City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 22, 2022 7:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin. The meeting was recessed from 7:03 to 7:06 pm and from 9:10 to 9:20 pm. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES Present: City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr. City Councilor At Large Charlotte Kelly City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo City Councilor At Large Jake Wilson Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan Ward Five City Councilor Beatriz Gomez Mouakad Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 22-1615) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 22-1616) RESULT: APPROVED 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, August 25, 2022. (ID # 22-1617) RESULT: APPROVED 2. CITATIONS 2.1. Citation By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 22-1540) Commending Rositha Durham for over 8 years of service as the Clerk of Committees. President McLaughlin thanked Ms. Durham for her service. RESULT: APPROVED Page 1 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 2.2. Citation By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 22-1541) Commending J. Brandon Wilson for over 37 years of service in the Planning and Historic Preservation divisions. President McLaughlin reported that this citation was presented to Ms. Wilson yesterday. RESULT: APPROVED 2.3. Citation By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 22-1550) Commending Jessica Brayden for 15 years serving as CEO for RESPOND. Councilor Ewen-Campen explained that this would be presented to Ms. Brayden at a later date. RESULT: APPROVED 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 156 feet of conduit in (ID # 22-1544) Lake Street, from Utility Pole 1 to a point of pickup at the rear of 346 Somerville Avenue. Dave Flewelling, representing Comcast, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. RESULT: APPROVED 3.2. Grant of Location Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 45 feet of conduit in (ID # 22-1545) Sycamore Street, from Utility Pole 329/2 to a point of pickup at 8 Sycamore Street. Dave Flewelling, representing Comcast, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. RESULT: APPROVED 3.3. Grant of Location Verizon applying for a Grant of Location to install 174 feet of conduit in (ID # 22-1546) Broadway, from Manhole 44/302 located at the intersection of Broadway and Lincoln Street to a Utility Pole 18/2 located at the rear of 59 Broadway. Ross Biledeau, representing Verizon, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. RESULT: APPROVED 3.4. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 60 feet of conduit in (ID # 22-1547) Washington Street, from Utility Pole 358/22 to a lighting control box. Phyllis Galloway, representing Eversource, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. RESULT: APPROVED 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS Page 2 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 4.1. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-1564) That the Chief Information Officer update this Council on the work to fix the WiFi signals and cell phone reception at the Winter Hill School. Councilor Strezo reported that she toured the school and was made aware of these problems. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 4.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-1565) That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss how to support marginalized and under-served community members through expanded telehealth service availability. RESULT: APPROVED 4.3. Order By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda (ID # 22-1566) Neufeld and Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Director of Human Resources update this Council on the hiring process and staffing numbers for crossing guards for the 2022-2023 school year. Taken with items 22-1567 and 22-1568. Councilor Strezo sponsored Leiran Biton to speak. He referenced a letter from the PTA and spoke of areas that are dangerous to cross and noted that these areas are supposed to be staffed. He informed the Council that crossing guards are grossly understaffed and said that those who can’t accompany their children to and from school are the most severely impacted. He urged the city to staff all 56 crossing guard locations and to restructure the position to make the job more attractive, as the need is critical. Councilor Kelly asked Mr. Biton to share the PTA letter with the Council and she asked the Administration to pay the crossing guards a living wage. Councilor Clingan agreed that the city needs to get creative about ways to fill these vacant positions. Councilor Pineda Neufeld acknowledged that this is a crisis situation and she implored the Administration to treat this like the crisis that it is. Councilor Strezo explained that crossing guards earn $40 per day for providing this part time service and she feels that a modernization of the position is necessary. Councilor Clingan expressed his belief that part of the problem might be alleviated by going back to proximity schooling. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee Page 3 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 4.4. Order By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda (ID # 22-1567) Neufeld and Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Director of Human Resources discuss the possibility of modernizing crossing guard positions to attract candidates and increase hiring. Taken with items 22-1566 and 22-1568. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee 4.5. Order By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda (ID # 22-1568) Neufeld and Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Chief of Police inform this Council which intersections are prioritized with crossing guards. Taken with items 22-1566 and 22-1567. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee 4.6. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-1570) That the Director of Housing update this Council on maintenance issues of the 100 Homes Program. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee 4.7. Order By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly and (ID # 22-1572) Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Commissioner of Public Works take the necessary steps to remove the cable tied around the telephone pole at Lexington Avenue and Cedar Street. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 4.8. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-1571) That this Council’s Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations hold a public hearing to discuss the feasibility of conducting CORI and SORI checks for Crisis Pregnancy Centers. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 4.9. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-1573) That this Council discuss the attached letter from the Somerville Council of PTAs regarding the condition of school buildings. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee Page 4 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 4.10. Order By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Wilson (ID # 22-1574) That the Director of Mobility place signs at the intersections of Central Street and Highland Avenue and Central Street and Summer Street, informing the public that the Somerville Museum is open during construction. RESULT: APPROVED 4.11. Resolution By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-1569) That the Memorialization Committee commemorate the legacy of Peggy Citarella, former Somerville resident and the first female welder at the Charlestown Navy Yard during WWII. Councilor Strezo mentioned that Ms. Citarella recently passed away at the age of approximately 101. RESULT: APPROVED 4.12. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 22-1590) That the Commissioner of Public Works report on the power outage at the West Somerville Public School on September 7, 2022 and the measures being taken for temporary and permanent repairs. Councilor Gomez Mouakad reported that there was a problem with the chiller. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 4.13. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Wilson and Councilor Kelly (ID # 22-1591) That the Director of Mobility and the Commissioner of Public Works assess the need for additional bike racks in all school buildings. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 4.14. Resolution By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor (ID # 22-1592) Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That this City Council hereby recognizes the period of September 15th to October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month Councilor Gomez Mouakad spoke about celebrating Latino pride and criticized Vice President Harris for telling Latinos from other countries not to come to America. She spoke about noted Latinos in the health care field, as well as their culture, food, etc. Councilor Pineda Neufeld spoke about her Mexican heritage and cited a poll showing that Latino business owners have been falling on difficult times in the state. RESULT: APPROVED Page 5 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 4.15. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 22-1593) That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning update this Council on current draft zoning requirements of the MBTA Communities Act. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 4.16. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson (ID # 22-1594) That the Director of Water and Sewer update this Council on the cause of the sinkhole near 370 Medford Street and what is being done to address this problem. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 4.17. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 22-1596) That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management present to this Council, a plan to fix the Somerville Media Center's roof. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 4.18. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Kelly (ID # 22-1597) That the Director of Racial and Social Justice present an update to this Council on efforts to hire an Executive Director for the Human Rights Commission. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 6 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 4.19. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Wilson and (ID # 22-1595) Councilor Kelly That this City Council supports ending the United States blockade of Cuba. Councilor Burnley, recently returned from a visit to Cuba, commented that the blockade is preventing the people of Cuba to acquire the things they need to live a dignified life. Cuba has been cut off from globalized trade and this resolution askes that the blockade be lifted by President Biden. Councilor Burnley said that the blockade affects Somerville, as well, as it would benefit with our Cuban biotech counterparts. He sponsored Virginia Faust to speak. Ms. Faust said that the blockade continues to harm the people of Cuba. She spoke about those she met in Cuba from all walks of life and about food shortages, a lack of medical supplies and materials to maintain their infrastructure. The blockade prevents us from sharing information and medical developments. Councilor Burnley said this resolution is part of a growing movement to end the blockade. He asked that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Somerville’s congressional delegation and to President Biden. Council Ewen-Campen commented that he has many Cuban acquaintances and feels a strong connection to that country. Councilor Gomez-Mouakad asked if this Council made a statement about Haitian refugees or other statements made by Vice President Harris. She is against the embargo and has friends and relatives in Cuba and is very familiar with the way of life there. She is concerned about the timing of this resolution and she called attention to the massive power outages currently affecting Puerto Rico. Councilor Burnley spoke about visiting a museum in Cuba that features aggression of the United States towards Cuba. He moved the question to approve the resolution. RESULT: APPROVED 4.20. Order By Councilor Wilson (ID # 22-1598) That the Election Commissioner update this Council on the September 6, 2022 primary, including the number of voters moved to the List of Inactive Voters prior to this election and the number of affirmations signed by voters on the List of Inactive Voters, with comparisons to prior years. Councilor Wilson reported that he found himself on the inactive voter list, apparently as a result of the recent redistricting. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 4.21. Order By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Kelly (ID # 22-1599) That the Director of Mobility provide documentation of the current process for determining the locations of traffic calming measures, and communicate this information to the public via the website. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee Page 7 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 4.22. Order By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Davis (ID # 22-1600) That the Director of Engineering provide documentation of the current process for determining the street selection for Fall and partial repaving, and communicate this information via the website. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.23. Order By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 22-1601) That the Chief of Police and the Director of Parking enforce regulations on vehicular stopping and standing in bicycle lanes. Councilor Wilson would like to have an educational component included. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.24. Order By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Davis and Councilor Kelly (ID # 22-1602) That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment update this Council on plans to resume the composting program in Somerville Public Schools. RESULT: APPROVED 4.25. Order By Councilor Wilson (ID # 22-1603) That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the recent closure of Lincoln Park soccer field and the condition of the playing surface. Councilor Wilson reported that the park was closed after determining that the field was unsafe. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee 4.26. Order By Councilor Wilson (ID # 22-1604) That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry update this Council on the status of current and future athletic field projects. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee 4.27. Order By Councilor Wilson (ID # 22-1605) That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development update this Council on any Host Community Agreements with recreational cannabis retail operators currently in development. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Licenses and Permits Committee Page 8 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 4.28. Order By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Wilson and Councilor Kelly (ID # 22-1606) That the Commissioner of Public Works install speed bumps at Heath Street, Ash Avenue, and Edgar Avenue. Councilor Clingan moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Traffic and Parking. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.29. Order By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-1608) That the Commissioner of Public Works install speed bumps on Thurston Street. Councilor Clingan moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Traffic and Parking. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.30. Order By Councilor Clingan (ID # 22-1607) That the Director of Mobility install a NO HEAVY TRUCKS sign on Shore Drive. Councilor Clingan moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Traffic and Parking. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.31. Resolution By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, (ID # 22-1589) Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Somerville City Council supports Yes on 4 for Safer Roads. Councilor Pineda Neufeld explained that this would allow immigrants to obtain driver licenses regardless of their legal status. RESULT: APPROVED 4.32. Communication By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 22-1534) In his capacity as President, conveying updated Standing and Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE Page 9 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel (ID # 22-1577) Matters meeting on September 13, 2022. Councilor Pineda Neufeld reviewed the appointments that were recommended for approval. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.2. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Neeraj Wadhera to the (ID # 22-1087) Council on Aging. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.3. Order By Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 22-1459) That the City Solicitor update this Council on the 8/11/22 Civil Service Commission decision Fairchild, Matthew v. City of Somerville, and the impact on the confirmations process. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.A.4. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mark Sternman to the (ID # 22-1510) Library Board of Trustees. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.5. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lamia Mamoon to the (ID # 22-1512) Library Board of Trustees. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.6. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Janaki Perera to the Library (ID # 22-1513) Board of Trustees. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B. EQUITY, GENDER, FAMILIES AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and (ID # 22-1578) Vulnerable Populations, meeting on September 19, 2022. Councilor Gomez Mouakad reported that the committee received updates on various topics and noted that some items before the committee were unclear, so they will be resubmitted with more detailed language. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-0286) That this City Council work with the Administration to explore an internship program for high school students. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Page 10 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 6.B.3. Resolution By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-0287) That this City Council work with the Administration and School District on a year-round expansion of a summer jobs internship program with a focus on addressing Out of School Time. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.4. Order By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott and (ID # 22-0594) Councilor Kelly That the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the Somerville Arts Council update this Council on the Arts Space Needs Assessment and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) report. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.5. Order By Councilor Scott and Councilor Clingan (ID # 22-1273) That the ADA coordinator deliver to this Council, any budgetary requests of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities from the General Fund. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.6. Order By Councilor Scott and Councilor Clingan (ID # 22-1274) That the Administration provide a report of all public HP parking spaces. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.7. Order By Councilor Scott and Councilor Clingan (ID # 22-1275) That the Director of Finance provide a report of handicap parking fine receipts in FY 2022. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.8. Order By Councilor Scott and Councilor Clingan (ID # 22-1276) That the Director of Parking provide a record of all parking tickets issued for handicap parking violations in FY 2022. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.9. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-1299) That the Chief of Police provide this Council with the number of rape kits administered in the past five years, and the number that were included as evidence in court cases. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.10. Resolution By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-1300) That the Middlesex County District Attorney provide this Council with the number of rape kits tested and the number used as evidence in Somerville court cases over the past five years. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C. FINANCE COMMITTEE Page 11 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 20, 2022. (ID # 22-1579) Councilor Wilson reviewed the items that were reviewed and approved. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.2. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $993,132 in a bond, and to authorization (ID # 22-1439) to appropriate the same amount for the General Fund portion of the Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements project. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.C.3. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $662,088 in a bond, and authorization to (ID # 22-1440) appropriate the same amount for the Sewer portion of the Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements Project. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.C.4. Mayor's Request Requesting acceptance of an additional $500,000 grant with no new match (ID # 22-1509) required, from the MA Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development for Clarendon Hill Project infrastructure improvements. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 13, (ID # 22-1576) 2022. Councilor Davis reviewed the items before the committee and spoke about the discussion surrounding body worn cameras. He moved to sever item 22-1461 and send it back to the Legislative Matters Committee to clarify some language. RESULT: APPROVED Page 12 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 6.D.2. Ordinance By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, (ID # 22-1171) Councilor Wilson, Councilor Scott, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Davis, Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Burnley Jr. Proposing an amendment to the Surveillance Oversight Ordinance (Chapter 10, Article III, Sec 10.63) to remove the exemption for body-worn cameras. RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.D.3. Ordinance By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Davis, (ID # 22-1461) Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2-319 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding bereavement leave, be amended as attached. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 6.D.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the acceptance of Section 84 of Chapter 179 of the Acts of 2022 (ID # 22-1494) for local approval of the provisions of the Clean Energy and Offshore Wind Act. RESULT: APPROVED 6.E. RULES SPECIAL COMMITTEE 6.E.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Rules, meeting on September 12, 2022. (ID # 22-1575) Councilor Burnley reviewed the items before the committee. He expressed his views on saying a prayer at the start of meetings, stating that he is against such a practice. Councilor Davis noted that the Council’s rules had already been changed with respect to gender and prayer. RESULT: APPROVED 6.E.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 22-0162) That the Administration provide paper copies for any reports before this Council for approval, unless Councilors have opted-out. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 13 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 6.E.3. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Wilson and Councilor Davis (ID # 22-0502) That this Council amend its rules to include gender neutral language rather than gender binary language such as "he/she". RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 6.E.4. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 22-0503) That this Council amend Rule 31 to remove the mention of a mandatory prayer at the beginning of each Council meeting. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $286 using available (ID # 22-1526) funds in the Fire Department Computer Supplies Account for the purchase of ink for the graphics printer. Councilor Wilson moved for approval. RESULT: APPROVED 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mark Atwater to the position (ID # 22-1581) of Firefighter. Councilor Pineda-Neufeld moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Zachary Avery to the (ID # 22-1582) position of Firefighter. Councilor Pineda-Neufeld moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Joseph Nutile to the position (ID # 22-1584) of Firefighter. Councilor Pineda-Neufeld moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 14 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mark Scullari to the position (ID # 22-1585) of Firefighter. Councilor Pineda-Neufeld moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Tirrell to the (ID # 22-1586) position of Firefighter. Councilor Pineda-Neufeld moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alex Artinian to the position (ID # 22-1587) of Firefighter. Councilor Pineda-Neufeld moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brian Langton to the (ID # 22-1588) position of Firefighter. Councilor Pineda-Neufeld moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting that the City Council authorize a Police Officer to be assigned at (ID # 22-1614) Polling Places on November 8, 2022 and authorize the Chief of Police to assign Police Officers to the listed Polling Places on November 8, 2022. Director Sahni explained that this request is being made due to a change in state law. Solicitor Shapiro stated that he contacted the legal counsel for the Election Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, who stated that the City of Somerville must dispatch a sufficient number of detail police officers at polling places in the city. If the Council denies this request or did not take a vote on the item, the state could order the city to comply. Councilor Burnley commented that he has many questions about this and that he will vote NO on the item. Councilor Kelly pointed out that there is an item on the Votes Act in the Legislative Matters Committee, where a larger conversation will take place. RESULT: APPROVED Page 15 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 AYE: City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld NAY: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License New Drainlayer's License, D&M Civil Inc. (ID # 22-1553) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. 9.2. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Hercules C + G Drain Inc. (ID # 22-1543) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.3. License Renewing Flammables License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 259 McGrath (ID # 22-1611) Hwy. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.4. License Renewing Garage License, Herb Chambers I-93, 71 Linwood St. (ID # 22-1610) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.5. License Renewing Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 19 Joy St. (ID # 22-1612) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.6. License Renewing Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood St. (ID # 22-1609) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED Page 16 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 9.7. License Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 (ID # 22-1613) Linwood St. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.8. Public Event Parks and Recreation applying for a Public Event License for Fall Festival (ID # 22-1548) on September 24 from 12pm to 4:30pm (raindate September 25). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.9. Public Event David Margolin applying for a Public Event License for Highland Rd BP on (ID # 22-1554) September 24 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate October 2). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.10. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Ignite Festival on (ID # 22-1580) October 1 from 2pm to 11pm (raindate October 2). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.11. Public Event Beth Kelves applying for a Public Event License for Hancock St BP on (ID # 22-1561) October 2 from 12pm to 7:30pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.12. Public Event Tiffany Cayarga applying for a Public Event License for Blocktober Fest on (ID # 22-1556) October 15 from 5pm to 10pm (raindate October 16). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.13. Public Event Zachary Baum applying for a Public Event License for Annual Vintage (ID # 22-1555) Market on October 16 from 9am to 9pm (raindate October 23). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 9.14. Public Event Somerville Road Runners applying for a Public Event License for 26th (ID # 22-1549) Annual Gobble Gobble Gobble Race on November 24 from 6am to 1pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the reading and approve the item. RESULT: APPROVED 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS Page 17 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 10.1. Order By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Kelly (ID # 22-1618) That the Director of Parks and Recreation update this Council on staffing challenges at the Ginny Smithers Sanders Pool. Councilor Wilson is interested in hearing about the challenges at the pool. Councilor Gomez Mouakad reported that there is a shortage of 10 lifeguards in addition to the pool manager’s position. RESULT: APPROVED 10.2. Order By Councilor Wilson (ID # 22-1619) That the Director of Finance update this Council on the impact to long-term municipal revenue projections from the state law change lowering the Community Impact Fee for cannabis retail businesses. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Licenses and Permits Committee 10.3. Communication By Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 22-1623) Conveying an update from the ARPA Advisory Committee meeting of September 21, 2022. Councilor Pineda Neufeld reported that the ARPA website is live and details how and where ARPA funds were used by the city. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $36,000 grant with no new (ID # 22-1535) match required, from the MA Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. Councilor Wilson moved to refer the item to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 18 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 10.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to enter into a new solar net metering agreement (ID # 22-1560) (IndustriPlex Class III) with ECA NEMA Brightfields II, LLC. Taken with item 22-1562 The city’s Energy Manager, Erik Larson explained that this item supports the city’s energy policies and will save the city thousands of dollars in energy costs. Councilor Burnley commented that 94 pages of documents pertaining to these items were provided to the Council just four hours prior to this meeting. He asked why contractors would be reimbursed 90% of the city’s savings. Two representatives from ECA were on-hand to address questions. Mr. Larson explained how the arrangement was structured. One of the representatives said that the value of the electricity produced equals 90% of the cost of developing, installing and maintaining the solar panels. The other 10% is the city’s savings. Somerville always saves 10% of whatever the NSTAR rate is. The modules that reach their end of life could be recycled. Councilor Kelly inquired about four other agreements this company has with the city and asked Mr. Larson how long this negotiation has been going on. He replied that it started in March and that there is an urgency to get the ground installations completed prior to any frost. An EAC representative said that much of the equipment is ready to be installed. Councilor Kelly expressed her displeasure at the lateness of receiving the request to approve these items when they have been worked on since March. Director Sahni said the Administration’s goal is to get information to the Council at least 48 hours prior to a Council meeting, but often, that’s not possible. Councilor Gomez Mouakad asked if there would be costs to the city if this were not approved tonight and Mr. Larson said that the city’s savings would be lost. Councilor Ewen-Campen moved for approval. Councilor Burnley stated that he said earlier that he wanted this to go to committee and President McLaughlin explained that councilors cannot make motions to send items to committees. City Clerk Wells, when asked, clarified that councilors can make a motion to send items to committees. Councilors Burnley and Ewen-Campen agreed to table their motions. ECA would like to have the projected completed by the end of the year. Councilor Scott criticized the administration for not reading in at least one councilor. President McLaughlin expressed his frustration with the process of moving these items forward. Councilor Ewen-Campen’s motion to approve was approved. RESULT: APPROVED 10.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to enter into a new solar net metering agreement (ID # 22-1562) (IndustriPlex Class II) with ECA NEMA Brightfields II, LLC. Taken with item 22-1560. RESULT: APPROVED 11. LATE ITEMS Page 19 of 20 City Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2022 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 10:28 PM. Page 20 of 20