MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
January 28, 2021
49 recorded votes, 29 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
During the meeting:
- Matthew McLaughlin recused from the vote on Committee Report #211192 (Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting...).
- Wilfred Mbah recused from the vote on Committee Report #211193 (Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 26, 2021).
- Wilfred Mbah recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #211148 (report of the Finance Committee) (Requesting authorization to seek funding and enter into related agreements for Conway...).
- Matthew McLaughlin recused from the vote on Order #211232 (That Ordinance 10-1 regarding the organization of the Police department be amended by...).
Every vote, in order
Minutes #211188
Approve the minutes of the December 17, 2020 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, December 17, 2020.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Grant of Location #211189
Submitted by Eversource to install 1,520 feet of conduit, 5 duct banks, and 1 new manhole in Somerville Avenue from Manhole 8651, at Prospect Street, to Manhole 8656, at Medford Street
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #211190
Urging fair and full employment opportunities at Amazon
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #211191
Place on file: Reporting on the search for a Racial and Social Justice Director
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.”
Committee Report #211192
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on January 20, 2021
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on January 20, 2021.
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, Strezo, WhiteMatthew McLaughlin recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [10 TO 0] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne RECUSED: McLaughlin.”
Committee Report #211193
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 26, 2021
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 26, 2021.
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, Strezo, WhiteWilfred Mbah recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [10 TO 0] AYES: Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne RECUSED: Mbah.”
Order #210834 (report of the Finance Committee)
Place on file: That the Commissioner of Public Works provide this Council’s Finance Committee with every invoice from the Fleet Division's Ordinary Maintenance budget for FY21 year to date...
By City Councilor Scott That the Commissioner of Public Works provide this Council’s Finance Committee with every invoice from the Fleet Division's Ordinary Maintenance budget for FY21 year to date, including documentation supporting encumbrance figures listed in the current Munis report.
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 #210915 (report of the Finance Committee)
Place on file: DPW Director of Administration and Finance responding to #210748 with DPW expenses since FY19
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 #211033 (report of the Finance Committee)
City Solicitor requesting approval to settle a claim in connection with expenses incurred by the owner of 80 Irving Street
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication (report of the Finance Committee)
Place on file: DPW Commissioner responding to #210834 re: Fleet Division invoices
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:23917) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #211148 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to seek funding and enter into related agreements for Conway Park from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and rededicate Conway Park to open space and recreational use...
Requesting authorization to seek funding and enter into related agreements for Conway Park from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and rededicate Conway Park to open space and recreational use in perpetuity.
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, Strezo, WhiteWilfred Mbah recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [10 TO 0] AYES: Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne RECUSED: Mbah.”
Committee Report #211194
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on January 19, 2021
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on January 19, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #210756 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Place on file: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #s 210452 and 210472, 2 requests for zoning 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.”
Order #211195 (report of the Land Use Committee)
That the Director of SPCD work with the City Solicitor to determine if in lieu payments for civic space along highways can be directed toward pollution mitigation
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #211196
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on January 21, 2021
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on January 21, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210788 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Homeland Security Cameras
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, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210789 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GLX Cameras
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, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for 911
The minutes record the result as “Withdrawn”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: WITHDRAWN. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:23674) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210791 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for ShotSpotter
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, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210906 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for BriefCam
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, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210907 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Covert Device Cameras
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, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210908 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GPS and Monitor
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, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210909 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for GreyKey
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, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210910 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for License Plate Readers
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, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210911 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Pole Cameras
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, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210912 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Withdraw: Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for the SPCD Drone Camera
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, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #210963 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Mark work completed: Digital Fourth submitting comments re: the 4 Surveillance Technology Impact Reports submitted on October 22 and the 7 STIRs submitted on November 12
The minutes record the result as “Work completed”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: WORK COMPLETED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #210973 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Mark work completed: Ulysses Lateiner submitting comments re: Digital Fourth's comments on the Surveillance Technology Impact Reports
The minutes record the result as “Work completed”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: WORK COMPLETED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #211197 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the City Solicitor draft language to change all pronouns in the city’s ordinances to gender-neutral
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #211211
Place on file: Memorialization Committee conveying the naming of a new street between Windsor Street and Harding Street, Archibald Query Way
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 #211212
Place on file: Memorialization Committee conveying the naming of a new park at 1060 Broadway as Lou Ann David Park
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 #211213
Place on file: Directors of Health and Human Services and Inspectional Services conveying a Residential Rodent Control Assistance Program update
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 #211214
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Mt. Pleasant Taxi, Med #28,30,31,32,39,40,41,42,43
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #211215
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Web Motor Sales, 5 Middlesex Ave
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication
Place on file: 8 residents of color submitting comments re: hiring Police Officers of color
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:24105) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Place on file: BIPOC residents submitting comments re: hiring Police Officers
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:24106) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Place on file: Dan Thorn submitting comments re: Police funding
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:24107) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #211219
That the Director of SPCD and City Solicitor update this Council on what can be done to address copycat restaurant websites misleading customers to order through their website instead of the...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Strezo, Davis, Niedergang, Rossetti, Mbah, White Jr. That the Director of SPCD and City Solicitor update this Council on what can be done to address copycat restaurant websites misleading customers to order through their website instead of the restaurant.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #211220
That the Covid-19 response team update the Committee on Public Health and Safety on the Phase 2 vaccine roll-out for residents, particularly senior citizens and other vulnerable residents
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #211221
That the Directors of Health and Human Services and the Council on Aging collaborate to bridge the digital divide for residents seeking to obtain the Covid vaccine who may not have access to the...
By City Councilor Strezo, Scott, Clingan, Davis That the Directors of Health and Human Services and the Council on Aging collaborate to bridge the digital divide for residents seeking to obtain the Covid vaccine who may not have access to the internet.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #211222
That the Administration help residents over 75 years of age sign up for Covid- 19 vaccinations
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #211223
That the Administration include teachers on the priority list as the vaccine distribution plan is rolled out
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication
Place on file: Fair Housing Commission submitting its Annual Report for FY20
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:24081) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #211226
That the Communications Department initiate a campaign with mail and social media to increase the public's awareness of the updated Residential Rodent Control Assistance Program
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #211227
That the Commissioner of Public Works install a temporary speed bump on Sycamore Street between the main entrance and the schoolyard entrance of the Winter Hill School
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #211228
That the Director of SPCD discuss with this Council's Committee on Housing and Community Development how the 100 Homes program works for property upkeep and maintenance
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #211229
That the Director of Communications revise city web pages so links to non- English language versions of the page appear at the very top, prior to any English language content
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #211232
That Ordinance 10-1 regarding the organization of the Police department be amended by removing the specified levels of patrol and superior officers
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, Strezo, WhiteMatthew McLaughlin recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [10 TO 0] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne RECUSED: McLaughlin.”
Resolution #211233
That this Council be provided with outside legal counsel to advise it on matters of Civil Service hiring polices
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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