MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
October 28, 2021
88 recorded votes, 34 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 Mayor's Request #212362 (report of the Finance Committee) (Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $725,000 in a bond for...).
- Matthew McLaughlin recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #212587 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee) (Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $295,463 grant with no new match...).
- Matthew McLaughlin recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #212588 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee) (Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $89,451.75 grant with no new match...).
- Matthew McLaughlin recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #212589 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee) (Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $50,000 grant with no new match...).
- Matthew McLaughlin recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #212590 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee) (Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $24,500 grant with no new match...).
- Matthew McLaughlin recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #212591 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee) (Requesting acceptance of a $6,233.33 grant with no new match required, from the MA...).
- Matthew McLaughlin recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #212592 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee) (Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $5,008 using available funds...).
- Matthew McLaughlin recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #212593 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee) (Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $1,310 using available funds...).
Every vote, in order
Minutes #212557
Approve the minutes of the October 14, 2021 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, October 14, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Citation #212558
The Mayor Commending Carrie Normand on receiving the MASC All-State School Committee award and eight years of service on the School Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #212559
That this Council joins many workers, community, faith, environmental justice, racial justice, labor, civil rights, and consumer advocates to urge the Massachusetts Legislature and the residents...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Clingan, Ballantyne, Strezo, Davis, Niedergang, Rossetti, Mbah, White Jr. That this Council joins many workers, community, faith, environmental justice, racial justice, labor, civil rights, and consumer advocates to urge the Massachusetts Legislature and the residents of Somerville to oppose House Bill 1234.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212560
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain, 118 Broadway, aka the East End Grill, for the...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Niedergang That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain, 118 Broadway, aka the East End Grill, for the purposes of building affordable housing.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212561
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain, 182 Broadway, aka Patsy's Pastries, for the...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Niedergang That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain, 182 Broadway, aka Patsy's Pastries, for the purposes of building affordable housing.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212562
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain, the long vacant apartment complex in the Stop...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Niedergang That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain, the long vacant apartment complex in the Stop and Shop Parking lot for the purposes of building affordable housing.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212563
Place on file: That the Commissioner of Public Works address the non-operational street lights on Virginia Avenue
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 #212564
That the Director of Health and Human Services present a long-term plan for a public restroom at Chuckie Harris Park
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212565
That the Director of Mobility perform a traffic assessment starting on Summer Street, from Willow Avenue to Cedar Street
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212566
That the Director of Parking replace the ONE WAY sign on Gibbons Street, at Benton Road
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212567
That the City Solicitor explore an ordinance that addresses overhead wires that are left dangling and/or wrapped around telephone poles throughout the city
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #212568
Place on file: Reporting on the October meeting of the Children’s Cabinet
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 #212569
That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council with details on the sidewalk snow-shoveling pilot which was included in the FY2022 budget
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212570
That the Administration update this Council on plans to create a "Community Engagement Center" to offer support to residents experiencing homelessness or otherwise in need
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212571
That the Administration update this Council on the status of the Police Staffing Study which was included in the FY2022 budget and estimated to take 2-4 months
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Communication #212573
Place on file: As Chair of the Traffic and Parking Committee, sharing a petition signed by 144 neighbors, asking that the Directors of Mobility and Engineering replace the HAWK traffic signal at...
By City Councilor Niedergang As Chair of the Traffic and Parking Committee, sharing a petition signed by 144 neighbors, asking that the Directors of Mobility and Engineering replace the HAWK traffic signal at Buckingham and Beacon Streets with a standard Red, Yellow, Green traffic signal.
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 #212574
Place on file: As Chair of the Traffic and Parking Committee, sharing with the Council and the public an article from Streetsblog Mass about pending legislation for safe streets
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 #212575
That the Commissioner of Public Works explain the delay in opening the Next Wave/Full Circle entrance to the new High School building
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212576
That the Commissioner of Public Works establish a maximum time frame for a sidewalk panel to be dug up and replaced
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #212513
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rules, meeting on October 4, 2021
Report of the Special Committee on Rules, meeting on October 4, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #212577
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 19, 2021
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 19, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #207413 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Jill Lathan as Director of Parks and Recreation
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #209503 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Jill Lathan as Director of Parks and Recreation
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210870 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Zachary Zasloff to the Condominium Review Board
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #210913 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Patricha Paul to the Condominium Review Board
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #211287 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Jill Lathan as Director of Parks and Recreation
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #211303 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Place on file: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mark Lawhorne as Superintendent of Highways, Lines and Lights
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.”
Mayor's Request #211906 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Russell Pildes as an Alternate Member of the Planning Board
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #211970 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Christina Morone to the Commission for Women
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212186 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ann Fullerton to 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.”
Mayor's Request #212187 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Stephanos Axios to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an Alternate Member
The minutes record the result as “Not approved” but list every councilor voting under AYES (11 to 0). This may mean the council voted for a committee recommendation not to approve; the minutes do not say, so MassVoter shows the count only and will ask the City Clerk.
From the minutes
“RESULT: NOT APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #212578
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 26, 2021
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 26, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212265 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a 30-year lease for the new Assembly Square Fire Station
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, StrezoNo: Mbah, Scott, White
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [8 TO 3] AYES: Rossetti, Strezo, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: Mbah, White Jr., Scott.”
Mayor's Request (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a Preservation Restriction for 277 Broadway
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:27254) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212362 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $725,000 in a bond for Construction Manager at-Risk services for the pre-construction phase of the Public Safety Building
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, WhiteNo: Niedergang, ScottMatthew McLaughlin recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [8 TO 2] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: Scott, Niedergang RECUSED: McLaughlin.”
Mayor's Request (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a preservation restriction for 59 Cross Street
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:27290) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212474 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a grant of easement in Inner Belt Road for Fiber Optic Communications Equipment
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212480 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of the Land Disposition Agreement for the property at 31 Tufts Street
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212516 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,604,801 in a bond for street resurfacing, sidewalk improvements and ADA ramps and improvements
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212518 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $1,235,641 from the Sewer Capital Stabilization Fund to the Sewer Enterprise Fund in order to balance the FY 2022 Sewer Enterprise Fund budget
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212519 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $1,023,399 from the Water Capital Stabilization Fund to the Water Enterprise Fund in order to balance the FY 2022 Water Enterprise Fund budget
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212520 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $500,000 from the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for Street & Sidewalk Repairs and ADA Improvements
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212550 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $16,400 using available funds in the Human Resources Department Arbitration Services Account for arbitration services
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #212048 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Dean Matarazzo proposing a zoning amendment to rezone his property at 13 Garfield Ave from Fabrication to Urban Residential
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212305 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting approval of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for payments of Certificates of Occupancy
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212307 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting approval of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for Sidewalk & Frontage Clarifications
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #212580
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 21, 2021
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 21, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #209779 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Place on file: That this Council review with the Administration, Cambridge’s recent Home Rule Petition to improve the safety of transportation network company vehicles operating there
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.”
Ordinance #211679 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Amending the Domestic Partnership Ordinance as attached and as further necessary to address issues in the existing version
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AS AMENDED..”
Order #212255 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Mark work completed: That this Council consider an Automated Speed Enforcement in School Zones Home Rule Petition similar to the one already approved by Salem MA
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.”
Mayor's Request #212547 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition authorizing the City of Somerville to employ automated enforcement of speed limit violations in designated School Zones within the City of Somerville
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212581 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the Administration prepare and present to this Council by January 21, 2022, an implementation plan for the Vulnerable Road Users Ordinance
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #212582
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 27, 2021
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 27, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #204527 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Mark work completed: Requesting that Eversource meet with this city’s Administration to discuss creating a city-wide Host Community Agreement
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.”
License/Permit #212221 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, Brazil Auto Repair Inc, 621 Somerville Avenue, 2 autos inside, 0 outside for mechanical repairs only, operating Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: Closed
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #212299 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, FRIT, 485 Foley Street, 250 autos inside, 0 outside for storing vehicles only
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #212300 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, FRIT, 455 Grand Union Boulevard, 611 autos inside, 0 outside for storing vehicles only
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #212583
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on October 25, 2021
Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on October 25, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #209691 (report of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee)
Mark work completed: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services inform the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works whether the newspaper boxes throughout the city are permitted
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 #210587 (report of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee)
Mark work completed: That the Commissioner of Public Works submit a recycling plan for all buildings that do not receive city solid waste collection services, pursuant to Ordinance 11-40
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 #210739 (report of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee)
Mark work completed: That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management urge Eversource to fix gas leaks at 721 Somerville Avenue and nearby, as identified by...
By City Councilor Niedergang, Ewen-Campen, Strezo That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management urge Eversource to fix gas leaks at 721 Somerville Avenue and nearby, as identified by HEET, and appear with Eversource staff at the next meeting of the Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works to discuss this matter.
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.”
Resolution #211449 (report of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee)
Mark work completed: That the Administration create clean, safe, and permanent public restrooms in several outdoor locations, similar to the "Portland Loos" that have been installed in Cambridge
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 #212225 (report of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee)
Mark work completed: That Eversource representatives be requested to appear before the next meeting of this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works to respond to the gas leak data...
By City Councilor Ballantyne, Clingan, White Jr. That Eversource representatives be requested to appear before the next meeting of this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works to respond to the gas leak data along Somerville Avenue.
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.”
Committee Report
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rules, meeting on October 25, 2021
Report of the Special Committee on Rules, meeting on October 25, 2021.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:27512) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212587 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Office to the Police Department to fund E911 personnel costs
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.”
Mayor's Request #212588 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $89,451.75 grant with no new match required, from the State E911 Office to the Police Department for 911 training and the certification of 911...
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $89,451.75 grant with no new match required, from the State E911 Office to the Police Department for 911 training and the certification of 911 telecommunicators.
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.”
Mayor's Request #212589 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for portable radios...
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for portable radios for first responders.
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.”
Mayor's Request #212590 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Office to the Police Department to fund E911 emergency medical dispatch services
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.”
Mayor's Request #212591 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
Requesting acceptance of a $6,233.33 grant with no new match required, from the MA Dept of Public Health to the Police Department to purchase and provide training for Naxalone
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.”
Mayor's Request #212592 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $5,008 using available funds in the Workers' Compensation Legal Services Account
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.”
Mayor's Request #212593 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $1,310 using available funds in the City Clerk's Professional and Technical Services Account for materials translation services
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.”
Mayor's Communication (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
Place on file: Submitting the 2021 Surveillance Technology Annual Report
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:27494) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Officer's Communication #212596
Place on file: The Memorialization Committee submitting the naming of the new turf field at the Healey School to honor State Representative and Alderman Joseph "Joe" Mackey
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 #212599
Public Event License, Halloween on Heath, Heath St from Moreland Street to Edgar Avenue, Oct 31, 3PM-8PM
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #212600
Place on file: Harvard University conveying its Fall 2021 Accountability 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.”
Public Communication #212601
Place on file: Tufts University conveying its Fall 2021 Accountability 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.”
Public Communication #212602
Place on file: Somerville Chamber of Commerce submitting comments re: Item #212308, a Zoning amendment regarding rooftop mechanicals
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.”
Public Communication #212603
Place on file: Somerville Chamber of Commerce submitting comments re: Item #211693, a Zoning amendment regarding a Small Business Overlay District
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.”
Public Communication #212604
Place on file: Somerville Chamber of Commerce submitting comments re: Item #212309, a Zoning amendment regarding a Master Planned Development Overlay District
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.”
Public Communication
Place on file: Lee Auspitz submitting comments re: biosafety
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:27504) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Place on file: 8 residents submitting comments re: proposed Assembly Square Fire Station
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE. [UNANIMOUS] (ID:27542) AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212549
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,300,000 for Poplar Street Pump Station Pump House & Facilities pre-construction services
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212608
That the Mobility Division complete a street by street safety audit of Ward 4 and provide a plan to address all areas identified as dangerous due to excessive major intersections, excessive...
By City Councilor Clingan That the Mobility Division complete a street by street safety audit of Ward 4 and provide a plan to address all areas identified as dangerous due to excessive major intersections, excessive speeds, and volume.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Resolution #212609
Calling upon the Mayor and the Board of Health to declare the rodent infestation in this City a public health emergency
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #212610
Public Event License, Pleasant Ave Halloween Block Party, Pleasant Ave, Oct 31, 3PM-9PM
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
License/Permit #212611
Public Event License, Springfield Halloween Block Party, Springfield St from Houghton St to Concord Ave and Concord Ave Sq from Newton to Marion St, Oct 31, 4PM-8:30PM
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212613
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain 10 Oak St for the purposes of building affordable...
By City Councilor Scott That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain 10 Oak St for the purposes of building affordable housing.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Order #212614
That the Commissioner of DPW address with this Council constituent reports of trash barrels being picked up by Recycling trucks
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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