MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
January 9, 2020
51 recorded votes, 50 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Present: Stephanie Hirsch, Wilfred Mbah, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Mark Niedergang, Lance Davis, Katjana Ballantyne
Absent: Mary Jo Rossetti, William White
Every vote, in order
Minutes #209458
Approve the minutes of the November 26, 2019 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, November 26, 2019, and the Regular Meeting, November 26, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #209459
Commending Mark Howland, who has served for 15 years on the Board of Library Trustees for the betterment of Somerville's public libraries
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209460
Submitted by Eversource to install 43 feet of conduit in Grand Union Boulevard from manhole #26212 to a traffic light signal at the intersection of Grand Union Blvd and Revolution Drive
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209462
Submitted by Eversource to install 23 feet of conduit in Holland Street from manhole #8247 to a point of pickup at 17-27 Holland Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209464
That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Director of SPCD report to all Ward Councilors all properties in their respective Wards registered under the Vacant Property Ordinance, with a...
By City Councilor Davis, McLaughlin That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Director of SPCD report to all Ward Councilors all properties in their respective Wards registered under the Vacant Property Ordinance, with a record of any fees or fines paid, and the dates of any compliance inspections.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209465
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide the Ward 6 Councilor with a written update, before 1/23/20, on plans to repair the brick 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 #209466
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update the Ward 6 Councilor on alternative locations for electrical equipment in the Brown School green space
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209467
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide the Ward 6 Councilor with a written update, before 1/23/20, on plans for the Willow Avenue to Grove Street sewer and storm drain...
By City Councilor Davis That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide the Ward 6 Councilor with a written update, before 1/23/20, on plans for the Willow Avenue to Grove Street sewer and storm drain project and how to mitigate flooding in that area in the interim.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209468
That the Mayor and the Director of SPCD commence a public planning process for 45 College Avenue that includes a large accessible public meeting space with access for West Branch Library programming
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209469
That the Mayor and the Director of SPCD commence a public planning process to consider designating pedestrian-only streets in Davis Square, with corresponding changes to traffic patterns
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209470
That the Mayor and the Director of SPCD advise the Ward 6 Councilor on options for developing a four season market hall/small business incubator space in Davis Square, including the possible use...
By City Councilor Davis That the Mayor and the Director of SPCD advise the Ward 6 Councilor on options for developing a four season market hall/small business incubator space in Davis Square, including the possible use of the parking lot at Day and Herbert Streets.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209471
That the Administration update this Council on the plan to inform residents of the expanded eligibility for tax deferral programs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209472
That the Director of SPCD report back to this Council on the feasibility of piloting passive sensor mid-block pedestrian crosswalk lights that automatically flash when a person approaches the...
By City Councilor Hirsch That the Director of SPCD report back to this Council on the feasibility of piloting passive sensor mid-block pedestrian crosswalk lights that automatically flash when a person approaches the crosswalk.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209473
That the Administration update this Council on the teen snow shoveling program, including shoveler recruitment efforts and new income eligibility restrictions for enrollees
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209474
That the Administration consider undertaking a targeted mailing to prior-year violators of snow shoveling requirements
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209475
That the Director of SPCD, the Director of Finance or the City Solicitor inform this Council how the City will be able to ensure that deed restrictions remain during the transfer of a property
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209477
That the Director of SPCD consider strategies to reduce the volume and impact of package delivery vehicles, such as encouraging smaller or electric vehicles and cargo bike parking, as has been...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Niedergang That the Director of SPCD consider strategies to reduce the volume and impact of package delivery vehicles, such as encouraging smaller or electric vehicles and cargo bike parking, as has been tried in Manhattan and Seattle.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209478
That the Director of SPCD present recommendations for an "Affordable Housing Overlay District" to this Council’s Committee on Land Use, to facilitate the construction of new affordable housing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209479
That the Committee on Housing and Community Development convene a Public Hearing on the ongoing Tufts Payment in Lieu of Taxes negotiations, and request written answers from the Administrations to...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Clingan, Hirsch, Davis, Mbah, Niedergang That the Committee on Housing and Community Development convene a Public Hearing on the ongoing Tufts Payment in Lieu of Taxes negotiations, and request written answers from the Administrations to the attached questions raised by the "ORS Pilot Working Group."
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209480
That the Director of SPCD update this Council on when a 2020 Housing Needs Assessment study will be complete
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209481
That the Director of SPCD ensure that tree removal permits aren't granted for properties currently subject to a "Stop Work" order
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209482
That the Director of Engineering construct a pedestrian crosswalk across Washington Street in front of the Public Safety Building. (2nd request)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209484
Requesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant per year for 2020, 2021 and 2022, with no new match required, from the MA Department of Health to the Health and Human Services Department for opioid...
Requesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant per year for 2020, 2021 and 2022, with no new match required, from the MA Department of Health to the Health and Human Services Department for opioid overdose prevention for homeless and at-risk-for-homelessness populations in Somerville and Cambridge.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209485
Requesting acceptance of a $83,616 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for staffing costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209486
Requesting acceptance of a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for traffic enforcement programs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209487
Requesting acceptance of a $7,181.10 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for the purchase of firefighting gloves
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209488
Requesting acceptance of a $2,218 grant with no new match required, from FM Global to the Fire Department to purchase a tablet and two cameras for fire investigators
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209489
Requesting acceptance of a $2,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Public Health to the Department of Health and Human Services "The 84" Middle School Pilot Chapter project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209523
Public Event License, Tufts University Tuftonia's Day, Professors Row between Packard Ave and Curtis St, Apr 24, 5-9PM (raindate Apr 26)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209524
Renewing Garage License, Junior Auto Body, 486R Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209525
Renewing Automatic Amusement Devices License, Cuisine En Locale, 156 Highland Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209526
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Nine Bar Espresso, 11 Holland St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209528
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, MedWell Health and Wellness, 55 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209529
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Taco Party, 711 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209530
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Oat Shop, 20 College Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209531
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, 28 Motorsports, 486R Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209532
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Automotive Transport Service, 40 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209533
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Green Automotive, 600 Windsor Pl
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209534
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, James Kiley Co, 15 Linwood St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209535
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Real Auto Shop, 463 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209537
That the Director of SPCD and the Commissioner of Public Works convert the traffic light at Powderhouse Blvd. and Curtis Street into a 4-way STOP signal
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209538
That the Director of SPCD and the Commissioner of Public Works relocate the traffic signal in Davis Square on Elm Street outside the Burren to the appropriate crosswalk location
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209539
That the City Solicitor inform this Council of the minimum condition that would allow the Supervisor of Inspectional Services or the Commissioner of Public Works to clear a sidewalk that is in...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Ballantyne, Davis, Clingan That the City Solicitor inform this Council of the minimum condition that would allow the Supervisor of Inspectional Services or the Commissioner of Public Works to clear a sidewalk that is in violation of the snow shoveling ordinance, and charge or lien the property owner for the cost.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209540
That the Director of Communications discuss with this Council the possibility of a mailing or a flyer to all property owners, and/or all residents, every year or two, informing them of their...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Ballantyne That the Director of Communications discuss with this Council the possibility of a mailing or a flyer to all property owners, and/or all residents, every year or two, informing them of their responsibilities under the snow shoveling ordinance.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Ordinance #209541
That the newly passed Wage Theft Ordinance be amended to have a start date of June 1, 2020
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Rossetti, White Jr..”
Order #209544
That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss the impacts, updates and usage of Founders Rink being used for indoor soccer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209545
That the Directors of Finance, SomerStat and the Budget provide a comprehensive updated Capital Improvement Plan for all projects scheduled to come before this Council for funding by the end of...
By City Councilor Ballantyne That the Directors of Finance, SomerStat and the Budget provide a comprehensive updated Capital Improvement Plan for all projects scheduled to come before this Council for funding by the end of FY20 and projected 5 years out.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209546
That the Director of SPCD discuss what can be done to mitigate the flooding of Alewife Brook Parkway and Mystic Valley Parkway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #209549
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session to discuss Civil Service Commission Bypass Appeal No. G2-19-256
Yes: Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hirsch, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, ScottThe minutes list Katjana Ballantyne as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis ABSENT: Rossetti, White Jr., Ballantyne.”
Order #209553
That the Chief of Police report to this Council on plans to assign more officers to the Traffic Enforcement Division, instruct patrol officers to make traffic enforcement a higher priority, and...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Hirsch, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Ballantyne, Davis, McLaughlin, Mbah That the Chief of Police report to this Council on plans to assign more officers to the Traffic Enforcement Division, instruct patrol officers to make traffic enforcement a higher priority, and increase the ratio of payable to warning citations.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209555
That the following items be discharged from the Legislative Matters Committee and referred to the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy: 203365, 205683, 206495, 207480, 207999, 208567...
By City Councilor Davis That the following items be discharged from the Legislative Matters Committee and referred to the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy: 203365, 205683, 206495, 207480, 207999, 208567, and 209358.
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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