City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 23, 2023 7:00 PM NOTICE: This is NOT the official version of the City Council's minutes. While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first checking with the City Clerk. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 23-0200) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Present: Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld 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 Absent: Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis Ward Five City Councilor Beatriz Gomez Mouakad 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 23-0287) President Ewen-Campen and the entire Council requested a moment of silence in memory of Jim Ballantyne. Councilor Wilson, on behalf of Councilor Davis, requested a moment of silence in memory of Dr. George C. Galitis. Councilor Scott requested a moment of silence in memory of Joseph F. Clark. Councilor Wilson requested a moment of silence in memory of Jean A. DeAmato. RESULT: APPROVED Page 1 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, January 26, 2023. (ID # 23-0288) RESULT: APPROVED 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Resolution By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Davis, Councilor Burnley Jr., (ID # 23-0267) Councilor Clingan, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson Celebrating the work of the Somerville Bike Kitchen and supporting their efforts to find a new home in Somerville. President Ewen-Campen gave some background on this all volunteer organization where bicycle repair and maintenance is taught. Hannah Goldberg was sponsored to speak. Ms. Goldberg stated that the organization’s facility will no longer be available, so they are seeking a new location with at least 200 square feet of space, a slop sink and bathroom facilities by this August to service the 200 people/month that pass through their doors and she asked that this need be amplified. Councilor Kelly implored the administration to do more to keep people and organizations, such as this, to remain in Somerville. RESULT: APPROVED 4.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0274) That the Director of Health and Human Services create and distribute an outgoing participation survey for participants of the Teen Snow Shoveling program. Councilor Strezo explained that this survey would provide information on the cost of the services being provided. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee 4.3. Order Withdrawn. (ID # 23-0275) RESULT: WITHDRAWN Page 2 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 4.4. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0281) That the Director of Human Resources provide a written demographic breakdown, including the age, gender, and race/ethnicity of Customer Service Representatives in the Constituent Services Department (311). Councilor Strezo provided some back history saying that in 2020, a demographic breakdown of gender was 77% female. The breakdown is consistent and she thinks that this fact could be used to support the 311 operators’ efforts to join the SMEA’s Unit B. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee 4.5. Communication By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0276) Conveying a report of the Children's Cabinet meeting of February 14, 2023. Councilor Strezo reported that the Cabinet has been discussing out of school time, transportation, the lack of state infrastructure, online registration program barriers, before school time voids, school day ending time, program affordability, funding concerns, tuition assistance, the lack of available slots, space availability, limited staffing capacity, and lack of special needs programming. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 4.6. Order By Councilor Kelly, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Wilson (ID # 23-0278) That this Council discuss alternative emergency response methods with local mental health care providers. See agenda item 4.7. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee 4.7. Order By Councilor Kelly, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Wilson (ID # 23-0279) That this Council discuss alternative emergency response and/or other non-police emergency response methods that other municipalities have pursued. Councilor Kelly intends to discuss this topic at the next Public Health and Public Safety Committee meeting. Councilor Wilson commented that this will be a positive step in the right direction and he would like to have trained clinicians in the field to respond to incidents. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 3 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 4.8. Order By Councilor Kelly (ID # 23-0280) That the Director of Finance provide a written report detailing all Stabilization Funds and the current balance in each fund. Councilor Kelly noted that the city has $39 million in free cash and Councilor Burnley commented that it’s important for the Council to exercise its oversight of the city’s finances. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 4.9. Resolution By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Davis, Councilor (ID # 23-0277) Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson Supporting the Somerville Municipal Employees Association (SMEA) in its efforts to bring the 311 Operators into SMEA Unit B. Councilor Clingan reported that an impasse has been reached and he feels that it’s important to support the 311 operators. Ed Halloran, President of SMEA, was sponsored to speak. He thanked the Council for its support in this effort. A petition to unionize has been filed with the Division of Labor for the 311 operators to join SMEA Unit B. He said that there are similarities in the duties of the 311 operators and other members of Unit B. Councilor Strezo read 2 statements from 311 operators in support of joining the union’s Unit B. Councilor Scott commented that, up until about 10 years ago, the 311 operators were members of SMEA Unit B. Councilor Kelly asked what the city’s opposition is and Mr. Halloran said that the city feels that the operators should be placed in some bargaining unit, but not in Unit B. RESULT: APPROVED 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. CHARTER REVIEW SPECIAL COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a (ID # 23-0262) Committee of the Whole on February 22, 2023. Councilor Scott presented the Committee Report and stated that discussions continued on the balance of power issue. Long standing vacancies for boards and commissions were addressed as well as budgetary issues and the budget structure. Hiring of an independent auditor yearly was recommended. The next meeting of this committee will be on March 8th. RESULT: APPROVED Page 4 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 6.A.2. Resolution By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 23-0291) Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to change the appointment of the independent auditor to the City Council and mandate the appointment. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.3. Resolution By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0292) Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to implement a Capital Improvement Plan, amended to add “or reject” after “shall by resolution adopt” in Section 6-6. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel (ID # 23-0254) Matters, meeting on February 15, 2023. Councilor Pineda Neufeld presented the Committee Report and commented on the appointments that were recommended for approval. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.2. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Alan Bishop as Constable. (ID # 22-2125) RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.3. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Catello Battinelli II as (ID # 22-2126) Constable. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.4. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Mary Battinelli as (ID # 22-2128) Constable. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.5. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Deborah Haber to the (ID # 22-2135) Commission for Persons with Disabilities. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.6. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Pauline Downing to the (ID # 22-2137) Commission for Persons with Disabilities. RESULT: APPROVED Page 5 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 6.B.7. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Harriotte Ranvig to the (ID # 22-2138) Commission for Person with Disabilities. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.8. Officer's City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of F. Kelley Communication Landolphi to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees. (ID # 23-0040) RESULT: WITHDRAWN 6.B.9. Officer's City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Potere to Communication the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees. (ID # 23-0041) RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.10. Order By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Kelly (ID # 23-0072) That the Director of Human Resources update this Council on the number of current job vacancies and the number of positions filled in 2022. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 21, 2023. (ID # 23-0261) Councilor Wilson presented the Committee Report and said that several items were recommended for approval, including the Lease Agreement with the MBTA, which he said would not be a hinderance to future access points. The city will try to keep the path open after snow events, if possible. Safety concerns were discussed, e.g., call boxes (which are currently being installed). The main event of the meeting was the UCH-TIF discussion that would allow the mayor to enter into an agreement with the developer of the Winter Hill Star Market site. The city would receive taxes on the land, however, the buildings being built would receive a 20 year tax exemption. Councilor Wilson noted that the city would be able to tax the improvements until the UCH-TIF, which would trigger when a 92% occupancy rate is achieved, kicks in. See agenda item 10.2 (item #23-0294). RESULT: APPROVED Page 6 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 6.C.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Alternative Transportation Corridor Lease (ID # 22-2041) Agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad 6.C.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (ID # 23-0110) (UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan, and Form of Agreement for Winter Hill. The administration submitted and amended version, as requested in Committee, and this item was placed on file. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 6.C.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,348.18 grant with no new (ID # 23-0185) match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for the purchase of residential lock boxes. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $45,406.77 grant with no new (ID # 23-0186) match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for maritime related equipment. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D. LAND USE COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on February 16, 2023. (ID # 23-0260) Councilor McLaughlin presented the Committee Report and gave a brief summary of the items recommended for approval. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D.2. Officer's Planning Board proposing an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances Section Communication 15.1.3, Neighborhood Meeting. (ID # 22-1645) RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED Page 7 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad 6.D.3. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 6.1 Commercial (ID # 22-1771) Districts: Fabrication of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to permit additional uses for ground story commercial spaces fronting a Pedestrian Street. RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad 6.D.4. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 10.8 Commercial Signs, (ID # 23-0095) of the Zoning Ordinances, to permit commercial signs by right. RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad 6.E. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE Page 8 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 6.E.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 14, (ID # 23-0252) 2023. Councilor Kelly presented the Committee Report saying that amendments to several ordinances were discussed and those items were kept in committee to recheck for any conflicts/errors. Several traffic issues were also discussed. Councilor Wilson questioned the fine structure relating to sidewalks. RESULT: APPROVED 6.E.2. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Section (ID # 23-0087) 1-11 (Penalties and violations), to codify Traffic & Parking fines. RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad 6.F. OPEN SPACE, ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE 6.F.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting (ID # 23-0259) on February 16, 2023. Councilor Burnley presented the Committee Report and said that electric vehicle charging and composting were discussed. RESULT: APPROVED 6.G. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 6.G.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on (ID # 23-0246) February 13, 2023. Councilor Kelly presented the Committee Report and said that members were given a presentation on the eradication of medical debt. Safe consumption site timelines were discussed along with the services the city would like to offer. Finally, the committee discussed spiked drinks and the administration’s response to the problem. Councilor Pineda Neufeld commented that an ABCC advisory was sent to drinking establishments last year. Councilor Strezo would like signage utilized, as is done in Cambridge, to make the public aware of the problem. RESULT: APPROVED Page 9 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 6.G.2. Order By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 22-1201) That the Director of Health and Human Services and the City Solicitor report to this Council on steps that may be taken to address the reports of spiked drinks in the region, including whether the city can require restaurants and bars to post warning signage, encourage vigilance, and detail the criminal consequences for tampering with another patron’s beverage. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.G.3. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly, Councilor Clingan, Councilor (ID # 23-0079) Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson Supporting the Eradication of Medical Debt. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.G.4. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Wilson, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, (ID # 23-0166) Councilor Davis, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Clingan That the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on the progress toward a Safe Consumption Site and provide a timeline for establishment. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.H. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 6.H.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on (ID # 23-0245) February 13, 2023. Councilor Clingan presented the Committee Report and noted that the administration had made an announcement earlier that day regarding cable franchise fees, i.e., the full amount of fees would be given to the Somerville Media Center. Councilor Clingan noted that the fee amount has been decreasing each year. He also noted that the administration will be expecting to fund CityTV through the city’s operating budget. RESULT: APPROVED 6.H.2. Resolution By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Davis, Councilor (ID # 23-0056) Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Administration update this Council on the cable franchise contract negotiations with Comcast and explain what the process entails. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Page 10 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 6.H.3. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0061) That the Commissioner of Public Works report on the maintenance schedule of street and traffic lights, including the number damaged or burned out. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.H.4. Order By Councilor Wilson (ID # 23-0071) That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment and the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on plans for household hazardous waste collection. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.H.5. Resolution By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0138) That the Administration provide an update on contract negotiations with local cable providers at the February 13, 2023 meeting of this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.H.6. Order By Councilor Strezo and Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-0142) That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires hanging from the pole and tied to the porch railing at 9 Pearl Street Place, and report to this Council who owns the pole. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.H.7. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0143) That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires wrapped around a telephone pole and in the street in front of 19 Church Street, and report to this Council who owns the pole. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.H.8. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-0149) That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on current and future maintenance plans for the Armory building. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition Authorizing the City to (ID # 23-0256) Appoint an Alternate Member to the Somerville Licensing Commission. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee Page 11 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a multi-year lease agreement with Hanhal Realty for (ID # 23-0165) a West Somerville Police Substation. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a three-year extension to the lease with BwB-Square (ID # 23-0268) LLC for Nibble Community Kitchen. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $1,847,374 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 23-0272) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Account for supplemental funding for the Municipal Voucher Program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $805,000 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 23-0258) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to purchase and install prefabricated standalone public toilets. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $702,500 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 23-0285) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Kathryn McDaid v. City of Somerville, et al. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 12 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $137,500 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 23-0284) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Carlos Melo v. City of Somerville. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $805,675 from the Capital Stabilization (ID # 23-0282) Fund for the purchase and installation of outdoor prefabricated toilet facilities. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $306.05 from the IAM-Engineering (ID # 23-0243) Personal Services-Overtime Account to the Department of Public Works Custodians Personal Services-Overtime Account for DPW staff time related to Engineering work. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Colliers (ID # 23-0231) Project Leaders USA NE LLC for Owner's Project Manager Services on the Public Safety Facility project. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Consigli (ID # 23-0232) Construction Co. Incorporated for Construction Manager At-Risk Services on the Public Safety Facility project. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 13 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Context (ID # 23-0233) Architecture Incorporated for Architectural & Engineering Services on the Public Safety Facility project. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.13. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new (ID # 23-0251) match required, from the Fenway Community Health Center to the Police Department for staffing costs related to the post overdose support team program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from Communication Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Carlos Melo v. City of (ID # 23-0269) Somerville. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 8.2. Officer's City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from Communication Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Kathryn McDaid v. City (ID # 23-0270) of Somerville, et al. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 8.3. Officer's Director of Infrastructure & Asset Management presenting the FY2023 Communication Capital Investment Plan update. (ID # 23-0271) Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 14 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 8.4. Officer's Planning Board conveying recommendations for items 22-1771, 22-1645, Communication and 23-0095. (ID # 23-0273) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. Public Event Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union (ID # 23-0257) Square Farmers Market on Wednesdays May 13-October 28 from 6:45am to 2pm. RESULT: APPROVED 9.2. Public Somerville Stands Together submitting comments re: 311 employees' Communication request to join the Somerville Municipal Employees Association (SMEA). (ID # 23-0249) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.3. Public Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) submitting comments re: Communication medical debt cancellation proposal. (ID # 23-0250) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 23-0289) and Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Commissioner of Public Works install high visibility flexible bollards at all entrances to the Community Path from a vehicular road, to prevent the entry of non-authorized vehicles into the path. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee Page 15 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 10.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (ID # 23-0294) (UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan and Negotiated Agreement for Winter Hill. Acting Director of Economic Development Rachel Nadkarni explained the changes that were made to accommodate the concerns of the City Council and that the developer has committed to keeping the property for the long term. A change section to 7.6 allows the city to review the occupancy rate of the development over time. Councilor Scott reflected that this has resulted in a huge win for affordable housing in the city. Councilor Clingan inquired if a condition could be imposed such that the developer would have to maintain a certain percentage of occupancy in order to continue receiving the tax breaks on the improvements over the 20 year period. Director Nadkarni replied that the concern is that an ‘appropriate’ number is hard to predict and also that extenuating circumstances, e.g., COVID, could affect the occupancy rate. Damian Chaviano, a principal from the development company, commented that sometimes perception becomes reality, adding that if a minimum threshold was imposed that could cause the developer to default, it might make the project untenable for them. Councilor Scott moved for approval of the item. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad 10.3. Officer's Finance Director conveying the FY 2023 Mid-Year Financial Report in Communication accordance with Section 2-48 of the Code of Ordinances. (ID # 23-0283) Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.4. Public Event Paul Collyer applying for a Public Event License for Race of Ireland 5K on (ID # 23-0286) March 19 from 7am to 1pm. RESULT: APPROVED 11. LATE ITEMS Page 16 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 2023 11.1. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-0295) That the Director of Parking replace the missing No Left Turn sign at the intersection of Mt. Pleasant Street and Perkins Street. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 9:12 PM. Page 17 of 17