MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
January 12, 2023
56 recorded votes, 56 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. These minutes have no attendance list; attendance is from the council’s official “Call of the Roll” record on the city’s Legistar site. Kristen Strezo arrived late (7:04PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Charlotte Kelly, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: Beatriz Gomez Mouakad
Every vote, in order
Minutes #23-0091
Approve the minutes of the November 22, 2022 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, November 22, 2022.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0055
That the Director of Engineering and the Superintendent of Water and Sewer appear before this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works to discuss the notification protocols for...
That the Director of Engineering and the Superintendent of Water and Sewer appear before this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works to discuss the notification protocols for street work and water shutoffs.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #23-0056
That the Administration update this Council on the cable franchise contract negotiations with Comcast and explain what the process entails
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #23-0057
That the Administration update this Council on the contract renewal process with TZE and discuss how the process works
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0052
That this City Council's Committee on Land Use work with the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning to draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to remove the prohibition on more than...
That this City Council's Committee on Land Use work with the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning to draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to remove the prohibition on more than four unrelated adults living together.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0054
That the Director of Mobility formally petition the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to lower the speed limits on all state roads in Somerville to 25 miles per hour
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0053
That this City Council calls on the Administration to reverse its decision to remove the Somerville Media Center and the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers from the city-owned building...
That this City Council calls on the Administration to reverse its decision to remove the Somerville Media Center and the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers from the city-owned building at 90-92 Union Square, and to work with these community partners to find them suitable homes in Somerville before any further action is taken.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0064
That this City Council's Committee on Housing and Community Development discuss the attached letter from the Somerville Fair Housing Commission regarding the current Massachusetts Commission...
That this City Council's Committee on Housing and Community Development discuss the attached letter from the Somerville Fair Housing Commission regarding the current Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination backlog.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0061
That the Commissioner of Public Works report on the maintenance schedule of street and traffic lights, including the number damaged or burned out
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0062
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the Environmental Health Coordinator discuss the feasibility of including neighborhood-specific rat...
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the Environmental Health Coordinator discuss the feasibility of including neighborhood-specific rat control funding in Community Benefits Agreements.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0063
That the Environmental Health Coordinator and the Director of Inspectional Services discuss resident reports of cars damaged by rats over the past five years
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0067
That the Director of Housing discuss the feasibility of small home pocket neighborhoods to help address the affordable housing crisis
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0066
That the Director of Parking create a special parking designation for the area surrounding Holland Street, to accommodate seniors visiting the Council on Aging between the hours of 8 AM to 3 PM...
That the Director of Parking create a special parking designation for the area surrounding Holland Street, to accommodate seniors visiting the Council on Aging between the hours of 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0082
That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, the Director of Inspectional Services, and the Director of Planning, Preservation & Zoning explain to this Council how the City provides...
That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, the Director of Inspectional Services, and the Director of Planning, Preservation & Zoning explain to this Council how the City provides oversight for compliance with Fair Housing Act Design Guidelines, the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board CMR 521 and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, from plan review through building and occupancy permits.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0083
That the Director of Mobility consider improvements to deficient conditions impacting the safety and pedestrian accessibility of Cedar Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0081
That the Board of Health deliver its annual report to this City Council in January, in compliance with Section 6-20 of the Code of Ordinances, with emphasis on the work to mitigate the spread of...
That the Board of Health deliver its annual report to this City Council in January, in compliance with Section 6-20 of the Code of Ordinances, with emphasis on the work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0080
That the Director of Procurement and Contracting Services update this Council on the status of the citywide disparity study
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #23-0077
In Support of Survivors
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #23-0078
Supporting Closed Captioning Accessibility
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #23-0079
Supporting the Eradication of Medical Debt
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0068
That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering update this Council on the possibility of increasing installation of traffic calming measures beyond the number of projects currently...
That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering update this Council on the possibility of increasing installation of traffic calming measures beyond the number of projects currently planned for 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0069
That the Environmental Health Coordinator update this Council on any past pilots and any future plans for use of rodent hormonal birth control
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0070
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment update this Council on plans for a pilot of on-street direct current fast charging stations for electric vehicles
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0071
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment and the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on plans for household hazardous waste collection
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0072
That the Director of Human Resources update this Council on the number of current job vacancies and the number of positions filled in 2022
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #23-0073
That the Administration and School Department prioritize fully meeting Somerville Public Schools families’ demand for after school and vacation programming in the 2023-24 school year, including...
That the Administration and School Department prioritize fully meeting Somerville Public Schools families’ demand for after school and vacation programming in the 2023-24 school year, including expanding the offerings of after-school enrichment clubs.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Committee Report #23-0047
Accept the report of the Charter Review Special Committee, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on January 11, 2023
Report of the Charter Review Special Committee, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on January 11, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0098 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee on expanding voting rights to non-citizen residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0099 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee on expanding voting rights to 16- and 17-year old residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0100 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee on reducing signature requirements for several elected officials
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0102 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
That language be added to the Charter that the City Council President or designee and School Committee Chair or designee be included in the composition of all study committees
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #23-0038
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Stephanie Widzowski to the position of Clerk of Committees
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #23-0039
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Peter Forcellese, Sr. to the position of Legislative Clerk
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0018
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.
License #23-0019
Renewing Dog Kennel License, Riverdog Daycare, 321 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0034
Renewing Drainlayer's License, F.E. French Construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0020
Renewing Garage License, Master Used Cars, 121 Prospect St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0021
Renewing Open Air Vendor License, Next Wave-Full Circle School, 8 Bonair St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0022
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Aris Auto, 3 Craigie St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0023
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Automotive Transport Service, 40 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0024
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0025
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Intercar, 39 Webster Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0033
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Joy St Motors, 24 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0026
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Master Used Cars, 121 Prospect St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0027
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Motorcycles & More, 109 Bailey Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0028
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 3, Nissenbaum Auto Parts, 480 Columbia St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0029
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 3, Nissenbaum Auto Parts, 0 Windsor St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0030
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Somerville Motors, 182 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0031
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Web Motor Sales, 5 Middlesex Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0045
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Raymy Inc, Med #59
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Communication #23-0015
The Metro Building Trades Council nominating Rodrigo Badaro to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Communication #23-0014
The Welcome Project nominating Emilio Cruz to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0092
That the Directors of Mobility and Traffic and Parking discuss with this Council the use of meters at electric vehicle charging stations and ability for the City's vendor to impose a monetary...
That the Directors of Mobility and Traffic and Parking discuss with this Council the use of meters at electric vehicle charging stations and ability for the City's vendor to impose a monetary charge after a certain amount of time that the vehicle is parked there.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0093
That the Director of Mobility share and discuss with this Council, the plan to use the $100,000 in funding secured from the state for a traffic study of the intersection of Route 16 and Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0094
That the Director of Health and Human Services share with this Council any plans to encourage or require indoor masking in light of the recent COVID-19 surge
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #23-0097
That the Mobility Department consider adding speed humps or other traffic calming measures to Packard Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
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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