MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
May 28, 2020
49 recorded votes, 7 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: Wilfred Mbah, Mary Jo Rossetti, William White, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Mark Niedergang, Lance Davis, Katjana Ballantyne, Kristen Strezo
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Minutes #210173
Approve the minutes of the April 28, 2020 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, April 28, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210181
Ewen- Campen, Scott, Strezo, Davis, Niedergang, McLaughlin Supporting a National Day of Mourning and Prayer on Flag Day, June 14
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210182
That the Postmaster provide any contingency plans to be implemented in the event of a forced shut-down or suspension of service due to a lack of funding or the COVID-19 pandemic
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #210183
Place on file: Reporting on the Affordable Housing Trust meeting of May 14, 2020
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #210184
Place on file: Reporting on the High School Building Committee meeting of May 18, 2020
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210186
That the Director of Inspectional Services, the City Solicitor, and the Mayor appear before this Council to explain why a development at 21 Cherry Street was deemed essential and granted a...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Davis, Rossetti, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Strezo, McLaughlin, Mbah, White Jr. That the Director of Inspectional Services, the City Solicitor, and the Mayor appear before this Council to explain why a development at 21 Cherry Street was deemed essential and granted a temporary Certificate of Occupancy despite a history of building code violations and physical violations of the Special Permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210187
That the Administration explain in writing to this Council, upon granting a permanent Certificate of Occupancy or extending a temporary Certificate of Occupancy to the 21 Cherry Street...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Davis, Rossetti, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Strezo, McLaughlin, Mbah, White Jr. That the Administration explain in writing to this Council, upon granting a permanent Certificate of Occupancy or extending a temporary Certificate of Occupancy to the 21 Cherry Street development, why het COO was granted given the many built violations of the Special Permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Grant of Location #209997
Submitted by Eversource to install 70 feet of conduit in Broadway from manhole #2572 to a new handhole in front of Trum Field
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Grant of Location #209998
Submitted by Eversource to install 80 feet of conduit in Broadway from manhole #2569 to a new handhole at the intersection of Broadway and Dexter Street
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Grant of Location #210130
Submitted by Eversource to install 25 feet of conduit in Smith Avenue from pole 525/1 to a point of pickup at 5 Smith Avenue
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Grant of Location #210131
Submitted by Eversource to install 46 feet of conduit in Prospect Street from pole 291/15 to a point of pickup at 109 Prospect Street
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Grant of Location #210132
Submitted by Verizon to install 130 feet of conduit in Broadway from existing manhole 333 to a new handhole at the intersection of Broadway and Boston Avenue
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Grant of Location #210133
Submitted by Verizon to install 291 feet of conduit in South Street and Earle Street, from existing manhole 464 to a new manhole 44/464A, then to a point of pickup at the rear of 111 South Street
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #210188
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 18, 2020
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 18, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 26, 2020
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 26, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:23045) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210143 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $76,000 from the Wynn/Encore Small business Assistance Stabilization fund to pay for technical assistance for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210144 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create the Alpine Street Stabilization fund and accept a payment to the Fund of $10,000 from 2-13 Alpine St. LLC for Open Space improvements
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210168 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $325,000 grant with no new match required, from the MBTA for public safety emergency first responder costs
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #210190
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 19, 2020
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 19, 2020.
Yes: Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, Strezo, WhiteThe minutes list Katjana Ballantyne as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis ABSENT: Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #209734 (report of the Land Use Committee)
62 College Ave Trust LLC proposing a zoning amendment to re-zone their property at 60-62 College Ave to UR
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #209777 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Withdraw: Nikhilesh Gorukanti proposing a zoning amendment to re-zone their property at 365-369 Somerville Ave to remove the Pedestrian Street designation
Yes: Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, Strezo, WhiteThe minutes list Katjana Ballantyne as absent for this vote; left out of it. The minutes record the result as “Withdrawn”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: WITHDRAWN. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis ABSENT: Ballantyne.”
Ordinance #210169 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Proposing an amendment to the Zoning Map, to rezone 31 Tufts Street to the Urban Residence District
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #210191
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 21, 2020
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 21, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #210192
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as s Committee of the Whole on May 18, 2020
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as s Committee of the Whole on May 18, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #210193
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as s Committee of the Whole on May 26, 2020
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as s Committee of the Whole on May 26, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210194 (report of the Public Health and Public Safety Committee)
That the Chief of Police provide weekly updates on mask citations issued and any non-compliance incidents
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #210196
Place on file: Assistant City Solicitor responding to #209663, requesting an ordinance requiring pollution mitigation for new housing built along high transit roadways
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210197
Renewing Flammables License, U-Haul, 600 Mystic Valley Pkwy
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210198
Renewing Flammables License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 259 McGrath Hwy
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210199
Renewing Garage License, Goodyear Auto Service Center, 1 Bow St
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210200
Renewing Garage License, Green Automotive, 600 Windsor Pl
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210201
Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green Cab and Yellow Cab Assn, 3 cabs at 295 Broadway, 3 cabs at 1 Davis Sq, 2 cabs at 22-26 Union Sq
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210202
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Country Club Transportation, Med #3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,46
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210203
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, God's Blessing Cab, Med #60
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210204
Small Wireless Facility License, Extenet Systems installing small wireless facilities on a replacement pole at the intersection of Broadway and Boston Avenue
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210207
That the Director of SPCD and the Commissioner of Public Works work with MA DOT to install a temporary protected pedestrian lane on the Rt. 28/Fellsway Mystic River Bridge
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210208
That the Director of Parks and Recreation report to this Council’s Public Health and Public Safety Committee the plan to re-open the Dilboy Pool on July 1
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210209
That the Director of Parks and Recreation report to this Council’s Public Health and Public Safety Committee with the plan for re-opening the department’s Summer Camp
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210210
That the Chief of Police report to this Council’s Public Health and Public Safety Committee the protocols for domestic violence calls, such as asking the children if they are okay, making sure...
By City Councilor Clingan, Strezo, Ballantyne That the Chief of Police report to this Council’s Public Health and Public Safety Committee the protocols for domestic violence calls, such as asking the children if they are okay, making sure that victims have access to a phone, and obtaining that phone number.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210211
That the Director of Health and Human Services work with all community partners in contact with parents to make sure those parents identify someone to care for their children should they need to...
By City Councilor Clingan, Scott That the Director of Health and Human Services work with all community partners in contact with parents to make sure those parents identify someone to care for their children should they need to be hospitalized, and make that information is accessible, with contact information, in case it is needed.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210212
That the Director of Health and Human Services work with the appropriate state agencies to identify all state funded group and foster homes to ensure they have enough PPEs and to examine their...
By City Councilor Clingan, Strezo That the Director of Health and Human Services work with the appropriate state agencies to identify all state funded group and foster homes to ensure they have enough PPEs and to examine their plans to keep facilities clean.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210213
That this Council discuss the need for Rent Control in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, as illustrated by dramatic rent increases displacing residents
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210214
Requesting the appropriation of $88,588 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Fire Alarm Other Lump Sum Benefits Account to fund retroactive payments pursuant to the Agreement with the...
Requesting the appropriation of $88,588 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Fire Alarm Other Lump Sum Benefits Account to fund retroactive payments pursuant to the Agreement with the Firefighters Local 76, Fire Alarm Unit.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #210215
Place on file: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #s 208951, 209034, 209419, 209734, 209735, and 210169, requesting map amendments
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #210217
Place on file: Housing Programs Coordinator reporting on the Affordable Housing Trust meeting of May 14, 2020
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210218
Small Wireless Facility License, ExteNet Systems attaching small cell equipment on a new, updated pole replacing an existing pole at Trum Playground, 546 Broadway
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210219
That the Director of Inspectional Services provide the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works with the building jacket for the development project at 21 Cherry Street, prior to the...
By City Councilor White Jr., Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Strezo, Davis, Niedergang, Rossetti, McLaughlin, Mbah That the Director of Inspectional Services provide the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works with the building jacket for the development project at 21 Cherry Street, prior to the Committee’s June meeting.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210220
That the Director of Finance and the Budget Director provide funding equity for girls in the FY21 budget with respect to Parks and Recreation Department sports and activities as well as High...
By City Councilor Ballantyne, Strezo That the Director of Finance and the Budget Director provide funding equity for girls in the FY21 budget with respect to Parks and Recreation Department sports and activities as well as High School varsity sports and activities.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210221
That the Director of Finance discuss providing small businesses the option to pay the Licensing Commission's annual license renewal fees in installments instead of all at once
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, 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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