← Somerville City Council

Somerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting

January 10, 2019

43 recorded votes, 42 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page

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Attendance

Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward One Alderman Matthew McLaughlin.

Present: Stephanie Hirsch, Wilfred Mbah, Mary Jo Rossetti, William White, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Mark Niedergang, Lance Davis

Absent: Katjana Ballantyne

Every vote, in order

Minutes #207267

Approve the minutes of the November 20, 2018 regular meeting

Minutes, page 1 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, November 20, 2018, and the Special Meeting, November 29, 2018.

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Citation #207268

The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending the Somerville Garden Club on the happy occasion of its 25th anniversary

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Citation #207269

The Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Yvette Wilks for her outstanding work with Somerville youths, helping them develop their talents as artists and leaders

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Grant of Location #207270

Submitted by Eversource to install 30 feet of conduit in Murdock St from Pole 246/3 to a point of pickup at 18-22 Murdock St

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Order #207271

That the Director of Inspectional Services report to this Board on all noise ordinance violations issued within the past 5 years

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Resolution #207272

That the Administration provide this Board with the taxicab rate structure

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Order #207274

That Director of SPCD provide an estimate of projected short-term rental revenue under the new state law

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Order #207275

That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss key points from the Youth Risk Survey with the Public Health and Public Safety Committee

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Resolution #207276

That the Administration provide any analysis, considerations, or existing practices for reducing ordinance violation fines for lower-income households

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Order #207277

That the Commissioner of Public Works remove graffiti from the back of the Argenziano School and consider ways to reduce future graffiti, such as bushes or a mural

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Order #207278

That the Director of SPCD meet with the Committee on Housing and Community Development and Gilman Square residents to discuss possible changes to the Neighborhood Plan

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Order #207279

That the Chief of Police enforce the speed limit on Sycamore Street, between Highland Avenue and Medford Street, and inform the Ward 3 Alderman on the outcome

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Order #207280

That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a flexible "Yield to Pedestrians" sign in the crosswalk across Central Street at Willoughby Street

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Order #207281

That the Director of SPCD work with the Ward 3 Alderman to address long- standing congestion at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Hamlet Street

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Order #207282

That the Chief of Police inform the Ward 3 Alderman whether detail officers may issue citations to drivers using a cell phone while driving

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Order #207283

That the City Assessor explain to the Ward 3 Alderman why the residential exemption may not be claimed by new homeowners until January 1 of the following year

Minutes, page 5 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Order #207284

That the Rules of this Board be amended to change the name “Board of Aldermen” to “City Council”, and all variants throughout, effective January 31, 2019

Minutes, page 5 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 10 present

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis ABSENT: Ballantyne.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Citation #207145

The Entire Board Commending Legislative Clerk Peter Forcellese for his outstanding service to this Board and its Committees in 2018

Minutes, page 5 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Grant of Location #207146

Submitted by Eversource to install 7 feet of conduit in Dane St from Pole 204/6 to a point of pickup at 34 Dane St

Minutes, page 5 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Mayor's Request #207295

Requesting acceptance of a $117,108 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging for programming, transportation, salary, equipment and other needs...

Minutes, page 7 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Requesting acceptance of a $117,108 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging for programming, transportation, salary, equipment and other needs of the elders.

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Mayor's Request #207298

Requesting acceptance of a $2,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mt Auburn Hospital to the Health and Human Services Department for the 99 Faces Project, a mental health awareness exhibit

Minutes, page 7 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

License/Permit #207307

New Drainlayer's License, GLX Constructors

Minutes, page 9 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

License/Permit #207308

New Drainlayer's License, The Dow Company, for the High School construction project only

Minutes, page 9 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

License/Permit #207312

Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, John's Auto Sales, 181 Somerville Ave

Minutes, page 9 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

License/Permit #207313

Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, 28 Motorsports, 486R Columbia St

Minutes, page 9 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

License/Permit #207314

Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Pat's Enterprises, 182 Washington St

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

License/Permit #207315

Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy St

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

License/Permit #207316

Renewing Garage License, Junior Auto Body, 486R Columbia St

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

License/Permit #207317

Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Oat Shop, 20 College Ave

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

License/Permit #207318

Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Pepe Bocca, 414 Highland Ave

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

License/Permit #207319

Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Tony C's Sports Bar and Grill, 699 Assembly Row

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

License/Permit #207320

Renewing Outdoor Seating License, The Burren, 247 Elm St

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

License/Permit #207321

Renewing Outdoor Seating License, The Independent, 75 Union Sq

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

License/Permit #207322

Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Brass Union, 66 Union Sq

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

License/Permit #207323

Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Thai Massage, 55 Union Sq

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Resolution #207326

That the Administration advise the Ward 6 Alderman of the notifications provided to city and private contractors about anti-idling regulations, and revise such policies to better ensure compliance

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Order #207327

That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the missing bricks on Elm Street in front of McKinnon's Market and at any other area in need of repair

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Order #207328

That the Chief of Police, in conjunction with the Administration, advise this Board of the protocol for notifying the public and families when there is an incident in a public building

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Order #207329

That the Chief of Police, in conjunction with the Administration, advise this Board on school-related safety policies and procedures listed within

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Order #207330

That the Director of SPCD and/or the Director of Traffic and Parking review all street direction signage in the Ball Square area, and add additional signage to make the direction of streets super...

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

By Ald. Niedergang, Davis That the Director of SPCD and/or the Director of Traffic and Parking review all street direction signage in the Ball Square area, and add additional signage to make the direction of streets super clear.

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Order #207331

That the Director of SPCD report to this Board in writing no later than February 4 about traffic calming measures to be deployed in the Ball Square area to slow down cut-through traffic before the...

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

By Ald. Niedergang, Davis That the Director of SPCD report to this Board in writing no later than February 4 about traffic calming measures to be deployed in the Ball Square area to slow down cut-through traffic before the Ball Square Broadway Bridge closes, currently scheduled for about March 1.

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Order #207347

That the Director of Planning advertise, on January 11, 2019, the citizens’ petition submitted as #206481, for a public hearing on Jan 29, 2019, before the Committee on Land Use and the Planning Board

Minutes, page 15 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)

Order #207348

That the Director of SPCD or the Director of Inspectional Services notify CVS to repair or replace the missing fence section at the rear entrance near Fiske Avenue

Minutes, page 15 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)

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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