MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
October 23, 2018
59 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 #206840
Approve the minutes of the September 27, 2018 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, September 27, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #206841
The Entire Board Commending Georgio and Louis Trotta, founders and proprietors of Caesar's Pizza and Subs on Somerville Avenue, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206842
Submitted by Eversource to install 114 feet of conduit in Greenville St, from Manhole 14541 at McGrath Hwy to a point of pickup at the rear of 434 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206843
Submitted by Eversource to relocate Pole 63/7 on Cherry St 7 feet to the north
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206845
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install NO IDLING signs on Tower Street, across from the Somerville Hospital
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206846
That the Administration update the Ward 3 Alderman on plans to exempt Crocker Street from the odd-even snow parking regulation, due to their unique situation with Somerville Hospital
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206847
That the Director of Engineering update this Board in writing on where, and how many, police details will be stationed during the roll-out of the Somerville Avenue detour, and whether any...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Director of Engineering update this Board in writing on where, and how many, police details will be stationed during the roll-out of the Somerville Avenue detour, and whether any modifications have been made to the plan since the public meeting on October 10, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206848
That the Director of SPCD and/or the Director of Traffic and Parking report to the Ward 5 Alderman on making Sartwell Avenue a two-way street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206849
That the Director of SPCD or the Director of Traffic and Parking explain to this Board why there are no lane markings or striping on Broadway between Temple Street and Magoun Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206850
That the Mayor’s Office report to this Board in writing with plans for the police presence around the detour route from the Broadway/Ball Square Bridge closure to protect the Ball Square...
By Ald. Niedergang, Davis, Rossetti, Ballantyne That the Mayor’s Office report to this Board in writing with plans for the police presence around the detour route from the Broadway/Ball Square Bridge closure to protect the Ball Square neighborhood from cut-through traffic, especially at key intersections on Cedar Street, Highland Avenue, College Avenue, and Broadway.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206851
That the Director of SPCD develop a physical traffic calming infrastructure on Morrison Avenue between Cedar Street and Willow Avenue, before the Broadway/Ball Square Bridge closes in January 2019
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206853
That the Director of Traffic and Parking report to this Board on the enforcement of 311 complaints about illegal parking, and what provisions exist for enforcement against illegal parking on...
By Ald. Niedergang That the Director of Traffic and Parking report to this Board on the enforcement of 311 complaints about illegal parking, and what provisions exist for enforcement against illegal parking on Sundays and holidays.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206854
That the Director of Health and Human Services work with the Public Schools to allow whole fruits to be saved for use as snacks, given that many children often go without snacks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206855
That the Chief of Police update this Board on coordinating with the state to place a crossing guard on McGrath Highway, at Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206856
That the Administration consider a public information effort to inform the community about code violations that impact public safety, such as improper lead paint removal
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206857
That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss conducting a workshop for parents and adult caregivers to help them better understand risks, indicators of use, and strategies of...
By Ald. Hirsch, Clingan That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss conducting a workshop for parents and adult caregivers to help them better understand risks, indicators of use, and strategies of intervention for tween/teen substance use.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206858
That the Director of Personnel work with the School District to advertise open City or School positions to families of Public School students
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206859
That the Chief of Police share his view of how and when residents should call the Police or 311 for emergency and non-emergency matters, including which number to call, and consider holding a...
By Ald. Hirsch That the Chief of Police share his view of how and when residents should call the Police or 311 for emergency and non-emergency matters, including which number to call, and consider holding a discussion on the topic that includes different stakeholders.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206862
That the Administration work with this Board to prioritize implementation of the Clean and Open Elections Task Force recommendations
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206863
That the Administration report to this Board, the number of Somerville residents working on the construction of the new high school
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206864
The Entire Board That the Administration report to this Board, any instances of businesses found guilty of wage theft by the Attorney General’s Office, and what action was taken in accordance with...
By Ald. Clingan, and the Entire Board That the Administration report to this Board, any instances of businesses found guilty of wage theft by the Attorney General’s Office, and what action was taken in accordance with our wage theft ordinance.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206690
Approving “A Call to Prevent Nuclear War,” urging the US government to take steps to avoid nuclear war, such as renouncing the first use of nuclear weapons, taking nuclear weapons off hair-trigger...
By Ald. Niedergang, Rossetti, Mbah, Ewen-Campen, Scott Approving “A Call to Prevent Nuclear War,” urging the US government to take steps to avoid nuclear war, such as renouncing the first use of nuclear weapons, taking nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert, and ending the unchecked authority of the President to launch a nuclear attack.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206865
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 15, 2018
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 15, 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 Richard Scanlon to the Board of Assessors
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting the appointment of Jorge Morel to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206718 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Christopher Allen to the Licensing Commissioner
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206866
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 18, 2018
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 18, 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 Seamus Lynch 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 Troy Martini 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 #206867
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 22, 2018
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 22, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206322 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $47,940 to the DPW School Custodians Salaries Account to fund a Jr. Custodian position
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206807 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $18,723.97 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the Law Enforcement and Youth Partnership Jr....
Requesting acceptance of a $18,723.97 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the Law Enforcement and Youth Partnership Jr. Academy summer program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206868
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole in Joint Session with the Planning Board on October 16, 2018
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole in Joint Session with the Planning Board on October 16, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206869
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 18, 2018
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 18, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206870
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on October 17, 2018
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on October 17, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206872
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $ 1,448.13 using available funds in the Engineering Department's Professional and Technical Services Account for professional services for...
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $ 1,448.13 using available funds in the Engineering Department's Professional and Technical Services Account for professional services for the Murdock Street project.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206873
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $885.69 using available funds in the City Clerk's Office Rental-Storage Space Account to pay Apex Information Security for the pickup and...
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $885.69 using available funds in the City Clerk's Office Rental-Storage Space Account to pay Apex Information Security for the pickup and storage of records in June, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206887
Public Event License, Ten Hills Rd Halloween Block Party, from Cresthill Rd to Shore Dr, Oct 31, 5-8PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206888
Public Event License, Prospect Hill Halloween Block Party, Prospect Hill Ave from Boston St to Monroe St, Oct 31, 5:30-9:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206889
New Livery License, Prospect Hill Limo, 25 Adrian St, 1 vehicle
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206896
The Entire Board That the Administration explain to this Board, in writing, how the recently- released US Treasury “Opportunity Zone” tax breaks will apply to the Union Square redevelopment, and...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen, and the Entire Board That the Administration explain to this Board, in writing, how the recently- released US Treasury “Opportunity Zone” tax breaks will apply to the Union Square redevelopment, and whether this is expected to significantly increase the profit for the Union Square Master Developer.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206899
That the Director of Housing Stability invite the Public School Superintendent to join in convening with Alderman Hirsch a focus group of benevolent landlords, to better understand what factors...
By Ald. Hirsch That the Director of Housing Stability invite the Public School Superintendent to join in convening with Alderman Hirsch a focus group of benevolent landlords, to better understand what factors contribute to their ability to rent at below-market rates and to rent to children and families.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206902
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on Holland Street, from Teele Square to Paulina Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206903
That the Director of Engineering inspect the large portion of Ware Street, from Dow Street to Russell Road, that has been sinking over the last 3 weeks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206904
That the Chief of Police monitor the speeding cars on Powderhouse Blvd., especially during school drop off and pick up times
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206905
The Entire Board Supporting the Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, November 4, starting at Noon, and encouraging all veterans and their families to march in the parade (congregate at 11:30AM at City Hall)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206906
That Commissioner of Public Works fill the sink holes along Gilman Street from Walnut to Cross Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206907
That the Director of Water and Sewer update this Board on a potential sewer main break under the Gilman Street bridge and any actions to remedy the problem
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206908
That the Director of Water and Sewer update this Board on a potential sewer main break on Webster Avenue and any actions to remedy the problem
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206909
That the Director of Water and Sewer update this Board on possible burst pipes on Wellington Street by Walnut Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206910
That the Director of Traffic and Parking replace the NO TRUCKS sign on Mount Pleasant Street by the Broadway intersection
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206911
That the City Arborist determine if the leaning tree at 11 Melvin Street is in danger of falling and recommend an appropriate solution
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206913
Requesting that the Director of SPCD and the Director of Housing Stability present to this Board the proposed business plan and budget of the Office of Housing Stability
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206917
That this Board discharge #206773 re: a fair housing enforcement program, from the Legislative Matters Committee and refer it to the Committee on Housing and Community Development for discussion
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206918
That the Director of Traffic and Parking place a DO NOT ENTER sign at the intersection of Morgan and Beacon Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206919
That the Director of Traffic and Parking place an ABUTTERS ONLY, NO THRU TRAFFIC sign at the intersection of Morgan and Park Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206920
That the Director of Traffic and Parking relocate the ABUTTERS ONLY sign at the intersection of Beacon and Durham Street, and add a NO TRUCKS sign as well, to prevent cut-through commercial traffic
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206921
That the Director of Traffic and Parking restore the ABUTTERS ONLY sign at the intersection of Dane and Skehan Streets as soon as possible, ahead of the planned Somerville Avenue detour
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206922
That the Mayor direct the Director of Personnel to immediately begin filling vacancies in the promotion hierarchy of the Police Department
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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