MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
72 recorded votes, 70 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 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
Approve the minutes of the May 11, 2023 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 11, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Commending John Gullage for his actions on May 19, 2023, during a medical incident at Veterans Memorial Rink
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 30 feet of conduit in Mount Pleasant Street, from Utility Pole 3 to a point of pickup at 24-28 Mount Pleasant Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 25 feet of conduit in the intersection of Spring Street and Somerville Avenue, from Utility Pole 1 to a point of pickup at the rear of 599...
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 25 feet of conduit in the intersection of Spring Street and Somerville Avenue, from Utility Pole 1 to a point of pickup at the rear of 599 Somerville Avenue.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
That the Administration expedite the planning, design and construction of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School to ensure the re-opening of said school as soon as possible
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Commissioner of Public Works remove or raise above human height, the low hanging wire in front of 11 Bonair Street, and report 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.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Communications and Community Engagement create a regularly updated public-facing website dedicated to the Winter Hill Community Innovation School plan, with links to publicly...
That the Director of Communications and Community Engagement create a regularly updated public-facing website dedicated to the Winter Hill Community Innovation School plan, with links to publicly filed documents.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration work with the Director of Housing and Director of Water & Sewer to provide an affordable, benevolent landlord and subsidized landlord housing water utility assessment of...
That the Administration work with the Director of Housing and Director of Water & Sewer to provide an affordable, benevolent landlord and subsidized landlord housing water utility assessment of all low-income housing units where residents pay their own water and sewer bills.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration create and budget for a program that provides low-flow sink and toilet tools and supplies to seniors and all low and moderate income residents for free or at a...
That the Administration create and budget for a program that provides low-flow sink and toilet tools and supplies to seniors and all low and moderate income residents for free or at a significantly reduced cost.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration provide confirmation that the supplemental information for the Statement of Interest for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School will be updated immediately, including...
That the Administration provide confirmation that the supplemental information for the Statement of Interest for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School will be updated immediately, including the engineering assessments and photographs of the most recent structural failing.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Somerville City Council condemns antisemitism
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Commissioner of Public Works present to this City Council, the building failures that took place in the Winter Hill Community...
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Commissioner of Public Works present to this City Council, the building failures that took place in the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and a plan for assessing those failures.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management dedicate full time staff and/or create new position(s) to the planning, design and construction process for the Winter Hill Community...
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management dedicate full time staff and/or create new position(s) to the planning, design and construction process for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and the Benjamin Brown School and include this position in the FY 2024 budget.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management work with the School Department to create milestones for the academic programming needed for the planning and design of a new school...
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management work with the School Department to create milestones for the academic programming needed for the planning and design of a new school building or for retrofitting an existing school building, and create a parallel collaboration program, meeting weekly or bi-weekly, to move this work forward.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain what Request for Proposals (RFP) will be necessary for consultant services for planning and architectural services for any future...
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain what Request for Proposals (RFP) will be necessary for consultant services for planning and architectural services for any future school building programming and planning, and expedite those RFPs.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration work with the School Department to develop emergency plans for at-risk school relocation including, but not limited to, the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and the...
That the Administration work with the School Department to develop emergency plans for at-risk school relocation including, but not limited to, the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and the Benjamin Brown School.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration create a permanent staff position for a Superintendent of School Buildings within the Department of Public Works to oversee all maintenance, repairs and assessments of...
That the Administration create a permanent staff position for a Superintendent of School Buildings within the Department of Public Works to oversee all maintenance, repairs and assessments of school buildings, and include this position in the FY 2024 Budget.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration evaluate the need to create permanent staff positions within the Department of Public Works for school buildings that address the highest needs of our school buildings...
That the Administration evaluate the need to create permanent staff positions within the Department of Public Works for school buildings that address the highest needs of our school buildings including, but not limited to: mechanical systems, plumbing systems, fire alarm and electrical systems and exterior envelope and structural systems.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration include in the FY 2024 budget, $150,000 for an exterior envelope consultant to assess ongoing leaks in school buildings
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration develop a five-year assessment plan for school building systems and structures for all schools over five years old, to ensure proper funding is in place for capital repairs...
That the Administration develop a five-year assessment plan for school building systems and structures for all schools over five years old, to ensure proper funding is in place for capital repairs and to ensure the safety and undisrupted operation of schools.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration publish yearly on the city website, a list of ongoing school repairs and improvements, similar to that posted by Chelsea Public Schools, and provide a yearly report to the...
That the Administration publish yearly on the city website, a list of ongoing school repairs and improvements, similar to that posted by Chelsea Public Schools, and provide a yearly report to the City Council of such repairs and improvements before and after completion.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Engineering utilize the partial paving program to address streets in East Somerville that have private trench restoration, to ensure half-paved streets are fully paved
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Traffic Commission make Jasper Street a ONE WAY street from Pearl Street to Gilman Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Parks and Recreation work with the Director of Human Resources to post flyers on community boards indicating vacant job positions
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering integrate traffic calming measures on Hudson and Summer Streets and plan for the work to be implemented prior to the start of the...
That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering integrate traffic calming measures on Hudson and Summer Streets and plan for the work to be implemented prior to the start of the Highland Avenue improvement construction.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Mobility develop a strategy for the implementation of speed radar detectors on north-south cut-through streets throughout the city, including but not limited to Central Street...
That the Director of Mobility develop a strategy for the implementation of speed radar detectors on north-south cut-through streets throughout the city, including but not limited to Central Street and Cedar Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Mobility, Director of Engineering, Director of Parking, and Commissioner of Public Works establish criteria and guidelines for Council orders to be submitted for traffic...
That the Director of Mobility, Director of Engineering, Director of Parking, and Commissioner of Public Works establish criteria and guidelines for Council orders to be submitted for traffic calming and mobility related issues and items that should be submitted to 311 to ensure the City Council is addressing larger mobility strategic planning issues.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on May 31, 2023
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on May 31, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Colin Curzi to the Historic Preservation Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Denise Price to the Historic Preservation Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Daniel Coughlin to the Historic Preservation Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Doris Jenkins to the Urban Forestry Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of James E. Torres to the position of Police Sergeant
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 Housing and Community Development, meeting on May 30, 2023
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on May 30, 2023.
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 May 30, 2023
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 30, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Amending Section 9-116 of the Code of Ordinances, the Noise Ordinance, by prohibiting loud and disruptive construction activities on Saturdays and evenings
“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, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for FLIR MC300C marine camera
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 Traffic and Parking, meeting on May 31, 2023
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on May 31, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting the appropriation of $103,382 as an amendment to the proposed FY 2024 General Fund Budget, for a Senior Project Manager in the Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management...
Requesting the appropriation of $103,382 as an amendment to the proposed FY 2024 General Fund Budget, for a Senior Project Manager in the Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM)-Capital Projects, to support the K-8 Master Plan and Winter Hill Community Innovation School interim solutions.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting the appropriation of $1,300,000 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a Feasibility Study to create new building space to accommodate the Benjamin Brown School, the Winter...
Requesting the appropriation of $1,300,000 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a Feasibility Study to create new building space to accommodate the Benjamin Brown School, the Winter Hill Community Innovation School, and additional educational programs defined by the enrollment study.
“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.”
Requesting the appropriation of $1,300,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a Feasibility Study to create new building space to...
Requesting the appropriation of $1,300,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a Feasibility Study to create new building space to accommodate the Benjamin Brown School, the Winter Hill Community Innovation School, and additional educational programs defined by the enrollment study.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
New Livery License, Ibsa Transportation, 29 Illinois Avenue, operating 1 vehicle
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Edward Ahern
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, NCCL Enterprises
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Lemon Thai Cuisine, 215 Highland Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Flammables License, Silicon PropCo 2021 LLC, 101 South St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Flammables License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change AB0001, 182 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Arco Tire Auto Service Repair LLC, 18 Clarendon Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Assembly Row 5B LLC, 455 Grand Union Blvd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 355 Artisan Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 445 Artisan Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 479 Canal St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 333 Great River Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, SRI Assembly Row B8 LLC, 485 Foley St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Jayden Ddhir applying for a Public Event License for Rockland Trust Lemonade Stand on June 9 from 11am to 4:30pm (raindate June 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Aaron Holman applying for a Public Event License for Harrison St BP on June 10 from 12pm to 5pm (raindate June 17)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Claudia Martin applying for a Public Event License for Life Drawing! on June 11 from 10:30am to 3:30pm (raindate June 18)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Janine Fay applying for a Public Event License for Dancing in the Street on June 21 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Zachary Fritzhand applying for a Public Event License for Claremon St BP on June 24 from 2pm to 6:30pm (raindate June 25)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Fourth of July Celebration on June 29 from 1pm to 11pm (raindate June 30)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Stephanie Galaitsi applying for a Public Event License for Morrison Ave BP on July 22 from 2pm to 7pm (raindate July 23)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Yart Sale on August 12 from 11:30am to 7pm (raindate August 13)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Arts Council and Gilman Square Neighborhood Association applying for a Public Event License for Gilman Square Arts and Music Festival on September 9 from 11am to 7pm (raindate September 10)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Felicity Beal applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Homeless Coalition's 28th Annual 5K Road Race on September 30 from 6:30am to 11am
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
New Drainlayer's License, Albanese Brothers Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
New Drainlayer's License, Metro Equipment Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Department of Racial and Social Justice applying for a Public Event License for Juneteenth Flag Raising Commemoration on June 12 from 4pm to 7:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for East Somerville Festival Series on July 23, August 20, and September 10 from 3pm to 8pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 929 feet of conduit and one new manhole along Poplar, Linwood, and Joy Streets
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting approval of a five year lease, with option for renewal, with 561 Windsor Street Owner LLC for dance space
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Neufeld, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Beatriz Gomez Mouakad as absent for this vote; left out of it.
“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 Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad.”
That the Chief of Police report to this Council on the decision regarding investigation of anti-Semitic stickers placed on vehicles
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting the appropriation of $7,796,452 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund to support the FY 2023 5-Year Capital...
Requesting the appropriation of $7,796,452 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund to support the FY 2023 5-Year Capital Investment Plan.
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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