MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
October 10, 2019
70 recorded votes, 68 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 #208968
Approve the minutes of the September 12, 2019 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, September 12, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #208969
The Mayor Commending each of the 55 Crossing Guards who protect our children on school days, as they cross busy streets made busier this year by the bridge closures and construction activities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208970
Submitted by Eversource to install 408 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 2635 to a point of pickup at 725 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208971
Submitted by Eversource to install 121 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 3636 to a point of pickup at 1070 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208972
Submitted by Eversource to install 102 feet of conduit in Broadway from Pole 144/6 to a point of pickup at 41 Myrtle St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208973
Submitted by Eversource to install 100 feet of conduit in Broadway from Manhole 1905 to an Extenet wireless facility near 328 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208975
Submitted by Eversource to install 71 feet of conduit in Vinal Ave from Pole 248/1 to a point of pickup at 3 Summer St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208977
Submitted by Eversource to install 44 feet of conduit in Elmwood St from Pole 113/3 to a point of pickup at 17 Elmwood St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208978
Submitted by Eversource to install 9 feet of conduit in College Ave from Pole 156/5 to a point of pickup at 40 College Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #208980
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to replace a City-owned streetlight at 479 Canal St 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 #208982
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to replace a City-owned streetlight at 497 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.
Grant of Location #208983
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to replace a City-owned streetlight at 75 Mystic Ave 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.
Order #208984
That the City Solicitor take all actions available to enforce any applicable law or regulation requiring utilities to remove wires that are no longer in use
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208985
That the Director of Sustainability and Environment and others in the Administration work with this Council to convene a task force to provide recommendations to eliminate the use of natural gas...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Mbah, Scott, Hirsch, Rossetti, Davis, Niedergang, Ballantyne, White Jr. That the Director of Sustainability and Environment and others in the Administration work with this Council to convene a task force to provide recommendations to eliminate the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in new buildings.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208986
That the Administration update this Council on plans to preserve onsite affordable senior housing and care for the current and future residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor facility
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208987
That the Commissioner of Public Works commence regular sidewalk cleaning outside the Nunziato Dog Park, and provide the Ward 3 City Councilor with a written policy for scheduled sidewalk cleaning
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208988
That the Chief Assessor utilize a valuation method for commercial real estate that takes into account the financial impact of the bridge closings on businesses located in such properties
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208989
That the Chief of Police report to this Council on any enforcement actions undertaken under Ordinance 9-97, especially with regard to disturbances of the peace in the vicinity of Tufts College
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208990
That the Commissioner of Public Works install traffic dampening tools at the intersection of Broadway and Simpson Avenue to slow the traffic speeding on Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208991
That the Director of SPCD report on the bus and bike lanes on Broadway on Winter Hill, including an assessment of their effectiveness, a response to the many complaints that have been received...
By City Councilor Niedergang That the Director of SPCD report on the bus and bike lanes on Broadway on Winter Hill, including an assessment of their effectiveness, a response to the many complaints that have been received, and a description of any changes that are planned or being investigated.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208992
That the Chief of Police redeploy as soon as possible at least 6 Police Officers full-time into the Traffic Division, to conduct traffic enforcement to regain control over our increasingly chaotic...
By City Councilor Niedergang, McLaughlin, Hirsch, Clingan, Ballantyne, Mbah That the Chief of Police redeploy as soon as possible at least 6 Police Officers full-time into the Traffic Division, to conduct traffic enforcement to regain control over our increasingly chaotic streets in the interest of public and especially pedestrian safety.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208993
That the Administration provide an update on implementation of the Tree Preservation Ordinance, with any recommendations for amendments to make it as effective and enforceable as possible
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208995
That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer provide an update on upcoming and past meetings with Spectra Energy (now Enbridge) related to the Algonquin Gas Transmission line and the J2...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Rossetti, Ballantyne, Mbah, Davis, White Jr. That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer provide an update on upcoming and past meetings with Spectra Energy (now Enbridge) related to the Algonquin Gas Transmission line and the J2 loop and any communications on risks and safety procedures related to those pipelines.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208996
That the Director of SPCD or the Chief of Police discuss whether or not "residents only" and "abutters only" driving restrictions are enforceable, and whether this information can currently be...
By City Councilor Hirsch That the Director of SPCD or the Chief of Police discuss whether or not "residents only" and "abutters only" driving restrictions are enforceable, and whether this information can currently be reflected in mapping applications like Google and WAZE.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #208998
That the Administration perform an ADA accessibility audit of the entire city, including state property, and devise a compliance plan complete with a timeline for implementation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #208999
That the Chief of Police forgive all traffic violations to date for drivers fined for using the new ‘bus only’ lane on Broadway until residents are educated on the changes
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209000
That the Director of SPCD create an education campaign for the new ‘bus only’ lane on Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209001
That the Administration provide an update addressing the Winter Hill in Motion project, including links to the educational materials created
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209002
That the Director of SPCD assess the implementation of the Winter Hill in Motion project and how the city can better roll out such a new experimental set of changes
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209003
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 7, 2019
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 7, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208172 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sarah Sweeting to the Urban Forestry Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208427 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Deborah Lormeus to the Commission for Women
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208428 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Crystal Turner to the Commission for Women
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208538 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Henson to the Human Rights Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208539 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Fabia Oliveira to the Commission for Women
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208584 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Louis Ferrara to the Housing Authority
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208716 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Larry Yu to the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208717 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Elizabeth Galloway to the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209004
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Equity, Gender, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on October 7, 2019
Report of the Special Committee on Equity, Gender, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on October 7, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209005
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 1, 2019
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 1, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209006
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 3, 2019
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 3, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209007
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on October 2, 2019
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on October 2, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209022
Public Event License, Russell Rd Block Party, Russell Rd from Ware St to the dead end, and Hamilton Rd from Russell Rd to Barton St, Oct 19, 3-9PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209023
Public Event License, Somerville Haunted Hall, City Hall Concourse, Oct 24, 4-7:45PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209024
Public Event License, Taza Chocolate Day of the Dead Block Party, Windsor Pl from Windsor St to Columbia St, Oct 26, 10AM-6PM (raindate Oct 27)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209025
Public Event License, Franklin Ave Halloween Block Party, Oct 26, 1-8PM (raindate Oct 27)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209026
Public Event License, Lexington Ave Halloween Block Party, Oct 31, 5-9PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209027
Public Event License, Prospect Hill Halloween Block Party, Munroe St from Bigelow St to Prospect Hill Ave, Oct 31, 5-9:30PM (raindate Nov 2)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209028
Public Event License, Prospect Hill Halloween Block Party, Prospect Hill Ave from Munroe St to Boston St, Oct 31, 5-10:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209029
Public Event License, Teen Empowerment Yoga and Campfire, Growing Center, Nov 19, 3-6:30PM (raindate Nov 26)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209030
New Drainlayer's License, Atlantic Excavation and Utility
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209031
New Drainlayer's License, Legacy Building and Development
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209032
Renewing Lodging House License, Zeta Psi Fraternity, 80 Professors Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209033
Sign/Awning License, JP Morgan Chase Bank, 8 Broadway, one awning and sign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209035
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Charles Houghton to the position of Student Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209036
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Charles O'Leary to the position of Student Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209037
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sergio Garcia to the position of Student Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209038
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ryan Sullivan to the position of Student Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209039
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Daniel Del'Isola to the position of Student Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209040
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Robert Taylor to the position of Student Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209042
Requesting the appropriation of $624,578 from the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund to the Fire Department Other Lump Sum Benefits Account, to fund the FY19 compensation portion of the Collective...
Requesting the appropriation of $624,578 from the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund to the Fire Department Other Lump Sum Benefits Account, to fund the FY19 compensation portion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Firefighters Association of Somerville Local 76.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #209044
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs submitting an updated Surveillance Technology Ordinance inclusive of amendments from the Legislative Matters Committee meeting on 10/3/19
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #209046
That this City Council hereby recognizes the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209047
That this City host an annual Indigenous Peoples’ celebration on the second Monday in October and make a good faith effort to consult with local Indigenous people about the nature of the celebration
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209048
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management, the Chief Fire Engineer, the Chief of Police and other necessary departments advise this Council of the impacts of any further development...
By City Councilor Ballantyne, Hirsch, Rossetti, Mbah That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management, the Chief Fire Engineer, the Chief of Police and other necessary departments advise this Council of the impacts of any further development along Alewife Brook Parkway on the Algonquin Gas Transmission Pipeline running along Alewife Brook.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209049
That the Administration report whether any per- and poly-fluoroalkyl chemicals are present in any artificial turf in the City
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209050
That the City Solicitor and the Director of Health and Human Services provide options to increase the City's authority to address rodent issues on private property
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209051
New Drainlayer's License, Super Service Today
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209052
New Drainlayer's License, New England Style
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209053
New Drainlayer's License, Sciaba Construction
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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