MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
May 12, 2022
97 recorded votes, 95 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 #213723
Approve the minutes of the April 14, 2022 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, April 14, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #213724
Submitted by Eversource to install 80 feet of conduit in the intersection of Summer St and Prescott Street, from Utility Pole 325/8 to a point of pickup at 3 Prescott St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #213725
Submitted by Extenet to install a total of 22 feet of conduit in Broadway: Starting from existing Eversource Manhole 11126 to a proposed handhole, then continuing to a small wireless facility node...
Submitted by Extenet to install a total of 22 feet of conduit in Broadway: Starting from existing Eversource Manhole 11126 to a proposed handhole, then continuing to a small wireless facility node located at the intersection of Broadway and Minnesota Avenue.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213726
Small Wireless Facility License, Extenet installing small wireless facilities on a new pole at 161 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213727
PinedaNeufeld, Wilson, BurnleyJr., Kelly, Strezo That the Director of Sustainability and Environment update this Council on any plans for a municipal composting program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213728
That item #213498 be discharged from the Land Use Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213729
PinedaNeufeld, Wilson, Strezo, Kelly, GomezMouakad That the Administration employ civilian flaggers, rather than exclusively sworn officers, to work traffic details, and employ a civilian street...
By City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Davis, Scott, PinedaNeufeld, Wilson, Strezo, Kelly, GomezMouakad That the Administration employ civilian flaggers, rather than exclusively sworn officers, to work traffic details, and employ a civilian street closure coordinator.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #213730
BurnleyJr., PinedaNeufeld, Scott In support of the Fair Share Amendment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213731
GomezMouakad, BurnleyJr., Wilson, Kelly, PinedaNeufeld That the Director of Housing Stability update this Council on the status of the Municipal Voucher Program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213732
GomezMouakad That the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Director update this Council on the status of ARPA funds committed to rent subsidies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213733
GomezMouakad That the Director of Housing Stability provide this Council with data on the number of inclusionary units accepting Section 8 vouchers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213734
GomezMouakad, BurnleyJr., Scott, Strezo, PinedaNeufeld That the Director of Human Resources provide this Council with a report on racial and gender equity in pay for city staff
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213735
PinedaNeufeld, GomezMouakad That the Chief of Police provide this Council with a list of confirmed shootings between April 2018 and April 2022
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213736
That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the uneven road pavement on Sycamore Street, between Medford Street and Evergreen Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213737
That the Director of Parks and Recreation repaint the ground at Grimmons Park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213738
That the Director of Parks and Recreation ensure all school playgrounds contain multilingual signage indicating the days and hours these areas are open to the public, as well as reminders to keep...
By City Councilor Wilson That the Director of Parks and Recreation ensure all school playgrounds contain multilingual signage indicating the days and hours these areas are open to the public, as well as reminders to keep gates closed.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213739
BurnleyJr., Kelly That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the performance of the city’s recycling contractor
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #213740
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on May 4, 2022
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on May 4, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213496 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Susan O'Brien to the Conservation Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213633 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Antonio Cicolini to the position of Fire Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213634 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kathleen Byrne to the Condominium Review Board
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #213741
Accept the report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on May 9, 2022
Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on May 9, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213742 (report of the Equity, Gender, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee)
GomezMouakad That the Director of SomerViva provide the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations with an update on translation services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #213743
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 10, 2022
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 10, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213495 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $32,214.61 using available funds in the Department of Public Works from various Admin, Buildings, and Sanitation accounts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213583 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $94,622.16 grant for FY 2023, with no new match required, from MA Department of Public Health to the Health and Human Services Department for...
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $94,622.16 grant for FY 2023, with no new match required, from MA Department of Public Health to the Health and Human Services Department for Tobacco Control Prevention.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213627 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance Account ("Free Cash") to the Fire Department Overtime Account to cover a shortfall
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213628 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $162,896.02 from the Street Tree Stabilization Fund for the Spring/Fall 2022 seasons
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Officer's Communication #213636 (report of the Finance Committee)
City Solicitor requesting approval to retain Greenberg Traurig as outside legal counsel to represent the City in the matter of AMLEG, LLC v. City of Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #213744
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 5, 2022
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 5, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #213745
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 3, 2022
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 3, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Ordinance #213461 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
BurnleyJr., Wilson, Kelly Submitting an ordinance prohibiting traffic quotas and acceptance of grants mandating quotas
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen- Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Committee Report #213746
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on May 5, 2022
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on May 5, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213747 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
BurnleyJr., Clingan, Wilson That the Dog Kennel license issued to Elliot's House LLC, 230 Somerville Avenue, be revoked immediately
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213748
Requesting approval of a Grant of Easement from North River Company for Poplar Street
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Judy Pineda Neufeld as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis ABSENT: PinedaNeufeld.”
Mayor's Request #213749
Requesting approval of the First Amendment to the Grant of Easements with the MBTA
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Judy Pineda Neufeld as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis ABSENT: PinedaNeufeld.”
Mayor's Request #213750
Requesting approval to execute the First Amendment to the lease agreement with Dana Family Series, LLC for the Grove Street parking lot, through 6/30/23
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Judy Pineda Neufeld as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis ABSENT: PinedaNeufeld.”
Mayor's Request #213751
Requesting approval of a time only extension of the design and construction administration services contract with Warner Larson for the Healey Fields project to 12/31/23
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #213754
Requesting approval to use $6,939 of available funds in the Grants Development Salaries account to create a new position of Deputy Director
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213757
Renewing Drainlayer's License, A.A. Will Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213758
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Barletta Heavy Division
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213759
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Borges Sewer and Drain
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213760
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Brennan Construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213761
Renewing Drainlayer's License, EB Rotondi and Sons
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213762
Renewing Drainlayer's license, Garrett Construction Co. Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213763
Renewing Drainlayer's License, JNJ Sacca
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213764
Renewing Drainlayer's License, KB Aruda Construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213765
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Kealey Excavation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213766
Renewing Drainlayer's License, LaMountain Brothers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213767
Renewing Drainlayer's License, NCCL Enterprises
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213768
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tri Construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213769
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tim Zanelli Excavating
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213770
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, McDonalds, 14 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213771
Renewing Flammables License, 101 South Street Owner LLC, 101 South St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213772
Renewing Flammables License, Aris Auto, 3 Craigie St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213773
Renewing Flammables License, Cumberland Farms, 701 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213774
Renewing Flammables License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, 182 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213775
Renewing Garage License, Aris Auto, 3 Craigie St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213776
Renewing Garage License, BBC Auto Repair, 42 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213777
Renewing Garage License, Brazil Auto Repair Inc, 621 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213778
Renewing Garage License, DM Auto Services, 45 Webster Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213779
Renewing Garage License, DW Propco JK LLC, 0 Dawes Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213780
Renewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 355 Artisan Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213781
Renewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 445 Artisan Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213782
Renewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 479 Canal St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213783
Renewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 333 Great River Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213784
Renewing Garage License, Gene Automotive Repair, 56 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213785
Renewing Garage License, Junior Auto Body, 486R Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213786
Renewing Garage License, Webster Auto Body, 69 Webster Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213787
Renewing Garage License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, 182 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213788
Renewing Garage License, 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 #213789
Public Event License, Porchfest on Dickson, from Broadway to 7 Dickson St, May 14, 11:30AM-2PM (raindate May 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213790
Public Event License, Porchfest on Everett, from Webster Ave to Prospect St, May 14, 3:30PM-6:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213791
Public Event License, Porchfest on Sacramento, from Beacon St to Carver St, May 14, 1:30PM-4:30PM (raindate May 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213792
Public Event License, Porchfest on Summit Ave, intersection of Summit Ave and Vinal Ave, May 14, 3:45PM-6:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213793
Public Event License, Calvin St BP, from Washington St to Dimick St, May 21, 12PM-5PM (raindate May 22)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213794
Public Event License, Packard Ave Graduation Event, Electric Ave from Packard Ave to Lovell St, May 21, 4PM-7:30PM
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213795
Public Event License, Dancing in the Dark, Munroe St from Prospect Hill Pkwy to Bigelow and Prospect Hill Park, June 3, 4PM-9:30PM (raindate June 4)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213796
Public Event License, Walker St/ Leonard St BP, Walker St from Leonard St to Broadway, June 4, 10AM-6PM (raindate June 5)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213797
Public Event License, Leonard St/ Walker St BP, Leonard St from Broadway to Powder House Blvd, June 4, 10AM-6PM (raindate June 5)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213798
Public Event License, 18th (Almost) Annual Wallace St BP, from Broadway to Holland St, June 4, 3:30PM-9:30PM (raindate June 5)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213799
Public Event License, Warwick St BP, from Cedar St to end of street, June 11, 2PM-8PM (raindate June 12 & 18)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213800
Public Event License, Pearl St BP, from Florence St to Pinckney St, June 25, 9AM-7PM (raindate June 26)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213801
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Yolande Trans, Med #15
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213802
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Jolina Taxi, Med #52
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213803
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties Alpha Omicron Pi, 25 Whitfield Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213804
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties Alpha Phi, 14 Sawyer Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213805
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties Theta Chi, 100 Packard Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213806
Renewing Lodging House License, Walnut Hill Properties Zeta Beta Tau, 126 Packard Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #213810
Commending Marianne Meacham on the auspicious occasion of her retirement after 28 years serving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213811
BurnleyJr. That the ADA Coordinator discuss with this Council how the Administration is accommodating the needs of visually impaired residents through the use of braille in commissions and elsewhere
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213812
BurnleyJr., Kelly That the ADA Coordinator discuss with this Council how the Administration is providing access and services for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213813
BurnleyJr., PinedaNeufeld, Kelly, Wilson That the Deputy Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on any plans to reinstitute an indoor mask mandate and what standards should be...
By City Councilor BurnleyJr., PinedaNeufeld, Kelly, Wilson That the Deputy Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on any plans to reinstitute an indoor mask mandate and what standards should be used to determine when implementation is needed.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #213814
BurnleyJr. That the Director of Mobility provide an updated report on the impact of bus lanes on traffic congestion, particularly on Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213820
New Drainlayer's License, Charles Contracting Co Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License/Permit #213821
Renewing Drainlayer's License, McGue Excavating
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #213498
Historic Preservation Commission requesting approval of an ordinance to create the First Universalist Church Historic District encompassing the property at 125 Highland Avenue
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Scott, WilsonNo: Neufeld, Strezo
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [9 TO 2] AYES: BurnleyJr., Kelly, Wilson, GomezMouakad, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis NAYS: PinedaNeufeld, Strezo.”
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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