MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
August 24, 2023
69 recorded votes, 69 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. Beatriz Gomez Mouakad arrived late (7:07pm).
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 #23-1273
Approve the minutes of the June 22, 2023 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, June 22, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Minutes #23-1300
Approve the minutes of the June 28, 2023 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting, June 28, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-1242
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 515 feet of conduit as follows: Starting from Utility Pole 362/6 at the intersection of Columbia Street and Webster Avenue, 300 feet to Utility...
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 515 feet of conduit as follows: Starting from Utility Pole 362/6 at the intersection of Columbia Street and Webster Avenue, 300 feet to Utility Pole 76/5 at the intersection of Columbia Street and Windsor Place, from Utility Pole 76/5, 55 feet to a proposed manhole, and from said manhole, 160 feet to a point of pickup at 495 Columbia Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1206
That this City Council hereby reappoints Kimberly M. Wells to the position of City Clerk for a three-year term
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1281
That the Director of Mobility design traffic calming infrastructure for Laurel Street, which sees large volumes of high speed, one-way traffic down a steep hill
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 #23-1280
In support of the Massachusetts State House Employee Union
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1286
That the Chief of Police conduct compliance checks on liquor stores
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 #23-1287
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Health and Human Services coordinate daily inspection and cleanup of all City-owned properties along lower Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1288
That the Community Outreach, Help and Recovery (COHR) team work in conjunction with the Homeless Coalition to address homelessness in East Somerville open spaces
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1289
That the Director of Housing and the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council regarding repeated requests to provide shelter to homeless 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.”
Order #23-1290
That the Director of Health and Human Services engage Somerville Cares About Prevention to conduct compliance checks on establishments serving liquor to prevent over-serving of alcohol
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 #23-1292
That the Director of Inspectional Services conduct regular inspections of liquor stores in East Somerville to ensure cleanliness outside of the properties, and fine businesses in violation accordingly
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1293
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain, 118 Broadway, aka the East End Grill, for the...
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development investigate the possibility of seizing by eminent domain, 118 Broadway, aka the East End Grill, for the purpose of providing homelessness services.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1294
That the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on the progress of Safe Consumption sites
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 #23-1283
That the Administration update this Council on the progress toward providing direct homeless services to East Somerville residents in temporary and permanent locations within Ward 1
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 #23-1284
That the Administration update this Council regarding increases in homelessness and the direct responses taken by the city to address those increases
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 #23-1291
That the Administration update this Council regarding progress toward Portland Loos
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 #23-1282
That the Mayor declare a State of Emergency due to rapidly increasing homelessness in the city
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Communication #23-1285
Conveying numerous locations suitable for temporary and long-term shelter for the homeless population
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 #23-1295
That the Administration designate a small children's section in City Hall between the Council Chamber and the Subcommittee Room for parents and caregivers
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.”
Mayor's Request #23-1230
Requesting approval to allow the Chief of Police to assign police officers at all polling locations for the November 7, 2023 Municipal Election, as required by the VOTES Act
Yes: Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Strezo, WilsonNo: BurnleyThe minutes list J.T. Scott as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, 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 NAY: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr. ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #23-1231
Requesting approval of November 1, 2023 through November 3, 2023 as the dates for Early Voting
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1232
Requesting approval to change the polling location for Ward 4 Precinct 2 and Ward 4 Precinct 2A from the Winter Hill Community Innovation School to the Senior Building at 240 Pearl Street, and the...
Requesting approval to change the polling location for Ward 4 Precinct 2 and Ward 4 Precinct 2A from the Winter Hill Community Innovation School to the Senior Building at 240 Pearl Street, and the polling location for Ward 4 Precinct 3 from the Winter Hill Community Innovation School to the Brazilian Presbyterian Church at 212 School Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1209
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Environic Solutions Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1226
New Second Hand Dealer License, Luce Boutique, 56 Union Square, buying and selling women's accessories and clothing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1227
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Charlie's Family LLC, Med. #80
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1228
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, SSR Cab Inc, Med. #81
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1276
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 136 Curtis St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1270
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 176 Curtis St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1267
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 12 Dearborn Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1269
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 29 Latin Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1278
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 43 Latin Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1236
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 98 Packard Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1271
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 8 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1296
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 14 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1275
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 28 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1279
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 92 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1243
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 98 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1268
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 13 Sawyer Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1272
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 37 Sawyer Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1274
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 45 Sawyer Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1277
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 21 Whitfield Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1301
Elizabeth Devane applying for a Public Event License for Community Corporation Annual Summer BBQ on August 26 from 9am to 2pm (raindate August 27)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1211
Emma Garfinkel applying for a Public Event License for Pomi's Park Playdate on August 26 from 9:30am to 12:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1212
Julia Tenney applying for a Public Event License for Boston Area Puzzle Hunt on August 27 and September 10 from 10am to 7pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1302
Saladin Islam applying for a Public Event License for Groundwork Harvest Festival on August 27 from 10am to 8pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1245
Rocco Dirico applying for a Public Event License for Tufts Discover Davis Square on September 3 from 10:30am to 6pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1213
Veteran's Department applying for a Public Event License for Veteran's Health and Wellness Day on September 9 from 10am to 4pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1214
Helen Corrigan applying for a Public Event License for Irving St Block Party on September 9 from 11:30am to 8pm (raindate September 10)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1215
Rob Maher applying for a Public Event License for Spring Hill Block Party on September 9 from 12pm to 11pm (raindate September 16)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1216
Kevin Fitzpatrick applying for a Public Event License for Greene St Block Party on September 9 from 1pm to 10pm (raindate September 23)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1247
Lorna McKenzie-Pollock applying for a Public Event License for Prospect Hill Block Party on September 9 from 3pm to 8pm (raindate September 10)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1217
Alex Feldman applying for a Public Event License for Rogers Ave Block Party on September 16 from 3pm to 8pm (raindate September 17)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1248
Beth Kevles applying for a Public Event License for Hancock Neighborhood Block Party on September 17 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate September 24)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1218
Lindsay Allen applying for a Public Event License for East Somerville Main Streets Foodie Crawl on September 19 from 2pm to 10:30pm (raindate September 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1219
Parks and Recreation Department applying for a Public Event License for Fall Festival on September 23 from 10am to 5pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1220
Anton Tutter applying for a Public Event License for Outside on Oxford Block Party 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 #23-1221
Aaron Bickel applying for a Public Event License for Cycle 4 CMT Boston on September 24 from 7:30am to 9:30am
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1222
Nelson Salazar applying for a Public Event License for Virginia St Block Party on September 24 from 2:30pm to 8pm (raindate October 1)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1223
James Adams applying for a Public Event License for Hudson St Block Party on October 7 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate October 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1249
Joe Wright applying for a Public Event License for School St Block Party on October 14 from 11am to 6pm (raindate October 21)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1224
Meredith Jones applying for a Public Event License for Trull St Block Party on October 14 from 12pm to 9pm (raindate October 15)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1225
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: Monster Mash on October 22 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate October 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1297
That the Director of Mobility work with relevant departments and divisions to install wayfinding signage on the Community Path, including freeway exit-style signage on the Community Path...
That the Director of Mobility work with relevant departments and divisions to install wayfinding signage on the Community Path, including freeway exit-style signage on the Community Path Extension, given that segment’s limited access.
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 #23-1312
That the Director of Mobility update this Council on plans to expand bicycle parking in the city, with a focus on Davis Square and Union Square including potentially using intersection daylighting...
That the Director of Mobility update this Council on plans to expand bicycle parking in the city, with a focus on Davis Square and Union Square including potentially using intersection daylighting spaces for bike racks.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED AND SENT FOR.”
Order #23-1308
That the Director of the Arts Council and the Director of Economic Development take the steps outlined within, relative to the Armory building
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 #23-1309
That the Director of Economic Development take the steps described within, relative to the Armory building
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 #23-1310
That the Administration report to this Council on the usage of the Armory building by existing tenants, city tenants, and what have been the vacancies
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 #23-1315
Council on Aging applying for a Public Event License for Mayor Ballantyne's Senior Picnic on September 14 from 8:30am to 2pm (raindate September 15)
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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