MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
March 24, 2022
85 recorded votes, 80 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: Willie Burnley, Charlotte Kelly, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Beatriz Gomez Mouakad, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Minutes #213336
Approve the minutes of the February 24, 2022 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 24, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #213337
Commending Ann Cassesso, on the auspicious occasion of her retirement after 52 years of dedicated service to the City in the Somerville Public Libraries
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #213338
Submitted by Eversource to install 30 feet of conduit in Fountain Avenue, from Utility Pole 130/4 to a point of pickup at 22-24 Fountain Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #213339
Submitted by Eversource to install 19 feet of conduit in Day Street, from Manhole 12884 to a point of pickup at the rear of 278 Elm Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #213340
Submitted by Eversource to install 23 feet of conduit in the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Washington Street, from Manhole 8860 to a point of pickup at 71 Union Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213341
GomezMouakad That the Director of Inspectional Services report to this Council on the average time it takes for residents to have solar panels installed, identify the bottlenecks in this process...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Wilson, Kelly, GomezMouakad That the Director of Inspectional Services report to this Council on the average time it takes for residents to have solar panels installed, identify the bottlenecks in this process, and discuss how this process can be streamlined and accelerated.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213342
That the appropriate departments work with this Council to draft an Ordinance regarding the commercial use of hazardous industrial materials in retrofitted older buildings
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213343
That the Director of Planning & Zoning update this Council on a proposed zoning amendment to "separate and define arts and creative workspace as an Arts and Creative Enterprise (ACE) use...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Wilson, Kelly, Scott That the Director of Planning & Zoning update this Council on a proposed zoning amendment to "separate and define arts and creative workspace as an Arts and Creative Enterprise (ACE) use subcategory" as recommended in the Somerville Arts Space Risk Assessment.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213344
GomezMouakad That the Commissioner of Public Works, the Director of Procurement and Contracting Services and the Director of Mobility provide this Council with the 90-day Implementation Report...
By City Councilor GomezMouakad That the Commissioner of Public Works, the Director of Procurement and Contracting Services and the Director of Mobility provide this Council with the 90-day Implementation Report relative to the Ordinance to Safeguard Vulnerable Road Users.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213345
GomezMouakad That the Director of Planning & Zoning and the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment report on strategies to integrate and implement photovoltaics, weatherization...
By City Councilor GomezMouakad That the Director of Planning & Zoning and the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment report on strategies to integrate and implement photovoltaics, weatherization, and electrification in Historic Properties.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213346
GomezMouakad, Kelly, Wilson, Clingan That the Administration report on how it is staffing and executing sections 9- 37 through 9-41 of the Wage Theft Ordinance, relative to enforcement
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213347
PinedaNeufeld That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for the construction of the West Somerville Neighborhood School yard
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213348
PinedaNeufeld That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for a newcomer center
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213349
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding to address sidewalk and crosswalk safety hazards in Davis Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213350
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for a public process for a re- engineering of Elm Street, in Davis Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213351
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for a public process to create a four- season public market hall at the Day and Herbert Streets parking lot
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213352
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for a public process regarding the development of 45 College Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213353
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for new social workers and other mental health professionals to respond to mental health and substance use emergencies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213354
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding to support community organizations providing housing, mental health, and substance abuse services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213355
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding to create at least two engagement centers to provide basic facilities and services for unhoused people
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213356
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding to acquire and create new affordable housing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213357
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for a fare-free bus pilot
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213358
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for Parks and Recreation programs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213359
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for quick build and permanent improvements consistent with the Vision Zero Action Plan
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213360
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for snow clearing along pedestrian routes to and from schools and squares
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213361
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for additional inspector positions within the Inspectional Services Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213362
That the FY 2023 budget allocate additional funding to increase City Council committee support staffing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213364
That the FY 2023 budget establish a multi-lingual Employment Connection Center
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213365
That the FY 2023 budget establish a fund to secure hotel rooms for unsheltered people in adverse and seasonally severe weather
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213366
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funds for transitional living community resources and expanded shelter access for unhoused people
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213367
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funds to build a public dashboard for staffing demographics
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213368
That the FY 2023 budget establish a mobile COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinic
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213369
That the Chief of Police enforce MGL c.90 sec. 6, prohibiting license plate covers on motor vehicles
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213370
PinedaNeufeld, Scott That the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the Somerville Arts Council update this Council on the Arts Space Needs Assessment and the Metropolitan...
By City Councilor Wilson, Kelly, PinedaNeufeld, Scott That the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the Somerville Arts Council update this Council on the Arts Space Needs Assessment and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) report.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213371
That the Director of Mobility update this Council on plans to install a contraflow bike lane on White Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213372
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for a new site selection study for a Public Safety Building
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213373
That the FY 2023 budget increase funding for permanent traffic calming measures
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213374
That the FY 2023 budget increase funding for traffic calming signage
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213375
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for a study of the condition of all Fire Department facilities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Communication #212916
Broadway Somerville Apartments, LLC requesting the adoption of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Map to change the zoning district of 383 Broadway from UR to MR5
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Public Communication #213008
Michael E. Olson requesting the adoption of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Map to change the zoning district of 125 Lowell Street from NR to UR
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Grant of Location #213242
Submitted by Eversource to install a total of 324 feet of conduit in Hawkins Street at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Hawkins Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #213377
Accept the report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on March 15, 2022
Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on March 15, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #213378
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance Matters, meeting on March 22, 2022
Report of the Committee on Finance Matters, meeting on March 22, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213319 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $6,810 grant with no new match required, from the National Environmental Health Association-U.S. Food and Drug Administration Retail Flexible...
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $6,810 grant with no new match required, from the National Environmental Health Association-U.S. Food and Drug Administration Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program to the Inspectional Services Department for inspection team training.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213320 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $5,000 grant with no new match required, from the National Environmental Health Association-U.S. Food and Drug Administration Retail Flexible...
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $5,000 grant with no new match required, from the National Environmental Health Association-U.S. Food and Drug Administration Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program to the Inspectional Services Department for an FDA self assessment.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #213379
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on March 15, 2022
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on March 15, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #212995 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the continued employment of Acting Somerville Police Chief Charles Femino
Yes: Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, Strezo, WilsonNo: Burnley
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [10 TO 1] AYES: Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis NAYS: BurnleyJr..”
Mayor's Request #212996 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting approval of an amendment to Ordinance 1-11 to establish the enforcing personnel for violations of the tree ordinance
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Committee Report #213380
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on March 14, 2022
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on March 14, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213381
Requesting approval of proposed amendments to modernize the Biotechnology Ordinance
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Mayor's Request #213384
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $5,060 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Retained Earnings Account for Lincoln Park Irrigation Repair costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213385
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $2,250 using available funds in the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Ordinary Maintenance account for Lincoln Park...
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $2,250 using available funds in the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Ordinary Maintenance account for Lincoln Park acoustical consulting.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213386
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $625 using available funds in the Human Resources Department Professional & Technical Services Account for professional services received...
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $625 using available funds in the Human Resources Department Professional & Technical Services Account for professional services received in June 2020.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #213398
Assistant City Solicitor submitting an Ordinance Concerning Deceptive Advertising Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers and amending Section 1-11(b) of the Code of Ordinances
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
License/Permit #213404
Public Event License, Dancing in the Dark, Munroe Street from Prospect Hill Ave to Greenville St and Prospect Hill Park, Apr 1, 4PM-8:30PM (raindate Apr 2)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213405
New Drainlayer's License, EM Lofgren Corporation, Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213406
Transferring Taxi Medallion License, Medallion #57 from Cinema Taxi Inc to Michael Garvey
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213408
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for hiring additional staff in the Planning Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213409
BurnleyJr., Wilson That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for a consultant for the Commission for Women in anticipation of hiring an Executive Director
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213410
BurnleyJr. That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for job fairs for vulnerable and marginalized community members, to fill vacant municipal positions
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213411
BurnleyJr. That the FY 2023 budget allocate additional funding for crossing guards in the Parking Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213412
BurnleyJr. That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for an interdepartmental role to report on contracted work that could be performed by municipal employees
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213413
BurnleyJr. That the FY 2023 budget allocate additional funding for the installation of audible crosswalks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213414
BurnleyJr. That the FY 2023 budget allocate additional funding for the repair of potholes and damaged sidewalks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213415
PinedaNeufeld That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for the Human Resources Department to transition to digital systems
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213416
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for the street paving program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213417
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for upgrading and streamlining internal purchasing, contracting and vendor payment systems
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213418
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for hiring additional inspectors in the Inspectional Services Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213419
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for hiring additional planners in the Mobility Division
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213420
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding to create a Section 8 incentive program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213421
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for quick build traffic calming measures
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213422
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for the redesign of the city’s website
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213423
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for the creation of a Mental Health Unit within the Health and Human Services Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213424
That the FY 2023 budget allocate funding for a young adult apprenticeship program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213425
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for a community center
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213426
That the FY 2023 budget allocate increased funding for a citywide youth program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213427
GomezMouakad That the Department of Public Works and the Department of Human Resources provide a report on current open positions and a comparison of wages to neighboring communities and the...
By City Councilor GomezMouakad That the Department of Public Works and the Department of Human Resources provide a report on current open positions and a comparison of wages to neighboring communities and the private sector.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213428
That the Administration establish a working group with this Council and various stakeholders to create recommendations for the developer provided community center(s) in Union Square and Boynton Yards
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213432
Pursuant to Section 2-121 of the Code of Ordinances, this Council authorizes and requires the employment of other counsel for an opinion on the ability of this Council to exercise the provisions...
By City Councilor Scott Pursuant to Section 2-121 of the Code of Ordinances, this Council authorizes and requires the employment of other counsel for an opinion on the ability of this Council to exercise the provisions of Ordinance 2-121, relative to utilizing outside counsel.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213433
That the FY 2023 budget include meaningful investment toward the establishment of a community center
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213434
That the FY 2023 budget include creation of a new position focused on policy advocacy for seniors
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213435
That the FY 2023 budget include funds for the Arts Council for an RFP to create community organizing capacity for artists
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213436
That the FY 2023 budget include a new staff position dedicated to identifying and purchasing land for publicly-owned Open Space creation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213437
That the Director of Human Resources appear before this Council to discuss opting into Massachusetts's Paid Family Medical Leave Act
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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