MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
November 20, 2018
80 recorded votes, 75 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Somerville ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →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
Every vote, in order
Minutes #207049
Approve the minutes of the October 23, 2018 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, October 23, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #207050
The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Michael Glavin, who is retiring after 7 years as Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207054
That members of this Board refrain from holding Committee of the Whole meetings unless absolutely necessary
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207055
That this Board consider increasing the Land Use Committee from 3 to 5 members
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207056
Supporting MA House Bill 2785, "An Act Relative to the Expungement of Records of Marijuana Arrests," and requesting that the state delegation vote in favor of it
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207057
That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Communications inform this Board of efforts to promote municipal broadband in regard to current construction and renovation of the city’s infrastructure
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207058
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services consult with neighbors regarding rodent issues at 79 Gilman Street, 19 Aldrich Street and 93 Flint Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207059
That the Director of Personnel review the compensation for the Clerk of Committees and propose necessary modifications
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207060
The Entire Board That the Administration delay the Somerville Avenue infrastructure-related detour until January, in order to support local businesses throughout the holiday season
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207061
That the Director of Traffic and Parking report to this Board on the progress of pro-rating residential parking permits
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207062
That the Mayor update this Board in writing by January 10, 2019 on all Home Rule Petitions pending at the Statehouse, with an assessment of likely progress in 2019
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207063
That the Director of SPCD update this Board on changes to and progress on the Fields Master Plan, including facilities controlled by DCR
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207064
That the Director of SPCD update this Board on progress on the Healey Mystic Master Plan, especially plans for a soccer field at the Healey School
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207065
That the Chief of Police enforce the restriction on entering Cherry Street on weekday mornings from 7 to 9 AM, except abutters and Kennedy School students
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207067
That the Director of SPCD report to this Board on the possibility of installing containers of small flags at key pedestrian crossings to aid in pedestrian safety
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207068
That the Administration advise this Board on the possibility of creating facilities similar to Bow Market, as start-up or temporary commercial space for small, local businesses displaced as the...
By Ald. Davis, Hirsch That the Administration advise this Board on the possibility of creating facilities similar to Bow Market, as start-up or temporary commercial space for small, local businesses displaced as the development of older buildings occurs.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207069
That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the newly-built retaining wall at 654 Mystic Avenue for any shifting causing instability. [CORRECTION: This address should be 640 Mystic Avenue....
By Ald. Clingan That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the newly-built retaining wall at 654 Mystic Avenue for any shifting causing instability. [CORRECTION: This address should be 640 Mystic Avenue. -JJL, City Clerk, 11/28/18]
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207070
That the Commissioner of Public Works retrieve the speed limit sign on the side of the hill behind 654 Mystic Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207072
That the Administration develop a strategy to facilitate driveway sharing between residents, in light of the new snow emergency parking policy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207073
That the Council on Aging notify the senior residents at Faulkner Towers and Housing Authority properties once the new hand railing has been installed outside the Central Library
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #206898
The Entire Board That the Commissioner of Public Works share information about the installation of gates in school lots
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207074
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on November 19, 2018
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on November 19, 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 Michael Flynn 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 re-appointment of Rose Durham as Clerk of Committees
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting the re-appointment of Dr. Brian Green to the Board of Health
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting the re-appointment of Robert Ciccia to the Board of Health
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206879 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Silvana Dinka to the position of Jobs Creation and Retention Trust Board member
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206880 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Vickie Choitz to the position of Jobs Creation and Retention Trust Board member
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206881 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Anika Van Eaton to the position of Jobs Creation and Retention Trust Board member
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206882 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Rand Wilson to the position of Jobs Creation and Retention Trust Board member
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206884 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the appointment of Tom Bent to the position of Jobs Creation and Retention Trust Board member
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207075
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 14, 2018
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 14, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206805 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $300,000 grant with no new match required, from the EPA to the SPCD Economic Development Division for citywide Brownfield site assessments
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206965 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation of $2,655,415 in Parking Meter Receipts to reduce the FY19 Tax Levy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206966 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $2,010,673 from the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund to the Police Other Lump Sum Benefits Account to fund the arbitration award for the Police Superior Officers...
Requesting the appropriation of $2,010,673 from the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund to the Police Other Lump Sum Benefits Account to fund the arbitration award for the Police Superior Officers Association for FY2013- FY2018.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #206967 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $556,906 from the Salary Contingency Salaries Account to various Police Personal Services Accounts to fund the FY2019 arbitration award for Police Superior Officers...
Requesting the appropriation of $556,906 from the Salary Contingency Salaries Account to various Police Personal Services Accounts to fund the FY2019 arbitration award for Police Superior Officers Association.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206969 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $153,850 from the Capital Stabilization fund for ongoing environmental remediation work at Conway Park
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #206970 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $12,426.39 from the Trash Transfer Stabilization Fund for to pay for outstanding cleanup related expenses
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #206971 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval for a time-only extension of a contract with OverUnder for the ArtFarm project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206972 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $92,888 grant with no new match required, from the HUD Healthy Homes/Tufts University/STEP Collaborative to SPCD for an air filtration study
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206973 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $61,610 grant with no new match required, from the MA Housing and Economic Development Deparment to the Arts Council for the build-out of the Nibble Kitchen
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206975 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $12,500 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Energy Resources to the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, for assistance with clean...
Requesting acceptance of a $12,500 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Energy Resources to the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, for assistance with clean energy procurement.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206976 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $8,700 Title lll B grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for transportation costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206977 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $7,816 Title lll D grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for health and wellness programs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207032 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $135,050 to the Office of Housing Stability Personal Services Accounts ($45,000) and Ordinary Maintenance Accounts ($90,050), and approval to establish...
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $135,050 to the Office of Housing Stability Personal Services Accounts ($45,000) and Ordinary Maintenance Accounts ($90,050), and approval to establish an OHS Assistant Director, to fund that office through FY19.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207033 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a change in the rate of pay for the vacant Assistant Clerk of Committees position, from $1462.91/month to $1,667/month
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207034 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to extend the contract for the Somerville Museum's FY15 CPA grant for an additional three years
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207076 (report of the Finance Committee)
That the Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund establish a dedicated fund within that Fund to provide direct housing assistance for municipal employees struggling to remain in Somerville...
By Ald. Ewen-Campen That the Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund establish a dedicated fund within that Fund to provide direct housing assistance for municipal employees struggling to remain in Somerville, which could be funded through revenue from a real estate transfer fee.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207077 (report of the Finance Committee)
That the Administration provide an updated cost for the proposed public safety building at 90 Washington Street, including fire equipment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207078 (report of the Finance Committee)
That the Administration detail how the parcel at 90 Washington Street will be used, and whether underground parking is possible
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207079 (report of the Finance Committee)
That the Administration provide a realistic estimate of the value of the property at 90 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207080 (report of the Finance Committee)
That the Administration present this Board's Committee on Finance with the preliminary test results for the ballfield at Conway Park, and, if existent, the remaining unopened portions of Conway...
By Ald. Scott That the Administration present this Board's Committee on Finance with the preliminary test results for the ballfield at Conway Park, and, if existent, the remaining unopened portions of Conway Playground.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207081
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 13, 2018
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 13, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207082
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 15, 2018
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 15, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207083
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on November 14, 2018
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on November 14, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207084
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on November 15, 2018
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on November 15, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207085
Accept the report of the Caucus of the 2019 Board of Aldermen, meeting on November 20, 2018
Report of the Caucus of the 2019 Board of Aldermen, meeting on November 20, 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #207101
Chief Assessor requesting to appear before this Board for the classification hearing on November 29, 2018
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207103
Renewing Automatic Amusement Devices License, Cuisine En Locale, 156 Highland Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207104
Renewing Garage License, Arco Tire and Service, 16 Clarendon Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207105
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Comicazi, 407 Highland Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207106
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Au Bon Pain, 40 Holland St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207107
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Reliable Market, 45 Union Sq
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207108
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, La Brasa, 124 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207109
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, When Pigs Fly, 241 Elm St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207110
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Pat's Enterprises, 308 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207111
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Tech Auto Body, 9 Union Sq
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207112
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Motorcycles and More, 109 Bailey Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207113
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 3, Ed's Used Auto Parts, 516 Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207114
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 3, Nissenbaum Auto Parts, 480 Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207115
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 3, Nissenbaum Auto Parts, 0 Windsor St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207116
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 3, Joseph Talewsky and Son, 512 Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207117
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 3, Joseph Talewsky and Son, 517 Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207119
That the Director of Veterans Services appear before the Committee on Veterans and Public Services to discuss the recent decision to move certain veterans memorials
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #207122
Planning Director submitting an updated ordinance consistent with the Land Use Committee's approval of #206489, regarding slope protection, at its meeting on 11/13/18
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #207123
City Solicitor requesting that the Finance Committee convene in Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy re: #206968 (an appropriation of $450,000 to the Legal Services Account for outside...
City Solicitor requesting that the Finance Committee convene in Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy re: #206968 (an appropriation of $450,000 to the Legal Services Account for outside counsel), and to provide an update on collective bargaining.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207125
That this Board amend Rule 25 of the Board by increasing the membership of the Land Use Committee to five members, as of January 7, 2019
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #207126
That this Board discharge #206488 re: Globe Direct deliveries, 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 #207127
That the Director of SPCD work with the Ward 3 Alderman and residents of Vinal Avenue to conduct a temporary "road narrowing" experiment using flex- posts to slow vehicle speeds
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207128
That the Director of SPCD identify for the Ward 3 Alderman the 5 highest- speed residential streets in Ward 3 where a road-narrowing approach could be tested during Spring, 2019
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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →