MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
May 25, 2023
48 recorded votes, 44 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, Lance Davis
Absent: Beatriz Gomez Mouakad, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Every vote, in order
Minutes #23-0899
Approve the minutes of the April 27, 2023 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, April 27, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #23-0895
Commending Officer Thomas Lambert for his efforts on May 18, 2023 to save a baby who was not breathing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-0864
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 45 feet of conduit in the intersection of Norwood Avenue and Medford Street, from Manhole 7419 to a point of pickup at 494 Medford Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-0865
Group Design Build applying for a Grant of Location to install 130 feet of conduit in the intersection of Prescott Street and Summer Street, from Utility Pole 325/8 to a proposed handhole then...
Group Design Build applying for a Grant of Location to install 130 feet of conduit in the intersection of Prescott Street and Summer Street, from Utility Pole 325/8 to a proposed handhole then continuing to a point of pickup at 3 Prescott Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-0866
Verizon applying for a Grant of Location to install 60 feet of conduit in Ten Hills Road, from Utility Pole 498/10 to a point of pickup at 77-79 Ten Hills Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0830
That this Council conduct a public hearing pursuant to Section 7-222 of the Code of Ordinances, on the application for recognition of the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0883
That the Commissioner of Public Works remove or raise above human height, the wire wrapped around a pole in front of 54 Porter Street, and report back to this 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 #23-0884
That the Commissioner of Public Works remove or raise above human height, the wire wrapped around a street sign in front of 9 Brastow Avenue, and report back to this 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 #23-0885
That the Director of Engineering, the Director of Water and Sewer, and the Executive Director of the Arts Council collaborate to start an "Adopt a Catch Basin" program to promote visibility and...
That the Director of Engineering, the Director of Water and Sewer, and the Executive Director of the Arts Council collaborate to start an "Adopt a Catch Basin" program to promote visibility and cleanliness of catch basins in creative and artistic ways.
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 #23-0888
That the Director of Engineering update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding the pavement of Otis Street, which is half completed on one side
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 #23-0887
That the Director of Mobility install speed bumps on Myrtle Street, Lincoln Avenue and Virginia 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 #23-0892
That the Director of Mobility repaint the NO BIKES ON SIDEWALKS signs along East 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 #23-0889
That the Commissioner of Public Works fill the potholes on the unfinished side of Otis 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 #23-0891
That the Commissioner of Public Works inspect the tree wells in front of 173 Broadway for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
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 #23-0893
That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the status of the annual Spring Cleanups for the upcoming season
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 #23-0890
That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the narrow alleyway near the Edgerly School for rodent activity and take appropriate measures
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 #23-0886
That the Mayor allocate $65,000 to fully fund the Food for Free school market program that feeds Somerville students nutritious meals
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0837
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on May 24, 2023
Report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on May 24, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #23-0794 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
City Clerk submitting amendments to the proposed charter to address scrivener's errors
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0916 (report of the Charter Review Special Committee)
That this City Council transmit the proposed charter, as amended by the City Council, to the Mayor for consideration
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0836
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 23, 2023
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 23, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0606 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $5,063.14 grant, with no new match required, from the Barr Foundation for staff attendance at the Designing Cities 2023 conference
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0718 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $104,247.14 from the Bikeshare Stabilization fund for new stations at 5 Middlesex Ave and 10-50 Prospect St
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, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #23-0725 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to extend the contract with the Mystic River Watershed Association for Blessing of the Bay Park Revitalization Phase 2 for an additional 24 months
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0772 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $17,950 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Department to...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $17,950 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Department to restructure the food security coalition.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0812 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $15,000 from the City Clerk Salaries Account to the City Clerk R&M - Software Account to expand the digital accessibility and archiving of the Code of...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $15,000 from the City Clerk Salaries Account to the City Clerk R&M - Software Account to expand the digital accessibility and archiving of the Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinances.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-0823 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $15,000 from the Clerk of Committees Salaries - Monthly Account to the City Clerk R&M - Software Account to expand the digital accessibility and archiving of...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $15,000 from the Clerk of Committees Salaries - Monthly Account to the City Clerk R&M - Software Account to expand the digital accessibility and archiving of the Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinances.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0834
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on May 18, 2023
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on May 18, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0833
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 16, 2023
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 16, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #22-1271 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That this City Council and the City of Somerville formally recognize the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council
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, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Ordinance #22-1994 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Amending Sections 7-41, 7-43, 7-44, and 7-47 of the Code of Ordinances, related to Fair Housing
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED 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, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Order #23-0858 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the Director of Housing submit a report to the City Council on the yearly number of Fair Housing complaints filed, sorted by those that are MCAD-protected and those that are not
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0832
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on May 15, 2023
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on May 15, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-0835
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on May 23, 2023
Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on May 23, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0860
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Keash Excavating Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0861
Renewing Flammables License, Metropolitan Pipe and Supply Company, 30 Inner Belt Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0862
Renewing Garage License, Brazil Auto Repair, 621 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0871
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 #23-0867
Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Martha Lee Trust, 147 Highland Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0869
Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Great Eastern Vintage, 236 Pearl St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0894
Tracy Wishon applying for a Public Event License for Walker St/Leonard St BP on June 3 from 10am to 6pm (raindate June 4)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-0868
Jess Willis applying for a Public Event License for Taste of Somerville on June 14 from 12pm to 9pm (raindate June 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-0912
That the Chief of Police halt the use of unmarked patrol vehicles for all traffic enforcement
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 #23-0913
That the Chief of Police and the Director of Mobility report to this Council on the methodology used for pedestrian and cyclist stops made by Police Department officers
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 #23-0914
Demanding the end of anti-union activities by Starbucks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #23-0905
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
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, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Order #23-0920
That this City Council discusses the power of the City Council to give itself a raise before completing its revisions to the proposed charter
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 #23-0921
Urging the Mayor to fill the two vacancies on the Biosafety Committee and restore it to a functional body
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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