MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
November 21, 2023
59 recorded votes, 58 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld.
Present: Willie Burnley, Charlotte Kelly, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Jesse Clingan, Beatriz Gomez Mouakad, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: Ben Ewen-Campen
Every vote, in order
Minutes #23-1745
Approve the minutes of the October 26, 2023 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, October 26, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-1725
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 26 feet of conduit in Eastman Road, from Utility Pole 106/5 to a point of pickup at 21 Eastman Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #23-1726
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 56 feet of conduit in North Street, from Utility Pole 190/4 to a point of pickup at 24 North Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #23-1653
Chief Assessor presenting proposed FY 2024 Tax Classifications and requesting the adoption of a minimum residential factor for FY 2024 and acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59...
Chief Assessor presenting proposed FY 2024 Tax Classifications and requesting the adoption of a minimum residential factor for FY 2024 and acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, a residential exemption of 35% of average assessed value for owner-occupied properties.
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 Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Order #23-1697
That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss how inclusive playground accessibility is being considered in future playground plans and redesign projects
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 #23-1724
That the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on the progress of rodent 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.”
Order #23-1728
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management conduct an audit of all city-owned properties in the Assessor’s database and report back to this Council with a full list
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.”
Committee Report #23-1699
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 14, 2023
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 14, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1508 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $500 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for transcription services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1516 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $56,215.42 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup cost of a BlueBike station at the 74 Middlesex Avenue Development site
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, WilsonThe minutes list Kristen Strezo as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Mayor's Request #23-1553 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of five months for Suffolk Construction, for Construction Manager services for the Somerville High School project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1568 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $1,370,177 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the 90 Washington Demonstration Project Account for additional legal services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1581 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a Community Compact Best Practices Technical Assistance grant for $45,000 with no new match required, from the MA Department of Revenue Division of Local...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a Community Compact Best Practices Technical Assistance grant for $45,000 with no new match required, from the MA Department of Revenue Division of Local Services to the Economic Development Division for the development of a Commercial Tenant Guidebook.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1586 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a thirty-month extension to the Benefit Strategies, LLC contract for Flexible Spending Account employee benefit administration
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1587 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $1,424 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for employment medical screens
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1588 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $2,205 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for employment medical screens
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1591 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $900 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Transportation Account for Dilboy Field bus transportation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1640 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $475 using available funds in the City Clerk's R&M - Software Account for ordinance hosting annual support fee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1655 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $165,687 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to pay for the final phase of the LED conversion project at the Albert F. Argenziano School
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, WilsonThe minutes list Kristen Strezo as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Mayor's Request #23-1660 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,970 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for transcription...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,970 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for transcription services.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1661 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $2,502,191 from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation, Parking Meter Receipts Account to reduce the FY 2024 Tax Rate
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1663 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $28,200 to the Department of Public Works Snow Removal Account for the procurement of roadway sensors for snow removal equipment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1669 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $375 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Food Supplies and Refreshment Account for dinner for staff for FY 2024 budget hearings
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1670 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $384,858 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the School Department for unbudgeted expenditures relating to the relocation of Winter Hill Community Innovation...
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $384,858 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the School Department for unbudgeted expenditures relating to the relocation of Winter Hill Community Innovation School students.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1671 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $272,970 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the School Department to fund forensic services on the School Department Information Technology (IT) network
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1672 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $718.51 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Maint Contract-Office Equip Account for additional printing needed for Community Meeting...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $718.51 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Maint Contract-Office Equip Account for additional printing needed for Community Meeting materials.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1673 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $49,974 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the School Department School Lunch Revolving Fund for providing meal services to participants in summer programs run...
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $49,974 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the School Department School Lunch Revolving Fund for providing meal services to participants in summer programs run by the Parks & Recreation Department.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1674 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $219,697 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to various Department of Public Works Accounts to fund unbudgeted expenditures related to the Winter Hill Community...
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $219,697 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to various Department of Public Works Accounts to fund unbudgeted expenditures related to the Winter Hill Community Innovation School move.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1675 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $8,150 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Access Salaries Account to correct a budget miscalculation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1676 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 from the FY 2024 Tax Levy to the Capital-Building Improvements Account to fund needed building improvements
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-1701
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on November 15, 2023
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on November 15, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-1703
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on November 16, 2023
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on November 16, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1198 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinances, Sections 3.1 Neighborhood Residence and 3.2 Urban Residence, to permit the house and triple decker building types without...
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinances, Sections 3.1 Neighborhood Residence and 3.2 Urban Residence, to permit the house and triple decker building types without any conditions, and to repeal the lot depth, dwelling units per lot, and development benefits requirements.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, WilsonThe minutes list Kristen Strezo as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Mayor's Request #23-1205 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to repeal Section 10.9 Steep Slopes
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, WilsonThe minutes list Kristen Strezo as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Mayor's Request #23-1489 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinances to replace the text of Section 9.1.11 Residential Use Categories and revise Table 9.1.1 Permitted Uses and the...
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinances to replace the text of Section 9.1.11 Residential Use Categories and revise Table 9.1.1 Permitted Uses and the corresponding permitted use table of each zoning district, in accordance with changes to Table 9.1.1, to replace the two residential use categories.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Kelly, McLaughlin, Mouakad, Neufeld, Scott, WilsonThe minutes list Kristen Strezo as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Committee Report #23-1700
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on November 14, 2023
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on November 14, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-1702
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 15, 2023
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 15, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1544 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Used Car Dealer License, Sam's Auto Sales, 166 Boston Avenue, 0 vehicles inside, 28 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1545 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, Sam's Gas and Service, 166 Boston Avenue, 2 vehicles inside, 4 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-4pm, Sun: closed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1546 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Transferring Flammables License, from John's Auto sales to Sam's Gas & Service 166 Boston Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-1704
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on November 20, 2023
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on November 20, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #23-1698
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on November 13, 2023
Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on November 13, 2023.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #23-1737
Requesting approval of a transfer of $181,740 from Salary Contingency to various Department of Public Works School Custodian Personal Services Accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $181,740 from Salary Contingency to various Department of Public Works School Custodian Personal Services Accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with the Firemen and Oilers, Local 3, Service Employees International Union.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1729
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Aris Auto Inc, 3 Craigie St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1736
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Broadway Brake, 45 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1730
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #23-1731
Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Green Automotive Inc, 600 Windsor Pl
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1727
Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for 9th Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll on December 2 from 10am to 7pm (raindate December 3)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1741
Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Annual City Hall Tree Lighting on December 7 from 5pm to 9pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #23-1742
Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Annual Menorah Lighting on December 10 from 4pm to 7pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1738
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management deliver a study showing the steps to de-carbonize mechanical systems in existing school buildings as part of the Heating, Ventilation, and...
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management deliver a study showing the steps to de-carbonize mechanical systems in existing school buildings as part of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Feasibility Study, and assess potential grants and funding to help accelerate this process.
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 #23-1739
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a list of schools that do not have solar panels, and a plan including potential grant and funding sources to install solar panels...
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a list of schools that do not have solar panels, and a plan including potential grant and funding sources to install solar panels in those buildings following any roof repairs and replacements.
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 #23-1747
That the Administration immediately engage in contract negotiations with the Somerville Municipal Employees Association (SMEA) Unit B, due to increasing losses of staff due to low wages
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1758
That the Director of Health and Human Services provide the Ward 1 City Councilor with monthly updates on efforts to address homelessness in East Somerville
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 #23-1759
That the Director of Engineering add signage to streets that intersect with Gilman Street, indicating that the street allows two way bicycle traffic
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1760
That the Director of Engineering add a curb cut to the Walnut Street Park, by Skilton Ave, to create a clear path for cyclists from Walnut Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1761
That the Director of Inspectional Services address the rodent holes around the East Branch Library
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 #23-1762
That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry trim the tree by 11 Illinois Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #23-1773
That the Director of Engineering provide this Council with a timeline for all utility work and paving projects scheduled for Highland Ave including the Highland Ave redesign project
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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