MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
August 27, 2020
39 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
Minutes #210464
Approve the minutes of the June 19, 2020 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting on June 19, 2020, and the Regular Meeting on June 25, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Grant of Location #210465
Submitted by TC Systems to install 490 feet of conduit from existing Metro Media manhole #SOM6A in New Washington Street to a proposed manhole in Inner Belt Road, then branching 97 feet to two...
Submitted by TC Systems to install 490 feet of conduit from existing Metro Media manhole #SOM6A in New Washington Street to a proposed manhole in Inner Belt Road, then branching 97 feet to two proposed handholes in the Innerbelt Road sidewalk and 15 feet to an existing Cable TV manhole in Inner Belt Road.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #210467
Place on file: Reporting on the number of rape kits administered in the past 5 years and how many of them were included as evidence in cases that went to court
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 #210469
That the Administration update this Council on any discussions regarding a regional E-911 call center, and how such a center would impact the re- imagining of how emergency dispatch is done in...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Ballantyne, Clingan That the Administration update this Council on any discussions regarding a regional E-911 call center, and how such a center would impact the re- imagining of how emergency dispatch is done in Somerville.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210470
That the Administration inform this Council about any proposals to integrate police and fire emergency dispatch operations, and, if there are no proposals, share its position on a centralized...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne That the Administration inform this Council about any proposals to integrate police and fire emergency dispatch operations, and, if there are no proposals, share its position on a centralized emergency dispatch system.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210471
That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services, the City Treasurer and the City Solicitor appear before this Council, or appropriate committee, to discuss the implementation of Ordinance 8.3 as...
By City Councilor White Jr., Davis, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Strezo, Niedergang, Rossetti, McLaughlin, Mbah That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services, the City Treasurer and the City Solicitor appear before this Council, or appropriate committee, to discuss the implementation of Ordinance 8.3 as to the denial of building permits to those who have failed to pay City-imposed fines.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210473
That the Director of SPCD report to this Council the status and timeline-to- opening of the 3 cannabis dispensaries that have received licenses, and the status of subsequent rounds of applicants...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ballantyne, Clingan, Scott, Mbah That the Director of SPCD report to this Council the status and timeline-to- opening of the 3 cannabis dispensaries that have received licenses, and the status of subsequent rounds of applicants to the Marijuana Advisory Committee.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #210474
Place on file: Updating this Council on community working group discussions on "re- imagining" Somerville's response to non-violent emergencies
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 #210475
That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the broken street light on Woods Avenue
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210476
That the Chief of Police provide to this Council the number of confirmed shootings since January 2018, including the dates, times, locations, number of rounds fired, and what or who those rounds hit
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210477
That the Chief of Police provide to this Council the number of times and locations that shot spotter has been triggered since January 2018
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210478
That the Chief of Police utilize social media, including Twitter, to let residents know when there have been shots fired or when the Police make a firearm arrest
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210479
That the Director of SPCD deploy traffic calming measures to reduce speeding vehicles on Heath Street from Moreland to Temple Streets, on Sycamore Street from Medford Street to Broadway, and on...
By City Councilor Clingan That the Director of SPCD deploy traffic calming measures to reduce speeding vehicles on Heath Street from Moreland to Temple Streets, on Sycamore Street from Medford Street to Broadway, and on Shore Drive from Rts 16 to 38.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210480
Proposing the re-appointment of John Long to the position of City Clerk for a three-year term
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #210481
Place on file: Reporting on the August 17, 2020 meeting of the High School Building Committee
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 #210251
That the Mayor, the Chief of Police and the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council, at its June 11, 2020 meeting, their declaration of Systemic Racism as a Public Safety...
By City Councilor Ballantyne That the Mayor, the Chief of Police and the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council, at its June 11, 2020 meeting, their declaration of Systemic Racism as a Public Safety and Health Emergency.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #210482
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on August 17, 2020 as a Committee of the Whole
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on August 17, 2020 as a Committee of the Whole.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210483 (report of the Public Health and Public Safety Committee)
That the Administration consider relief for local small businesses as it relates to their annual renewal of licenses and associated fees
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210484 (report of the Public Health and Public Safety Committee)
That the Administration work with this Council for a smooth transition of outdoor seating permits when they reach the Council for renewal beyond November 1
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210485
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $47,572.46 using available funds in the Law Department's Legal Services Account for outside legal counsel services
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210486
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $130 using available funds in the Health and Human Services Professional & Technical Services Account for sign language interpreter services
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210487
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice for $31.75 using available funds in the Inspectional Services Department's Credit Card Convenience Fee Account for online payment processing services
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210488
Requesting acceptance of a $254,840 grant that requires a match, from the Dept. of Homeland Security to the Fire Department for hazardous materials training
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210489
Requesting acceptance of a $3,418 grant with no new match required, from the MA Board of Library Commissioners to the Public Library to provide "Virtual Programming for Distance Learning"...
Requesting acceptance of a $3,418 grant with no new match required, from the MA Board of Library Commissioners to the Public Library to provide "Virtual Programming for Distance Learning" workshops and kits.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #210493
Place on file: Police Chief responding to #210436 re: 911 emergency call policies and procedures
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 #210494
New Drainlayer's License, JBC Utility LLC
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210495
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Environic Solutions
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #210496
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Baystate Engineering
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #210497
Place on file: 11 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 #210498
In his capacity as President, Recommending the appointment of Councilor Wilfred Mbah to the Memorialization Committee
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #210499
Place on file: Updating this Council on the status of the creation of a Police Commission and Community Police Review Agency
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 #210500
That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of SPCD discuss enforcement to eliminate delivery and other vehicles from parking on the Beacon Street cycle track, in order to...
By City Councilor Ballantyne, Scott, Strezo, Mbah That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of SPCD discuss enforcement to eliminate delivery and other vehicles from parking on the Beacon Street cycle track, in order to provide a safe biking route for bicyclists.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #210501
That the Middlesex County District Attorney provide this Council with the number of rape kits tested and the number used as evidence in Somerville court cases over the past 5 years, and explain...
By City Councilor Strezo, Clingan, Ballantyne, Scott, White Jr. That the Middlesex County District Attorney provide this Council with the number of rape kits tested and the number used as evidence in Somerville court cases over the past 5 years, and explain how they are handled once received by the District Attorney’s Office.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210502
That #210331 be discharged from the Committee on Legislative Matters for action by this Council
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210331
That fines for code violations assessed pursuant to MGL c148A for violations of the state building code and the state fire safety code shall be subject to collection as a municipal charges lien...
By City Councilor White Jr., Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Strezo, Davis, Niedergang, Rossetti, McLaughlin, Mbah That fines for code violations assessed pursuant to MGL c148A for violations of the state building code and the state fire safety code shall be subject to collection as a municipal charges lien, pursuant to Chapter 252 of the Acts of 1996.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210541
That the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Council, within 7 days, the ability of the Health Department or the Administration to order Covid-19 testing of all Tufts college...
By City Councilor Rossetti That the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Council, within 7 days, the ability of the Health Department or the Administration to order Covid-19 testing of all Tufts college students living in Somerville, whether attending classes virtually or in hybrid mode.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210542
That the Director of SPCD update this Council on the plans and process for the Holland Street and College Avenue mobility improvements
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210543
That the President update this Council on when its Racism training will be, and advise what criteria was used to select a trainer
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #210544
That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of SPCD discuss enforcement to eliminate delivery and other vehicles from parking on protected bike lanes throughout the city
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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