MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
December 9, 2021
75 recorded votes, 68 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:
- Ben Ewen-Campen recused from the vote on Public Communication #212337 (report of the Land Use Committee) (18 registered voters requesting the adoption of a Zoning Map amendment to change the...).
Every vote, in order
Minutes #212709
Approve the minutes of the November 9, 2021 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, November 9, 2021.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #212710
Commending Paul Nonni on the occasion of his retirement from the Inspectional Services Department after 36 years of distinguished service
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #212711
Commending outgoing Councilor Katjana Ballantyne for her outstanding service to the people of Somerville as Ward 7 City Councilor from 2014 to 2021
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #212712
Commending outgoing Councilor Wilfred N. Mbah for his outstanding service to the people of Somerville as City Councilor at Large from 2018 to 2021
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #212713
Commending outgoing Councilor Mark Niedergang for his outstanding service to the people of Somerville as Ward 5 City Councilor from 2014 to 2021
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #212714
Commending outgoing Councilor Mary Jo Rossetti for her outstanding service to the people of Somerville as City Councilor at Large from 2014 to 2021
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #212715
Commending outgoing Councilor William A. White, Jr. for his outstanding service to the people of Somerville as City Councilor at Large from 1998 to 2021
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #212716
Commending outgoing Mayor Joseph Curtatone for his outstanding service to the people of Somerville as Mayor from 2004 to 2021
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #212717
Commending Councilor Matthew McLaughlin for his distinguished service as President of this Council in 2021
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #212718
Commending Councilor Mary Jo Rossetti for her distinguished service as Vice President of this Board in 2021
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #212719
Submitted by Comcast to install a total of 295 feet of conduit in Poplar and Joy Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #212721
Submitted by Level 3 to install a total of 510 feet of conduit starting from manhole 0515-3800 located at the intersection of Poplar and Chestnut Streets, continuing to a proposed vault at 28...
Submitted by Level 3 to install a total of 510 feet of conduit starting from manhole 0515-3800 located at the intersection of Poplar and Chestnut Streets, continuing to a proposed vault at 28 Chestnut Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #211693
Veto - Requesting approval of proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinances at Article 8.2 - Small Business Overlay District, and to the Zoning Map
No: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, StrezoThe minutes list William White as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: NOT APPROVED. [0 TO 10] NAYS: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: White Jr..”
Committee Report #212722
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on December 1, 2021
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on December 1, 2021.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #212612 (report of the Finance Committee)
Somerville Retirement Board requesting approval to increase the Cost of Living Adjustment Base for retirees from $14,000 to $15,000
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212623 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $74,326.85 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for projects to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs of City operations
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212664 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting an amendment to the Somerville High School Construction appropriation to a new amount of $283,859,233 and increasing the amount of bonds, fund transfers, and other available funds of...
Requesting an amendment to the Somerville High School Construction appropriation to a new amount of $283,859,233 and increasing the amount of bonds, fund transfers, and other available funds of the city authorized to meet said appropriation.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212665 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $148,950 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Communications-Office of Immigrant Affairs Salaries Account to establish several new positions
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212666 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $52,050 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to various Ordinary Maintenance Accounts in the Communications-Office of Immigrant Affairs Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212667 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $22,988 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to Communications-Office of Immigrant Affairs Salaries for salary adjustments
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #212723
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on December 7, 2021
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on December 7, 2021.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212624 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,096,778.31 using available funds in the Buildings Division for outstanding Electricity and Natural Gas charges
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212625 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $23,379.67 from various DPW Divisions as listed below and attached
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a 1 Year Extension for the Dagle Electrical Contract
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212661 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of the Clarendon Hill District Improvement Financing (DIF) Development Program
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212662 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of Clarendon Hill District Improvement Financing (DIF) Development District
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212699 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $63,474.53 using available funds in the DPW Department from various Admin, Fleet, Buildings, Sanitation, and Highway accounts
No: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, StrezoThe minutes list William White as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: NOT APPROVED. [0 TO 10] NAYS: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: White Jr..”
Committee Report #212724
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on November 30, 2021
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on November 30, 2021.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212309 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting approval of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for MPD + Boynton Sub Area
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, StrezoThe minutes list William White as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: White Jr..”
Public Communication #212541 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Comar Real Estate Trust proposing a zoning map amendment to re-zone their properties at 299 Broadway and 15 Temple Street from MR5, MR3 and NR Districts to MR6, MR4 and NR Districts
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Committee Report #212725
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on December 6, 2021
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on December 6, 2021.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212308 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting approval of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for Rooftop Mechanicals
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Public Communication #212337 (report of the Land Use Committee)
18 registered voters requesting the adoption of a Zoning Map amendment to change the zoning district of 51 McGrath Highway (MBL 115-B-1 and 115-B- 4) from HR to MR5 and 35 McGrath Highway (MBL...
18 registered voters requesting the adoption of a Zoning Map amendment to change the zoning district of 51 McGrath Highway (MBL 115-B-1 and 115-B- 4) from HR to MR5 and 35 McGrath Highway (MBL 115-B-5, 115-B-11, and 115-B-12) from MR5 to MR4.
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, Strezo, WhiteBen Ewen-Campen recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [10 TO 0] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne RECUSED: Ewen-Campen.”
Ordinance #212471 (report of the Land Use Committee)
That the Zoning Ordinances be amended by striking all language from section 8.3.1.10.c to prevent parking maximums in Master Planned Development areas being exceeded by Special Permit
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Strezo, WhiteNo: Scott
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [10 TO 1] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne NAYS: Scott.”
Committee Report #212726
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on December 2, 2021
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on December 2, 2021.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #212727
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on December 8, 2021
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on December 8, 2021.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #212026 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Submitted by Verizon to install a Utility Pole 70S near the intersection of Houghton and Prospect Sts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212598 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Auto Plus LLC, 229 Lowell St, 2 inside, 2 outside
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #212728
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on November 29, 2021
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on November 29, 2021.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212729
Requesting approval of the City reprecincting based on the 2020 Federal Census results, after split precinct mitigation
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, White Jr., McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne.”
Mayor's Request #212731
Requesting the reduction of the FY22 Veterans Enterprise Budget by $277,972 to balance the budget
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212734
Requesting the appropriation of $220,016 from the Salary Contingency Account to the Police Department Personal Services Accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement between the City of...
Requesting the appropriation of $220,016 from the Salary Contingency Account to the Police Department Personal Services Accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Somerville and the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212736
Requesting approval to appropriate $7,700 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Information Technology, Internet Maintenance Account for Internet Pipe Denial of Service Mitigation...
Requesting approval to appropriate $7,700 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Information Technology, Internet Maintenance Account for Internet Pipe Denial of Service Mitigation Services.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212737
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $2,923.38 grant with no new match required, from Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for overtime reimbursement for...
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $2,923.38 grant with no new match required, from Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for overtime reimbursement for Structural Collapse training.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212738
Requesting approval of a time-only extension for PMA LLC for OPM services for the Somerville High School construction project through 12/31/2023
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212739
Requesting approval of a time-only extension for Symmes Maini and McKee Associates (SMMA) for designer services during construction for the Somerville High School project through 12/31/2023
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212740
Requesting approval of a time-only extension for Suffolk Construction Company Inc. for construction management services for the Somerville High School project through 12/31/2023
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212745
Public Event License, Dancing in the Dark, Munroe St from Prospect Hill Ave to Greenville St, December 21, 3:30PM-6:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212746
Public Event License, Mid Winter Chili Cookoff, Bond St from Broadway to Heath St, Jan 22, 10AM-4PM (raindate Jan 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212747
Public Event License, Recognizing COVID-19 deaths, Symphony Park, Dec 11, 11AM-3PM (raindate Dec 18)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212748
New Drainlayer's License, Mendez Masonry & Construction Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212749
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, James Kiley Co, 15 Linwood St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212750
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, 28 Motorsports, 486R Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212751
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Union Gulf Service, 231 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212752
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Tech Auto Body, 9 Union Sq
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212753
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, DM Auto Body, 48 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212754
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Broadway Brake, 45 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212755
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Hillside Service Center, 45 Mystic Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212756
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 3, Joseph Talewsky and Son, 512 Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212757
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 1, Smart Center Boston, 257 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212758
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Broadway Auto Sales, 525 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212759
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Teele Sq Auto, 1284 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212760
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212761
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 1, Herb Chambers Mercedes Benz of Boston Commercial Vans, 161 Linwood St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212762
Renewing Automatic Amusement Devices License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Dr
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #212763
In support of workers of Diesel Cafe, Bloc Cafe, and Forge Baking Company (as DBF United) and their goal to unionize
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212765
Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 for Workforce Development Services and $70,000 for Small Business Technical Assistance Services from the Union Square Community Benefits Stabilization fund
Yes: Ballantyne, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Niedergang, Rossetti, Scott, StrezoThe minutes list William White as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Mbah, Rossetti, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Niedergang, Davis, Ballantyne ABSENT: White Jr..”
Mayor's Request #212766
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $28,448.53 using available funds in the DPW Department from various Admin, Fleet, Buildings, Sanitation, and Highway accounts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212767
Requesting approval for the Communications Department to pay prior year invoices for FY2021 including two invoices totaling $440.00 to Catholic Charities: Community Interpreters for language...
Requesting approval for the Communications Department to pay prior year invoices for FY2021 including two invoices totaling $440.00 to Catholic Charities: Community Interpreters for language interpretation services, and one invoice for $82.50 to Interpersonal Frequency for website development & maintenance and technical support, out of the Communications Professional and Technical Services Account.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212768
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $157.10 using available funds in the Constituent Services Printing and Stationary Account to Kyocera for one month of printing services for...
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $157.10 using available funds in the Constituent Services Printing and Stationary Account to Kyocera for one month of printing services for the department.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212769
Requesting approval for SomerViva: Office of Immigrant Affairs to pay a prior year invoice for FY2021 totaling $134.58 to Catholic Charities: Community Interpreters for language interpretation...
Requesting approval for SomerViva: Office of Immigrant Affairs to pay a prior year invoice for FY2021 totaling $134.58 to Catholic Charities: Community Interpreters for language interpretation services using available funds in the SOIA Professional and Technical Services Account.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212771
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Valente Enterprise, 154 Glen St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212772
Renewing Used Car Dealers License Class 2, William Doucette Auto Sales, 325 Alewife Brook Pkwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #212773
Sign and Awning Permit, Pilatesrx LLC, 315 Broadway, for 2 blades signs and 1 flat sign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #212776
That the administration provide a complete accounting of all finances related to Veterans Rink and Founders Rink, a detailed explanation of the contract history and status of both rinks, and an...
By City Councilor Davis That the administration provide a complete accounting of all finances related to Veterans Rink and Founders Rink, a detailed explanation of the contract history and status of both rinks, and an explanation of why Council approval was not sought for the apparent new contract for management of Founders rink.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
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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