MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
March 26, 2020
62 recorded votes, 58 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, Mark Niedergang, Lance Davis, Katjana Ballantyne
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Minutes #209929
Approve the minutes of the February 25, 2020 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 25, 2020.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209930
That this Council urges Governor Baker to enact a single-payer health insurance system during this pandemic to reduce the bureaucracy for Covid-19 testing and treatment, and to make such testing...
By City Councilor Mbah That this Council urges Governor Baker to enact a single-payer health insurance system during this pandemic to reduce the bureaucracy for Covid-19 testing and treatment, and to make such testing and treatment free to those without health insurance.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209932
That thIs Council urges the President of the United States to invoke the Defense Production Act with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209934
That the Administration update this Council on the City’s disaster preparedness assessment for emergencies during this pandemic and how this reduces our first responders' workforce
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209936
That this Council calls on landlords and real estate agents to avoid showing occupied units to avoid the spread of coronavirus
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209937
That the Administration provide financial relief to small businesses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209938
That this Council calls on the State and Federal government to enact a coronavirus relief response that is equitable in its approach to housing, work, financial assistance, voting rights, and...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Davis, Niedergang, McLaughlin, Hirsch, Mbah, White Jr., Rossetti That this Council calls on the State and Federal government to enact a coronavirus relief response that is equitable in its approach to housing, work, financial assistance, voting rights, and incarcerated people.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209939
That the Administration create a task force to begin mid- to long-term logistical planning for a possible reduced workforce, in case this State of Emergency continues for an extended period
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209940
That this Council collaborate with the Administration to create a one-page coronavirus information sheet that can be physically delivered to every resident and small business owner, containing...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Scott That this Council collaborate with the Administration to create a one-page coronavirus information sheet that can be physically delivered to every resident and small business owner, containing public health information, emergency resources, and instructions on where to get more information.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209941
That the Administration coordinate with local charitable organizations to create a centralized fund to provide direct support to front line workers, residents, and local businesses most in need
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209942
That the Director SPCD consider temporarily "pedestrianizing" several streets across the City to allow people out for daily walks to more effectively maintain safe physical distances
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209943
That the Administration work directly with private landlords to cease all activities that require landlords, inspectors, or assessors to enter apartments for the duration of the crisis, to cease...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Scott, Davis, Mbah, Clingan That the Administration work directly with private landlords to cease all activities that require landlords, inspectors, or assessors to enter apartments for the duration of the crisis, to cease any threat of eviction or utility shut offs, and to freeze rent payments.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209944
That the Director of SPCD, the Commissioner of Public Works, and the Director of Parks and Recreation consider turning some or all Neighborways into modified pedestrian-only areas (allowing cars...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Rossetti, Ballantyne, Davis, Hirsch, White Jr., Clingan That the Director of SPCD, the Commissioner of Public Works, and the Director of Parks and Recreation consider turning some or all Neighborways into modified pedestrian-only areas (allowing cars only for residents and their essential visitors), to relieve the current congestion on the Community Path and some sidewalks.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209945
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 25, 2020
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 25, 2020.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209829 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the transfer of $60,000 within the Inspectional Services Department, from its Salaries Account to its Professional and Technical Services Account, to continue using contract health...
Requesting the transfer of $60,000 within the Inspectional Services Department, from its Salaries Account to its Professional and Technical Services Account, to continue using contract health inspectors for required food service inspections.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209831 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $250,000 annual payment from Wynn MA LLC in accordance with its Surrounding Community Agreement
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209832 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $208,734 grant that requires a match, from MA DOT to SPCD's Mobility Division to expand the Blue Bike program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209833 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $59,151.53 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for the purchase of a security camera system...
Requesting acceptance of a $59,151.53 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for the purchase of a security camera system to enhance physical security at Police Headquarters.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209834 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create the 259 McGrath Highway Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the Fund of $3,500 from Divine Signs for tree replacement and signage
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #209835 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create the 378 Highland Ave Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the Fund of $3,000 from C. Poutahidis for the establishment of a parklet
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #209836 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create the Small Business Assistance Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the Fund of $150,000 from Wynn MA LLC to develop initiatives so local businesses can take...
Requesting approval to create the Small Business Assistance Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the Fund of $150,000 from Wynn MA LLC to develop initiatives so local businesses can take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Encore Casino.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #209837 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create the Water Transportation/Riverway Public Safety Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the Fund of $150,000 from Wynn MA LLC for the purpose of funding...
Requesting approval to create the Water Transportation/Riverway Public Safety Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the Fund of $150,000 from Wynn MA LLC for the purpose of funding improvements to facilitate water transportation.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #209918 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a transfer of $155,000 from the Public Schools Ordinary Maintenance Account to the city's Information Technology Ordinary Maintenance Account
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #209946
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 24, 2020
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 24, 2020.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209947
Requesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Dept of Health to the Health and Human Services Department for COVID-19 public health emergency responses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209948
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Barletta Heavy Division
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209949
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Suffolk Engineering
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209950
Renewing Drainlayer's License, CM Conway Construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209951
Renewing Drainlayer's License, GLX Constructors
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209952
Renewing Drainlayer's License, EB Rotondi and Sons
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209953
Renewing Drainlayer's License, McGue Excavating
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209954
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Galway Excavation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209955
Renewing Flammables License, Dewire Family Trust, 387 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209956
Renewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209957
Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK LLC, 0 Dawes Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209958
Renewing Garage License, Broadway Brake, 45 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209959
Renewing Garage License, Drain Doctor, 612 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209960
Renewing Garage License, DW Propco JK LLC, 0 Dawes Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209961
Renewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 387 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209962
Renewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 381 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209963
Renewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 141 Beacon St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209964
Renewing Garage License, Dino's Auto Center, 308 McGrath
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209965
Renewing Garage License, William Doucette Auto Sales, 325 Alewife Brook Pkwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209966
Renewing Garage License, Brazil Auto Repair, 621 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209967
Renewing Garage License, FW Russell and Sons Disposal, 120 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209968
Renewing Outdoor Parking License, 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 #209969
Renewing Outdoor Parking License, FW Russell and Sons Disposal, 120 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209970
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Oath Craft Pizza, 278 Elm Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209971
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Mr. B's, 142 Cross St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209972
Renewing Mobile Food Vendor License, Wizard Catering
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #209976
That the Director of SPCD discuss highlighting equity for seniors in SomerVision 2040 in the areas discussed in the attached document
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209977
That the Administration update this Council on planning underway to provide housing for people who are likely to be exposed to the Covid-19 virus and need isolation, or are recovering from the...
By City Councilor Hirsch, Ballantyne, Davis, Mbah That the Administration update this Council on planning underway to provide housing for people who are likely to be exposed to the Covid-19 virus and need isolation, or are recovering from the virus and don't need a hospital setting.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209978
That the Administration update this Council on contingency staffing plans in case a large number of front-line employees are unable to work due to illness or self-isolation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #209979
That the Administration update this Council on any efforts to ensure that city trash and recycling contractors are protected from coronavirus exposure and supported if exposed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #209981
Requesting acceptance of a second $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Health to the Health and Human Services Department for COVID 19 expenses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209982
Small Wireless Facility License, ExteNet Systems attaching small cell equipment on an existing pole at 44 Crescent Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209983
Small Wireless Facility License, ExteNet Systems attaching small cell equipment on an existing pole at 61 Concord Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209984
Small Wireless Facility License, ExteNet Systems attaching small cell equipment on an existing pole at 17 Otis Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209985
Small Wireless Facility License, ExteNet Systems attaching small cell equipment on an existing pole at 12 Dartmouth Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209986
Small Wireless Facility License, ExteNet Systems attaching small cell equipment on an existing pole at 75 Heath Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209987
Small Wireless Facility License, ExteNet Systems attaching small cell equipment on an existing pole at 17 Aldrich Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #209988
Small Wireless Facility License, ExteNet Systems attaching small cell equipment on an existing pole at 9 Austin Street
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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