MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
January 9, 2025
53 recorded votes, 50 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.
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 #25-0075
Approve the minutes of the November 26, 2024 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 26, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0034
That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility discuss the consistent running of red lights during the weekday rush hour and repeated driver misuse of the Broadway...
That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility discuss the consistent running of red lights during the weekday rush hour and repeated driver misuse of the Broadway bus lanes, including near the Temple Street and Broadway 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 #25-0038
That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility discuss the previous and ongoing strategy for implementation and public education of drivers violating the NO LEFT...
That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility discuss the previous and ongoing strategy for implementation and public education of drivers violating the NO LEFT TURN signage at the Somerville High School exit on Highland Avenue and Vinal 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 #25-0035
That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss how uncleared and/or unsalted sidewalks and driveways are addressed and fined after it snows, including how...
That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss how uncleared and/or unsalted sidewalks and driveways are addressed and fined after it snows, including how much staff it takes to address community reports of uncleared private property.
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 #25-0036
That the Director of Finance discuss the path for City Councilors to receive administrative support staff to assist with City Council work and communication with constituents
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 #25-0037
That the Director of Finance discuss the path for City Councilors to receive administrative support staff in the form of paid internships to assist City Councilors with City Council work and...
That the Director of Finance discuss the path for City Councilors to receive administrative support staff in the form of paid internships to assist City Councilors with City Council work and communication with constituents.
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 #25-0039
That the Director of Health and Human Services provide an update on the availability and accessibility of free menstrual products in all city-owned bathrooms, including realistic sizes
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 #25-0041
That the Director of the Council on Aging discuss how the Council on Aging can help support seniors dealing with grocery store inflation and how the city can help support their transportation to...
That the Director of the Council on Aging discuss how the Council on Aging can help support seniors dealing with grocery store inflation and how the city can help support their transportation to regional discount grocery stores.
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 #25-0042
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Veterans Services provide an estimated timeline as to when the removed Veteran's memorial monuments on the City Hall concourse will be...
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Veterans Services provide an estimated timeline as to when the removed Veteran's memorial monuments on the City Hall concourse will be re-installed.
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 #25-0043
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Veterans Services install signage at the previous locations of Veteran Memorial landmarks, acknowledging the missing Veterans Memorials...
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Veterans Services install signage at the previous locations of Veteran Memorial landmarks, acknowledging the missing Veterans Memorials and conveying to the public a timeline and/or plan for their re-installation.
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 #25-0040
That the Administration create a full time staff position within the Executive office, known as a Senior Liaison, who will work to prevent potential barriers within Somerville to growing older in...
That the Administration create a full time staff position within the Executive office, known as a Senior Liaison, who will work to prevent potential barriers within Somerville to growing older in place.
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 #25-0061
That the Director of Mobility install DRIVE SLOW - CHILDREN AT PLAY signs on Heath Street, between Edgar Avenue and Fenwick 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.”
Resolution #25-0060
That the Administration discuss the decision to stop the annual employee holiday breakfast at the Department of Public Works building
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 #25-0062
That the Administration return the Vietnam and Korean War memorials to a new, public location as soon as possible rather than waiting for a comprehensive plan for all veterans memorials
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 #25-0063
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on the timeline for constructing a new school building
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 #25-0064
That the Chief Fire Engineer and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure Fire Department facilities are well maintained
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 #25-0068
That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on short- and long-term plans for the Founders Memorial Skating Rink
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 #25-0072
That the Director of Parks and Recreation update this Council on the progress of conducting a representative, multi-lingual survey of the community to determine recreational programming needs
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 #25-0070
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment discuss with this Council plans to connect more households with the new incentives in the 2025-2027 Mass Save 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.”
Resolution #25-0069
That the Administration form a Community Center Task Force to coordinate community uses of multiple planned and potential community center spaces in the city to guard against duplicative and...
That the Administration form a Community Center Task Force to coordinate community uses of multiple planned and potential community center spaces in the city to guard against duplicative and incomplete addressing of needs.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0066
That this Council discuss proposed amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance, as outlined in item #24-0493
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 #25-0067
That the Director of Parks and Recreation restore or replace the nearly 30 year old Nunziato Field plaque
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 #25-0065
In Support of Primary Care Physicians at Mass General Brighams
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0071
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Engineering report to this Council on the failure of the boiler at the Brown School and the short- and long-term plans to address heating...
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Engineering report to this Council on the failure of the boiler at the Brown School and the short- and long-term plans to address heating for the building.
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 #25-0044
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on January 8, 2025
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on January 8, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1762 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ryan Westgate to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0046
Requesting the appropriation of $4,000,000 from the Overlay Surplus, as declared by the Board of Assessors, to the Judgments and Settlements Account to pay additional costs of purchasing the...
Requesting the appropriation of $4,000,000 from the Overlay Surplus, as declared by the Board of Assessors, to the Judgments and Settlements Account to pay additional costs of purchasing the parcel of land known as 90 Washington 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, 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 #25-0052
Requesting the appropriation of $929,513 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Fire - Other Lump Sum Payments account to fund the retrospective portion of a collective bargaining...
Requesting the appropriation of $929,513 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Fire - Other Lump Sum Payments account to fund the retrospective portion of a collective bargaining settlement with the Local 76 Firefighters 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 #25-0054
Requesting the appropriation of $472,854 from the Salary Contingency account to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with the Local 76...
Requesting the appropriation of $472,854 from the Salary Contingency account to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with the Local 76 Firefighters 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 #25-0013
Requesting approval to accept a gift valued at $3,594 with no new match required, of an evacuation chair from the Estate of Thomas F. Cahill to the Fire Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0032
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Darcy Haynes as Constable
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0050
Requesting that City Councilors submit budget funding priorities by March 27, 2025
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #25-0014
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Peter Forcellese, Sr. to the position of Legislative Clerk
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #25-0015
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Madalyn Letellier to the position of Legislative Services Manager
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0024
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0025
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Intercar, 39 Webster Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0026
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0027
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, United Motors, 188 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0081
That the Director of Human Resources provide this Council with details of employee trainings provided and which are required
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 #25-0082
That the Director of Human Resources appear before the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters to discuss the city’s protocols for returning to work when an employee has...
That the Director of Human Resources appear before the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters to discuss the city’s protocols for returning to work when an employee has been disciplined for an offense deemed sexual in nature.
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 #25-0083
That the Commissioner of Public Works make a change to the calendar by extending the yard waste collection by at least one week
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 #25-0084
That the Director of Mobility, Director of Engineering, and Director of Parking appear before this Council to present on the Citywide Parking and Curb Use Study
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0085
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances for transit oriented height and density bonuses for additional affordable housing and other...
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances for transit oriented height and density bonuses for additional affordable housing and other enumerated community benefits.
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 #25-0086
That the Director of Mobility update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the status of the Kensington Connector
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 #25-0087
That the Director of Health and Human Services, Director of Housing, and Director of Housing Stability update this City Council regularly on progress towards addressing homelessness
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 #25-0089
That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator provide an estimate for the costs of upgrading 165 Broadway for 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.”
Order #25-0090
That the Director of the Arts Council work with Teen Empowerment and other related city agencies to develop youth-led murals within the walls of 165 Broadway
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 #25-0091
That the Commissioner of Public Works clear the second floor of 165 Broadway of unused city materials to expand building uses for Teen Empowerment
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 #25-0092
That the Commissioner of Public Works address maintenance issues within 165 Broadway
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 #25-0093
That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the use of beet juice to address ice and snow during winter storms
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 #25-0094
That the Director of Parking allow public use of school parking lots during snow storms
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 #25-0088
That the Administration prioritize 165 Broadway for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance to ensure full use of youth-related activities in the building
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.”
License #25-0080
New Drainlayer's License, Hunter Environmental Winter Storm Services
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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