Library, particularly for seniors and others with mobility...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Director of SPCD immediately explore both short- and long-term strategies to increase pedestrian accessibility to the Central Library, particularly for seniors and others with mobility concerns.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206370
That the Administration strongly encourage the MBTA to develop a fare structure that discounts fares based on income
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206371
That the Administration pilot a local transit discount, such as through a City services pass
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206375
That the Commissioner of Public Works install audible pedestrian signals so people can cross safely at the busy intersection of Highland Avenue and Central Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206376
That the City’s Arborist inspect the health of the tree at 146 Powderhouse Blvd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206377
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services inspect 33-35 Barton Street for vegetation growing into and obstructing a public way
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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