MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
May 23, 2019
75 recorded votes, 73 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, Katjana Ballantyne
Absent: Lance Davis
Every vote, in order
Minutes #208242
Approve the minutes of the April 25, 2019 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, April 25, 2019, and the Regular Meeting, April 25, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208243
That the Director of SPCD identify the financial lending tools available for the Somerville Housing Trust Fund and the MA Non-profit Housing Finance Corp. for financing development
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208244
That the Administration consider not collecting parking meter receipts from Ball Square until March, 2020, as a way to encourage patronage to the local businesses located there
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208245
That the Chief of Police monitor North, High, Sterling, Fairfax, Woods and Gordon Streets and Alewife Brook Parkway for speeding vehicles
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208246
That the Administration explore the constituent suggestion that would allow designating streets as block party zones or car-free zones when a certain number of bands are registered during Porch Fest
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208247
That the Director of the Arts Council, the Chief of Police and the Commissioner of Public Works appear before this Council’s Committee on Licenses and Permits to discuss future preparations for...
By City Councilor Rossetti That the Director of the Arts Council, the Chief of Police and the Commissioner of Public Works appear before this Council’s Committee on Licenses and Permits to discuss future preparations for Porchfest.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208249
That the Director of SPCD modify the Central Hill Campus plan to include an elevator from the new Gilman Square MBTA station to the Central Hill Campus, so that people with mobility issues are...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Niedergang, Rossetti, McLaughlin, Hirsch, Mbah That the Director of SPCD modify the Central Hill Campus plan to include an elevator from the new Gilman Square MBTA station to the Central Hill Campus, so that people with mobility issues are able to use the new station to access City Hall, the Library, and the High School.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208250
That the Director of SPCD appear before the Committee on Housing and Community Development with a progress report on the Lead Paint Safe Somerville program, including the number of applications...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of SPCD appear before the Committee on Housing and Community Development with a progress report on the Lead Paint Safe Somerville program, including the number of applications received and completed, average timelines, and any issues that have arisen.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208251
That the Director of SPCD appear before the Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the specific steps required to fill inclusionary units in new developments, and any...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of SPCD appear before the Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the specific steps required to fill inclusionary units in new developments, and any suggestions for ways to increase the efficiency of this process.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208252
That the Director of SPCD perform traffic volume and speed studies on Summit Avenue and Boston Street during morning and evening rush hours and report the findings to the Ward 3 City Councilor
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208253
That the Director of SPCD suggest traffic calming solutions for Sycamore Street between Highland Avenue and Medford Street. (2nd request)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208254
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill in the potholes and depressions in the Union Square Plaza parking lot
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208255
That the Administration consider implementing a Driveway Safety Program, modeled after one implemented by the New York City DOT
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208256
That the Director of SPCD identify both a temporary and longer-term Lyft/Uber pick-up point in Union Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208257
That the Director of SPCD identify all intersections with incomplete crosswalk crossings and suggest ways to remedy them
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208260
Supporting Senate Bill 1081, An Act to authorize public health workers to pursue new measures to reduce harm and stigma for people affected by substance use disorder and House Bill 1712, An Act...
By City Councilor Clingan, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Ballantyne, Niedergang, Rossetti, Hirsch, Mbah Supporting Senate Bill 1081, An Act to authorize public health workers to pursue new measures to reduce harm and stigma for people affected by substance use disorder and House Bill 1712, An Act relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208261
That the Director of Health and Human Services highlight any funding for drug treatment during the budget process
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208262
That the Director of Health and Human Services, with this Council’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety and regional substance abuse service providers, prepare an Opioid Response Report...
By City Councilor Clingan, McLaughlin That the Director of Health and Human Services, with this Council’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety and regional substance abuse service providers, prepare an Opioid Response Report similar to one published by Cambridge.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208263
That the Administration provide this Council with a list of the all the shops, both union and non-union, being used by Suffolk Construction on the construction of the new high school
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208264
That the Administration inform this Council of any efforts by Suffolk Construction to hire Somerville residents, both union and non-union, for the high school project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208266
That the Director of SPCD report to this Council, within 30 days, the impact on our residents if President Trump’s public charge and HUD’s new proposed rule change on public housing is adopted
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208267
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 21, 2019
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 21, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207953 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $37,778.81 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings and Grounds and Highway Division Accounts for invoices received...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $37,778.81 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings and Grounds and Highway Division Accounts for invoices received after the close of FY18.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208165 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $996,947 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Debt Service - Interest on Notes-BAN Account in order to pay interest on notes due on June 7...
Requesting the appropriation of $996,947 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Debt Service - Interest on Notes-BAN Account in order to pay interest on notes due on June 7, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208239 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an adjustment to income limits and interest rates with respect to the senior property tax deferral under MGL c59 s5(41A)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208268 (report of the Finance Committee)
Supporting Senate Bill 1184, An Act Relative to Proceeds from the Sale of Bonds, to give municipalities flexibility in the use of BAN premiums
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208269 (report of the Finance Committee)
That the Administration and Director of Finance implement opportunities for community participatory budgeting for FY21
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208270
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on May 13, 2019
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on May 13, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208271
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on May 21, 2019
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on May 21, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208164 (report of the Housing and Community Development Committee)
Requesting approval of the 2019-2020 HUD One Year Action Plan, for CDBG, HOME, and ESG programming
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208272
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on May 14, 2019
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on May 14, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208273
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 16, 2019
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 16, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208274
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on May 13, 2019
Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on May 13, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208275 (report of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee)
That the Traffic Commission approve the creation of a crosswalk at 45 Beacon Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208276 (report of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee)
That the Director of SPCD provide a written response to #207193, for the Arts Council to host events to bring pedestrians to Union Square and Ball Square during construction detours
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208277
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on May 15, 2019
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on May 15, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208278 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
That the Director of SPCD advise the Committee on Traffic and Parking of any plans for traffic calming on Morrison Avenue between Cedar Street and Willow Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #208286
Assistant City Solicitor submitting a proposed amendment to Ordinance 11- 111 to require the registration and maintenance of vacant buildings, as approved by the Legislative Matters Committee on...
Assistant City Solicitor submitting a proposed amendment to Ordinance 11- 111 to require the registration and maintenance of vacant buildings, as approved by the Legislative Matters Committee on 5/16/19.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Ballantyne ABSENT: Davis.”
License/Permit #208289
Public Event License, St Benedict Parish Marion Parade, Hathorn St and area streets, May 26, 9:45-11AM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208290
Public Event License, Ivaloo/Harrison Block Party, Ivaloo St from Park St to Harrison St, Jun 1, Noon-5PM (raindate Jun 2)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208291
Public Event License, Warwick St Block Party, Jun 1, 2-8PM (raindates Jun 2,8,9)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208292
Public Event License, Growing Center Activities, 22 Vinal Ave, Jun 11-Oct 31, various dates and times
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208293
Public Event License, Gorham St Block Party, Gorham St at Tannery Brook Row and Howard St, Jun 22, 8AM-10PM (raindate Jun 23)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208294
Public Event License, OpenAir Circus Rehearsals, Nunziato Field, Tuesdays Jun 25-Jul 23, 4-8PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208295
Public Event License, OpenAir Circus Rehearsals, Powderhouse Park, Thursdays Jun 27-Jul 25, 4-8PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208296
Public Event License, Madison St Pig Roast Block Party, Jun 29, 8AM-7PM (raindate Jul 6)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208297
Public Event License, Tennyson St Block Party, Tennyson St from Pembroke St to Medford St, Jun 29, 10AM-8PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208298
Public Event License, OpenAir Circus Final Rehearsals, Nunziato Field, Jul 30-31, 4-9PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208299
Public Event License, St James Ave Block Party, St James Ave from Elm St to Summer St, Aug 11, Noon-8PM (raindate Aug 25)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208300
Public Event License, Collier Kickball Extravaganza, Trum Field and Franey Road, Sep 28, 8AM-6PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208301
New Drainlayer's License, Water Falls Construction and Equipment Rental
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208302
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Rhino Construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208303
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 #208304
Renewing Garage License, Frongillo Realty, 0 Spring Hill Terrace
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208305
Renewing Garage License, Drain Doctor, 612 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208308
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Mr. B's, 142 Cross St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208309
Renewing Open Air Vendor License, The Somerville Flea, Buena Vista Parking Lot
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208310
Renewing Used Car Dealer's Class 2 License, Barnes and Walsh, 224 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208311
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Forge Baking Company, 626 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208312
Sign/Awning Permit, Grainmaker, 246 Elm St, 1 wall sign and 1 blade sign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208316
That members of Climate Coalition of Somerville and the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change present information regarding passive housing design
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208317
Reaffirming support for the 1973 US Supreme Court decision which affirmed that access to safe and legal abortion is a constitutional right
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208318
That the East Somerville Community School middle school students, participating in an internship with Citizens Schools, present their findings and thoughts about affordable housing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208319
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install flashing STOP signs at the intersections of Lowell Street with Hudson and with Albion Streets to prevent accidents caused by cars entering onto...
By City Councilor Niedergang That the Director of Traffic and Parking install flashing STOP signs at the intersections of Lowell Street with Hudson and with Albion Streets to prevent accidents caused by cars entering onto Lowell Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208320
That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a second DO NOT ENTER sign at Prichard and Kidder Avenues to help prevent cut-through traffic from the Ball Square Bridge closure from going down...
By City Councilor Niedergang That the Director of Traffic and Parking install a second DO NOT ENTER sign at Prichard and Kidder Avenues to help prevent cut-through traffic from the Ball Square Bridge closure from going down one-way Prichard Avenue in the wrong direction.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208321
That the Mayor convene a committee to make recommendations by early 2020 for changes in City and residential parking permit policies such as those suggested by the Nelson/Nygaard consultant, as...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Hirsch, Ballantyne That the Mayor convene a committee to make recommendations by early 2020 for changes in City and residential parking permit policies such as those suggested by the Nelson/Nygaard consultant, as presented to the Land Use Committee on April 30, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #208325
Assistant City Solicitor submitting an updated Ordinance Regulating Short- Term Residential Rentals as approved by the Legislative Matters Committee on 5/16/19
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Ballantyne ABSENT: Davis.”
License/Permit #208326
Public Event License, OpenAir Circus Performances, Nunziato Field, Aug 1-5, various times
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208327
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Dewcon
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208328
Renewing Garage License, A Plus Autobody, 295 Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208329
Renewing Garage License, A Plus Auto Body, 297 Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208330
Renewing Used Car Dealer's Class 2 License, A Plus Auto Body, 297 Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208331
Renewing Mobile Food Vendor License, Wizard Catering
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208332
Renewing Mobile Food Vendor, The Chef Grill
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208334
That the Vision Zero Task Force provide the City Council with an update on its activities
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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