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Somerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting

October 10, 2024

40 recorded votes, 38 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page

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Attendance

Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen.

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 #24-1476

Approve the minutes of the September 12, 2024 regular meeting

Minutes, page 1 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 12, 2024.

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Grant of Location #24-1435

Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 34 feet of conduit in Foley Street, from an existing communications manhole to a point of pickup near 350 Assembly Row

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Grant of Location #24-1436

Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from Manhole 20647 to a point of pickup at 453 Somerville Avenue

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Order #24-1464

That the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility install ALL-WAY STOP signs and safety measures at the Cedar Street intersection with the Community Path

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Resolution #24-1463

That city departments ensure timely communication and coordination for field line painting

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Order #24-1465

That the Director of Mobility install a raised crosswalk at the intersection of Cedar Street and the Community Path

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Order #24-1466

That the Director of Mobility explore ways to make the intersection of Gilman and Aldrich Streets safer, including adding clear signage and painting

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Resolution #24-1467

In support of Ballot Question 2

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Committee Report #24-1469

Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 2, 2024

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 2, 2024.

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Mayor's Request #24-1170 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)

Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Shumeane Benford to the position of Chief of Police

Minutes, page 4 · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Mayor's Request #24-1226 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)

Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Courtney Brunson to the Somerville Redevelopment Authority

Minutes, page 4 · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Mayor's Request #24-1232 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)

Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lynn Richards to the Planning Board

Minutes, page 4 · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Committee Report #24-1470

Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on October 3, 2024

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on October 3, 2024.

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Committee Report #24-1468

Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on September 30, 2024

Minutes, page 5 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on September 30, 2024.

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Mayor's Request #24-1458

Requesting that this Council rescind item #23-0977, an appropriation of $1,300,000, from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a Feasibility Study

Minutes, page 7 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Mayor's Request #24-1459

Requesting approval to appropriate $1,300,000 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a feasibility study to renovate or construct a new building to serve the needs of the Winter Hill...

Minutes, page 7 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Requesting approval to appropriate $1,300,000 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a feasibility study to renovate or construct a new building to serve the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and that such new construction may also accommodate the enrollment needs of the Benjamin G. Brown School.

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

License #24-1437

Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

License #24-1438

Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 3 License, Ed's Used Auto Parts, 516 Columbia Street

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

License #24-1456

Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Mystic Auto Sales, 712 Mystic Avenue

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1450

Republic Fitness applying for a Public Event License for Republic Fitness Saturday Morning Outdoor Yoga Class on October 12, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, and...

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Republic Fitness applying for a Public Event License for Republic Fitness Saturday Morning Outdoor Yoga Class on October 12, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, and November 23 from 9am to 11:30am.

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1451

David Margolin applying for a Public Event License for Highland Road BP 2024 on October 13 from 3pm to 7:30pm (raindate October 20)

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1462

Alexandra Feldman applying for a Public Event License for School Street BP on October 19 from 11am to 6pm (raindate October 26)

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1452

Garlic Enthusiasts MetroWest applying for a Public Event License for Poly Pumpkin Spice Meetup on October 19 from 12:30pm to 5pm (raindate October 26)

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1439

Daniel Wong applying for a Public Event License for Oak Street BP on October 19 from 1:30pm to 7pm (raindate October 20)

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1440

Emily Hardt applying for a Public Event License for Endicott Avenue & Neighborhood BP on October 20 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate October 27)

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1441

Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Truck O' Treat on October 24 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate October 31)

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1453

Kelsey Coffin applying for a Public Event License for Partridge Ave Halloween Party on October 27 from 4pm to 10pm (raindate October 31)

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1442

Danielle Angelillo applying for a Public Event License for Halloween BP on October 31 from 3pm to 9pm

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1454

Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Free Clothing Store on November 16 from 8am to 4pm (raindate November 17)

Minutes, page 13 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Resolution #24-1479

In support of safety and transparency on public transit

Minutes, page 13 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Resolution #24-1480

That the Administration explore opportunities to utilize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Catalyst Fund to spur new housing acquisition or production, particularly...

Minutes, page 14 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

That the Administration explore opportunities to utilize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Catalyst Fund to spur new housing acquisition or production, particularly in the Winter Hill, Gilman Square, and East Somerville neighborhoods.

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Order #24-1481

That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the streetlights along Mystic Avenue between the Medford line and Temple Street

Minutes, page 14 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Order #24-1482

That the Director of Mobility install STOP signs making the intersections of Temple Street and the following streets 4-way stops: Bailey Road, Governor Winthrop Road, Puritan Avenue, Putnam...

Minutes, page 14 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

That the Director of Mobility install STOP signs making the intersections of Temple Street and the following streets 4-way stops: Bailey Road, Governor Winthrop Road, Puritan Avenue, Putnam Street, and Ten Hills Road.

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Order #24-1483

That the Director of Mobility install a flashing STOP sign on Puritan Avenue at its intersection with Temple Street

Minutes, page 15 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)

Order #24-1484

That the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Medford Street between Central and School Streets

Minutes, page 15 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)

Order #24-1486

That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to discuss the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)’s application to the Mass Architectural Access Board, on...

Minutes, page 15 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to discuss the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)’s application to the Mass Architectural Access Board, on behalf of the City of Somerville, to circumvent Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)

Order #24-1488

That the Director of Economic Development appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the immediate plans and short-term response efforts to best support...

Minutes, page 16 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

That the Director of Economic Development appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the immediate plans and short-term response efforts to best support and sustain small businesses, post-COVID.

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

Order #24-1489

That the Chief of Police and the Director of Human Resources appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the current crossing guard staffing numbers and...

Minutes, page 16 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

That the Chief of Police and the Director of Human Resources appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the current crossing guard staffing numbers and the recruitment plan for the 2024/2025 school year.

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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

Mayor's Request #24-1478

Requesting acceptance of an open space access agreement for 5 Middlesex Avenue and Harold Cohen Way

Minutes, page 16 · Video

ApprovePassed · 10–0

Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, 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, 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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

Public Event #24-1487

Ani Ajemian applying for a Public Event License for Halloween on Heath on October 27 from 1pm to 9pm

Minutes, page 17 · Video

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 17 (PDF)

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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