MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
July 13, 2023
52 recorded votes, 49 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, Beatriz Gomez Mouakad, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: Jesse Clingan
Every vote, in order
Minutes #23-1175
Approve the minutes of the June 8, 2023 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, June 8, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-1132
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 158 feet of conduit in Washington Street, from Utility Pole 358/18 to Manhole 15060 near the intersection of Knowlton Street, Tufts Street...
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 158 feet of conduit in Washington Street, from Utility Pole 358/18 to Manhole 15060 near the intersection of Knowlton Street, Tufts Street, and Washington Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-1162
That the Chief of Police adopt a policy of de-prioritizing enforcement against cyclists who treat red lights as stop signs when it is safe to do so (the “Idaho Stop”) in recognition of the...
That the Chief of Police adopt a policy of de-prioritizing enforcement against cyclists who treat red lights as stop signs when it is safe to do so (the “Idaho Stop”) in recognition of the compelling United States Department of Transportation data supporting this practice.
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 #23-1164
That the Administration immediately begin the design and community outreach process for the redesign of Highland Avenue from McGrath Highway to Central Street, which is the highest priority route...
That the Administration immediately begin the design and community outreach process for the redesign of Highland Avenue from McGrath Highway to Central Street, which is the highest priority route on the Bike Network Plan that is under municipal 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 #23-1168
That the Chief of Police and the Commissioner of Public Works address the dumping of trash, and the overgrowth of state properties near Maine Terrace, close to Interstate-93
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1170
That the Commissioner of Public Works address the overgrowth along McGrath Highway that is impeding pedestrian use
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1171
That the Commissioner of Public Works address the trash around 165 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-1169
That the Administration consider working with the Commonwealth to utilize vacant, vegetated state lands close to Interstate-93 that are currently blighted, for open space and pollution mitigation
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 #23-1166
That this City Council declares Somerville a Purple Heart Community and recognizes August 7 annually as Purple Heart Day
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #23-1172
That the Administration update this Council on locations of sharps collection stations and work with the Commissioner of Public Works to install sharps collection stations in all public restrooms
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 #23-0922
That the City Solicitor appear in executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to update this council on the status of collective bargaining negotiations with all municipal...
That the City Solicitor appear in executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to update this council on the status of collective bargaining negotiations with all municipal bargaining units.
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 Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Four City Councilor Clingan.”
Committee Report #23-1140
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on July 10, 2023
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on July 10, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1059 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Switkez to the Biosafety Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1064 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Francine Rogers to the Biosafety Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1075 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Elizabeth Champion to the Condominium Review Board
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-1159
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on July 12, 2023
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on July 12, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1104 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 7-63 through 7-67 of the Code of Ordinances, the Condominium Conversion Ordinance
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 Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Four City Councilor Clingan.”
Committee Report #23-1142
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on July 12, 2023
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on July 12, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-0582 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Renewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 141 Beacon St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1062 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, New England Collision Center Inc, 224 Somerville Ave, 10 cars inside, 4 cars outside for mechanical repairs, autobody work, spray painting, and washing vehicles, Mon-Fri...
New Garage License, New England Collision Center Inc, 224 Somerville Ave, 10 cars inside, 4 cars outside for mechanical repairs, autobody work, spray painting, and washing vehicles, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, and Sun: closed.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-1148
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on July 10, 2023
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on July 10, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-1138
Accept the report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on June 28, 2023
Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on June 28, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1156
Requesting the appropriation of $119,032.68 from the Parks Stabilization Fund for additional construction services for Reavis Field at the High School
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 Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Four City Councilor Clingan.”
License #23-1129
Renewing Billiards and Bowling License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1158
New Drainlayer's License, GVC Construction Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1150
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Galway Excavation LLC
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1130
Renewing Drainlayer's License, L.V.M.J. Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1131
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tascon Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1152
Renewing Drainlayer's License, W.L. French Excavating
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1137
New Sign/Awning License, Gong Cha, 418 Highland Ave, replacing 1 awning cover
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1153
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica Music in the Park on July 14 from 5pm to 9pm (raindate July 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1151
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for ArtBeat: Pulse on July 15 from 8am to 11pm (raindate July 16)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1161
Dalbir Singh applying for a Public Event License for Shabeel on July 15 from 8am to 7pm (raindate July 22)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1133
Yessenia Lopez applying for a Public Event License for St Benedict Feast Day on July 16 from 8am to 12:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1157
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Anbdu on July 29 from 3pm to 9:30pm (raindate July 30)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1134
Richard Lawson applying for a Public Event License for Glendale Ave BP on August 12 from 11am to 6:30pm (raindate August 13)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1135
Cortney Kirk applying for a Public Event License for Spring St BP on August 13 from 11:30am to 4:30pm (raindate August 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1136
Anthony Leccese applying for a Public Event License for Procession for S.S. Comas & Damian on September 10 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm (raindate September 17)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1155
Megan Smith applying for a Public Event License for Adrian St/Joseph St BP on September 16 from 12pm to 6pm (raindate September 17)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1167
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: Strike up the Bands on September 17 from 12pm to 8pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1163
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for What the Fluff? on September 23 from 12pm to 9pm (raindate September 24)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1165
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Ignite Festival on September 30 from 2pm to 11pm (raindate October 1)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1183
That the Director of Water and Sewer and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain what maintenance will be required for the new Poplar Street Pump Station and Spring Hill Sewer...
That the Director of Water and Sewer and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain what maintenance will be required for the new Poplar Street Pump Station and Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project, and how these maintenance requirements will be staffed to ensure their proper upkeep.
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 #23-1184
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on recent air conditioning failures in City Hall and what repairs have been or will be...
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on recent air conditioning failures in City Hall and what repairs have been or will be completed to address those issues.
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 #23-1185
That this Council and the Administration, resolve to support all programs to ensure that all youth reach their full potential and to eliminate all academic gaps between our white students and our...
That this Council and the Administration, resolve to support all programs to ensure that all youth reach their full potential and to eliminate all academic gaps between our white students and our students of color, starting at the early stages of development.
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 #23-1186
That the Administration utilize city and community space for cooling centers this summer for homeless community members while we await long term warming and cooling centers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1187
That the Commissioner of Public Works appear before this Council to discuss what actions have and can be taken to ensure that trash and recycling barrels do not obstruct sidewalks after pick-up
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.”
Public Event #23-1182
Emma Garfinkel applying for a Public Event License for Pomi's at the Park on July 15 from 8am to 2pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1176
Noah Pestana applying for a Public Event License for OnPoint Improv on July 23 and July 30 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (raindates July 26 and August 2)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1180
Rob Moir applying for a Public Event License for Climate Action Table on July 25 from 1:30pm to 5:30pm (raindate July 26)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1179
Hannah O'Brien applying for a Public Event License for Pan Mass Challenge X SmartBear on August 3 from 2:45pm to 5:15pm (raindate August 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1181
Council on Aging applying for a Public Event License for Mayor Ballantyne's Senior Picnic on August 8 from 8:30am to 2pm (raindate August 9)
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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