MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
August 22, 2019
96 recorded votes, 96 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, Lance Davis, Katjana Ballantyne
Absent: Jesse Clingan, Mark Niedergang
Every vote, in order
Minutes #208672
Approve the minutes of the June 27, 2019 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, June 27, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208673
Commending Gene Brune on the auspicious occasion of his 90th birthday
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208675
Submitted by Crown Castle Fiber to install 12 feet of conduit in Medford St from Manhole #15216 to a point of pickup at 252 Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208677
Ewen- Campen, Mbah, Davis, Scott, Hirsch, Rossetti That September, 2019 be designated Recovery Month in Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208678
Urging the State Delegation to support all gun reform bills currently pending at the State House
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208679
That the Administration, in conjunction with the Somerville Homeless Coalition, create programs with specific goals to end homelessness in the City
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208680
That the City Solicitor determine whether the City may draft an ordinance or implement a policy or procedure to address the Black Swallow-wort problem
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208681
That the Chief of Police update this Council quarterly on high risk domestic violence and sexual assault cases
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208682
That the Director of Parks and Recreation work with the Administration and the School Department to assess opportunities and barriers non-binary youth and adults have when wanting to participate...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Davis, Ballantyne, Ewen-Campen That the Director of Parks and Recreation work with the Administration and the School Department to assess opportunities and barriers non-binary youth and adults have when wanting to participate in athletics and access public facilities, such as Dilboy Pool.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208683
That the Director of SPCD facilitate a community meeting about airplane noise and include information about how flight path decisions get made, what (if any) local leverage we have, and how...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Mbah That the Director of SPCD facilitate a community meeting about airplane noise and include information about how flight path decisions get made, what (if any) local leverage we have, and how different neighborhoods are currently or potentially affected by noise.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208684
That the Administration report on how the City could lobby for a wider width for the proposed bridge from Everett to Draw 7 Park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208685
That the Director of SPCD explain how decisions are made about Blue Bike rack placement, including how the public gets informed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208686
That the Director of Engineering report on flooding by neighborhood for this summer’s storms and any steps taken to mitigate it or work with residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208687
That the Director of Public Works inform this Council of any recent challenges relative to yard waste pickup
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208688
That the Director of Mobility discuss with advocates and Councilors, options for the selection process for the new Pedestrian/Transit Committee and discuss its possible relationship to the Vision...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Niedergang, Ballantyne That the Director of Mobility discuss with advocates and Councilors, options for the selection process for the new Pedestrian/Transit Committee and discuss its possible relationship to the Vision Zero Task Force and the Bicycle Committee.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208689
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update the Ward 6 Councilor on plans for interim improvements to sidewalks and crosswalks in Davis Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208690
That the Senior Urban Forestry and Landscape Planner inspect the newly planted tree at 76 Willow Avenue and seek warranty replacement as appropriate
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208691
That members of the recently established Safe Injection Site Task Force appear before this Council’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to discuss their findings in a public forum
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208692
That the Director of Health and Human Services provide the City Council with a copy of the Safe Injection Site Task Force recommendations
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208693
That the Director of SomerStat provide this Council with a citywide heat map of areas where overdoses and improperly disposed needles are reported to identify a location for a safe injection facility
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208694
That the Director of SPCD work with the City of Boston and MA DOT to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety at state highway intersections including Sullivan Square, McGrath Highway at Broadway and...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Hirsch, Mbah That the Director of SPCD work with the City of Boston and MA DOT to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety at state highway intersections including Sullivan Square, McGrath Highway at Broadway and at Washington Street, and the Northern Expressway at the Kensington Avenue Underpass.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208695
That the Director of Traffic and Parking increase signage along Wigglesworth Street to discourage speeding
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208696
That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the two broken street lights by 60 Alston Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208697
That the Administration consider granting free use of Blue Bikes to city staff
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208698
That the Traffic Commission approve the installation of a stop light at the intersection of Grand Union Boulevard and Canal Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208699
That the Director of SPCD install a "Your Speed Is" sign and rubber speed bumps on Hamlet Street, directed at northbound traffic
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208700
That the Director of Traffic and Parking increase enforcement of double- parking at the intersection of Hamlet Street and Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208600
Lay on the table: Submitted by Eversource to install 35 feet of conduit in Laurel St from Pole 199/6 to a point of pickup at 36 Laurel St
Yes: Ballantyne, Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Scott, WhiteNo: Hirsch, Mbah, RossettiThe minutes record the result as “Laid on the table”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: LAID ON THE TABLE. [6 TO 3] AYES: White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti ABSENT: Clingan, Niedergang.”
Mayor's Request #208712
Requesting acceptance of a $37,315 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for the Jail Diversion Program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208713
Requesting acceptance of a $4,656.90 grant with no new match required, from the MA Emergency Management Agency to the Fire Department for emergency management equipment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208714
Requesting acceptance of a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mt Auburn Hospital to the Health and Human Services Department for mental health education training
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #208718
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session to discuss pending and potential litigation
Yes: Ballantyne, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, Mbah, McLaughlin, Rossetti, WhiteThe minutes list J.T. Scott as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Ewen- Campen, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Scott, Clingan, Niedergang.”
License/Permit #208720
Public Event License, Tibetan Prayer Flag and Peace Vigil, Statue Park, Aug 28, 10AM-2PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208721
Public Event License, Tufts Discover Davis Square, Statue Park, Sep 1, 10:30AM-6PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208722
Public Event License, Spring Hill Block Party, Brastow Ave, Sep 7, Noon- 10PM (raindate Sep 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208723
Public Event License, Adams/Bartlett Block Party, Adams St, Sep 7, 2:30- 10PM (raindate Sep 8, 11:30AM-6PM)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208724
Public Event License, Rogers Ave Block Party, from Morrison Ave to Kidder Ave, Sep 8, Noon-10PM (raindate Sep 7)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208725
Public Event License, Assembly Row Riverfest, Baxter Park area, Sep 14, 6AM-11PM (raindate Sep 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208726
Public Event License, Fairfax St Block Party, Sep 14, 11AM-7PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208727
Public Event License, Irving St Block Party, Sep 14, 11:30AM-9PM (raindate Sep 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208728
Public Event License, Josephine Ave Block Party, from Morrison to Kidder Aves, Sep 14, 2-9:30PM (raindate Sep 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208729
Public Event License, Chandler St Block Party, from Chapel to Park Sts, Sep 14, 2:30-8PM (raindate Sep 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208730
Public Event License, Kingnston Neighborhood Block Party, from Shea St to Campbell Park, Sep 14, 4-10PM (raindate Sep 21)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208731
Public Event License, Prospect Hill Block Party, Munroe St from Walnut to Bigelow Sts and Prospect Hill Parkway/Prospect Hill Street from Stone Ave to Boston St, Sep 15, Noon-5PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208732
Public Event License, Arts Council Fluff Festival, Somerville Ave from Church St to Warren Ave and Bow St from Summer St to Somerville Ave, Sep 21, Noon-9PM (raindate Sep 22)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208733
Public Event License, Redbones Oktoberfest, Chester St from Elm to Herbert Sts, Sep 29, 7AM-7PM (raindate Oct 6)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208734
Public Event License, East Somerville Main Streets Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade, Zero New Washington St Dog Park and New Washington St from Cobble Hill to Inner Belt Rds, Oct 19, 11AM-5PM (raindate Oct 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208735
Public Event License, All Community Events Somerville Hot Cider Hustle 8K Road Race, Baxter Park/Mystic River Reservation Loop with Shore Dr, Nov 9, 4AM-Noon
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208736
Public Event License, Somerville Road Runners Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race, Davis Sq and area streets, Nov 28, 6:30AM-Noon
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208737
New Drainlayer's License, Sacca Group
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208738
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Mirra
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208740
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 100 Talbot Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208741
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 101 Talbot Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208742
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 106 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208743
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 12 Dearborn Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208744
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 125 Powderhouse Blvd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208745
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 13 Sawyer Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208746
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 13-15 Talbot Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208747
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 136 Curtis St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208748
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 14 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208749
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 15 Whitfield Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208750
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 176 Curtis St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208751
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 21 Whitfield Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208752
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 28 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208753
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 29 Latin Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208754
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 32 Dearborn Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208755
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 37 Sawyer Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208756
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 39R Latin Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208757
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 40A-F Latin Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208758
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 43 Latin Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208759
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 45 Sawyer Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208760
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 45 Talbot Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208761
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 56-64 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208762
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 73 Powderhouse Blvd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208763
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 75-85 Packard Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208764
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 8 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208765
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 8 Whitfield Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208766
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 90-92-94 Curtis St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208767
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 9-11 Sunset Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208768
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 92 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208769
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 98 Packard Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208770
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties Alpha Omicron Pi, 25 Whitfield Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208771
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties Alpha Phi, 14 Sawyer Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208772
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties Theta Chi, 100 Packard Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208773
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties Zeta Beta Tau, 126 Packard Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208780
That the Director of Engineering ensure that gas leaks along Pearl Street and Washington Street are addressed before reconstruction of said streets is completed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208781
That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Parking develop a city-wide traffic signaling policy that includes guidelines for temporary signaling during construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208782
That the Director of SPCD develop a city-wide signage policy to equitably inform pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle operators during construction, closing of sidewalks, etc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208783
That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 7 Councilor in writing by September 15 of all violation notices issued for 38-40 Barton Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208784
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on Holland Street, between Teele Square and Thorndike Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208785
That the Chief of Police consider assigning a crossing guard at Broadway at Farragut Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208788
Public Event License, Ball Square Business Association Ball Square Festival, Broadway from Lowden to Boston Aves, Sep 22, 10AM-6PM (raindate Sep 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208789
Renewing Junk Dealer's License, Broadway Cell Phone and Services, 1206 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208794
That the City Clerk invite an Eversource Electric representative to appear before the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works at its meeting on September 4 at 6PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208627
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,900,000 in a bond for sewer improvements
Yes: Ballantyne, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, Mbah, McLaughlin, Rossetti, WhiteThe minutes list J.T. Scott as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Ewen- Campen, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Scott, Clingan, Niedergang.”
Mayor's Request #208795
Requesting the appropriation of $718,552 from the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund to various departmental Personal Services Accounts to fund 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.
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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