MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
April 7, 2020
39 recorded votes, 2 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 #209991
Approve the minutes of the March 12, 2020 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, March 12, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #209999
That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer appear before this Council’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety with an update on their plans to keep first responders safe during...
By City Councilor Mbah, Niedergang, Ballantyne, Clingan That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer appear before this Council’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety with an update on their plans to keep first responders safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210000
That Director of Health and Human services provide this Council with evidence-based research on handling postal mail without protective equipment with respect to the spread of the coronavirus
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210001
That the Administration take measures to ensure that first responders and essential personnel are prioritized for COVID-19 testing for personal and public safety purposes
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210002
That the Director of Communications broadcast remote meetings of this Council and its Committees on cable access television and coordinate with the Somerville Media Center to ensure all three...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Clingan, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Ballantyne, Davis, Niedergang, Rossetti, Hirsch, Mbah, White Jr. That the Director of Communications broadcast remote meetings of this Council and its Committees on cable access television and coordinate with the Somerville Media Center to ensure all three channels are broadcasting remote meetings and COVID-19 related items.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210003
That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance formally recognizing domestic partnerships
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210004
That the Administration update this Council on opportunities to provide universal broadband internet access in Somerville
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #209931
Withdraw: That, in the event of a shelter in place order, this Council urges Governor Baker to activate all means necessary to support residents, such as no rent payments, no evictions, no...
By City Councilor Mbah, Clingan That, in the event of a shelter in place order, this Council urges Governor Baker to activate all means necessary to support residents, such as no rent payments, no evictions, no tickets, and no loan repayments, until the order is lifted.
The minutes record the result as “Withdrawn”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: WITHDRAWN. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #210005
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on March 31, 2020
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on March 31, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #210006
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 30, 2020
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 30, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #210007
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on April 6, 2020
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on April 6, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210008
Requesting the appropriation of $109,453 from the Receipts Reserved- Insurance Reimbursement Account to the Information Technology Ordinary Maintenance Account to pay for water damage to equipment
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210009
Requesting the appropriation of $53,570 from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation-Insurance Reimbursement Account to the DPW Admin Repairs and Maintenance Account to pay for water damage in the...
Requesting the appropriation of $53,570 from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation-Insurance Reimbursement Account to the DPW Admin Repairs and Maintenance Account to pay for water damage in the IT Department.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #210011
Place on file: Retirement Board notifying this City Council of a vote at the Retirement Board's May 28, 2020 meeting regarding a 2020 Cost of Living Adjustment for eligible retirees
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210012
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Your Space Landscape and Construction
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210013
Renewing Drainlayer's License, RM Pacella
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210014
Renewing Drainlayer's License, FE French Construction
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210015
Renewing Flammables License, Hillside Auto Repair, 583 Broadway
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210016
Renewing Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 19 Joy St
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210017
Renewing Garage License, Herb Chambers I-93, 259 McGrath Hwy
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210018
Renewing Garage License, Herb Chambers I-93, 71 Linwood St
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210019
Renewing Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood St
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210020
Renewing Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston Commercial Vans, 161 Linwood St
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210021
Renewing Garage License, Triumvirate Environmental, 191 Inner Belt Rd
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210022
Renewing Garage License, Chicken and Shakes Automotive, 6 Beach Ave
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210023
Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood St
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210024
Renewing Billiards and Bowling License, Parise's Cafe, 97 Washington St
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210025
Small Wireless Facility License, ExteNet installing small wireless facilities on a replacement pole at 10 Radcliffe Road
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210026
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Edelle Cab, Med #20
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210027
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, 32 Summer St Corp, Med #29
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210028
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, SJP Taxi, Med #45
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210029
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Silva Cab, Med #83
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210030
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Michael Cab, Med #88
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210032
That the Chief of Police discuss what may be done to curb domestic and partner violence especially during the COVID-19 crisis, as victims are quarantined with their abusers
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210033
That the Director of Health and Human Services explain the current protocol for notifying residents of positive COVID-19 tests and contacts and how services may be offered that allow them to...
By City Councilor Hirsch That the Director of Health and Human Services explain the current protocol for notifying residents of positive COVID-19 tests and contacts and how services may be offered that allow them to receive treatment, maintain household stability, and isolate themselves as needed.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210034
That the Board of Assessors extend the deadline for applications for Residential and/or Statutory Exemptions beyond the current April 1 deadline
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210035
That the Director of Finance update this Council on all money received to date related to the COVID-19 situation
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210036
That the Director of Finance update this Council on all expenditures, encumbrances and anticipated expenses to date related to the COVID-19 situation
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #209751
Requesting that the subterranean rights below Kensington Avenue and 0 Middlesex Avenue be declared surplus and available for disposition
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Hirsch, Mbah, Rossetti, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
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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