MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
March 9, 2023
60 recorded votes, 58 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.
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 #23-0363
Approve the minutes of the February 9, 2023 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 9, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0318
That this Council draft a Home Rule Petition to authorize Somerville to regulate against rent gouging by establishing Rent Stabilization
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 #23-0319
Re-affirming support for An Act Enabling Local Options for Tenant Protections, also known as the Tenant Protection Act (HD.3922 & SD.2368)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0320
That the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Medford Street, between Sycamore and School Streets
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 #23-0321
That the Director of Mobility place in-street spring-loaded pedestrian crosswalk signs on Medford Street at Sycamore, Thurston, and Dartmouth Streets
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 #23-0322
That the Director of Housing discuss the practice of monthly fees being charged to tenants in affordable housing units
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 #23-0327
That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires wrapped around the pole near 57 Atherton Street and report to the City Council who owns the pole
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 #23-0328
That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove, or raise to a safe height, the cables attached to a pole at the intersection of Harvard and Monmouth Streets, and report to the City...
That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove, or raise to a safe height, the cables attached to a pole at the intersection of Harvard and Monmouth Streets, and report to the City Council who owns the pole.
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 #23-0330
That the Executive Director of the Arts Council inform this City Council of plans to include writers in arts community initiatives
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 #23-0309
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 8, 2023
Report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on March 8, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0324 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to establish a Participatory Budgeting Study Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0372 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to add a periodic review of compensation of all city employees to ensure compensation is distributed equitably and to the...
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to add a periodic review of compensation of all city employees to ensure compensation is distributed equitably and to the greatest extent possible compensation is sufficient to live in the city, and to establish an Equitable Compensation Committee.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0304
Accept the report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on February 28, 2023
Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on February 28, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0308
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 7, 2023
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 7, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0162 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to use available funds in the Health and Human Services Salaries Account in the amount of $21,982 to fund an additional Case Manager position
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0165 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a multi-year lease agreement with Hanhal Realty for a West Somerville Police Substation
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 AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #23-0178 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund to the Elizabeth Peabody House for historic building window restoration
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0181 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $15,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund to Mudflat Pottery School, Inc. for a Facade Restoration Study
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0213 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education to the Health and Human Services SomerPromise...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education to the Health and Human Services SomerPromise Division for LGBTQIA Out-of-School Time Youth Programming.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0231 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Colliers Project Leaders USA NE LLC for Owner's Project Manager Services on the Public Safety Facility project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0232 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Consigli Construction Co. Incorporated for Construction Manager At-Risk Services on the Public Safety Facility project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0233 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Context Architecture Incorporated for Architectural & Engineering Services on the Public Safety Facility project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0251 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Fenway Community Health Center to the Police Department for staffing costs related to the post...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Fenway Community Health Center to the Police Department for staffing costs related to the post overdose support team program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0258 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $805,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to purchase and install prefabricated standalone public toilets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #23-0269 (report of the Finance Committee)
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Carlos Melo v. City of Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #23-0270 (report of the Finance Committee)
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Kathryn McDaid v. City of Somerville, et al
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0272 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $1,847,374 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Account for supplemental funding for the Municipal Voucher Program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0282 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $805,675 from the Capital Stabilization Fund for the purchase and installation of outdoor prefabricated toilet facilities
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 AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #23-0284 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $137,500 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Carlos Melo v....
Requesting the appropriation of $137,500 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Carlos Melo v. City of Somerville.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0285 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $702,500 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Kathryn McDaid v....
Requesting the appropriation of $702,500 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Kathryn McDaid v. City of Somerville, et al.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0305
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on March 1, 2023
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on March 1, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0307
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on March 6, 2023
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on March 6, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0221 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Extended Operating Hours License, Falafel Place, 1 Main St, opening Mon-Sun until 3am for in-store, take-out, and delivery services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-0224 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 102 feet of conduit in Kent St, from Utility Pole 191/3 to a point of pickup at 22 Kent St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0302
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on February 27, 2023
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on February 27, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0306
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on March 2, 2023
Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on March 2, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0303
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on February 27, 2023
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on February 27, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0300
Requesting authorization to borrow $2,068,800 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount to participate in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for Lead Service Replacement program and...
Requesting authorization to borrow $2,068,800 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount to participate in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for Lead Service Replacement program and rescind Docket #214477, authorization to borrow $1,477,738 in a bond for participation in the FY23 MWRA Lead Line Replacement Program.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #23-0316
Requesting approval to repurpose $3,500,000 in unused COVID-19 Stabilization Fund appropriations for affordable housing opportunities for low-income residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0317
Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $3,500,000 from the COVID-19 Stabilization Fund to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide affordable housing opportunities for low-income...
Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $3,500,000 from the COVID-19 Stabilization Fund to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide affordable housing opportunities for low-income residents.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
License #23-0358
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 #23-0343
Renewing Drainlayer's License, A.P. Flowers & Son LLC
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0366
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Baystate Engineering Corp
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0344
Renewing Drainlayer's License, C.M. Conway Construction Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0346
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Insite Contracting Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0345
Renewing Drainlayer's License, James W. Flett Co., Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0347
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Mirra Co., LLC
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0348
Renewing Drainlayer's License, P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0349
Renewing Drainlayer's License, R.M. Pacella Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0350
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Super Service Today Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0351
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tufts Constructions Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0353
Renewing Garage License, Dino, 308 McGrath Hwy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0352
Renewing Garage License, Original Auto Body and Mechanic Inc, 12 Joy St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0354
New Sign/Awning License, BrightView, 401 Highland Ave, 1 awning and 2 wall mounted signs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0355
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, God's Blessing Cab Inc., Med. #60
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0364
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Joseph Nicolas, Med. #79
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0365
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Renaissance Taxi Service LLC, Med. #50
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0359
That the City Solicitor advise this Council regarding the city's ability to use General Funds for a mass medical debt relief program
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 #23-0361
That the Director of SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs and other appropriate staff report to this Council what steps are taken when migrants arrive in the city unexpectedly, and confirm...
That the Director of SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs and other appropriate staff report to this Council what steps are taken when migrants arrive in the city unexpectedly, and confirm whether a written policy or plan exists for this contingency.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0187
Requesting approval of the Municipal Election Calendar for 2023
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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