MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
April 27, 2023
62 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.
Present: Willie Burnley, Charlotte Kelly, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Beatriz Gomez Mouakad, Lance Davis
Absent: Judy Pineda Neufeld
Every vote, in order
Minutes #23-0672
Approve the minutes of the March 23, 2023 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, March 23, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #23-0659
Commending Anne Irwin for her contributions as a School Adjustment Councilor, providing therapeutic and emotional support to high school students
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-0682
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a new sidewalk vault and 20 feet of conduit in Linwood Street, from Manhole 44/19 to a point of pickup at 10 Poplar Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-0683
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 38 feet of conduit in Tufts Street, from Utility Pole 5 to a point of pickup at 31 Tufts Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0669
That this City Council invites Cobble Hill residents Bill Mahaney and Anne Ryan to speak about 90 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0664
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on April 26, 2023
Report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on April 26, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0707 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Amending Section 2-8 (a) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to read: The city council shall not unreasonably reject such an appointment unless the candidate does not have the...
Amending Section 2-8 (a) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to read: The city council shall not unreasonably reject such an appointment unless the candidate does not have the experience, training, and/or education to perform the duties of the office or position.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0709 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Amending Section 1-7 (18) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to update the definition of “posting or post” to read: means making available publicly on the city website, at...
Amending Section 1-7 (18) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to update the definition of “posting or post” to read: means making available publicly on the city website, at city hall, and in a local newspaper, and/or as otherwise may be required by law under the General Laws. For the purposes of this definition, a local newspaper shall be a newspaper of general circulation within the city, with either weekly or daily circulation. The city council president may, from time to time, select a local newspaper for posting according to a procedure that shall be set forth in the rules of the city council.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0710 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Amending Section 2-8 (b) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to add: (1) In the event of a vacancy on a multiple member body where the seat has remained vacant in excess of one...
Amending Section 2-8 (b) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to add: (1) In the event of a vacancy on a multiple member body where the seat has remained vacant in excess of one year and the mayor has not referred to the city council any proposed appointees to fill the vacancy, the city council president may present to the mayor the names of no more than three individuals as recommendations for appointment. The procedure for selecting names for presentation to the mayor shall be established within the rules of the city council. (2) The mayor shall twice annually, in February and August, post a complete list of the vacancies within all multiple member bodies, as well as the procedures for individuals to apply to become a member of those bodies.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0711 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
That the proposed Charter be revised to include a provision that Police and Fire appointments and promotions are subject to City Council confirmation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0712 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Amending Section 2-8 of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to add: (c) Constables - The mayor shall refer to the city council and simultaneously file with the city clerk the name...
Amending Section 2-8 of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to add: (c) Constables - The mayor shall refer to the city council and simultaneously file with the city clerk the name of each person the mayor desires to appoint as a constable within the city. The city council shall not unreasonably withhold confirmation of such appointments and shall accompany a rejection with a written statement describing the reason, which shall be delivered to and placed on file with the city clerk within 30 days of filing. The question on confirmation of any appointment submitted by the mayor shall not be subject to the procedure of charter objection provided in section 2-9 (b) of this charter.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0713 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
That the proposed Charter be revised to include language to establish a three-year term for constables and to ensure that applicants for constable appointment are submitted for confirmation with...
That the proposed Charter be revised to include language to establish a three-year term for constables and to ensure that applicants for constable appointment are submitted for confirmation with sufficient time for City Council review prior to the expiration of the term.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0714 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee for a simple majority requirement for approving the administrative code
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0715 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
That the proposed Charter be revised to add language to Section 5-1 to provide that if no city council meeting is held within the subsequent 30 days of the first meeting, the city council shall...
That the proposed Charter be revised to add language to Section 5-1 to provide that if no city council meeting is held within the subsequent 30 days of the first meeting, the city council shall instead have 30 days from the second regularly scheduled meeting after the submission to approve an administrative order.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0662
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 25, 2023
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 25, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0507 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $30,000 from the DPW Electrical Account to the DPW Fleet Account for costs related to motor parts and accessories
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0510 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $1,618,683 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0521 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend an $18,840 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for mattress...
Requesting approval to accept and expend an $18,840 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for mattress recycling.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0526 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the use of $14,154.88 in available funds from the Health and Human Services Salaries Account to fund a Finance Manager position
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0527 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $180,000 from the Medical Marijuana Stabilization Fund for the Substance Use Prevention Coordinator position for FY 2024 and FY 2025
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 #23-0530 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $4,200,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for additional work on the Somerville Ave Streetscape & Utilities project
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 #23-0531 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for additional work on the Somerville Ave Streetscape & Utilities project
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 #23-0532 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $2,840,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the recurring FY 2023 Building Improvements 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, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #23-0533 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $7,110,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for participation in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s Local Water System Assistance Program...
Requesting authorization to borrow $7,110,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for participation in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s Local Water System Assistance Program for Water Main Rehabilitation projects.
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 #23-0539 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $135,050.89 from the Parks and Open Space Stabilization fund for completion of the 25% design services for Union Square Plaza and Streetscape project
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 #23-0542 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the transfer of $12,729.52 in available funds from the Parks & Recreation Uniforms Account to the Department of Public Works Interior Building Maintenance Account for the installation...
Requesting the transfer of $12,729.52 in available funds from the Parks & Recreation Uniforms Account to the Department of Public Works Interior Building Maintenance Account for the installation of a buzzer system with a security camera at the Edgerly Building.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0544 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a grant of $2,500 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Public Library for a Library Comix Con event
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0633 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $1,000 from the Engineering Personal Services Salaries Account to the Infrastructure & Asset Management Personal Services Salaries Account to fund the IAM...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $1,000 from the Engineering Personal Services Salaries Account to the Infrastructure & Asset Management Personal Services Salaries Account to fund the IAM Administrative Assistant position reclassification.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0657
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on April 19, 2023
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on April 19, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #23-0666
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) regarding Cobble Hill Center, LLC v. Somerville Redevelopment Authority
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0674
New Drainlayer's License, Cavalieri Construction Co., Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0675
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Classic Site Solutions Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0677
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Raffaele Construction Corp
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0676
Renewing Drainlayer's License, The Welch Corp
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0678
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Domino's, 201 Elm St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0679
Renewing Extended Hours Operating 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 #23-0699
Renewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0698
Renewing Flammables License, Somerville Mobil, 360 Medford St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0700
Renewing Flammables License, Trum Field Sunoco, 541 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0680
Renewing Garage License, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0681
Renewing Open Air Vendor License, The Somerville Flea, Buena Vista Parking Lot
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0694
Winter Hill Community AIM Program applying for a Public Event License for AIM Walk and Roll on April 30 from 11am to 3pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0695
Francesca Broekman applying for a Public Event License for Holi Festival of Colors on April 30 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate May 6 and 7)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0696
Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Community Growing Center Calendar on various dates and times from May-December
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0684
Chuck Lechien, Jr. applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Prospect Hill on May 13 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm (raindate May 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0685
Garden Club applying for a Public Event License for Garden Club Plant Sale on May 14 from 8:30am to 5pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0686
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica Performance on May 18 from 11am to 3pm (raindate May 19 from 5:30pm-9:30pm)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0687
Nancy O'Connor applying for a Public Event License for Browning Rd BP on May 20 from 3pm to 8pm (raindate May 21)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0688
Ann Peralta applying for a Public Event License for Warwick St BP on June 3 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate June 4, 10, 11)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0689
Marla Wessland applying for a Public Event License for 19th Wallace St BP on June 3 from 3:30pm to 9:30pm (raindate June 4)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0690
Arts Council and East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: Carnaval on June 4 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate June 11)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0691
Meredith Jones applying for a Public Event License for Trull St BP on June 17 from 12pm to 8:30pm (raindate June 18)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0692
Tadhg Pearson applying for a Public Event License for Munroe St BP on June 17 from 1:30pm to 9pm (raindate June 18)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0693
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big Gay Dance Party on June 17 from 3pm to 9pm (raindate June 18)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0702
That this Council work with community partners to hold an educational session on forming worker cooperatives
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 #23-0703
That the Director of Parks and Recreation ensure a notice is posted on every community board in parks advertising city job postings
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 #23-0704
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment update this Council on the Administration's Inflation Reduction Act application and its funding status, particularly targeted...
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment update this Council on the Administration's Inflation Reduction Act application and its funding status, particularly targeted toward people of color and low-income residents.
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 #23-0701
Demanding Harvard University come to the bargaining table
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-0705
Urging the Mayor to move forward tomorrow on the Letter of Intent to apply for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant to help pay for major capital improvements to the...
Urging the Mayor to move forward tomorrow on the Letter of Intent to apply for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant to help pay for major capital improvements to the Central Library.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0708
New Drainlayer's License, D&R General Contracting Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0706
Somernova applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Open Studios @ Somernova on May 6 from 12pm to 11pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0717
Toriah Mimms applying for a Public Event License for The Curl Bar BP on May 21 from 9am to 6pm (raindate May 27)
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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