MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
September 26, 2024
73 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. Naima Sait arrived late (7:04 PM). Wilfred Mbah arrived late (7:12 PM). Willie Burnley arrived late (7:18 PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Minutes #24-1407
Approve the minutes of the August 22, 2024 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 22, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Small Wireless Facility #24-1361
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on a new pole at 50 Brastow Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1392
That the Chief of Police resume the practice of issuing tickets rather than warnings for serious moving violations that endanger public safety, including speeding and running red lights
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 #24-1394
That the Director of Mobility install speed limit signage, and update the signage to NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES and include scooters and mopeds, along the Community Path and at all its various entrances
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 #24-1396
That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its...
That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its recommendations to better support 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.”
Order #24-1397
That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss with this Council the recent cancellation and rescheduling of the Fall Festival originally scheduled for September 21st
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 #24-1398
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide this Council with a list of the elevators in all city buildings, the operational status of each elevator, and the maintenance and inspection records...
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide this Council with a list of the elevators in all city buildings, the operational status of each elevator, and the maintenance and inspection records for each.
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 #24-1399
That the Director of Mobility update this Council on the current timeline for the Highland Avenue 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.”
Order #24-1401
That the Chairman of the Board of Election Commissioners report to this Council, the number of in-person early voting ballots in each election since the inception of early voting, as well as the...
That the Chairman of the Board of Election Commissioners report to this Council, the number of in-person early voting ballots in each election since the inception of early voting, as well as the cost of early voting in the 2023 municipal election.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-1400
That the Administration facilitate bike parking for large licensed public events in the city
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 #24-1341
Accept the report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on September 19, 2024
Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on September 19, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1343
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 24, 2024
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 24, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1225 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $6,018,969 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for street and sidewalk reconstruction
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, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, 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.”
Mayor's Request #24-1227 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $56,215.42 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs for a BlueBike station at 200 Inner Belt Road
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, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, 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.”
Mayor's Request #24-1228 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for fourteen months with a new expiration date of 12/31/2025, for P Gioioso & Sons Inc for construction services for the Spring Hill Sewer...
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for fourteen months with a new expiration date of 12/31/2025, for P Gioioso & Sons Inc for construction services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1229 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for twelve months with a new expiration date of 12/31/2025, for Stantec Consulting Services Inc for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer...
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for twelve months with a new expiration date of 12/31/2025, for Stantec Consulting Services Inc for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1261 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a technical assistance grant valued at $25,000 with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to the Office of...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a technical assistance grant valued at $25,000 with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for sustainable and resilient zoning development.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1309 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $770 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Food Supplies & Refreshments Account for food served at a Departmental Training meeting...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $770 using available funds in the Mayor's Office Food Supplies & Refreshments Account for food served at a Departmental Training meeting with Department Heads.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1339
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 17, 2024
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 17, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-0716 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to add Sections 8-375 through 8-381 to promote and enforce safer construction practices
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, 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.”
Committee Report #24-1340
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on September 19, 2024
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on September 19, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1342
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on September 23, 2024
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on September 23, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1326 (report of the Public Health and Public Safety Committee)
That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator take the necessary measures to ensure ADA compliance for the second floor of 165 Broadway for the purposes of expanding youth services
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 #24-1344
Accept the report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on September 25, 2024
Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on September 25, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-0466 (report of the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee)
That the Administration provide the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance with regular updates about the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for the...
That the Administration provide the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance with regular updates about the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for the Winter Hill and Brown Schools.
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 #24-1338
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on September 16, 2024
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on September 16, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1337
Requesting approval to appropriate $141,300 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the E911 Personal Services Other Lump Sum Benefits Account to fund a collective bargaining agreement with...
Requesting approval to appropriate $141,300 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the E911 Personal Services Other Lump Sum Benefits Account to fund a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU/Local 888 E911 Call Taker/Dispatcher's Union.
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, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, 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.”
Mayor's Request #24-1336
Requesting the appropriation of $46,170 from the Salary Contingency account to various E911 Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with SEIU/Local 888, E911 Call...
Requesting the appropriation of $46,170 from the Salary Contingency account to various E911 Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with SEIU/Local 888, E911 Call Taker/Dispatcher Union.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1370
Requesting approval of an exemption for Peter George as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1369
Requesting approval of an exemption for Marco Osoy as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1368
Requesting approval of an exemption for Johnathan Tsirigotis as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1402
New Drainlayer's License, Commonwealth Construction & Utilities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1345
New Drainlayer's License, TID Trenchless LLC
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1403
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Bassco Excavating
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1346
New Sign / Awning License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 61 Washington Street, 4 signs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1347
Renewing Garage License, Broadway Gulf Inc., 212 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1348
Renewing Garage License, New England Collision Center Inc., 224 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1350
Renewing Lodging House License, Alpha Phi, 14 Sawyer Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1349
Renewing Lodging House License, Kappa Alpha, 25 Whitfield Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1351
Renewing Lodging House License, Theta Chi, 100 Packard Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1352
Renewing Lodging House License, Zeta Beta Tau, 126 Packard Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1353
Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Great Eastern Vintage, 236 Pearl Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1357
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Auto Plus LLC, 229 Lowell Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1358
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Gulf, Inc., 212 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1355
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 1 License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 259 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1356
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 1 License, Mercedes Benz of Boston Commercial Vans, 161 Linwood Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1354
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 1 License, Smart Center Boston, 257 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1404
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Small Wireless Facility #24-1359
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 76 School Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Small Wireless Facility #24-1360
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 6 Main Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1363
Odd Numbered Records applying for a Public Event License for oDD nUMBERED rECORDS Concert Series on September 29 and October 6 from 2pm to 6pm (raindate October 13)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1364
Harris Gruman applying for a Public Event License for HONK! Festival on October 4, 5, and 6 for various start and end times
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1393
Tadhg Pearson applying for a Public Event License for Munroe Play Street on October 4, 11, 18, 25, and 31 from 2:30pm to 8:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1365
Bow Market applying for a Public Event License for Curated Vintage Market on October 13 from 9am to 9pm (raindate November 3)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1366
Jeremy Blackowicz applying for a Public Event License for Kingston Street BP on October 19 from 12pm to 9pm (raindate October 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1362
Racial and Social Justice applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Annual Domestic Violence Vigil on October 30 from 5pm to 7:30pm (raindate October 31)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #24-1427
Commending Jay Colbert on the auspicious occasion of his retirement after over 36 years of distinguished service to the Fire Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1411
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development review the Gilman Square Urban Study and update this Council before the end of FY 2025 about the...
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development review the Gilman Square Urban Study and update this Council before the end of FY 2025 about the feasibility of pursuing that model.
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 #24-1412
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development begin the process of engaging with the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council on their long-term plans to...
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development begin the process of engaging with the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council on their long-term plans to develop Gilman Square and update this Council before the end of FY 2025 on how the Administration plans to produce community-driven 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.”
Order #24-1413
That the Director of Inspectional Services submit a written report of outstanding 311 requests submitted for the Edgerly School building and provide an update to this Council with a plan to ensure...
That the Director of Inspectional Services submit a written report of outstanding 311 requests submitted for the Edgerly School building and provide an update to this Council with a plan to ensure that staff and students have safe and appropriate facilities.
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 #24-1414
That the Chief of Police update this Council on how the Police Department will ensure members of the public remain separated during counter-protests
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 #24-1415
That the Director of Parks and Recreation provide this Council with the list of youth program offerings, their cap and their enrollment data in 2023 and 2024
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 #24-1416
That the Director of Mobility work with the Ward 5 Councilor on installing bike parking next to Neighborhood Produce after the Broadway at Boston Avenue intersection work is completed
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 #24-1418
That the Chief Assessor determine the ownership of open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue to determining who is responsible for maintenance
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 #24-1419
That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue for rodent activity and bait accordingly
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 #24-1420
That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue of trash and debris
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 #24-1421
That the Director of Parking install a NO THROUGH STREET sign on Alston Street by the Cross Street intersection
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 #24-1422
That the Tree Warden inspect the trees behind Chester Avenue and address falling limbs
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 #24-1423
That the Director of Inspectional Services address graffiti on Alston Street and ensure the property owners are maintaining their properties
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 #24-1424
That the Director of Mobility place a sided bump on Alston Street
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 #24-1425
That the Director of Mobility prioritize Alston Street for a potential Neighborways 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.”
Order #24-1426
That the Director of Parking enforce parking permit laws on Alston Street
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 #24-1373
Requesting approval of an exemption for James McEwen as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
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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