MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
September 26, 2019
69 recorded votes, 65 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 #208912
Approve the minutes of the August 22, 2019 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, August 22, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208913
The Mayor Congratulating Bishop Henry Moultrie II on the auspicious occasion of his retirement after 45 years of Pastoral leadership at the Mission Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208914
The Mayor Congratulating the Patronage of St. Joseph Church, Somerville's first Roman Catholic Parish, now celebrating 150 years of faithful service to the community
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208915
Submitted by Eversource to install 34 feet of conduit in Washington St, from Pole 358/17 to a point of pickup at 105 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208916
That the Administration, the Chief of Police and the Superintendent of Schools implement a policy that discourages municipal employees from parking city vehicles in MBTA bus stops
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208917
That the Director of Parking immediately address the incomplete striping of Powderhouse Boulevard, as the lack of clear striping puts pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers at risk
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208918
That the Director of SPCD place signage on Medford Street letting pedestrians know where they can walk
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208919
That the Director of the Arts Council discuss the SomerStreets and city-wide strategies in light of the city’s growing population
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208920
That the Director of SPCD develop a plan to plant a native species pollinator garden along the Community Path
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208921
That the Director of SPCD schedule a meeting with the residents of Partridge Avenue who filed a traffic calming petition, or respond to them with a written communication
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208922
That the City Solicitor and Chief of Police report to this Council on how civil asset forfeiture funds have been received and spent over the past 5 years, and how they can be directed to the...
By City Councilor Mbah, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Niedergang That the City Solicitor and Chief of Police report to this Council on how civil asset forfeiture funds have been received and spent over the past 5 years, and how they can be directed to the General Fund.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208923
That the Director of SPCD or the Director of SomerStat develop an estimate of funding required to pay for or subsidize MBTA fares for residents of different income levels and ages
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208924
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management discuss the next steps to evaluate the needs of municipal functions not included in the first round of the Departmental Relocation...
By City Councilor Hirsch That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management discuss the next steps to evaluate the needs of municipal functions not included in the first round of the Departmental Relocation Strategy, such as Parks and Recreation, Council on Aging, and Parking.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208925
That the Director of SomerStat provide an update on the implementation of the Happiness Survey
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208892
Supporting House H.2848, an Act to Ensure Gas Safety and Consumer Fairness
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208893
Supporting House H.2849 and Senate S.1940, an Act for Utility Transition to Using Renewable Energy (Future)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208926
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on September 23, 2019
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on September 23, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208524 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Richard Lavey to the position of Police Captain
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208525 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Holland to the position of Police Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208526 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Kiely to the position of Police Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208527 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Capasso to the position of Police Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208528 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Paul Anderson to the position of Police Sergeant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208529 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Devin Schneider to the position of Police Sergeant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208927
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 24, 2019
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 24, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208707 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $817,000 in a bond for demolition, legal fees, and site preparation work at 90 Washington St
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #208708 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $537,000 in a bond for environmental remediation and design services at Conway Park
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #208710 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $63,503.53 using available funds in the Redevelopment Authority Ordinary Maintenance Account for Legal services for the 90 Washington...
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $63,503.53 using available funds in the Redevelopment Authority Ordinary Maintenance Account for Legal services for the 90 Washington Demonstration Project.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208854 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,745,543.06 in a bond to fund Union Square Revitalization Plan eminent domain settlements
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, 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, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Scott.”
Mayor's Request #208855 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $900,000 for participation in the MWRA Lead LIne Replacement Program
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #208858 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $58,056.94 using available funds in various DPW General Fund Accounts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208859 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $191,075 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Division to the Office of Sustainability & Environment for energy...
Requesting acceptance of a $191,075 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Division to the Office of Sustainability & Environment for energy efficiency projects in school and administrative buildings.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208860 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $43,600 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council to support the LCC re-grant program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208861 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $11,500 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for supporting operational costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208894 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $298,280 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Mental Health to the Police Department, for Crisis Intervention Team training
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208895 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $105,555.55 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for maritime equipment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208896 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for expenditures and backfill/overtime for the...
Requesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for expenditures and backfill/overtime for the Special Response Team.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208897 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $50,459.46 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for expenditures for the purchase of a Prime...
Requesting acceptance of a $50,459.46 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for expenditures for the purchase of a Prime Mover.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208928
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on September 19, 2019
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on September 19, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208929
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 17, 2019
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 17, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208930 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the City Solicitor draft language in the Housing Stability Notification Act, to clarify that a failure to comply with its provisions shall constitute a separate violation for each former...
By City Councilor Davis That the City Solicitor draft language in the Housing Stability Notification Act, to clarify that a failure to comply with its provisions shall constitute a separate violation for each former homeowner or tenant.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208931
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on September 25, 2019
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on September 25, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208358 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Submitted by Eversource to install 23 feet of conduit in Chester Ave from Utility Pole 64/0 to a point of pickup at 141 Cross St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208676 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a wireless small cell antenna and related equipment on the pole on Bradley St adjacent to 32 Jackson Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208803 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Submitted by Eversource to install 34 feet of conduit in Murdock St from Pole 246/2 to a point of pickup at 17-25 Murdock St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208932 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
That the City Solicitor advise this Council's Committee on Licenses and Permits about regulating utility/communication dead drops, with background on the low voltage court cases initiated by the...
By City Councilor Scott That the City Solicitor advise this Council's Committee on Licenses and Permits about regulating utility/communication dead drops, with background on the low voltage court cases initiated by the City of Boston.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208933
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on September 18, 2019
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on September 18, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #208934
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on September 18, 2019
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on September 18, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208935
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $45,000 to the DPW Buildings & Grounds Electricity Account to procure renewable energy for City operations
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208936
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $330 using available funds in the Health and Human Services Professional & Technical Services Account for contracted nursing services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208937
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $120 for a subscription using available funds in the Library's Magazines and Periodicals Account
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208939
Requesting acceptance of an $18,700 grant with no new match required, from the MA Dept of Public Health to the Police Department to purchase and provide training for Naxalone
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208940
Requesting approval of a time extension for the contract with Suffolk Construction for High School Construction Manager services, to December 31, 2021
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #208941
Director of Housing Stability responding to #208626 with an updated Housing Stability Notification Act ordinance pursuant to the Legislative Matters Committee meeting on 9/17/19
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #208942
Public Event License, Gilman Sq Neighborhood Association Block Party, Richdale Ave from School St to Lee St and Essex St from Richdale Ave to Medford St, Sep 28, 11AM-6PM (raindate Sep 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208943
Public Event License, Duck Village Block Party, Palmacci Park and Skehan St from Durham St to Hanson St and Hanson St from Skehan St to Nevada St, Sep 28, Noon-9PM (raindate Sep 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208944
Public Event License, Women's Commission Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Statue Park, Oct 2, 1-8PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208945
Public Event License, Benton Rd Block Party, from Summer St to Highland Ave, Oct 5, Noon-6PM (raindate Oct 6)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208946
Public Event License, Highland Rd Block Party, from Summer St to Highland Ave, Oct 6, 2-8PM (raindate Oct 5)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208947
Public Event License, HONK! Festival, Fri Oct 11, 2-9:30PM: Hodgkins Park and area sidewalks; Sat Oct 12, 10AM-10PM: Seven Hills, Statue, and Kenney Parks, Elm St from Dover St to Cutter Ave...
Public Event License, HONK! Festival, Fri Oct 11, 2-9:30PM: Hodgkins Park and area sidewalks; Sat Oct 12, 10AM-10PM: Seven Hills, Statue, and Kenney Parks, Elm St from Dover St to Cutter Ave, Chester St from Elm St to Herbert St, Dover St from Davis Sq to Flatbread Pizza, Summer St north side from Elm St to Windom St; Sun Oct 13, 10AM-2PM: Herbert St Lot, Day St from Orchard St to Elm St, Bowers Ave, Elm St to Beech St, Beech St to Cambridge.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208948
Public Event License, HONK! Festival Dinner and Party, ArtFarm, Oct 12 & 13, 4PM-2AM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208949
Public Event License, Bond St Block Party, from Jaques St to Broadway, Oct 19, 10AM-5PM (raindate Oct 26)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208950
Renewing Open Air Vendor License, Next Wave-Full Circle School, 8 Bonair St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208954
That the Commissioner of Public Works demand that Russell Disposal put an immediate end to the illegal practice of backing their trucks down one-way streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208955
That the Director of Parking install an illuminated STOP sign at the corner of Jacques Street at Edgar Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208956
That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council, any implications for Somerville as a result of the Governor’s newly announced four-month ban on the sale of vaping products
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208957
That this Council’s Committee on Licenses and Permits schedule a Show Cause hearing to determine why any business licenses issued to the Herb Chamber companies by this body should not be suspended...
By City Councilor Scott, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Davis, Niedergang, Mbah, White Jr., Ballantyne, Hirsch, Clingan That this Council’s Committee on Licenses and Permits schedule a Show Cause hearing to determine why any business licenses issued to the Herb Chamber companies by this body should not be suspended or revoked for violations of the City’s Wage Theft Ordinance.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #208962
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Keash Excavation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208964
That the Administration invite representatives from Weston & Sampson and relevant outside counsel to appear before this Council’s Finance Committee to discuss all issues pertaining to the...
By City Councilor White Jr. That the Administration invite representatives from Weston & Sampson and relevant outside counsel to appear before this Council’s Finance Committee to discuss all issues pertaining to the remediation and design of Conway Park.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208965
That the Commissioner of Public Works require contractors closing sidewalks for the West Branch Library construction project to put up signage directing pedestrians where to cross safely at a...
By City Councilor Ballantyne, Davis That the Commissioner of Public Works require contractors closing sidewalks for the West Branch Library construction project to put up signage directing pedestrians where to cross safely at a crosswalk.
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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