MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
November 8, 2018
97 recorded votes, 94 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 #206925
Approve the minutes of the October 11, 2018 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, October 11, 2018, and the Regular Meeting, October 11, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #206926
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Kevin Goulart, winner of the Alexander McQuestion Award as Police Officer of the Year
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #206927
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Paul French, Steven Cheimets, and Sean Layton, winners of the Thomas Chetham Award as Firefighter of the Year
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206928
Submitted by Eversource to install 42 feet of conduit in Elmwood St from Pole 113/9 to a point of pickup at 11 Tannery Brook Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206929
Submitted by Eversource to install 54 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 7457 to a point of pickup at 1060 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206930
Submitted by Eversource to install 11 feet of conduit in Washington St from Pole 358/11 to a point of pickup at 75 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206931
Submitted by Cambridge Network Solutions to install 85 feet of conduit in Washington St from the CNS Manhole at the intersection of Washington St and New Washington St to Pole 358/18
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #206932
Submitted by Contractor Douglas George for Owner Nam Cheung, to install 49 feet of conduit in Dover St from Pole 195/4 to a point of pickup at 88 Dover St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206933
That the Director of the Arts Council coordinate with Project Soup for use of the Nibble Kitchen
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206934
That the Director of Traffic and Parking provide the Ward 7 Alderman with the number of business parking permits given out in the ward by business and identify the streets to which the permits are...
By Ald. Ballantyne That the Director of Traffic and Parking provide the Ward 7 Alderman with the number of business parking permits given out in the ward by business and identify the streets to which the permits are assigned.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206935
That the Chief of Police monitor Route 16 for reported truck traffic and take appropriate action
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206936
That this Board’s Committee on Traffic and Parking revisit the request of Truck Exclusion on Powderhouse Blvd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206937
That the Director of Engineering prioritize Meacham Street and Cameron Avenue on the street paving plan
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206939
That the Administration create an equity task force to look at the city's hiring practices for all city positions and boards/commissions
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206940
That the Director of SPCD provide this Board with data on the longevity of minority-owned businesses in the city and ways in which the city is working to preserve them
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206941
That the Director of Purchasing provide this Board with data on the number of procurement contracts awarded to people of color and women for the past 10 years
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206942
That the Administration work with the Ward 3 Alderman to ensure that the snow emergency parking options are sufficient in Ward 3, given recent changes to the school lot policy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206943
That the Chief of Police inform this Board how decisions are made to balance enforcement of cyclist violations, and the enforcement of vehicles driving or parking in bicycle lanes
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206945
That the Director of SPCD prioritize repaving Stickney Avenue in response to a residents’ petition
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206946
Requesting the formation of a Resident Transit Advisory Committee as first proposed on February 8, 2018 (see #205100)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206947
That the Director of Communications provide information on the timing and notification of the parade detour for MBTA buses, which was extended to 6PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206948
That the Director of SPCD provide an update on installing protected bike lanes or making other bike infrastructure improvements on Webster Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206949
That the Chief of Police report on the effectiveness of recent block closures for Halloween and discuss whether or not the program may be expanded
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206951
The Entire Board Offering this Board's most sincere appreciation to Veterans Services Commissioner Bryan Bishop and Clerk Kathy Carey, and to all involved, for organizing the Veterans Day Parade
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206952
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 25, 2018
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 25, 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 Lara Versari to the Human Rights Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206331 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the re-appointment of John McKenna to the Licensing Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206373 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Alan Bingham as a Member of the Historic Preservation Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206610 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Stephanie Galaitsi to the Commission for Women
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206719 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Eleanor Rances to the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
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 Paula Vancini to the Ethics Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206953
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 5, 2018
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 5, 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 re-appointment of Rebecca Lyn Cooper to the Planning Board
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #204653 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the re-appointment of Gerard Amaral as an Alternate Member of the Planning Board
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #204659 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the re-appointment of Dick Bauer to the Historic Preservation Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205041 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the re-appointment of Zachary Zasloff to the Condominium Review Board
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 Michael A. Capuano to the Planning Board
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206912 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Patricha Paul to the position of Condominium Review Board member
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206954
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 30, 2018
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 30, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206955
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 1, 2018
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 1, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206956
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 7, 2018
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 7, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206816 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Outdoor Seating and Goods License, MedWell Health and Wellness, 55 Broadway, 1 A-Frame sign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206957
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on October 24, 2018
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on October 24, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206958
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on October 25, 2018
Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on October 25, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #206959 (report of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee)
That the Administration deem Newport Construction and Northern Tree to be “not considered responsible bidders or offerors” for 5 years, reflecting their performance on the Beacon St Reconstruction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206960 (report of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee)
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works with the number of outstanding requests to replace defective or dangerous utility poles
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206961
Accept the report of the Committee on Rules, meeting on October 25, 2018
Report of the Committee on Rules, meeting on October 25, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206583 (report of the Rules Special Committee)
That this Board amend the Rules of the Board as noted in the attached list
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #206963
Accept the report of the Committee on Senior Services, meeting on October 25, 2018
Report of the Committee on Senior Services, meeting on October 25, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #206964
Accept the report of the Committee on Youth Services, meeting on October 24, 2018
Report of the Committee on Youth Services, meeting on October 24, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206980
Requesting the opportunity to provide this Board with an update on Somerville Climate Forward
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #206981
Assistant City Solicitor submitting an Ordinance to amend the membership of the Urban Forestry Committee, pursuant to #206901
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #206987
Public Event License, Springfield St Block Party, Oct 31, 5-9PM. (Interim Approval granted.)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206988
Public Event License, Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run, Davis Sq area, Dec 16, 7AM- 2PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206990
New Fortune Teller License, Sean Tene dba Astrology Studio, 3 Holland St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206991
New Livery License, Om Sai Enterprises, 34 Clark St, no vehicles stored in Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206992
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Baystate Engineering
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206993
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Target, 180 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206994
Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green Cab and Yellow Cab Assn, 3 cabs at 295 Broadway, 3 cabs at 1 Davis Sq, 2 cabs at 22-26 Union Sq
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206995
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, El Potro Mexican Grill, 61 Union Sq
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206996
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, NU Cafe and Juice Bar, 195 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206997
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Manoa Poke Shop, 296 Beacon St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206998
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Dali Restaurant, 415 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #206999
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Mr. Crepe, 51 Davis Sq
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207000
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Five Horses Tavern, 400 Highland Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207001
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Genki Ya of Somerville, 246 Elm St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207002
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Smart Tan, 258 Elm St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207003
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Taco Party, 711 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207004
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Soundbites, 704 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207005
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Ola Gifts Cafe, 112 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207006
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Ball Square Cafe and Breakfast, 708 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207007
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Hillside Service Center, 45 Mystic Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207008
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207009
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Pat's Towing, 160 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207010
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Union Gulf Service, 231 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207011
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Web Motor Sales, 5 Middlesex Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207012
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Simon's Auto Service, 166 Boston Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207013
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Aris Auto, 3 Craigie St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207014
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Executive Auto Leasing and Sales, 30 Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207015
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Teele Sq Auto, 1284 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207016
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, DM Auto Body, 48 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207017
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Broadway Brake, 45 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207018
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, United Motors, 188 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207019
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Valente Enterprise, 154 Glen St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207026
That the Director of Health and Human Services perform regular outreach to the people sleeping in Foss Park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207027
That the Director of Engineering address the drainage problem near 32-36 Marshall Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207028
That the Administration expand the Memorandum of Understanding with the State regarding Fellsway West, to address issues beyond plowing and parking enforcement
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207029
The Entire Board Expressing our well wishes to the many Somerville residents who are this week celebrating Diwali, a festival of lights and hope celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, and further...
By Ald. Hirsch, and the Entire Board Expressing our well wishes to the many Somerville residents who are this week celebrating Diwali, a festival of lights and hope celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, and further expressing appreciation to the Public Schools, for adding more holidays like Diwali to the District calendar.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207030
That the Administration provide updates on the timelines for the design and construction phases for CPA-funded open space projects that have been approved since the program started
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207031
The Entire Board That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer discuss the routing process and geo-locating capacity for 911 calls, especially calls from cell phones
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207035
Requesting approval of an exemption under MGL c268A s20(b) for Patricha Paul, so she can serve on the Women's Commission and the Condominium Review Board
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #207038
Planning Director submitting an updated ordinance regarding adult use marijuana licensing
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #207040
The Entire Board That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer, and related staff, discuss how each department receives and handles a 911 call, including the dispatch of State Police, E911...
By Ald. Hirsch, Ballantyne, Ewen-Campen, Niedergang, and the Entire Board That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer, and related staff, discuss how each department receives and handles a 911 call, including the dispatch of State Police, E911, Fire Alarm, and Cataldo Ambulance, and including the handling of asthmatic-related emergencies.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207041
The Entire Board That the Director of Health and Human Services, or related staff, discuss education efforts for the general public or child-serving providers on how to determine the severity of...
By Ald. Hirsch, Ballantyne, Ewen-Campen, Niedergang, and the Entire Board That the Director of Health and Human Services, or related staff, discuss education efforts for the general public or child-serving providers on how to determine the severity of an asthma attack.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Communication #207042
The Entire Board Expressing the intent to work towards helping improve systems involving emergency response, care and education related to asthma
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207043
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Board, the community’s desire to have snow plowing occur up to the curb on city streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207044
That the Commissioner of Public Works inspect Paulina Street in response to complaints that the street is very dark, and advise the Ward 7 Alderman if the number of streetlights is appropriate
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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