MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
January 23, 2020
71 recorded votes, 67 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin.
Present: Stephanie Hirsch, Wilfred Mbah, Mary Jo Rossetti, William White, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Lance Davis, Katjana Ballantyne
Absent: Mark Niedergang
Every vote, in order
Minutes #209558
Approve the minutes of the December 12, 2019 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, December 12, 2019.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209559
Submitted by Eversource to install 10 feet of conduit in Ivaloo Street from utility pole 179/4 to a point of pickup at 25 Ivaloo Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209560
The Mayor That January 31, 2020, is proclaimed to be Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit Day
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209561
That the Administration add child care services for community meetings into the FY21 budget
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209562
That the Director of Finance, or the appropriate department, consider raising the limit on assets seniors may claim to qualify for senior tax exemptions
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209563
That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council’s Rodent Issues Committee to discuss how rodent prevention measures are enforced on construction sites
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209564
That the Director of Parking place speed limit and NOT A THROUGH STREET signage on Chester Avenue during GLX construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209565
That the Director of SPCD help ensure the effectiveness of the Tenant Notification Act via a citywide mailer, and by ensuring that the Director of 311 and the Director of Inspectional Services...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Davis, Clingan That the Director of SPCD help ensure the effectiveness of the Tenant Notification Act via a citywide mailer, and by ensuring that the Director of 311 and the Director of Inspectional Services inform all city employees of the enforcement of this policy.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209566
That the SomerVision 2040 Steering Committee consider adding two additional indicators to be explicitly measured as part of Commercial Development, Business & Arts: income equality, and number of...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ballantyne That the SomerVision 2040 Steering Committee consider adding two additional indicators to be explicitly measured as part of Commercial Development, Business & Arts: income equality, and number of worker-owned co-ops.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209567
That the City Treasurer, the Chief Assessor and the Director of Finance discuss with this Council the possibility of switching to bi-annual tax bills, and including a simple "explainer" with each bill
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209568
That the Director of SPCD update this Council on the pedestrian safety infrastructure at the new at-grade crossings of the Community Path Extension
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209569
That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry install seasonal outdoor tables and chairs on the traffic island between 69 Bow and Carlton Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209570
That the Committee on Land Use review and prioritize its agenda items with the Administration at its January 30 meeting
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209571
That the Administration provide this Councilor with the information described within about requests for interpretation services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209572
That the Committee on Equity, Gender, Families and Vulnerable Populations provide feedback on SomerVision 2040's chapter on Youth and Education with respect to metrics and key tasks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209573
That the Committee on Housing and Community Development provide feedback on SomerVision 2040's chapter on Housing with respect to metrics and key tasks, including the questions listed within
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209187
Submitted by ExteNet Systems to install a small cell wireless antenna and related equipment on an existing utility pole near 59 Dartmouth Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209476
That the Director of Water and Sewer and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide additional information regarding the elevated lead level notification, such as when the City...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Mbah That the Director of Water and Sewer and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide additional information regarding the elevated lead level notification, such as when the City learned about the results, how the results have been communicated, and where residents can find more information.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209578
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on January 22, 2020
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on January 22, 2020.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209547 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Daniel Roche to the position of Firefighter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209548 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Randy Oliver to the position of Firefighter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209579
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 21, 2020
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 21, 2020.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209403 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to extend the contract with Tom Irwin Advisors for another year to complete specialized training of the Parks and Recreation Department field laborers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209312 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $25,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund in order to fund design services for Dilboy Field improvements
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209314 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a transfer of $43,000 from the Engineering Salaries Account to the Parking Professional and Technical Account to provide traffic engineering consulting services while the Traffic...
Requesting a transfer of $43,000 from the Engineering Salaries Account to the Parking Professional and Technical Account to provide traffic engineering consulting services while the Traffic Engineer position remains vacant.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209317 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $32,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Environmental Protection for the Recycling Dividend program, under the Sustainable Materials Recovery...
Requesting acceptance of a $32,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Environmental Protection for the Recycling Dividend program, under the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209313 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation of $150,000 from Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings for design services for field improvements
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209435 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $25,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Environmental Protection to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for 2 public electric...
Requesting acceptance of a $25,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Environmental Protection to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for 2 public electric vehicle charging stations.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209436 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $17,797.00 grant with no new match required, from the Office of Justice Programs to the Police Department for Patrol Bicycles and related accessories
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209432 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to increase the Somertime Revolving Fund to $100,000, from $65,000, because of increased programs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209483 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $6,000,000 in a bond for the renovation of the Arthur D. Healey Schoolyard
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Niedergang.”
Committee Report #209580
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on January 16, 2020
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on January 16, 2020.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Ordinance #209543 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That Ordinance 1-11(b) be amended relative to Sections 12-8 and Sections 12- 9 to read as set forth in the attachment
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Niedergang.”
Ordinance #209554 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the effective date of the Surveillance Oversight Ordinance be amended to be October 15, 2020
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Niedergang.”
Committee Report #209581
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on January 15, 2020
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on January 15, 2020.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209585
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $537.39 using available funds in the City Clerk's Service Contracts Account and Credit Card Convenience Fee Account, to pay FY19 invoices...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $537.39 using available funds in the City Clerk's Service Contracts Account and Credit Card Convenience Fee Account, to pay FY19 invoices that weren't received until recently.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209586
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $150 using available funds in the Communications Professional and Technical Services Account for vendor Samuel Evers who was a web content...
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $150 using available funds in the Communications Professional and Technical Services Account for vendor Samuel Evers who was a web content writer.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209587
Requesting acceptance of a $389,995 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability & Environment for a Critical Regional...
Requesting acceptance of a $389,995 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability & Environment for a Critical Regional Infrastructure and Social Vulnerability Assessment.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209588
Requesting acceptance of a $117,108 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging for programming, transportation, salary, equipment and other needs...
Requesting acceptance of a $117,108 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging for programming, transportation, salary, equipment and other needs of the elders.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #209593
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with outside legal counsel to discuss Civil Service Commission Bypass Appeal No. G2-19-256
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: Niedergang.”
License/Permit #209595
Public Event License, Tufts Graduate Student Council 5K Race for Charity, Tufts Campus and adjacent sidewalks, Apr 19, 7AM-12PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209596
Public Event License, Dysautonomia International POTS Walk and 5K Race, Mystic River Reservation, May 2, 8AM-3PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209597
New Drainlayer's License, A Vozzella & Sons
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209598
Renewing Outdoor Seating License, Forge Baking Company, 626 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209599
Renewing Garage License, 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 #209600
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Webster Auto Sales, 61 Prospect St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209601
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Real Auto Shop, 39 Webster Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209603
Sign/Awning Permit, Masala Square 23 Union Sq, LED sign installed in front of the building
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209605
That the Director of SPCD provide this Council with the most recent updates on any plans for Foss Park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209606
That the Director of SPCD provide this Council with an update on efforts to implement North/South public transportation services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209607
That the Director of SPCD provide this Council with a report on the history of Conway Park and what contaminant testing had been completed prior to its establishment as a public park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209608
That the Election Commissioner provide this Council, in writing, an explanation of the current practices and procedures used to update voter roles with current addresses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209609
That the Election Commissioner provide this Council with a written explanation of the practice of dropping voters from the voter roles for failure to complete the 2020 census and whether this...
By City Councilor Clingan, Ewen-Campen That the Election Commissioner provide this Council with a written explanation of the practice of dropping voters from the voter roles for failure to complete the 2020 census and whether this practice is in line with state and federal regulations for maintaining voter roles.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209610
That the City Engineer and Commissioner of Public Works inspect the sidewalk on the east side of Cedar Street for all instances of spalling, and report to this Council 1) what caused it, 2) how...
By City Councilor White Jr., Niedergang That the City Engineer and Commissioner of Public Works inspect the sidewalk on the east side of Cedar Street for all instances of spalling, and report to this Council 1) what caused it, 2) how the City will correct it, and 3) what measures the City will take against the contractor, if it was caused by improper installation.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209611
That the Administration discuss terminating the Somerville Media Center and MAPS tenancies, including any plans to help them relocate, such as allowing them time to find a new location
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209612
That the Director of Parks and Recreation work with the Superintendent of Schools to develop a policy for "utilizing artificial turf in the heat" similar to the policy used by Burlington, MA
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209613
That the Director of Sustainability and Environment, the Director of SPCD, The Director of Communications, and the Commissioner of Public Works develop a plan for a "Resiliency Hub" when extreme...
By City Councilor Ballantyne That the Director of Sustainability and Environment, the Director of SPCD, The Director of Communications, and the Commissioner of Public Works develop a plan for a "Resiliency Hub" when extreme weather events occur.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209614
That the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change discuss its 2020 plan with this Council’s Committee on Open Space, Energy and Environment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209615
That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Health and Human Services consider developing, and hiring a third party for, an Equity Justice Review for the Somerville Climate Forward Plan and the...
By City Councilor Ballantyne That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Health and Human Services consider developing, and hiring a third party for, an Equity Justice Review for the Somerville Climate Forward Plan and the SomerVision 2040 Plan.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209616
That the Director of Engineering install a crosswalk on Somerville Avenue at Kent Street and Spring Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209618
Public Event License, Vista Print Film Shoot, sidewalk outside 191 Washington Street, Jan 27, 6am-6pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209619
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209620
Renewing Garage License, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #209461
Submitted by Eversource to install 21 feet of conduit in Nashua Street from utility pole 252/5 to a point of pickup at 40 Nashua Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209621
That the Superintendent of Water and Sewer consult with the Director of Health and Human Services to institute an effective method to inform tenants who may have lead in their drinking water
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #209622
City Solicitor requesting approval to retain outside legal counsel in the matter of Civil Service Commission Bypass Appeal #G2-19-256
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209623
That the City Solicitor advise the Committee on Licenses and Permits on its ability to deal with car dealers that have failed a state Lemon Law audit
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209624
That the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy provide feedback on the SomerVision 2040's chapters on 1) Public Space & Natural Environment and 2) Climate & Sustainability with respect...
By City Councilor Ballantyne That the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy provide feedback on the SomerVision 2040's chapters on 1) Public Space & Natural Environment and 2) Climate & Sustainability with respect to metrics, key tasks, and other strategies as noted within.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209625
That items #208574 and #208703 be discharged from the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters and referred to the Committee on Legislative Matters
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209626
That the Committee on Housing and Community Development provide feedback on SomerVision 2040’s chapter on Commercial Development, Business and Arts with respect to metrics and key tasks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209627
That #s 203479, 208923, 207723, 208249, 208684, 208685, 209442 and 207890 be discharged from the Committee on Housing and Community Development and referred to the Committee on Traffic and Parking
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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