City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 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 7:02 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. The City Council entered into recess at 7:47 PM and returned at 7:55 PM. The City Council entered into recess at 8:03 PM and returned at 8:08 PM. 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 23-0293) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 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 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 23-0375) Councilor McLaughlin and the Entire Council requested a moment of silence in memory of Paul Robichaud. RESULT: APPROVED 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 23, 2023. (ID # 23-0189) RESULT: APPROVED 2. CITATIONS Page 1 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location Cambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install (ID # 23-0412) 320 feet of conduit in Beacon Street and Eustis Street, from Manhole 0515-3006 to Utility Pole 465/1 located at the rear of 296 Beacon Street. CONDITION: Any work requiring the use of the street and/or sidewalk will require a Street Occupancy Permit from the Engineering Department. CONDITION: A Trench Restoration Plan must be provided when applying for the Street Occupancy Permit. Jeffrey Harrington, representing Cambridge Network Solutions, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. Councilor Scott asked to add two standard conditions: 1) that any work requiring the use of a street or sidewalk will require a street/sidewalk occupancy permit from the Engineering Department, and 2) that a trench restoration plan be provided when applying for a street/sidewalk occupancy permit. Councilor Strezo commented on the number of hazardous conditions resulting from hanging wires and she asked the applicant to commit to cleaning up any of their wires so that they don’t pose a hazard to pedestrians. Mr. Harrington said that he would commit and would also try to notify other companies having hazardous wires in the area of his project. RESULT: APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS 3.2. Grant of Location Your Space Landscape and Const. Inc applying for a Grant of Location to (ID # 23-0418) install 85 feet of conduit in Professors Row, from Utility Pole 289/13 to a point of pickup at 114 Professors Row. RESULT: LAID ON THE TABLE 3.3. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 118 feet of (ID # 23-0413) conduit in the intersection of Highland Avenue and West Street, connecting Manhole 2578 and Manhole 18954 to a point of pickup at the rear of 371 Highland Avenue. Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. Councilor Strezo inquired about a previous request to address the issue of hazardous wires and Ms. Duffy said that she did report the situation but has not heard back yet. Councilor Strezo noted that the pole at Cedar and Lexington is owned by Eversource. RESULT: APPROVED Page 2 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 3.4. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 55 feet of conduit in (ID # 23-0414) Holland Street, from Utility Pole 171/18 to a point of pickup at 211 Holland Street. Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. RESULT: APPROVED 3.5. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 102 feet of conduit (ID # 23-0415) near 51 Prospect Street and 34 Prospect Street. Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. Councilor Scott recused himself from this item. RESULT: APPROVED 3.6. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 70 feet of conduit in (ID # 23-0416) Ten Hills Road, from Utility Pole 498/10 to a point of pickup at 77 Ten Hills Road. Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. RESULT: APPROVED 3.7. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install new manhole and 113 (ID # 23-0417) feet of conduit in the intersection of Windsor Place and Windsor Street, from Manhole 26724 to a point of pickup at 808 Windsor Street (formerly 153 South Street). Jacqui Duffy, 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 4.1. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0461) That the City Solicitor draft an Ordinance to protect homeowners from developer and realtor mail, phone and email harassment. Councilor Strezo commented about the barrage of communications urging homeowners to sell their property. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee Page 3 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 4.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0462) That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the low hanging heavy cables dangling above the sidewalk on Line Street, and report to this Council which entity is responsible for leaving the wires in this condition. Councilor Strezo moved to waive the reading of this item. RESULT: APPROVED 4.3. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0463) That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires wrapped around a pole on Lee Street, and report to this Council who owns the pole. Councilor Strezo moved to waive the reading of this item. RESULT: APPROVED 4.4. Order By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-0464) That the Commissioner of Public Works remove the low hanging wires dangling from the overhead lines on Hudson Street, between Cedar Street and Lowell Street, and report to this Council who owns the pole. Councilor Strezo moved to waive the reading of this item. RESULT: APPROVED 4.5. Communication By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0451) Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 4.5-4.7, 4.9, 4.13-4.15, 10.13, and 10.17 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 4.6. Communication By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 23-0453) Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 4.5-4.7, 4.9, 4.13-4.15, 10.13, and 10.17 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 4 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 4.7. Communication By Councilor Clingan (ID # 23-0475) Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 4.5-4.7, 4.9, 4.13-4.15, 10.13, and 10.17 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 4.8. Order By Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 23-0457) That this City Council discuss data from the FY 2023 budget hearings and assess the budget hearing process for FY 2024. Councilor Pineda Neufeld commented about last year’s budget hearings and the level and tenor of the conversations that took place. She asked councilors to look at the data she presented as she explained her findings. She highlighted the time spent asking questions of department heads and the amount of funds being requested, through a gender lens. Councilor Burnley stated that the conversation with the Office of Housing Stability was supportive, and he didn’t find it to be disrespectful at all, adding that he doesn’t want to equate the length of a conversation with negativity. Councilor Gomez Mouakad said she sat in on these meetings and never saw such disrespect toward department heads and to city councilors, herself included. She said we need to recognize that we have inherent biases and she asked councilors to look at this seriously. Councilor McLaughlin said he hasn’t considered this from the point of gender, and he feels that things have taken a harsher turn over recent years. He recounted that the last budget session became a performance instead of dealing with the nuts and bolts of the budget. He noted that the Council’s only budget power is to cut funds, hence if the questions don’t lead to an informed discussion about whether a department needs money or not, it shouldn’t be discussed. Councilor Wilson said that he’ll commit to reviewing how the Finance Committee handled last year’s budget process to see if a pattern emerged. Councilor Pineda Neufeld acknowledged that some of last year’s questions had to do with the workings of the departments rather than focusing on the financial aspects and she suggested some ways to improve the process, including having councilors submit in advance 4-5 questions for each department head, limiting the time allotments for department discussions, limiting responses from department heads, and being mindful about scheduling employees having parental responsibilities. Councilor Kelly noted that there was no follow up of the concerns she expressed during last year’s budget process. Councilor Clingan commented that he doesn’t want to feel constrained when questioning department heads. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 5 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 4.9. Communication By Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 23-0456) Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 4.5-4.7, 4.9, 4.13-4.15, 10.13, and 10.17 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 4.10. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Burnley Jr., (ID # 23-0458) Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Director of Economic Development update this Council on the implementation of the Union Square Covenant, which includes local and veterans preference in hiring. Councilor Scott recused himself from this item. Councilor McLaughlin stated that he wants to be sure that the covenant is being enforced. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 4.11. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-0459) That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning update this Council on the status of the property on Palmer Court, purchased by the city for the purpose of creating green space. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 4.12. Order By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Wilson (ID # 23-0460) That the Director of Parking place a 20 MPH speed limit sign on Wigglesworth Street. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.13. Communication By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-0474) Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 4.5-4.7, 4.9, 4.13-4.15, 10.13, and 10.17 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 6 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 4.14. Communication By Councilor Kelly (ID # 23-0467) Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 4.5-4.7, 4.9, 4.13-4.15, 10.13, and 10.17 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 4.15. Communication By Councilor Wilson (ID # 23-0468) Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 4.5-4.7, 4.9, 4.13-4.15, 10.13, and 10.17 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 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 # 23-0444) Committee of the Whole on March 22, 2023. Councilor Scott presented the Committee Report and said that all recommendations from the Charter Review Committee have been reviewed. The 2nd public hearing will be scheduled for early May. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.2. Resolution By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0491) Supporting the recommendation of the Charter Review Committee to write a new and modernized Charter. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.3. Resolution By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0492) Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to add a group petition mechanism. RESULT: APPROVED Page 7 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 6.A.4. Resolution By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-0493) Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to maintain the vacancy process for at-large and ward City Councilors. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.5. Resolution By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0494) Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to maintain the current composition of the School Committee. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.6. Resolution By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0495) Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to keep the School Committee terms at 2 years. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.7. Resolution By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0496) Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to maintain the vacancy process for School Committee members. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.8. Resolution By Councilor Davis (ID # 23-0497) Requesting amended Charter language to ensure that candidates for Mayor and Councilor-At-Large are required to be residents of the City of Somerville. 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 # 23-0442) Matters, meeting on March 15, 2023. Councilor Pineda Neufeld presented the Committee Report saying that among the items recommended for approval by the committee were the confirmations of Cynthia Amara as City Solicitor and Charles Breen as the city’s Chief Fire Engineer. Other appointments recommended for approval were for a constable position, a position on the Community Preservation Committee and two positions on the Urban Forestry Committee. RESULT: APPROVED Page 8 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 6.B.2. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Darcy Haynes as (ID # 22-2127) Constable. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.3. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Charles J. Breen, Jr. as Fire (ID # 23-0059) Chief Engineer. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.4. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Cynthia L. Amara as City (ID # 23-0060) Solicitor. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.5. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ryan Kiracofe to the (ID # 23-0111) Community Preservation Committee. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.6. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Calla Taylor to the Urban (ID # 23-0122) Forestry Committee. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.7. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Dorothy Suput to the Urban (ID # 23-0326) Forestry Committee. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 21, 2023. (ID # 23-0443) Councilor Wilson presented the Committee Report and listed several of the requests that were recommended for approval. He commented that a switch to the Zoom meeting platform is imminent. The FY 2023 mid-year report was presented to the committee and long and short-term borrowing rates were discussed during the presentation. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.2. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Preservation (ID # 23-0176) Act Fund for design of a park at 217 Somerville Ave. RESULT: APPROVED Page 9 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 6.C.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $250,000 from the Community Preservation (ID # 23-0177) Act Fund to the Mystic River Watershed Association to design a shared use community path at Blessing of the Bay Park. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $350,000 from the Community Preservation (ID # 23-0179) Act Fund for the construction of Henry Hansen Park. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.5. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Community Preservation (ID # 23-0180) Act Fund for the construction of Junction Park. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $17,821.96 grant with no new (ID # 23-0184) match required, from the MA Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for the purchase of ballistic vests, helmets and medical equipment. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $67,050 grant with no new (ID # 23-0195) match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for unrestricted operational support. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new (ID # 23-0198) match required, from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Mobility Division for traffic engineering design and related implementation at the intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.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. RESULT: APPROVED Page 10 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 6.C.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a three-year extension to the lease with BwB-Square (ID # 23-0268) LLC for Nibble Community Kitchen. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.C.11. 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) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 6.C.12. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $289.68 using (ID # 23-0290) available funds in the Elections Department Office Supplies Account for index dividers, ledger paper, and water. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.13. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $5,761.47 grant with no new (ID # 23-0296) match required, from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to the Fire Department for equipment to develop emergency operations capacity. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.14. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $2,982.40 grant with no new (ID # 23-0297) match required, from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to the Fire Department for equipment to develop emergency operations capacity. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.15. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $65,686.35 using (ID # 23-0301) available funds various Public Works Ordinary Maintenance accounts for various services. RESULT: APPROVED Page 11 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 6.C.16. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $151,000 from the Community Preservation (ID # 23-0310) Act (CPA) Fund to the Somerville Museum for collections conservation. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.17. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $20,125 from the Information (ID # 23-0311) Technology Department Salaries Account to the Information Technology Department Maintenance Software Account to procure and standardize on the Zoom platform for remote meetings. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.18. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $425,000 from the Community Preservation (ID # 23-0312) Act (CPA) Fund to the Somerville Hispanic Association for community development for continued historic preservation of Grace Baptist Church. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.19. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $480 using available (ID # 23-0313) funds in the Engineering Capital Outlay Engineering/Architecture Account for the FY22 Pavement & Sidewalk Assessment. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.20. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $5,234.59 grant with no new (ID # 23-0315) match required, from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to the Fire Department for the purchase of protective equipment to support active threat preparedness initiatives. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.21. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $827,000 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 23-0325) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Stabilization Fund for site preparation, construction, and furnishing of a safe consumption site. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.22. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a grant of easement and maintenance agreement for (ID # 23-0332) BRE-BMR Assembly I Innovation LLC and BRE-BMR Middlesex LLC. RESULT: APPROVED Page 12 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 AYE: 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: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.D. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on March 14, (ID # 23-0441) 2023. Councilor Davis presented the Committee Report and said that the committee recommended approval of an item to provide for an alternate member on the Licensing Commission. He also spoke about three amendments to the Code of Ordinance regarding biased based policing, personnel programs and relationship status/intimate personal relationships. Councilor Burnley spoke about the work involved in getting these important items moved forward and commented about the discrimination experienced by polyamorous individuals. Councilor Scott sponsored Professor Alexander Chen to speak. Professor Chen stated that this is a landmark moment and shows how government reflects the way people live. He said that if a relationship is legalized, it’s not just sexual. Councilor Scott sponsored Diana Adams, from Chosen Family Law Center, to speak. Diana Adams said that this is a tremendous step forward in defining families in different ways. Councilor Scott asked for the support of the Council for these items. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D.2. Ordinance By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Scott (ID # 22-1992) Amending Section 1-4 of the Code of Ordinance to add definitions for relationship status and intimate personal relationship. 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 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 Page 13 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 6.D.3. Ordinance By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Scott (ID # 22-1993) Amending Section 2-326 of the Code of Ordinances, related to the Personnel program. 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 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 6.D.4. Ordinance By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Scott (ID # 22-1995) Amending Section 15-31 of the Code of Ordinances, related to the Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Financial Disclosure. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 6.D.5. Ordinance By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Scott (ID # 22-1996) Amending Section 10-102 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding the definition of biased based policing. 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 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 6.D.6. Mayor's Conveying the 2022 Surveillance Technology Annual Report as it relates to Communication Somerville Public Schools. (ID # 23-0107) RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.D.7. 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: APPROVED Page 14 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 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 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 6.D.8. Public Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy (OPEN) Communication submitting comments re: nondiscrimination provisions in ordinances based (ID # 23-0299) on relationship structure. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition authorizing the City of (ID # 23-0454) Somerville to impose a real estate transfer fee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition authorizing the City of (ID # 23-0455) Somerville to enact Right to Purchase legislation. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $600,000 from the Water and Sewer (ID # 23-0369) Department Retained Earnings account to the Water and Sewer Department Capital Outlay account for anticipated contractual obligations. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.3 - 7.6 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the rescission of $435,000 from the Medical Marijuana (ID # 23-0450) Stabilization Fund appropriation of $591,442 approved on February 24, 2022. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.3 - 7.6 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 15 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $54,445 from the Street Tree (ID # 23-0298) Stabilization Fund for the 2023 Ash Tree Treatment Program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.3 - 7.6 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $28,000 grant with no new (ID # 23-0377) match required, from MassDEP to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for the Recycle Dividend Program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.3 - 7.6 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Smith to the Public (ID # 23-0376) Library Board of Trustees. Councilor Pineda Neufeld moved to waive the reading of this item and refer it 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 Michael Santangelo to the (ID # 23-0439) Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Councilor Pineda Neufeld moved to waive the reading of this item and refer it to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License New Drainlayer's License, JP Vara Co Inc. (ID # 23-0387) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 16 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.2. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Alfa Excavation Inc. (ID # 23-0379) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.3. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Bartletta Heavy Division Inc. (ID # 23-0380) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.4. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Bassco Excavating. (ID # 23-0381) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.5. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Borges Sewer & Drain LLC. (ID # 23-0471) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.6. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, BSI Engineering. (ID # 23-0382) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.7. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Capitol Services LLC. (ID # 23-0476) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 17 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.8. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Caruso & McGovern Construction Inc. (ID # 23-0383) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.9. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, CRL Inc. (ID # 23-0384) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.10. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, D&M Civil Inc. (ID # 23-0385) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.11. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Ferrante Construction LLC. (ID # 23-0469) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.12. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Garrett Construction Co Inc. (ID # 23-0386) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.13. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, J.R. Sons Construction Inc. (ID # 23-0470) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 18 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.14. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, K.B. Aruda Construction Inc. (ID # 23-0388) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.15. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, LaMountain Brothers Inc. (ID # 23-0397) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.16. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, M.T. Mayo Corp. (ID # 23-0390) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.17. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Minkin Construction. (ID # 23-0389) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.18. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, New England Style Inc. (ID # 23-0391) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.19. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Riccio Excavation. (ID # 23-0398) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 19 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.20. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Sean Farrell Excavation Inc. (ID # 23-0440) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.21. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Spencer Contracting. (ID # 23-0434) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.22. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tim Zanelli Excavating LLC. (ID # 23-0399) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.23. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Your Space Landscape and Construction (ID # 23-0400) LLC. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.24. License New Extended Operating Hours License, Alfredo's Italian Kitchen, 288 (ID # 23-0466) Broadway, opening Fri & Sat until 3am for take-out and delivery services. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Licenses and Permits Committee 9.25. License Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dakzen, 195 Elm St. (ID # 23-0392) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.26. License Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dumpling Kitchen, 217 (ID # 23-0393) Highland Ave. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 20 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.27. License Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Pepi's Pizzeria, 516B (ID # 23-0394) Medford St. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.28. License Renewing Flammables License, Boston Closet Company, 229 Lowell St. (ID # 23-0395) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.29. License Renewing Flammables License, Mobil Mart Plus, 379 Alewife Brook Pkwy. (ID # 23-0396) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.30. License Renewing Flammables License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway. (ID # 23-0401) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.31. License Renewing Garage License, Auto Plus, 229 Lowell St. (ID # 23-0402) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.32. License Renewing Garage License, Barnes and Walsh Company, 224 Somerville (ID # 23-0403) Ave. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 21 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.33. License Renewing Garage License, DM Auto Services, Inc, 45 Webster Ave. (ID # 23-0404) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.34. License Renewing Garage License, Drain Doctor Inc, 612 Broadway. (ID # 23-0435) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.35. License Renewing Garage License, Four Wheels Auto, 83A Albion St. (ID # 23-0405) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.36. License Renewing Garage License, Gasper Ostuni, 195 Highland Ave. (ID # 23-0406) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.37. License Renewing Garage License, Gene Automotive Repair, 56 Joy St. (ID # 23-0465) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.38. License Renewing Garage License, Green Automotive Inc, 600 Windsor Pl. (ID # 23-0477) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 22 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.39. License Renewing Garage License, Hillside Service Center, 45 Mystic Ave. (ID # 23-0407) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.40. License Renewing Garage License, Modern Floors Inc, 22 Marshall St. (ID # 23-0436) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.41. License Renewing Garage License, Real Auto Shop Inc, 463 McGrath Hwy. (ID # 23-0408) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.42. License Renewing Garage License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway. (ID # 23-0409) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.43. License Renewing Garage License, Tracer Technologies Inc, 20 Assembly Sq. (ID # 23-0410) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.44. License Renewing Garage License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 Linwood St. (ID # 23-0411) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 23 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.45. License Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Day/Dover Parking Lot, 55 Day St. (ID # 23-0419) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.46. License Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Nissenbaum Auto Parts Inc, 480 (ID # 23-0420) Columbia St. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.47. License Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Atlas Metal Inc, 475 Columbia St. (ID # 23-0424) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.48. License Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Metamorphosis, 93 Holland St. (ID # 23-0449) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.49. License Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Nissenbaum Auto Parts Inc, 480 (ID # 23-0425) Columbia St. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.50. License Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Talewsky Enterprises Inc, 508 (ID # 23-0426) Columbia St. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 24 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.51. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Country Club Transportation Inc, Med. (ID # 23-0427) #5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 46. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.52. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Early Bird Transportation LLC, Med. (ID # 23-0431) #49. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.53. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Green and Yellow TNC of Somerville, (ID # 23-0428) Med. #27, 36, 37, 38, 53, 54, 67. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.54. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, HollyPaul Desravines, Med. #92. (ID # 23-0433) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.55. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Honey Cab Inc, Med. #82. (ID # 23-0432) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.56. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Jolina Taxi Inc, Med. #52. (ID # 23-0478) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 25 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.57. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Lafoi Taxi Inc, Med. #20. (ID # 23-0473) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.58. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Mount Pleasant Taxi Inc, Med. #30, 39, (ID # 23-0429) 40, 41, 42. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.59. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Yolande Trans Inc, Med. #15. (ID # 23-0472) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.60. Public Event St Benedict Parish applying for a Public Event License for Good Friday (ID # 23-0421) Procession on April 7 from 4pm to 7:20pm. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.61. Public Event SomerPromise applying for a Public Event License for Week of the Young (ID # 23-0452) Child Celebration on April 12 from 4pm to 7:30pm. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.62. Public Event Independent Film Society of Boston applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 23-0422) Independent Film Festival Boston on April 26-May 2 from 10am to 12am. President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 26 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 9.63. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on May 13 (ID # 23-0437) from 11am to 7pm (raindate May 14). President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.64. Public Event Bow Market applying for a Public Event License for Bow Market Annual (ID # 23-0423) Vintage Market on May 21 from 9am to 9pm (raindate June 4). President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.23 and 9.25 through 9.64 and approve the items tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.65. Public The Greater Boston Labor Council nominating Gabriel Camacho to the Communication Wage Theft Advisory Committee. (ID # 23-0430) RESULT: APPROVED 9.66. Public Crystal Huff submitting comments re: voting methods. Communication (ID # 23-0373) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.67. Public Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville (MAMAS) submitting comments re: Communication use of Free Cash for affordable Housing. (ID # 23-0374) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.68. Public Asexuality Visibility and Education Network (AVEN), the Organization for Communication Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy (OPEN), and the Polyamory Legal (ID # 23-0378) Advocacy Coalition (PLAC) submitting comments re: nondiscrimination provisions in ordinances based on relationship structure. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.69. Public Winter Hill Community Innovation School and Healy School Parent Communication Teacher Associations submitting comments re: student ideas on reducing (ID # 23-0438) violence. Councilor Wilson commented about the shootings this past Tuesday and noted that it’s not normal and it’s not right and that we need to figure out how to stop the cycle of violence. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 27 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-0479) That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management clarify the phases for the programming, design and development of the Winter Hill and Brown School Renovation/Reconstruction in the CIP Presentation shared with this Council on March 9, 2023. Councilor Gomez Mouakad commented that the information provided is unclear, as noted in the text of this item. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 10.2. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-0480) That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management detail how funds for the School Building Feasibility Study budgeted for FY 2023 have been expensed to date. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 10.3. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-0481) That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management identify department staff allocated to the School Building Feasibility Study, and the projected time commitment of this staff for the duration of the study. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 10.4. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, (ID # 23-0482) Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Director of Parks and Recreation consider opening the Ginny Smithers Pool on Sundays to expand swim lesson opportunities, including consideration of engaging an outside vendor or organization to provide the swim lessons. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee Page 28 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 10.5. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-0483) That the Director of Parks and Recreation explain the wait list process for enrollment in Parks and Recreation programs. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee 10.6. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-0484) That the Director of Parks and Recreation consider giving enrollment priority to low-income families in Parks and Recreation Programs, including but not limited to pre-registration priority. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 10.7. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-0485) That the Director of the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA) provide data on the process to connect immigrant families with legal services and the waitlist to receive those services vs. the waitlist for follow-up from government immigrant agencies. Councilor Gomez Mouakad expressed her frustration about the status of immigrants and their exploitation, say that the city needs to assist them with the legal process in the most effective way to help them achieve legal status. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 10.8. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0486) That this City Council consider options for Committee meetings like allowing schedule changes to the daytime or fixing presentation times in the evenings to facilitate flexibility for staff and Councilors who are new parents or facing childcare challenges. Councilor Gomez Mouakad commented that we need to be conscious of the needs of staff and be more empathetic. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee Page 29 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 10.9. Resolution By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 23-0488) That this City Council supports the School Committee's resolution to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, a statement of interest for the Benjamin Brown and the Winter Hill Schools. Councilor Gomez Mouakad urged the Council to support this resolution. Councilor Davis said that the School Committee decided to engage stakeholders by this action, adding that it’s not clear if the administration is in line with this. He urged the administration to move forward in order to take advantage of the opportunity presented. Councilor Wilson explained that if the project is done with city funds, there would be fewer restrictions. Councilor Clingan noted that the administration was willing to support this and Chair Ewen-Campen also noted that the administration is fully behind moving this forward. Councilor Gomez Mouakad said students and teachers deserve a proper environment. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 10.10. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 23-0500) That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Parks and Recreation light City Hall, Prospect Hill Tower, and Powder House in light blue, light pink, and white on March 31, 2023 in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility. Councilor Burnley spoke about a mental health crisis in our community, particularly for gender queer and trans children and expressed his feeling that we should be shining a light to show that we do care about them. RESULT: APPROVED 10.11. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0501) That the Fire Chief, Inspectional Services Director, and Director of the Office of Housing Stability work with this Council to assess the feasibility of annual reporting on the number of fires, the causes of those fires, the number displaced by each fire, and if those displaced were able to relocate within Somerville. Councilor Burnley noted the number of recent fires in the city and would like to know how the city is doing with getting displaced residents relocated in the city. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 30 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 10.12. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor (ID # 23-0499) Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the City of Somerville recognizes the week of May 7-13, 2023 as Children's Mental Health Week. Councilor Burnley noted that the Pulse Check survey was important and should be continued. RESULT: APPROVED 10.13. Communication By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 23-0498) Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 4.5-4.7, 4.9, 4.13-4.15, 10.13, and 10.17 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.14. Order By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0503) That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning and the City Solicitor assist the City Council to draft language requiring that departmental review conditioned by the Planning Board contains a requirement for public outreach when concerning modifications by private developers within the public realm. Councilor Scott commented that as street designs are done by developers, the final appearance of the street is often different from what was proposed and he thinks that a public process is needed to provide some clarity. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 10.15. Order By Councilor Scott, Councilor Kelly and Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 23-0504) That this City Council pursue legislative action to prohibit lateral transfer hires into Civil Service positions. Councilor Scott said that this is an abuse of the Civil Service process and that it denies Somerville residents from being considered for positions. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee Page 31 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 10.16. Order By Councilor Scott, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Davis and Councilor (ID # 23-0505) Strezo That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning assist the City Council in modifying the density incentives for NetZero/Passive House development in light of the recently adopted Specialized Stretch Code. Councilor Scott stated that incentives have biased development of smaller units, and he would like other incentives to entice developers to build 2-3 bedroom units. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 10.17. Communication By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0502) Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 4.5-4.7, 4.9, 4.13-4.15, 10.13, and 10.17 and asked that they be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.18. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 12.2 of the Zoning (ID # 23-0506) Ordinances to reflect the recommendations in the 2022 Somerville Linkage Nexus Study. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 10.19. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $50,000 from the Immigrant Legal Services (ID # 23-0487) Stabilization Fund for legal services for immigrants and asylum seekers seeking permanent residency. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of item 10.19 and asked that it be referred to the Committee on Finance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.20. License New Sign/Awning License, Kumon Somerville-Prospect Hill Center, 438 (ID # 23-0508) McGrath Hwy, 1 wall sign. RESULT: APPROVED 10.21. Public Alex Rich-Shea submitting comments re: Cambridge Taylor Rental. Communication (ID # 23-0489) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 32 of 33 City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 10.22. Public Jacob M. Grossman submitting comments re: 1 Union Square. Communication (ID # 23-0490) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 11. LATE ITEMS 11.1. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-0509) That the Director of Parking address the defective traffic light at Mystic Ave and Revolution Dr outside Home Depot in Assembly Square. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 9:52 PM. Page 33 of 33