MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
February 28, 2019
63 recorded votes, 60 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 City Councilor 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 #207586
Approve the minutes of the January 15, 2019 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, January 15, 2019, and the Regular Meeting, January 24, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #207588
Submitted by Comcast to install 18 feet of conduit in Broadway, from an existing Comcast Manhole to an existing RCN Manhole, both in front of 987 Broadway, then continuing with new aerial strand...
Submitted by Comcast to install 18 feet of conduit in Broadway, from an existing Comcast Manhole to an existing RCN Manhole, both in front of 987 Broadway, then continuing with new aerial strand and coaxial cable to 6 utility poles on Burnham St.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207589
Calling on the City's Congressional Delegation to sponsor the Universal Housing budget amendment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207590
That the Director of Traffic and Parking immediately prioritize blocking truck access to Warren Avenue to prevent additional crashes and property damage during the Somerville Avenue detour
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207591
That the Director of Traffic and Parking immediately install pedestrian safety measures on Bow Street, Warren Avenue and Columbus Avenue to deal with the increase of traffic during the Somerville...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Scott, Rossetti, Hirsch, Mbah, White Jr. That the Director of Traffic and Parking immediately install pedestrian safety measures on Bow Street, Warren Avenue and Columbus Avenue to deal with the increase of traffic during the Somerville Avenue detour.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207592
That the Commissioner of Public Works direct the appropriate utility to remove and/or bury the utility poles on Trull Lane prior to upcoming construction there, and that the Commissioner express...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Rossetti That the Commissioner of Public Works direct the appropriate utility to remove and/or bury the utility poles on Trull Lane prior to upcoming construction there, and that the Commissioner express in writing to the Committee on Public Utilities and Works the feasibility of this work prior to construction.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207593
That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the potholes on Broadway and Medford Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207594
That the Rules of the City Council be amended by deleting Rule 24 re: filling Council vacancies
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #207595
That the Director of SPCD prioritize Cameron Avenue for street paving this year
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207596
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on Holland Street between Teele Square and Cameron Avenue, and around 156 Powder House Boulevard, 12 Cameron Avenue, and 1198 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207597
That the Commissioner of Public Works ensure that all recycle trash is picked up in Teele Square, including loose materials strewn in the square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207598
Supporting the Tufts Dining Workers “One Job Should Be Enough” campaign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #207599
That the Administration consider re-establishing a Technology Task Force to make recommendations about municipal and district information technology, including increasing data integration across...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Ewen-Campen, Ballantyne, Mbah That the Administration consider re-establishing a Technology Task Force to make recommendations about municipal and district information technology, including increasing data integration across divisions.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207600
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 25, 2019
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 25, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205525 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the re-appointment of Ramon Bueno to the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #205526 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the re-appointment of Julie Wood to the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207098 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the reappointment of Daniel LeBlanc to the position of Trustee of the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207100 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the reappointment of Andrea Shapiro to the position of Trustee of the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207340 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the confirmation of Kimberly Wells to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207601
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 26, 2019
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 26, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #206005 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,860,000 in a bond for new Public Safety Building design, architectural, engineering, and owner's and contractual project management services
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #207293 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $220 using available funds in the Personnel Department Professional & Technical Services Account for investigative services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207527 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $575,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance to the Law Department's Legal Services Account, to fund anticipated outside legal counsel invoices
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207530 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $85,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance Account to the Damages to Persons and Property Account in order to fund the settlement of an outstanding claim
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207536 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $41,125 grant with no new match required from the Metro North Workforce Board to SPCD's Economic Development Division for the Advanced Manufacturing Training Program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #207548 (report of the Finance Committee)
City Solicitor seeking approval to settle an outstanding claim over $5,000 in accordance with Ordinance 2-124, and to appear in Executive Session to discuss the matter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207602
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 21, 2019
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 21, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207603 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That #207371, requiring solar renewable energy installation in new commercial developments, be discharged from the Legislative Matters Committee and referred to the Committee on Land Use
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207604
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on February 20, 2019
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on February 20, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #207605
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on February 19, 2019
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on February 19, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207606
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $8,778,000 in a bond for the Somerville Redevelopment Authority's acquisition of 90 Washington Street by purchase, eminent domain, or otherwise
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #207609
Requesting acceptance of a $1,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Medical Center Vital Village Network to the Health and Human Services Department for SomerBaby outreach and supplies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207611
Public Event License, Welcome Project, Build Bridges Not Walls Rally, Statue Park Davis Sq, Feb 20, 5:30-8:30PM. (Interim approval granted.)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207612
Public Event License, Groundwork Somerville Maple Syrup Boil Down, South St Farm, Mar 16, 8AM-3PM (raindate Mar 31)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207613
Public Event License, Unity Somerville Palm Sunday Donkey Walk, Powderhouse Park to Davis Sq via the College Ave sidewalk, Apr 14, 8:45- 9:30AM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207614
Public Event License, Unity Somerville Easter Sunrise Service, Powderhouse Park, Apr 21, 6:15-7:15AM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207615
Public Event License, MOM's 5K Run and Walk for Cancer, Assembly Row and Mystic River Reservation, May 12, 7AM-3PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207616
Public Event License, MSPCA Fast and Furriest 5K Run, Walk and Wag, Assembly Row and Mystic River Reservation, May 19, 6AM-4PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207617
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207618
New Outdoor Seating License, Elm St Taproom, 256 Elm St, 3 tables, 6 chairs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207622
That the City Solicitor file a lawsuit to compel the State to provide air pollution mitigation along I-93, similar to the lawsuit that awarded the City the GLX
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207623
That the City Solicitor provide this Council with a written explanation of any City and State regulations regarding public notifications. (2nd request)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207624
That the Chief of Police enforce all DO NOT ENTER traffic restrictions along Washington Street, between Sullivan Square and the Washington Street Bridge, during the GLX construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207625
That the Director of Traffic and Parking place a DO NOT ENTER – EXCEPT FOR ABUTTERS sign on the corner of Washington Street and Franklin Avenue to prevent cut through traffic during the GLX...
By City Councilor McLaughlin That the Director of Traffic and Parking place a DO NOT ENTER – EXCEPT FOR ABUTTERS sign on the corner of Washington Street and Franklin Avenue to prevent cut through traffic during the GLX construction.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207626
That the Director of SPCD take immediate action to address the poor condition of Franklin Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207627
That the Director of SPCD pave Perkins Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207628
That the Director of Traffic and Parking repair the broken walk button on the stop light at Cross and Pearl Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207629
That the Commissioner of Public Works place trash barrels by the bus stops on Washington Street at its intersections with McGrath Highway and Columbus Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207630
That the Director of SPCD communicate with MA DOT to ensure signs are placed on state roads indicating long traffic delays during GLX construction to preempt cut through traffic
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207631
That the Chief of Police regularly enforce traffic laws at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Street and Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207632
That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the surrounding area at the intersection of Tufts, Knowlton and Washington Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207633
That the Director of the Council on Aging consider expanding bus services to senior events to accommodate seniors who do not live in senior housing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207634
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a second DO NOT ENTER – EXCEPT ABUTTERS sign at the corner of Durham and Beacon Streets to increase visibility for southbound traffic on Beacon Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207635
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install two DO NOT ENTER – EXCEPT ABUTTERS signs at the corner of Durham and Beacon Streets, on the existing sign poles, to increase visibility for traffic...
By City Councilor Scott That the Director of Traffic and Parking install two DO NOT ENTER – EXCEPT ABUTTERS signs at the corner of Durham and Beacon Streets, on the existing sign poles, to increase visibility for traffic on Dane Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207636
That the Director of SPCD install a DON’T BLOCK THE BOX street marking at the intersection of Dane at Skehan Streets, to make exiting practical for residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #207637
City Solicitor requesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance Account to the Damage to Person & Property Account to increase the balance in the Account
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #207638
The Entire City Council, and the Mayor Commending Alvino Argant, in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the Communications Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207639
That the Director of Traffic and Parking replace the missing STOP sign at Myrtle and Pearl Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207640
That Director of Traffic and Parking fix the fallen SLOW – DEAF CHILD sign at Pinckney and Pearl Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207641
That the Commissioner of Public Works remove the trash and abandoned Christmas trees along Tufts Street, by 50 Tufts Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207642
That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the caved in sidewalk by Perkins and Myrtle Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207643
That Director of Traffic and Parking repair the broken mobile YIELD sign that is currently abandoned in front of 110 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #207644
That the Director of Traffic and Parking fix the leaning street sign on Pearl Street between Pinckney and Florence Streets
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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