MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
June 13, 2019
84 recorded votes, 83 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 #208350
Approve the minutes of the May 9, 2019 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 9, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208351
The Entire City Council and the Mayor Commending Leo Martini, who is retiring after 31 years of distinguished service to the City as a Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208352
The Entire City Council and the Mayor Commending Jonathan Bernstein, who is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service to the Pre-School Program at the Elizabeth Peabody House
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208353
The Entire City Council and the Mayor Commending Max Nadeau, who served with distinction as the student representative on the High School Building Committee for four years, until his graduation...
By City Councilor Rossetti, the Entire City Council and the Mayor Commending Max Nadeau, who served with distinction as the student representative on the High School Building Committee for four years, until his graduation last week.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208354
The Entire City Council and the Mayor Congratulating the Somerville Community Corporation on 50 years of outstanding efforts to sustain affordability for Somerville's most vulnerable residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208357
Submitted by Eversource to install 28 feet of conduit in Thorndike St from Utility Pole 333/5 to a point of pickup at the Community Bike Path
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208359
Submitted by Eversource to install 2 feet of conduit in Professors Row, from Utility Pole 289/9 to a point of pickup at the rear of 161 Packard Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208360
That the Chief of Police, the Director of Health and Human Services, the Director of Parks and Recreation and other relevant groups appear before the Public Health and Public Safety Committee to...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Davis, Niedergang, Rossetti, Hirsch, Mbah, White Jr. That the Chief of Police, the Director of Health and Human Services, the Director of Parks and Recreation and other relevant groups appear before the Public Health and Public Safety Committee to discuss strategies to prevent youth violence and gun possession.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208361
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Streetscape and Public Space Planner work together to expand the native milkweed program initiated by activists to more public spaces, where...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Davis, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Niedergang, Rossetti, Hirsch, Mbah, White Jr. That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Streetscape and Public Space Planner work together to expand the native milkweed program initiated by activists to more public spaces, where appropriate, to expand green space and encourage the growth of monarch butterflies.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208362
That the Director of Water and Sewer and the Director of Sustainability and the Environment create a water preservation program to encourage water preservation among residents and limit water bills
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208363
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Water and Sewer inspect the sewers and roadway by 156 Pearl Street for foul odors and take appropriate action
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208364
That the Commissioner of Public Works reinstall lights on trees along East Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208365
That the Director of Traffic and Parking Department place a NOT A THROUGH STREET sign at the corner of George Street and Broadway to advise drivers that the road circles back to Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208366
That the Chief of Police order directed patrols around the East Somerville Library, Harris Park, and the walkway on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Cross Street East, to address public...
By City Councilor McLaughlin That the Chief of Police order directed patrols around the East Somerville Library, Harris Park, and the walkway on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Cross Street East, to address public drinking and urination.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208367
That the Director of Traffic and Parking enforce the 48-hour parking rule on Wisconsin Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208368
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services inspect the commercial trash barrels on Wisconsin Avenue, behind Broadway businesses, and issue fines if appropriate
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208369
That the Chief Fire Engineer replace the missing fire alarm box on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Cross Street East
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208370
That the Environmental Health Coordinator address rodent boroughs by the city trees on Pearl Street near the East Somerville Community School
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208371
That the Environmental Health Coordinator address rodent issues by 46 and 56 Franklin Avenue and 15 Minnesota Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208372
That the Commissioner of Public Works address the large pothole at Washington Street and Tufts Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208373
That the Director of SPCD and/or the Director of Communication request that the appropriate state agency add signs on Washington Street indicating business are open, as was done for Ball Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208374
That the Director of SPCD coordinate with Cambridge and other neighboring communities on any existing or planned road detours and construction projects that will impact Somerville, especially...
By City Councilor Mbah That the Director of SPCD coordinate with Cambridge and other neighboring communities on any existing or planned road detours and construction projects that will impact Somerville, especially alternative traffic routes around Somerville construction projects.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208375
That the Director of Communications create an online and paper sign-up for any citywide event, to make it easy to email them the bus schedule and any other last-minute details
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208376
That the Director of Communications post the bus schedule for any city-wide event online along with a phone number to call
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208377
Supporting House Bill 1538 and Senate Bill 1385, providing for a moratorium on government use of facial recognition and other biometric surveillance technologies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208378
That the Director of SPCD install traffic calming infrastructure on Morrison Avenue, such as a speed bump between Cedar Street and Willow Avenue, as soon as possible to protect pedestrians...
By City Councilor Niedergang That the Director of SPCD install traffic calming infrastructure on Morrison Avenue, such as a speed bump between Cedar Street and Willow Avenue, as soon as possible to protect pedestrians crossing Morrison Avenue, especially at Highland Road near Lexington Park and the Community Path.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208379
That the Director of SPCD follow up with the Ward 5 City Councilor on the meeting with residents of Partridge Avenue in January about traffic calming
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208380
That the Director of Sustainability and the Environment report to this Council on Newton’s electricity aggregation program that provides as the standard service 60% of its electricity from...
By City Councilor Niedergang That the Director of Sustainability and the Environment report to this Council on Newton’s electricity aggregation program that provides as the standard service 60% of its electricity from renewable sources, and whether it could be adopted here.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208381
That the Director of SPCD install 2 more U-shaped bike racks near the 3 Little Figs Café at 278 Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208382
That the Director of Sustainability and the Environment and the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Council the best approaches to banning or regulating plastic alcohol nip...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Mbah, Ballantyne That the Director of Sustainability and the Environment and the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Council the best approaches to banning or regulating plastic alcohol nip bottles, and report on any discussions that have taken place on this topic with liquor store managers and owners.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208383
That the Director of SPCD install sturdy steel posts around the southeast corner of Nunziato Park, in light of the May 25 car crash that sent a vehicle through the fence and into the picnic tables...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Scott That the Director of SPCD install sturdy steel posts around the southeast corner of Nunziato Park, in light of the May 25 car crash that sent a vehicle through the fence and into the picnic tables where children often gather.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208384
That the Director of Traffic and Parking temporarily suspend the policy of not painting curbs, in order to add yellow paint and a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign to the curved sidewalk on the...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Scott, Hirsch That the Director of Traffic and Parking temporarily suspend the policy of not painting curbs, in order to add yellow paint and a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign to the curved sidewalk on the southeast corner of Quincy and Summer Streets, to improve visibility. (2nd request)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208385
That the Director of the Personnel provide the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety with state Core Competency training certifications, and any other training documents, for all Animal...
By City Councilor Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Ballantyne, Davis, Niedergang, McLaughlin That the Director of the Personnel provide the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety with state Core Competency training certifications, and any other training documents, for all Animal Control Officers.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208386
That the Chief of Police provide the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety with all animal control calls logged over the last 6 months
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208387
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes at 16 Ten Hills Road and on Bailey Road near its intersection with Ten Hills Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208388
That the Commissioner of Public Works paint the traffic light poles at the intersection of Broadway and School Street, as well as any others in the area that need painting
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208389
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on June 3, 2019
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on June 3, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #207545 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Mara Santana 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 #207766 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting the reappointment of William Gage to the Redevelopment Authority
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208174 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Christopher Allen to the Licensing Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208390
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on June 4, 2019
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on June 4, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208279 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a transfer of $11,000 from the SomerPromise Professional and Technical Services Account to three Public School Accounts, to fund student programming for children and teens
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208280 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Public Health to the Police Department for the SOR Program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208281 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $2,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Dept. of Public Health to the Fire Department for Mass Decontamination Unit equipment and training costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208282 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $2,000 grant with no new match required, from Project Bread to the Health & Human Services Department to support the summer meals program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208283 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting creation of a Consolidated Gift Account to support the "One Somerville" campaign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #208285 (report of the Finance Committee)
Director of Water and Sewer submitting amended proposed water and sewer rates for FY20
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #208288 (report of the Finance Committee)
Director of Communications requesting appointment of Epstein & August, LLP as outside legal counsel in the pending cable license renewal negotiations
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208324 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $508 grant with no new match required, from the MA Sewer Rate Relief Fund to the Sewer Department for the purpose of reducing sewer rates
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208391
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 30, 2019
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 30, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Ordinance #207923 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Submitting for approval the Somerville Welcoming Community Ordinance, to establish Somerville as a Welcoming Community, to declare that all are welcome here, and to increase public confidence in...
By City Councilor Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Clingan, Scott, Ballantyne, Mbah Submitting for approval the Somerville Welcoming Community Ordinance, to establish Somerville as a Welcoming Community, to declare that all are welcome here, and to increase public confidence in city government with guidelines for our voluntary involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #208392 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the City Solicitor prepare a Home Rule Petition to change the City Charter as it refers to Clerk of Committees positions, as referenced in #208333
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208393
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses & Permits, meeting on May 29, 2019
Report of the Committee on Licenses & Permits, meeting on May 29, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207691 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Lodging House License, Tufts University, 123 Packard Ave, 9 residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208306 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, Automotive Transport Service, 40 Joy St, for mechanical repairs, washing cars and operating a tow service, 15 cars outside, 9 inside, Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM, Sat-Sun 9AM-3PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208394
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on May 29, 2019
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on May 29, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208395 (report of the Public Health and Public Safety Committee)
That the City Clerk send a letter to the State Delegation and the MBTA to encourage action on maintaining and improving bus shelters. (see #205828)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208396 (report of the Public Health and Public Safety Committee)
That the City Clerk send a letter to the State Delegation and the MBTA to encourage action on the Route 95 bus stop. (see #204860)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208432
Public Event License, Connexion Church Pentecost in the Park, Chuckie Harris Park, Jun 9, 9:30AM-12:45PM (interim approval granted)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208433
Public Event License, Columbus Ave Block Party, from Warren Ave to Walnut St, Jun 20, 4:30-9:30PM (raindate Jun 27)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208434
Public Event License, Family Fun Day, Trum Field and Franey Rd, Jun 22, 10AM-5PM (raindate Jun 23)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208435
Public Event License, St Benedict Parish Corpus Christi Procession, Sidewalks from Hathorn St to Assembly Row, Jun 23, 1-2:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208436
Public Event License, MA Health Connector Day of Coverage, Statue Park, Jun 27, 10:30AM-12:30PM (raindate Aug 13)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208437
Public Event License, Eastman Rd Block Party, Jun 27, 6-11PM (raindate Jun 28)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208438
Public Event License, Harrison St Block Party, between Ivaloo St and Kent St, Jul 13, Noon-5PM (raindate Jul 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208439
Public Event License, Lowden Ave Block Party, between Kidder Ave and Foskett St, Jul 13, Noon-7PM (raindate Jul 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208440
Public Event License, Franklin Ave Block Party, between Washington St and Franklin St, Jul 21, 2-7PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208441
Public Event License, Electric Ave Block Party, between Packard Ave and Mason St, Sep 7, 11AM-6PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208442
Public Event License, Ryan Harrington Foundation Corn Toss Tournament, Trum Field, Sep 14, 8AM-6PM (raindate Sep 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208443
Public Event License, Somerville Garden Club Plant Sale, Statue Park, Sep 21, 7AM-1:15PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208444
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Pepi's Pizzeria, 516B Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208445
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Taco Loco, 44 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208452
That the Climate Coalition of Somerville present on the topic of Biodiversity as part of the continuing education series to the City Council
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208454
Supporting H.2865, An Act to Establish a Net Zero Energy Stretch Code
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208455
That the Chief Assessor advise the Ward 7 Councilor of the number of residential tax exemptions by Ward for FY16, FY17, FY18, and FY19, by June 27, 2019
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208456
That the Director of SPCD install traffic dampening features on Victoria Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208457
That the Director of SPCD prioritize paving Holland Street for FY20
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208462
Public Event License, Hayroad Productions Filming, Assembly Row between Foley St and Canal St, Jun 16, 7AM-1PM (raindate Jun 23)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208463
Renewing Garage License, JN Phillips Auto Glass, 47 Webster Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208464
Renewing Livery License, Mass Cab, 45 Endicott Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208465
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208466
New Outdoor Seating License, Maya Sol, 179 Broadway, 3 tables, 12 seats
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208467
New Outdoor Seating License, Vinal Bakery, 222 Somerville Ave, 4 tables, 4 seats, 1 bench
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208468
For a unified response to a potential FCC rule change that could allow cable companies to charge in-kind services, such as the channels that carry local programs, against the franchise fee
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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