MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
October 24, 2024
58 recorded votes, 51 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. Jake Wilson arrived late (7:03 PM). Wilfred Mbah arrived late (7:18 PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan
Every vote, in order
Minutes #24-1523
Approve the minutes of the September 26, 2024 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 26, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1514
That the Director of Libraries and other relevant departments discuss strategies and lay out safety protocols in advance to ensure a safe environment for everyone during events that may draw 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 #24-1515
That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry consider the impact of park equipment that requires special parts that may take long periods to replace when creating future parks
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1516
That the Director of Sustainability and Environment invest in rodent proof composting barrels in the upcoming composting pilot program
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 #24-1517
That the Director of Engineering address rainwater runoff on Myrtle Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1508
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 22, 2024
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 22, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1332 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants to artists, organizations, and schools
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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Mayor's Request #24-1333 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $220,120.80 from the Receipts Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero Safety...
Requesting the appropriation of $220,120.80 from the Receipts Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero Safety efforts.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1334 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the fund of $262,000 from the Union Square RELP Master Developer LLC to satisfy...
Requesting approval to create the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the fund of $262,000 from the Union Square RELP Master Developer LLC to satisfy special permit conditions.
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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Mayor's Request #24-1335 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $262,000 from the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund to implement the conditions of Planning Board case PB 2019-04
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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Mayor's Request #24-1374 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the approval of a time-only contract extension for three years with a new expiration date of 9/1/2027, for the Somerville Hispanic Association for community development for restoration...
Requesting the approval of a time-only contract extension for three years with a new expiration date of 9/1/2027, for the Somerville Hispanic Association for community development for restoration of 59 Cross Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1377 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $250,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Department of Transportation to the Mobility Division for an East Somerville soundwall feasibility study
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1378 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $160 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Administration License Reimbursement Account for commercial license employee...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $160 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Administration License Reimbursement Account for commercial license employee expense.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1379 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $22,633.58 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas Account for prior year balances on bills
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1380 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,675 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish Removal Account for Recycling Services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1381 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $15 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish Removal Account for disposal of break out material
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1410 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $33,940.50 grant from Metro North Regional Employment Board to the Health and Human Services Department for the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1417 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $45.97 using available funds in the City Clerk Maintenance Contract Account for printer/copier service
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1429 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $24,802.06 using available funds in the Information Technology Cellular & Paging Services and Leased - Photocopier Equipment Accounts for...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $24,802.06 using available funds in the Information Technology Cellular & Paging Services and Leased - Photocopier Equipment Accounts for cellular and copier services.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1430 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $542,675 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Open Space Reserve Fund for the development of the ArtFarm park improvement project
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1431 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the transfer of $174,776 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1434 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $310,100 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $310,100 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for resilience hubs.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1443 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $48,930.22 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1444 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $60 using available funds in the Department of Public Works License Reimbursement Account for employee reimbursement for hoisting licensing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1445 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept a donation of equipment valued at $15,000 with no new match required, from the City of Boston Department of Emergency Management to the Department of Public Works for...
Requesting approval to accept a donation of equipment valued at $15,000 with no new match required, from the City of Boston Department of Emergency Management to the Department of Public Works for two trailers.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1507
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on October 21, 2024
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on October 21, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1506
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on October 17, 2024
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on October 17, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1505
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 15, 2024
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 15, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1457 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 6-97 of the Code of Ordinances to change the effective date for the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance
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, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Order #24-1510 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That, effective January 1, 2025, the City Council shall no longer review and approve applications for block parties, and that the City Clerk shall assume responsibility for final approval of...
That, effective January 1, 2025, the City Council shall no longer review and approve applications for block parties, and that the City Clerk shall assume responsibility for final approval of applications for block parties.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1509
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 23, 2024
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 23, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1043 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor St, 242 vehicles inside, 0 vehicles outside for storing vehicles only, 7 days a week 24 hours
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1503
Requesting approval of a Deed, Easement and Grant of Maintenance License for 808 Windsor Street
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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Mayor's Request #24-1511
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $940,000 from the tax levy to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Firefighters Local 76
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1512
Requesting the appropriation of $233,881 from the Salary Contingency, Salaries account to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with...
Requesting the appropriation of $233,881 from the Salary Contingency, Salaries account to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with Firefighters Local 76.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1513
Requesting approval of an extension for 15 months with a new expiration date of 3/31/2026, and an increase of $68,227.63, for the University of Massachusetts Boston for research and implementation...
Requesting approval of an extension for 15 months with a new expiration date of 3/31/2026, and an increase of $68,227.63, for the University of Massachusetts Boston for research and implementation services for the Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #24-1520
City Solicitor requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss a recent decision in Cobble Hill Center, LLC v. Somerville Redevelopment Authority
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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
License #24-1492
New Drainlayer's License, A & B Services, Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1504
Renewing Drainlayer's License, DOG Excavation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1494
Renewing Lodging House License, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, 98 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1495
Renewing Outdoor Goods License, 130 Broadway, LLC, 130 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1493
New Second Hand Dealer License, Vintage Treasures, 482 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1497
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1496
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Brake, 45 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1498
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Joy St Motors, 24 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1499
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Somerville Motors, Inc., 182 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Small Wireless Facility #24-1519
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 115 Pearl Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1500
Madeleine Finkenaur applying for a Public Event License for Fall Samhain Festival on October 25 from 6pm to 11:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1501
Dominique Stassart applying for a Public Event License for Halloween Trick or Treat on October 31 from 3pm to 8pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1518
Veterans Services Division applying for a Public Event License for Henry Hansen Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 7 from 8:30am to 10:30am
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1502
Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for 10th Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll on December 7 from 10am to 7pm (raindate December 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #24-1535
Commending Patricia Contente for sixteen years of dedicated service to the City of Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1529
That the Chief of Police provide an explanation regarding why there was no police assistance or crossing guard coverage at the intersection of Curtis Street and Powderhouse Boulevard during school...
That the Chief of Police provide an explanation regarding why there was no police assistance or crossing guard coverage at the intersection of Curtis Street and Powderhouse Boulevard during school drop-off hours on October 23, 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 #24-1530
That the Chief of Police, in collaboration with the Director of Mobility, develop and present a plan to ensure that crossing guards are adequately stationed at critical intersections near schools...
That the Chief of Police, in collaboration with the Director of Mobility, develop and present a plan to ensure that crossing guards are adequately stationed at critical intersections near schools during high-traffic hours and that, in the absence of crossing guards, police officers are deployed to ensure the safety of students and families.
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 #24-1536
Celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-1528
That this Council hereby welcomes Nina Bear Ewen-Campen to Somerville, extends its best wishes to her very proud parents, and looks forward to Nina’s bright future in Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1531
Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Crossing Easement Agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Order #24-1542
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Water and Sewer implement a minimum 24-hours notice policy prior to any planned water service interruption
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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