MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
July 11, 2019
74 recorded votes, 70 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 #208592
Approve the minutes of the June 5, 2019 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, June 5, 2019, and the Regular Meeting, June 13, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208593
Commending Dave Powers, whose courageous action led to the capture of a suspect in the armed robbery of the Middlesex Federal Savings Bank in Davis Sq. on May 1
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208594
Commending Daniel LeBlanc, who is retiring from the Board of the Somerville Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund after 19 years of distinguished service, since the Trust Fund's inception in 2000
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208596
Submitted by Comcast to install 18 feet of conduit in Washington St, from Pole 358/40 to a point of pickup at 265 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208597
Submitted by RCN to install 20 feet of conduit in North St, from Manhole 3730 on Broadway to Pole 190/15 on North St for service to 1299 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208602
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a wireless small cell antenna and related equipment on the pole on Bartlett St nearest 466 Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208603
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a wireless small cell antenna and related equipment on the pole on School St nearest 96 Highland Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208604
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a wireless small cell antenna and related equipment on the pole at 7 Highland Rd near Morrison Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208605
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to replace a City-owned streetlight at 0 Innerbelt Rd with a similar streetlight that includes a wireless small cell antenna and related equipment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208606
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a wireless small cell antenna and related equipment on the pole at 361 Washington St near Perry Park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208607
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to replace a City-owned streetlight across from 48 Pearl St adjacent to a Housing Authority building with a similar streetlight that includes a wireless small cell...
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to replace a City-owned streetlight across from 48 Pearl St adjacent to a Housing Authority building with a similar streetlight that includes a wireless small cell antenna and related equipment.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208608
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to replace a City-owned streetlight across from 328 Broadway with a similar streetlight that includes a wireless small cell antenna and related equipment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208611
Designating the fourth week of September, each year, as Climate Preparedness Week, and urging public participation in associated activities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208612
That the Administration ensure that the Living Wage Ordinance is fully applied to the city’s recycling contract
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208613
That the Administration provide options for how the City Council and/or members of the public may formally approve or revise the SomerVision 2040 plan
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208614
That the Administration inform this City Council whether the new High School, and eventually other municipal buildings, will have dishwashing capacity, to reduce or eliminate reliance on...
By City Councilor Hirsch That the Administration inform this City Council whether the new High School, and eventually other municipal buildings, will have dishwashing capacity, to reduce or eliminate reliance on single-use flatware and dishes.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208615
That the Administration consider expanding the Marijuana Advisory Committee to include communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition, advocates working in this...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Ewen-Campen That the Administration consider expanding the Marijuana Advisory Committee to include communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition, advocates working in this area, and members of the public with related expertise, and consider other steps to increase transparency in the selection process.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208616
That the Administration discuss ways to manage burnout and promote a home/work balance among staff who are tasked with high stakes, high contact projects, including how the City Council may help
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208617
That the Directors of Health and Human Services, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, or SomerPromise report on the possibility of establishing a transitional jobs program, modeled after...
By City Councilor Hirsch That the Directors of Health and Human Services, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, or SomerPromise report on the possibility of establishing a transitional jobs program, modeled after programs in Cambridge and other communities.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208619
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on July 1, 2019
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on July 1, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208173 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of David Castellarin to the Retirement Board
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208531 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Wudson Duperval to the position of Reserve Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208532 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sergio Garcia to the position of Reserve Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208533 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Charles Houghton to the position of Reserve Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208534 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Charlie O'Leary to the position of Reserve Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208535 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Andrew Phelan to the position of Reserve Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208536 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Karanjit Singh to the position of Reserve Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208537 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Robert Taylor to the position of Reserve Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208620 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
That this Council's Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee be provided legal counsel to advise in the matter of #208571 and #208572, due to a conflict of interest expressed...
By City Councilor Mbah That this Council's Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee be provided legal counsel to advise in the matter of #208571 and #208572, due to a conflict of interest expressed by the City Solicitor's Office.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208621 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
That the Director of Personnel provide the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters with any available public documents regarding the signatories to the police reserve list...
By City Councilor Rossetti That the Director of Personnel provide the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters with any available public documents regarding the signatories to the police reserve list who were not appointed.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208622 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
That the City Solicitor and the Director of Personnel provide the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters with a clarification of the civil service classification categories
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208623
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on July 2, 2019
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on July 2, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #208469 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
City Solicitor submitting a Home Rule Petition that would authorize the City Council to appoint a Clerk of Committees and Assistant Clerks of Committees
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Ballantyne ABSENT: Davis.”
Committee Report #208624
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on July 10, 2019
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on July 10, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #207994 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Real Auto Shop, 39 Webster Ave, 0 vehicles inside, 20 outside, opening Mon-Fri 8AM-7PM, Sat 8AM-3PM, Sun Closed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208307 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Extended Operating Hours License, Papa Johns Pizza, 622 Somerville Ave, seeking to remain open for take-out and delivery service until 1AM Sun- Thu, and 2AM Fri-Sat
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208625
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on July 8, 2019
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on July 8, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208628
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $600,000 in a bond for Davis Square interim improvements
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, WhiteThe minutes list Wilfred Mbah as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Ballantyne ABSENT: Mbah, Davis.”
Mayor's Request #208631
Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Capital Stabilization Fund for tree planting
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Ballantyne ABSENT: Davis.”
Mayor's Request #208632
Requesting acceptance of an $11,000 grant annually for FY20, FY21, FY22, and FY23, with no new match required, from the Cambridge Public Health Department to the Health and Human Services...
Requesting acceptance of an $11,000 grant annually for FY20, FY21, FY22, and FY23, with no new match required, from the Cambridge Public Health Department to the Health and Human Services Department for participation in the regional prevention collaborative grant.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208633
Requesting approval of a time extension for the contract with Weston and Sampson for the Manhole Infiltration and Inflow Reduction Program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication
City Clerk submitting proposed fees for a Small Wireless Facility License
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #208636
City Solicitor requesting to appear before this Council in executive session to discuss litigation in the matter of ExteNet Systems v City of Somerville et al
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mary Jo Rossetti, City Councilor At Large AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Ballantyne ABSENT: Davis.” (Motion: Rossetti)
License/Permit #208639
Public Event License, Sunsetters performances, Jul 11 at 43 Boston St, Jul 15 at Lincoln Park, Jul 17 at 141 Hudson St, Jul 22 at 22 Josephine Ave Jul 31 at Lesley Ave, Aug 7 at 11 Cottage Ave...
Public Event License, Sunsetters performances, Jul 11 at 43 Boston St, Jul 15 at Lincoln Park, Jul 17 at 141 Hudson St, Jul 22 at 22 Josephine Ave Jul 31 at Lesley Ave, Aug 7 at 11 Cottage Ave, Aug 13 at 130 Ten Hills Rd, Aug 15 at 26 Trull St, Aug 22 at 20 Kensington Ave, all 6-8:30PM.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208640
Public Event License, St Benedict Procession, 21 Hathorn St and area streets, Jul 14, 8AM-1PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208641
Public Event License, Windsor Rd Block Party, Jul 20, 1:30-6:30PM (raindate Jul 21)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208642
Public Event License, Newbury St Block Party, Jul 21, 11AM-5PM (raindate Jul 28)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208643
Public Event License, 7ate9 Bakery National Cheesecake Day Celebration, parking spaces at 199c Highland Ave, Jul 27, 7AM-7PM (raindate Jul 28)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208644
Public Event License, Thorpe St Block Party, Jul 28, 3-7PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208645
Public Event License, Lexington Ave Block Party, Aug 4, 4-8PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208646
Public Event License, Pleasant Ave Block Party, Aug 9, 4-8:30PM (raindate Aug 10)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208647
Public Event License, Church St Block Party, from Summer St to Somerville Ave, Aug 17, 3-7PM (raindate Aug 18)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208648
Public Event License, Endicott-Farragut-Hooker-Weston Block Party, Endicott Ave, Aug 18, 2-8PM (raindate Sep 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208649
Public Event License, Great Urban Campout, Lincoln Park (backup Nunziato Field), Aug 24-25, Noon-Noon (raindate Aug 23-24)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208650
Public Event License, Arts Council Black, Brown & Queer Festival, Union Sq Plaza, Aug 24, 1-8PM (raindate Aug 25)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208651
Public Event License, Road Runners Race to the Row, Assembly Row area, Aug 25, 6:30AM-2PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208652
Public Event License, Bowdoin-Fremont-Parker-Washington Block Party, Fremont Ave dead end only, Aug 25, Noon-8:30PM (raindate Sep 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208653
Public Event License, Bo-Ho-Oak Block Party, Oak St from Houghton St to Bolton St, Sep 7, 1-7PM (raindate Sep 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208654
Public Event License, SS Cosmas and Damian Procession, Mansfield St- Rossmore St-Merriam St and area streets, Sep 8, 3-6PM (raindate Sep 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208655
Public Event License, Hudson St Block Party, from Waldo St to Central St, Sep 14, 3-8PM (raindate Sep 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208656
Public Event License, East Somerville Main Streets Foodie Crawl, sidewalks on Broadway From Kensington Ave to Lincoln St, Sep 17, 9AM-11PM (raindate Sep 18)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208657
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Environic Solutions
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208658
Renewing Garage License, Brazil Auto Repair, 621 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208659
Renewing Billiards and Bowling 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 #208660
Renewing Billiards and Bowling License, Thunder Road, 379 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208661
Transferring Taxi Medallion License, Medallion #69 from Alewife Transportation to Somerville Transportation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208662
Requesting acceptance of a $210,000 grant with no new match required, from the Commonwealth Children's Fund to the Health and Human Services SomerPromise program, to expand the SomerBaby Program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208663
Requesting acceptance of a $10,000 gift with no new match required, from Encore Boston to the Veterans Services Division for the Memorial Day fireworks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #208664
Special Counsel submitting an amended Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance as approved by the Legislative Matters Committee on 7/2/19
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Ballantyne ABSENT: Davis.”
Officer's Communication #208665
City Solicitor requesting approval of Catherine L. Farrell, Esq. or a similarly qualified attorney to serve as interim housing counsel
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208667
That a representative from Eversource appear before this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works to discuss problems with Eversource’s work being performed in a timely manner
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208668
That the Legislative Matters Committee prepare an ordinance to regulate the placement of wireless facilities to the maximum extent permitted by state law
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208669
Requesting the appropriation of $567,551 from the Salary Contingency Account to various departmental Personal Services Accounts to fund FY20 costs of the Memorandum of Agreement with SMEA Unit A
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208670
Public Event License, Somerville Democratic City Committee Picnic, Powderhouse Park, Aug 10, 11:30AM-3:30PM
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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