MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
51 recorded votes, 17 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Somerville ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →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
Approve the minutes of the May 12, 2022 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 12, 2022 and Special Meeting, May 19, 2022.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Recognizing Judy Walter for her nine years of dedicated service as a Library Trustee
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Director of Health and Human Services share with this Council, a report summarizing the themes shared at the recent COVID-19 listening sessions with residents
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Director of Engineering update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the planned repaving of Pennsylvania Avenue
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on June 1, 2022
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on June 1, 2022.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Janine Lotti to the Fair Housing Commission, as the Somerville Housing Authority representative
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Kevin Shackelford to the position of Police Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Eri Furusawa to the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ronit Prawer to the Council on Aging
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Maclise Jean to the Council on Aging
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Marian Bremer to the Council on Aging
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Daisy Monsalve to the Council on Aging
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Giusippina Mingace to the Council on Aging
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Edna Murray to the Council on Aging
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on June 7, 2022
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on June 7, 2022.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Proposing an Ordinance securing the rights of individuals seeking gender- affirming care
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Amending Section 2-310 of the Code of Ordinances to eliminate the general residency requirement for city employees
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Requesting approval to add a fourth precinct to each of the seven wards and revise polling places accordingly
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $10,000,000 to implement the Clarendon Hill Development Program within the Clarendon Hill DIF Development District
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, WilsonThe minutes list Kristen Strezo as absent for this vote; left out of it.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis ABSENT: Strezo.”
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,000,000 for financing a portion of the Clarendon Hill Redevelopment Project, including construction of affordable housing, as recommended...
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,000,000 for financing a portion of the Clarendon Hill Redevelopment Project, including construction of affordable housing, as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, WilsonThe minutes list Kristen Strezo as absent for this vote; left out of it.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis ABSENT: Strezo.”
Requesting approval to appropriate and transfer $1,545,805 in unallocated COVID-19 monies from the COVID-19 Stabilization Fund to the Somerville High School Construction Fund for construction...
Requesting approval to appropriate and transfer $1,545,805 in unallocated COVID-19 monies from the COVID-19 Stabilization Fund to the Somerville High School Construction Fund for construction costs, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed for the project by a like amount.
Yes: Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, Strezo, WilsonNo: Burnley, Davis
“RESULT: APPROVED. [9 TO 2] AYES: Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan NAYS: Burnley, Jr., Davis.”
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $250,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Department of Housing and Community Development (ARPA) to the Office of Strategic Planning...
Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a $250,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Department of Housing and Community Development (ARPA) to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development for the Clarendon Hill redevelopment project.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Renewing Drainlayer's License, BSI Engineering Inc
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Ferrante Construction
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Renewing Drainlayer's License Meninno Construction Corp
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Sam's Falafel and Shawarma, 215 Highland Ave
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 485 Foley Street
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Renewing Lodging House License, Alpha Tau Omega, 134 Professors Row
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Public Event License, Family Fun Day, Trum Field and Franey Rd, June 25, 10AM-9PM (raindate June 26)
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Public Event License, St Benedict's Parish: A Mile with Jesus, Sylvester Baxter Park and surrounding area, July 10, 10:30AM-12:30PM
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Public Event License, FRIT Friday Night Music Series, Baxter Park, July 15 & 19, Aug 12 & 26, Sept 9 & 23, 5PM-8:30PM (raindates Sept 30, Oct 7, Oct 14)
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Public Event License, NICE Vendor Market, Statue Park, July 29 & 30, 10AM-12AM (raindate July 31)
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Public Event License, Dimick St BP, from Buckingham St to Marion St, Aug 20, 10AM-11PM (raindate Aug 21)
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Director of Engineering update the Ward 1 Councilor on the planned repaving of Mt. Pleasant and Perkins Streets
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Director of Mobility update this Council on the effectiveness and possible expansion of motion detector streetlights to manage traffic flows
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Commissioner of Public Works, the Director of Inspectional Services, and the Environmental Health Coordinator address rodent issues and overgrowth in the public access alleyway between...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Kelly That the Commissioner of Public Works, the Director of Inspectional Services, and the Environmental Health Coordinator address rodent issues and overgrowth in the public access alleyway between Mt. Vernon and Mt. Pleasant Streets and devise a long-term solution to the problem.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Director of Engineering address water drainage issues on the even side of Pinckney Street, near 48 Pinckney Street
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Director of Parking explore using regional residential parking permits to reduce parking congestion on streets close to public transit
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Administration consider investing a minimum of $220,000 in the Office of Housing Stability Tenant Organizing grant in FY 2023, to provide funding to increase to a minimum of three...
By City Councilor McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Gomez Mouakad, Kelly, Wilson, Scott, Clingan, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, Davis, Burnley, Jr. That the Administration consider investing a minimum of $220,000 in the Office of Housing Stability Tenant Organizing grant in FY 2023, to provide funding to increase to a minimum of three bilingual tenant organizers.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Director of Health and Human Services and the City Solicitor report to this Council on steps that may be taken to address the reports of spiked drinks in the region, including whether the...
By City Councilor Strezo, Pineda Neufeld That the Director of Health and Human Services and the City Solicitor report to this Council on steps that may be taken to address the reports of spiked drinks in the region, including whether the city can require restaurants and bars to post warning signage, encourage vigilance, and detail the criminal consequences for tampering with another patron’s beverage.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Director of Parking submit a monthly statement of fees collected for handicap parking violations, to the Chair of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
That the Chair of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities provide this Council with an update on the status of the Commission’s fund
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Acting City Solicitor submitting amendments to the Code of Ordinances, Sections 11-125 and 11-164 regarding Water and Sewer Rate Setting
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, WilsonThe minutes list Kristen Strezo as absent for this vote; left out of it.
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis ABSENT: Strezo.”
Public Event License, Arts Council Nepal Festival, Union Sq Plaza and city lot, June 25, 2:30PM-10PM (raindate June 26)
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Public Event License, Arts Council Fourth of July Celebration, Trum Field and Broadway from Cedar St to Medford St, June 30, 1PM-11PM (raindate July 1)
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, LTK, Med #66
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
Requesting an amendment to the Somerville High School Construction appropriation to a new amount of $284,659,233 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 $284,659,233 and increasing the amount of bonds, fund transfers, and other available funds of the city authorized to meet said appropriation.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, Strezo, WilsonNo: Davis
“RESULT: APPROVED. [10 TO 1] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan NAYS: Davis.”
Requesting the appropriation and transfer of $10,827,440.61 from various available proceeds to the Somerville High School Construction Project thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed...
Requesting the appropriation and transfer of $10,827,440.61 from various available proceeds to the Somerville High School Construction Project thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed for the project by a like amount.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Strezo, WilsonNo: Davis, Scott
“RESULT: APPROVED. [9 TO 2] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Clingan NAYS: Scott, Davis.”
Requesting approval to appropriate and transfer $8,964,735 from the Facility Construction Stabilization Fund to the Somerville High School Construction fund to pay costs of the construction of...
Requesting approval to appropriate and transfer $8,964,735 from the Facility Construction Stabilization Fund to the Somerville High School Construction fund to pay costs of the construction of Somerville High School, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed for the project by a like amount.
Yes: Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Strezo, WilsonNo: Burnley, Davis, Scott
“RESULT: APPROVED. [8 TO 3] AYES: Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Clingan NAYS: Burnley, Jr., Scott, Davis.”
Requesting the appropriation of $7,080,519 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Somerville High School Construction Fund in order to pay costs of the construction of Somerville...
Requesting the appropriation of $7,080,519 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Somerville High School Construction Fund in order to pay costs of the construction of Somerville High School, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed for the project by a like amount.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Strezo, WilsonNo: Davis, Kelly, Scott
“RESULT: APPROVED. [8 TO 3] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen, Clingan NAYS: Kelly, Scott, Davis.”
Authorizing the Somerville Commission for Persons With Disabilities to disburse at their discretion, and according to the procedures they deem fit, any funds allocated to the account established...
By City Councilor Scott Authorizing the Somerville Commission for Persons With Disabilities to disburse at their discretion, and according to the procedures they deem fit, any funds allocated to the account established for the purpose of satisfying MGL Chapter 40 Section 22G, without further approval of the City Council.
“RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Burnley, Jr., Kelly, Wilson, Gomez Mouakad, Pineda Neufeld, Strezo, McLaughlin, Scott, Ewen-Campen, Clingan, Davis.”
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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