MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 25, 2024
58 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 Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. J.T. Scott arrived late (7:26 PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: Lance Davis
During the meeting:
- J.T. Scott recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #24-0540 (report of the Finance Committee) (Requesting approval of a pedestrian access easement on Charlestown Place, approval of...).
- J.T. Scott recused from the vote on Mayor's Request #24-0541 (report of the Finance Committee) (Requesting approval of the Conveyance and Easement for Parcel D2.2 (Union Square)...).
Every vote, in order
Minutes #24-0606
Approve the minutes of the March 28, 2024 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 28, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #24-0552
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit in Quincy Street, from Utility Pole 296/6 to a point of pickup at 30 Quincy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-0583
In support of An Act Relative to the Future of Clean Heat in the Commonwealth and An Act Establishing a Moratorium on New Gas System Expansion
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-0584
In support of The I AM bill: An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products in Prisons, Homeless Shelters and Public Schools
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-0585
In support of increased safety for sex workers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-0586
That the Administration utilize American Rescue Plan Act money to address excessive water bills for residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-0587
That the Administration develop a program to recruit and train Somerville High School students to become firefighters and police officers in Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-0568
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 23, 2024
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 23, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0412 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $302,720 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to use as a Green Communities grant match to fund energy improvements for 42 Cross Street
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Neufeld, Sait, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list J.T. Scott as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #24-0476 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $7,310,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the FY 2024 Water Main Rehabilitation program as part of the Massachusetts Water Resource...
Requesting authorization to borrow $7,310,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the FY 2024 Water Main Rehabilitation program as part of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority's Local Water System Assistance Program.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Neufeld, Sait, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list J.T. Scott as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #24-0485 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $108,373.07 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Natural Gas Account for natural gas expenses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0486 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $307.97 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Admin Postage Machine Rental Account for postage machine lease expenses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0487 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,780 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Rental Buildings Account for the lease of conduit to carry Fire Alarm equipment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0488 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $224.67 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Bituminous Supplies Account for the purchase of asphalt
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0489 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $493.08 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Motor Parts and Accessories Account for vehicle repair parts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0490 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to enter into an 84- and 89-month contract renewal term with Big Belly for existing equipment and deliverables, and enter into a new 96-month contract term with Big Belly for...
Requesting approval to enter into an 84- and 89-month contract renewal term with Big Belly for existing equipment and deliverables, and enter into a new 96-month contract term with Big Belly for new units.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0492 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $42,500 from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Housing Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Public Space and Urban Forestry...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $42,500 from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Housing Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Public Space and Urban Forestry Personal Services Account to cover a projected year-end salary deficit.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0495 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $1,800,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the annual recurring FY 2024 Sewer System Evaluation & Infiltration/Inflow Assessment
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Neufeld, Sait, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list J.T. Scott as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #24-0540 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a pedestrian access easement on Charlestown Place, approval of a grant of easements over certain alleys located in the D2.2 parcel, and approval of a grant of license from...
Requesting approval of a pedestrian access easement on Charlestown Place, approval of a grant of easements over certain alleys located in the D2.2 parcel, and approval of a grant of license from the City to Union Square RELP.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Neufeld, Sait, Strezo, WilsonJ.T. Scott recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis RECUSED: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #24-0541 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of the Conveyance and Easement for Parcel D2.2 (Union Square) Civic Space Lot 2A
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Neufeld, Sait, Strezo, WilsonJ.T. Scott recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis RECUSED: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Committee Report #24-0567
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on April 18, 2024
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on April 18, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-0566
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on April 17, 2024
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on April 17, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0553
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Caruso & McGovern Construction Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0554
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Edward Ahern
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0555
Renewing Drainlayer's License, JNJ Sacca Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0556
Renewing Drainlayer's License, LaMountain Brothers Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0557
Renewing Drainlayer's License, New England Style Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0558
Renewing Drainlayer's License, P. Gioioso & Sons Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0559
Renewing Garage License, Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0560
Renewing Garage License, K Professional Auto Detailing, 682 Mystic Ave
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0561
Renewing Garage License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0562
Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Buffalo Exchange Ltd, 238 Elm St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0563
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Michael H. Garvey, Med. #57
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0588
New Outdoor Parking License, John's Auto Sales, 216 McGrath Hwy, store 23 vehicles on premises
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0589
New Sign and Awning License, Toca Chida, 333 Great River Rd, 3 awnings
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0590
Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Community Growing Center 2024 Event Calendar on May through December from various times
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0591
Somerville Open Studios applying for a Public Event License for Open Studios informational table on May 4 and 5 from 11:30am to 6:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0593
Jason Oberstein applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest for Flying Turtle on May 11 from 11am to 3pm (raindate May 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0595
Jonathan Bernhardt applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Charnwood on May 11 from 1pm to 4pm (raindate May 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0596
Nate Kaufman applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Highland Rd on May 11 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate May 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0592
Dave Rothfarb applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Aberdeen on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0594
Liz Hewitt applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Craigie on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0597
Jeff Kaufman applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Morrison on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0599
Nels Nelson applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Munroe on May 11 from 3pm to 7pm (raindate May 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0598
Claire Crowther applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Morgan on May 11 from 3:30pm to 6pm (raindate May 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0600
Alexandra Weiner applying for a Public Event License for Calvin Street BP on May 25 from 10am to 8pm (raindate May 26)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0602
Veterans Department applying for a Public Event License for Memorial Day Parade on May 26 from 8am to 3pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0603
Maria M. Carreiro-Luis applying for a Public Event License for Ermandade do Devino Espirito Santo on May 26 from 9am to 3pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Communication #24-0601
Somerville Community Corporation nominating Gonzalo J. Puigbo to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0608
Renewing Drainlayer's License, CRL Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0610
Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 355 Artisan Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0611
Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 445 Artisan Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0612
Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 479 Canal St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0613
Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 455 Grand Union Blvd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0614
Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 333 Great River Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0616
Gary Rowe applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Bailey on May 11 from 11:30am to 2:30pm (raindate May 12)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0615
Toriah Mimms applying for a Public Event License for The Curl Bar BP on May 26 from 8am to 8pm (raindate June 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-0617
That this City Council opposes the use of lateral hiring in the Fire Department
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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