MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Special meeting
August 5, 2020
30 recorded votes, 6 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
Public Communication #210432
Place on file: 19 residents requesting a Public Hearing on Tufts University's plans to re-open its campus in the fall
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.”
Order #210433
That the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Council the feasibility of using weekly pooled Covid-19 testing and/or relatively affordable "test strips" for school children, public...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis That the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Council the feasibility of using weekly pooled Covid-19 testing and/or relatively affordable "test strips" for school children, public employees, and workers at public- facing businesses.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210434
That the Director of Finance inform this Council how the recent announcement of a 3-month level funding of State aid will affect the FY21 budget
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210435
That the Director of Communications send a city-wide mailer informing residents of the Tenant Notification Act and the ongoing Eviction Moratorium, in light of ongoing unlawful Notices to Quit...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Strezo, Scott, Mbah, Davis That the Director of Communications send a city-wide mailer informing residents of the Tenant Notification Act and the ongoing Eviction Moratorium, in light of ongoing unlawful Notices to Quit being distributed to tenants.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210436
That the Chief of Police provide a breakdown of how 911 emergency calls are triaged, coded, and dispatched under our current system
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210437
That the City Solicitor appear before this Council’s Committee on Legislative Matters with draft language to repeal Ordinance 9-120, the so-called Anti- Gang Loitering Ordinance
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210438
That the Director of Finance report to this Council, all actual state aid appropriations versus budgeted (anticipated) state aid
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #210439
Place on file: Reporting on an additional State appropriation of $250,000 for High School Construction Project Covid-19 costs
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.”
Grant of Location #210378
Submitted by TC Systems to install 78 feet of conduit in Washington St from Pole 358/58 at the corner of Magnus Ave to a proposed handhole across the street in the sidewalk at Perry Park, then to...
Submitted by TC Systems to install 78 feet of conduit in Washington St from Pole 358/58 at the corner of Magnus Ave to a proposed handhole across the street in the sidewalk at Perry Park, then to adjacent Pole 58X.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210440
Requesting the change of 5 voting locations: W3 P1 from Properzi Manor to the Central Library Community Room, W3 P3 from the Dante Club to the St. Catherine's Church Gym, W6 P1 from the Kennedy...
Requesting the change of 5 voting locations: W3 P1 from Properzi Manor to the Central Library Community Room, W3 P3 from the Dante Club to the St. Catherine's Church Gym, W6 P1 from the Kennedy School to the Dilboy VFW Post, W6 P3 from the Holy Bible Baptist Church to the West Somerville Neighborhood School, and W7 P3 from the VNA Alewife Brook Facility to the West Somerville Neighborhood School.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210441
Requesting approval to appropriate $170,000 from the Union Sq Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to fund a Main Streets Small Business Liaison and job placement and career navigation services...
Requesting approval to appropriate $170,000 from the Union Sq Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to fund a Main Streets Small Business Liaison and job placement and career navigation services for residents.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210442
Requesting acceptance of a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Health to the Health and Human Services Department to fund expanded substance use prevention programming
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210443
Requesting acceptance of a $95,000 grant with no new match required, from MA DoT to the SPCD Mobility Division for Shared Streets programming Implementation
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210444
Requesting acceptance of a $75,000 Taxi Grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Council on Aging for taxi rides for elders
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210445
Requesting acceptance of a $11,894.30 grant with no new match required, from the Cambridge Health Alliance to the Health and Human Services Department for the Photovoice Gambling Prevention program
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210446
Requesting acceptance of a $6,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for pedestrian and bicycle safety enforcement
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #210447
Place on file: Licensing Commission conveying a letter to Tufts University to reinforce outdoor dining guidelines
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 #210448
New Drainlayer's License, Heimlich Landscaping & Constrution Corp
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210449
Renewing Drainlayer's License, JNJ Sacca
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210450
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Marchi Paving
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210451
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Eastern Transportation, Med #73,87
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #210453
Place on file: 13 citizens submitting comments re: Tufts plans to re-open its campus in the fall
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.”
Order #210454
That the City Solicitor draft language to prohibit the use of prison labor of any kind for city projects, including the Middlesex Sheriff's Community Work Program
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210455
That the Chief of Police provide to this Council an itemized statement of all materials, tools, and property owned or leased by the City for use of the Police Department
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210456
That the Chief of Police provide to this Council an itemized statement of any equipment purchased on behalf of employees of the Police Department which became the individual employee's property
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210457
That the Director of Finance update this Council on Aug. 5, 2020 with an overview of municipal trends and the City’s finances
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210458
That the Director of Finance and the Director of the Arts Council discuss with this Council’s Finance Committee several suggestions for assistance proposed by a group of Somerville arts and...
By City Councilor Ballantyne, Strezo, Niedergang That the Director of Finance and the Director of the Arts Council discuss with this Council’s Finance Committee several suggestions for assistance proposed by a group of Somerville arts and cultural organizations.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #210459
Place on file: Conveying her correspondence with Tufts University President Monaco regarding Tufts’ Fall re-opening plans
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 #210460
That the Administration and the Traffic Commission cease all dedicated Tufts shuttle stops and remove all associated signage in Ward 6, particularly in Davis Square, without delay
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #210461
Place on file: Tufts Director of Government & Community Relations responding to the Licensing Commission Chair's request (#210447) to convey the Commission's guidelines for outdoor dining to...
Tufts Director of Government & Community Relations responding to the Licensing Commission Chair's request (#210447) to convey the Commission's guidelines for outdoor dining to students, faculty and staff.
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.”
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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