MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
May 9, 2024
51 recorded votes, 47 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. Wilfred Mbah arrived late (7:09 PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: J.T. Scott
Every vote, in order
Minutes #24-0677
Approve the minutes of the April 11, 2024 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 11, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Minutes #24-0678
Approve the minutes of the April 11, 2024 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 11, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #24-0628
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 7 feet of conduit in Main Street, from Utility Pole 146/5 to a point of pickup at 37-39 Main Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #24-0639
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 77 feet of conduit in Clyde Street, from Utility Pole 74/2 to a point of pickup at 13-15 Clyde Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-0662
That the Director of Engineering assess the timing of the traffic light at Main Street and Broadway and consider lengthening the cycle time
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 #24-0663
That the Environmental Health Coordinator appear before the Special Committee on Rodent Issues to present the 2024 Integrated Pest Management Plan
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 #24-0664
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management address the structural safety and rodent issues with the city-owned building on Skilton Avenue
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 #24-0665
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management devise and share with this Council a long-term plan for the city-owned building at 10 Skilton Avenue
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 #24-0667
In Support of An Act Establishing Protections and Accountability for Transportation Network Companies (TNC) and Delivery Network Companies (DNC) Workers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-0620
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on May 1, 2024
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on May 1, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0474 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Charles D. Richardson to the position of Fire Captain
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-0625
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 7, 2024
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 7, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0564 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $13,800 from the Police Salaries Account to the Police Special Items Rental Buildings Account to pay the remaining East Substation lease payments for FY 2024
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0565 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Sidewalk Easement and Maintenance License at 599 Somerville Avenue
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, 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 Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #24-0572 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $237,468 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Buildings Interior Building Maintenance Account for repairs to the Dilboy Pool
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0573 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $1,095,000 from various Department of Public Works personal services accounts to the Department of Public Works Buildings Electricity Account to cover a deficit
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0574 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $248,111 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas Account for the remediation of an expected year end...
Requesting the appropriation of $248,111 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas Account for the remediation of an expected year end deficit.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0575 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $243,094 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to the Office of Sustainability and Environment, for a residential...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $243,094 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to the Office of Sustainability and Environment, for a residential decarbonization outreach campaign and two-year Energy Advisor position.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0576 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for building improvements at 77 Broadway...
Requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for building improvements at 77 Broadway for the East Somerville Police sub-station.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0577 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $2,041,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly...
Requesting the appropriation of $2,041,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly School to accommodate Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms for the 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 #24-0578 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $2,041,000 from the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly School to accommodate Pre-K and...
Requesting approval to appropriate $2,041,000 from the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly School to accommodate Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School students.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, 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 Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #24-0579 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Emergency Response Stabilization Fund to provide temporary shelter, food, and other common...
Requesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Emergency Response Stabilization Fund to provide temporary shelter, food, and other common necessaries of life to displaced individuals and families.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0580 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $400,000 from the Emergency Stabilization Fund to support critical emergency shelter services
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, 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 Two City Councilor Scott.”
Committee Report #24-0624
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on May 7, 2024
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on May 7, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-0621
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on May 2, 2024
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on May 2, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-0619
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 30, 2024
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 30, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-0626
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on May 8, 2024
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on May 8, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0549 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood St, 0 vehicles inside, 25 vehicles outside for mechanical repairs, auto body work, and spray painting, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun...
New Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood St, 0 vehicles inside, 25 vehicles outside for mechanical repairs, auto body work, and spray painting, 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.
Committee Report #24-0623
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on May 6, 2024
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on May 6, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-0622
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rules, meeting on May 6, 2024
Report of the Special Committee on Rules, meeting on May 6, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #24-0415 (report of the Rules Special Committee)
City Clerk submitting an amendment to the Rules of the City Council to accommodate remote participation and facilitate accessibility
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, 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 Two City Councilor Scott.”
Committee Report #24-0618
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on April 29, 2024
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on April 29, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #24-0670
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Melissa Ripley to the position of Assistant City Clerk
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0672
New Drainlayer's License, A&D Services Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0629
Renewing Drainlayer's License, New England Construction Managers Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0630
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Super Service Today Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0631
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 #24-0632
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 #24-0633
Renewing Second Hand Dealer's License, Luce Boutique, 56 Union Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0634
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Yolande Trans., Inc., Med. #15
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0671
Abbey Judd applying for a Public Event License for Joy Fest on May 18 from 10am to 8pm (raindate May 19)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0673
Mass Farmers Market applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Farmer's Market on every Wednesday May 22 through November 27 from 9:30am to 6:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-0682
On actions to promote students and community health and resilience in the era of climate change
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0690
Renewing Drainlayer's License, The Welch Corp
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-0691
Renewing Flammables License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0689
Reena Freedman applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Francesca 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 #24-0685
Yi Lam applying for a Public Event License for Cambridge Somerville Asian Festival on May 11 from 12pm to 5pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0694
Leigh Meunier applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Hancock on May 11 from 1pm 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 #24-0688
Roberto Fischer applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Beech 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 #24-0686
Jacob Engelstad applying for a Public Event License for Remembering Bill Conrad on May 18 from 1:30pm to 7pm (raindate May 25)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-0687
Kate Ryan applying for a Public Event License for Brown School Fun Run on May 24 from 8am to 3pm (raindate May 23 and May 31)
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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