MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
November 14, 2019
80 recorded votes, 78 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 #209179
Approve the minutes of the October 10, 2019 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, October 10, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209180
Submitted by Comcast to install 75 feet of conduit in Winter Street from Pole 3 to a point of pickup at 17 Holland Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209182
Submitted by Eversource to install 96 feet of conduit in Chester Avenue from Pole 64/1 to a new pedestal near 5 Chester Avenue, to provide service to the GLX Community Path
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209183
Submitted by Eversource to install 8 feet of conduit in Avon Street from Pole 20/7 to a point of pickup at 117 Summer Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209184
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a small cell wireless antenna and related equipment on an existing pole on the intersection of 97 Gilman Street and Jasper Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209185
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a wireless small cell antenna and related equipment on an existing utility pole near 64 Rush Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209186
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a small cell wireless antenna and related equipment on an existing utility pole near 10 Flint Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209188
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a small cell wireless antenna and related equipment on an existing utility pole near 124 Walnut Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209189
That the Director of Parking install the respective missing street signs at the intersection of North Street and Powderhouse Blvd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209191
That the Director of Inspectional Services and/or the Director of Engineering report to this Council how the construction of driveways with pervious surfaces is inspected to ensure that the...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Hirsch That the Director of Inspectional Services and/or the Director of Engineering report to this Council how the construction of driveways with pervious surfaces is inspected to ensure that the subsurface has been correctly installed so precipitation is absorbed.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209192
That the Mayor submit 3 candidates for appointment to the Planning Board as soon as possible, to fill an empty position and to replace the 2 members who have been serving at the Mayor’s pleasure...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Davis, Hirsch, McLaughlin, Mbah, Ballantyne, Rossetti That the Mayor submit 3 candidates for appointment to the Planning Board as soon as possible, to fill an empty position and to replace the 2 members who have been serving at the Mayor’s pleasure since this Council voted overwhelmingly to not reappoint them in August 2018.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209194
Affirming Somerville’s commitment to our asylum-seeking residents and condemning the Federal Administrative Decision undermining asylum protection for survivors of domestic violence
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209195
That the Director of Engineering, the Director of SPCD, and the Commissioner of Public Works prioritize fixing the roads from Clarendon Hill Towers to Stop and Shop, including better lights for...
By City Councilor Mbah, Ballantyne That the Director of Engineering, the Director of SPCD, and the Commissioner of Public Works prioritize fixing the roads from Clarendon Hill Towers to Stop and Shop, including better lights for crossing the streets and auditory noises for people with limited vision.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209196
That the Director of Engineering and the Director of SPCD work with the State Delegation to install a left turn only green light, or a delayed green light, at the intersection of Alewife Brook...
By City Councilor Mbah, Ballantyne That the Director of Engineering and the Director of SPCD work with the State Delegation to install a left turn only green light, or a delayed green light, at the intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway, to alleviate traffic turning left from Alewife Brook Parkway onto Broadway going towards Somerville.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209197
That the Commissioner of Public Works collaborate with the MBTA to install a bright light at the Clarendon Hill bus stop
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209198
That the Director of Engineering and the Commissioner of Public Works submit a plan to repair the bricks on the streets in Davis Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209200
That the Commissioner of Public Works work with the appropriate state agencies to remove the trash that has been dumped between Route 93 and the Boat House, and repair the hole in the fence...
By City Councilor White Jr., Clingan That the Commissioner of Public Works work with the appropriate state agencies to remove the trash that has been dumped between Route 93 and the Boat House, and repair the hole in the fence separating Route 93 and the Boat House.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209201
That the Director of SPCD explicitly encourage real estate developers to pursue net zero building standards during "pre-submittal" meetings with the Planning staff
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209202
That the Administration inform this Council whether any official or unofficial communications channels exist between Somerville and ICE, in light of recent revelations of frequent communications...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Administration inform this Council whether any official or unofficial communications channels exist between Somerville and ICE, in light of recent revelations of frequent communications between the Boston Police and ICE regarding "low-level offenses like trespassing and shoplifting." (See attached media report.)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209203
That the Chief of Police report to this Council on the balance of funds in the Law Enforcement Trust Fund, annual income from Civil Asset Forfeiture, and annual spending over the past 5 years
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209204
That the Director of SPCD inform the Ward 3 City Councilor and the High School Parking Working Group of any parking data or studies conducted specifically related to parking needs at the Central...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of SPCD inform the Ward 3 City Councilor and the High School Parking Working Group of any parking data or studies conducted specifically related to parking needs at the Central Library.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209205
That the Director of SPCD report to this Council the ten largest lots outside of the proposed "Transform" districts and outside of any "Neighborhood Plans" that are likely to come up for...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of SPCD report to this Council the ten largest lots outside of the proposed "Transform" districts and outside of any "Neighborhood Plans" that are likely to come up for redevelopment in the next several years, so that special attention may be given to their redevelopment.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209206
That the Director of Engineering keep the Ward 3 and Ward 4 City Councilors apprised of progress on constructing a "Weir Wall" to help alleviate flooding on Richdale Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209207
That the GLX Liaison and other Administration officials do everything in their power to reduce the amount and volume of overnight GLX construction noise, which is affecting the sleep, well-being...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Rossetti, Clingan That the GLX Liaison and other Administration officials do everything in their power to reduce the amount and volume of overnight GLX construction noise, which is affecting the sleep, well-being, and public health of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209208
That the Commissioner of Public Works repaint the STOP HERE line on Central Street on the northern side of the intersection with Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209209
That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the damaged curb ramp mats at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Central Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209210
That the Administration report on whether the Neighborhood Impact Team continues to operate, and, if it does not, how its goals are pursued in other ways
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209211
That the Director of SPCD explain how the ownership for priority applicants for adult-use marijuana licenses is defined and monitored, at both the point of licensing application and after licensing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209212
That the Director of SPCD consider ways to rate each proposed development based on its likely impact on measures of community health and well-being such as affordability, revenue, environmental...
By City Councilor Hirsch That the Director of SPCD consider ways to rate each proposed development based on its likely impact on measures of community health and well-being such as affordability, revenue, environmental health, traffic, flooding, and others.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209213
Thanking the Police and Public Works Departments for their safety and community building efforts on Halloween
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209120
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Master Used Cars, 121 Prospect St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209128
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Somerville Motors, 182 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209217
Accept the report of the Caucus of the 2020 City Council, meeting on November 14, 2019
Report of the Caucus of the 2020 City Council, meeting on November 14, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209218
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on November 4, 2019
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on November 4, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209088 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Bonnie Denis to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209089 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Finn Gardner to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209090 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brian Postlewaite to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209219
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 12, 2019
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 12, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #208938 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for the purchase of 2 all-terrain vehicles
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209008 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the adoption of MGL Chapter 200A, Section 9A, regarding the disposition of abandoned funds
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209015 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices from Home Depot totaling $4,732.72 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Division and Highway Division Accounts for...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices from Home Depot totaling $4,732.72 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Division and Highway Division Accounts for under-funded Home Depot purchases in June.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209016 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $236,976.00 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Office to the Police Department to fund E911 personnel costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209017 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $80,749.62 grant with no new match required, from the State E911 Office to the Police Department for 911 training and emergency medical dispatch services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209018 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $77,047.27 grant that requires a match, from the Department of Homeland Security to the Fire Department for active shooter/hostile event training
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209019 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Office to the Police Department to fund E911 emergency medical dispatch services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209159 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the adoption of an Order of Taking for the acquisition of 217 Somerville Ave for the creation of neighborhood open space
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Rossetti, Scott, WhiteNo: HirschThe minutes list Mark Niedergang as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [9 TO 1] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: Hirsch ABSENT: Niedergang.”
Mayor's Request #209160 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,400,000 in a bond for the acquisition of 217 Somerville Ave for the creation of neighborhood open space
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Rossetti, Scott, WhiteNo: HirschThe minutes list Mark Niedergang as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [9 TO 1] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: Hirsch ABSENT: Niedergang.”
Committee Report #209220
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on November 6, 2019
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on November 6, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209221
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on October 29, 2019
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on October 29, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209222 (report of the Land Use Committee)
That the Administration advise the Committee on Land Use how compliance with zoning is and will be monitored and enforced post-certificate of occupancy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209223
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on November 7, 2019
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on November 7, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Ordinance #208994 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Proposing amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance to allow the Tree Warden and Senior Urban Forestry and Landscape Planner to designate a co- worker to perform their duties and attend, count...
By City Councilor Niedergang Proposing amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance to allow the Tree Warden and Senior Urban Forestry and Landscape Planner to designate a co- worker to perform their duties and attend, count towards the quorum for, and participate and vote in, the meetings of the Urban Forestry Committee.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #209224 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance 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.
Committee Report #209225
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 6, 2019
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 6, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209226
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on November 13, 2019
Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on November 13, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209229
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $140 using available funds in the Health and Human Services Professional and Technical Services Account for a sign language interpreter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209233
Requesting approval of $7,816 Title lllD grant, with no new matching funds, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services for the Council on Aging, for support of the Health and Wellness program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209234
Requesting acceptance of a $3,000 Title lllB grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for transportation costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209244
Public Event License, Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run, Davis Sq area, Dec 15, 7AM- 2PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209245
New Drainlayer's License, BSI Engineering Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209246
Renewing Lodging House License, Alpha Tau Omega, 134 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209247
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Aris Auto, 3 Craigie St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209248
Renewing Used Car Dealer's Class 2 License, Barnes and Walsh, 224 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209249
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Hillside Service Center, 45 Mystic Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209250
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Pat's Enterprises, 308 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209251
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Pat's Towing, 160 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209252
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209253
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Simon's Auto Service, 166 Boston Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209254
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Teele Sq Auto, 1284 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209255
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Tech Auto Body, 9 Union Sq
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209256
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, John's Auto Sales, 181 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209257
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, When Pigs Fly, 241 Elm St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209258
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Tasting Counter, 14 Tyler St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209259
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Gauchao Brazilian Cuisine, 102 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209262
New Extended Operating Hours License, Oath Craft Pizza, 278 Elm Street, seeking to remain open for in-store, take-out, and delivery service until 1am daily (no alcohol service after 11pm)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209263
That this Council consider allowing owner-adjacent short-term rental landlords more flexibility if they provide a predetermined number of days of temporary affordable housing per year at a...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Davis That this Council consider allowing owner-adjacent short-term rental landlords more flexibility if they provide a predetermined number of days of temporary affordable housing per year at a predetermined charge per day.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209264
That the Director of Parking install flashing 20 mph speed limit signs near both ends of Highland Road and at two locations on Morrison Avenue, between Cedar Street and Willow Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #209267
Assistant City Solicitor requesting approval to settle a pending claim from Skipton Kennels for $19,998
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #209268
Assistant City Solicitor submitting an Ordinance relative to Small Wireless Facilities in the Public Right of Way, as approved by the Legislative Matters Committee on 11/7/19
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #209272
That the Administration make detailed information easily available to the public regarding applicants for adult-use cannabis licenses
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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