MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Meeting night
October 11, 2018
2 meetings this evening, 78 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
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Start my ballot →Somerville City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
Attendance
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
77 recorded votes, 71 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Minutes #206759
Approve the minutes of the September 13, 2018 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, September 13, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #206760
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending the Little Sisters of the Poor, on the 150th anniversary of their arrival in America
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206761
Submitted by Eversource to install 60 feet of conduit in Beacon St, from Pole 24/51 to a point of pickup at 369-371 Beacon St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206762
Submitted by Crown Castle Fiber to install 44 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 7454 to a proposed Handhole at 1060 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206763
That the Director of Traffic and Parking and the Director of SPCD meet with Partridge Avenue residents and the Ward 5 Alderman to discuss traffic calming between Medford and Vernon Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206764
That the Chief of Police provide traffic enforcement to prevent vehicles from speeding on Partridge Avenue, between Medford and Vernon Streets, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206765
The Entire Board That the Director of Engineering, the Commissioner of Public Works and the Superintendent of Inspectional Services report to this Board on possible actions to incentivize...
By Ald. Niedergang, and the Entire Board That the Director of Engineering, the Commissioner of Public Works and the Superintendent of Inspectional Services report to this Board on possible actions to incentivize residents to de-pave their properties, such as waiving dumpster fees and lending de-paving tools.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206766
That the Director of Traffic and Parking paint two additional crosswalks at the intersection of Cherry Street and Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206767
The Director of Personnel update this Board on the status of all vacant positions
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206768
That this Board’s Committee on Legislative Matters consider amending Ordinance 12-48, relating to the hours of operation of skate parks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206769
That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance requiring that projects above a certain size include an impact statement regarding trees and green space, with updates at all stages of design, and...
By Ald. Mbah That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance requiring that projects above a certain size include an impact statement regarding trees and green space, with updates at all stages of design, and prohibiting this Board from authorizing funds for any project that does not include this impact statement.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206770
That the Administration create a Task Force to develop a master plan for green and open spaces
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206771
That the Administration continue to advertise and to accept applications for membership on the Urban Forestry Committee, if there is to be a delay of more than one month in staffing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206772
Opposing the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206773
The Entire Board That the Administration establish a widely-advertised Fair Housing enforcement program that proactively tests for illegal housing discrimination
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206774
That the Director of SPCD send a mailer and place flyers on doors and cars to all residents within the High School parking zones, informing them of the ongoing survey for parking needs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206775
That the Director of Engineering, in consultation with local community and small business groups, change the construction warning signs surrounding Union Square to emphasize that businesses remain...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen, Scott, Niedergang That the Director of Engineering, in consultation with local community and small business groups, change the construction warning signs surrounding Union Square to emphasize that businesses remain open during construction.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206776
That the Director of Engineering consider using colored asphalt rather than paint, for bike lanes
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206777
That the Commissioner of Public Works update the Ward 3 Alderman on repairing and renovating Walnut Street Park. (see #206061)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206778
That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Engineering work with the Ward 3 Alderman to use $75,000 contributed by the 125 Lowell developers, to enhance traffic calming in the vicinity
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206779
That the Director of Engineering or the Commissioner of Public Works share with this Board the current process for coordinating street paving with underground utility repairs, including how it...
By Ald. Hirsch, Ballantyne, Rossetti, White Jr. That the Director of Engineering or the Commissioner of Public Works share with this Board the current process for coordinating street paving with underground utility repairs, including how it compares with the Worcester Cooperative Paving Program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206780
That the Administration work with other municipalities for the creation of a DPU community advisory board, similar to the MWRA’s advisory board, to provide input on the regulation of utilities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206781
That gas leaks be a regular topic on any standing meetings with Eversource or National Grid
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206782
That the Director of SPCD, with the Director of Sustainability and Environment, explain the feasibility of encouraging or requiring that areas of new utility infrastructure – such as Boynton Yards...
By Ald. Hirsch, Ballantyne, Rossetti, White Jr. That the Director of SPCD, with the Director of Sustainability and Environment, explain the feasibility of encouraging or requiring that areas of new utility infrastructure – such as Boynton Yards or the Inner Belt – use sustainable forms of energy.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206783
That the Administration and this Board support Bill H2683, “An Act relative to protecting consumers of gas and electricity from paying for leaked and unaccounted for gas.”
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206784
Offering appreciation and encouragement for people who have spoken up – whether a person is the target or a colleague and bystander -- when they face workplace situations that make them feel...
By Ald. Hirsch, Ballantyne, Rossetti, White Jr. Offering appreciation and encouragement for people who have spoken up – whether a person is the target or a colleague and bystander -- when they face workplace situations that make them feel excluded, harassed, or uncomfortable.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206785
Supporting the Personnel Department in its continuing efforts to make it more possible for employees and residents to speak up, with the recognition that it is a continuing process of improvement...
By Ald. Hirsch, Ballantyne, Rossetti, Scott, White Jr., Mbah, Clingan Supporting the Personnel Department in its continuing efforts to make it more possible for employees and residents to speak up, with the recognition that it is a continuing process of improvement and learning for all involved.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206786
That the Administration update this Board on transferring the management of Foss Park to the City, to improve conditions and access
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206787
That the Administration update this Board on establishing a waste reduction position, ideally using revenue saved from reducing recycling and solid waste costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206788
The Entire Board That the City expand its public notices to online and non-English-speaking news media
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206789
That the City Solicitor provide this Board with written state and local regulations regarding public notices
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206790
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes at the locations described within
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206791
That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the concrete around the manholes at the locations described within
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206792
That the Commissioner of Public Works remove the impermeable surface along Alston Street, next to the MBTA separation fence
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206793
That the Director of SPCD install a bike lane along Myrtle Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206794
That the Commissioner of Public Works remove the trash from the end of Flint Street, by McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206795
That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the cracked sidewalk at 2 Ellsworth Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206796
That the Director of Engineering reassess the position of Otis Street on the pavement list and adjust if needed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206666
That the Administration adopt a holistic urban development approach, following the Cuidad Dulce (Sweet City) model, that attends to all members of the community, especially marginalized...
By Ald. Davis That the Administration adopt a holistic urban development approach, following the Cuidad Dulce (Sweet City) model, that attends to all members of the community, especially marginalized populations, both human and nature.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206744
That the City Solicitor appear before this Board on September 27, 2018 and explain how a City asset, and physical building, like the Homans Building, can be demolished without the approval of this...
By Ald. Ballantyne, White Jr., Rossetti That the City Solicitor appear before this Board on September 27, 2018 and explain how a City asset, and physical building, like the Homans Building, can be demolished without the approval of this Board.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206797
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 9, 2018
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 9, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205950 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a reciprocal easement over portions of Block 6 in Assembly Row
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #206242 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the acceptance of certain Assembly Row streets as Public Ways, including portions of Great River Road, Revolution Drive and Grand Union Boulevard
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #206243 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of the fee interest in portions of Great River Road, Revolution Drive and Grand Union Boulevard
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #206323 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $34,000 to the Parks and Recreation Budget Ordinary Maintenance Fee Account to fund a license payment for the DCR Boathouse
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206442 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $6,000 from the CPA Fund Open Space and Recreational Land Reserve budget to Groundwork Somerville, for the conservation restriction fee for the 5 Palmer parcel
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206451 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $3,100 grant with no new match required, from the MA Attorney General to the Health and Human Services Department, for summer youth jobs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206452 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $2,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mount Auburn Hospital to the Health & Human Services Department for health equity training
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206715 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a Confirmatory Reciprocal Easement over Block 11 in Assembly Square
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #206716 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,350,000 in a bond for the renovation/construction of the West Branch Library
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #206798
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on October 4, 2018
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on October 4, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206799
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on October 2, 2018
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on October 2, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206800
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 9, 2018
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 9, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206729 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Public Event License, Somerville Honor Run, Davis Sq area, Nov 11, 5AM- 3PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206801 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
That the City Solicitor review the video of the October 9, 2018 Licenses and Permits Committee meeting and advise the Committee how to proceed with #206754, a Lodging House License application...
By Ald. Rossetti, White Jr., Scott That the City Solicitor review the video of the October 9, 2018 Licenses and Permits Committee meeting and advise the Committee how to proceed with #206754, a Lodging House License application from Theta Delta Chi, 123 Packard Ave.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206802
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on October 3, 2018
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on October 3, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206803 (report of the Open Space, Environment and Energy Special Committee)
That #203365, #206495, #205683 and #205807, all currently in the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, be discharged from that Committee and referred to the Committee on Legislative Matters
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206806
Requesting acceptance of a $20,000 grant that requires a match, from MA DCR to SPCD's Transportation and Infrastructure Division for an Urban Forestry Management Plan
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206808
Requesting acceptance of a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Dept of Public Health to the Police Department for the purchasing and training of Naxalone
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206812
Public Event License, School St Block Party, from Summer St to Knapp St, Oct 13, 11AM-6PM (raindate Oct 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206813
Public Event License, Infra-Structure Concert, ArtFarm, Oct 20, 10AM-2AM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206815
Renewing Lodging House License, Alpha Tau Omega, 134 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206818
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a NO PARKING FROM HERE sign at the parking lot at 315 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206820
That the Director of SPCD update this Board on the Healy schoolyard redesign and consider making it a top priority
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206821
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services bait the sewer at 48-50 Ash Avenue for rodents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206822
The Entire Board Supporting the 1,500 hotel workers of Unite Here Local 26, currently on strike at 7 Marriott-managed hotels in Boston
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206823
The Entire Board That Tufts University engage the Somerville community in its public Master Planning process
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206824
That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Parks and Recreation share a 5- year master design plan and financial investment plan for any DCR parks like Draw 7, Foss, Dilboy, Blessing of the...
By Ald. Ballantyne, Clingan That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Parks and Recreation share a 5- year master design plan and financial investment plan for any DCR parks like Draw 7, Foss, Dilboy, Blessing of the Bay, etc.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206825
That the Director of Information Technology and the Director of Finance update this Board on cyber privacy security plans for protecting resident/consumer private financial data
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206826
That the Director of Engineering and/or the Commissioner of Public Works repair the pedestrian and bicycle ramp under the railroad bridge on Sacramento Street, and respond to this Board in writing...
By Ald. Niedergang, Scott That the Director of Engineering and/or the Commissioner of Public Works repair the pedestrian and bicycle ramp under the railroad bridge on Sacramento Street, and respond to this Board in writing before the next meeting of the Committee on Public Utilities and Works.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206828
New Drainlayer's License, JP Vara Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206829
Renewing Open Air Vendor License, Next Wave-Full Circle School, 8 Bonair St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206830
Renewing Lodging House License, Zeta Psi Fraternity, 80 Professors Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206831
Renewing Lodging House License, Delta Upsilon Fraternity, 114 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206835
That the Director of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Public Works install NO SMOKING signs in the public parks in and around Ward 7 and Davis Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206836
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the City Engineer address before the Committee on Public Utilities and Works what appears to be the failure of a contractor to tie the local sewer line...
By Ald. White Jr. That the Commissioner of Public Works and the City Engineer address before the Committee on Public Utilities and Works what appears to be the failure of a contractor to tie the local sewer line from Ten Hills Road into the Shore Drive main sewer pipe, which was part of a major separation contract, and discuss measures that will be undertaken to oversee future water and sewer projects.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Ordinance #206837
The Entire Board That Ordinance 2-311 be amended by changing the phrase "former school committee member" to "former or current school committee member"
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Somerville City Council · Special meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
Attendance
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
1 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Mayor's Request #206757
Requesting to appear before this Board in executive session to discuss strategy with respect to the City’s collective bargaining agreements including proposals for wage and benefit packages as...
Requesting to appear before this Board in executive session to discuss strategy with respect to the City’s collective bargaining agreements including proposals for wage and benefit packages as well as working conditions.
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, Mbah, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, WhiteThe minutes list Matthew McLaughlin as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: McLaughlin.”
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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