City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 27, 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 Council entered into Executive Session at 7:47 PM and returned at 8:42 PM. 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 23-0670) 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 Absent: Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 23-0671) RESULT: APPROVED 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, March 23, 2023. (ID # 23-0672) RESULT: APPROVED Page 1 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 2. CITATIONS 2.1. Citation By Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Clingan (ID # 23-0659) Commending Anne Irwin for her contributions as a School Adjustment Councilor, providing therapeutic and emotional support to high school students. Councilor Gomez Mouakad spoke about Ms. Irwin’s work as a counselor at Somerville High School, praising her understanding and dedication to the students. President Ewen-Campen also congratulated Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Aneesh Sahni on his new position with the Department of Education. Director Sahni thanked the Council for working with the administration to keep the city moving forward. RESULT: APPROVED 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a new sidewalk vault (ID # 23-0682) and 20 feet of conduit in Linwood Street, from Manhole 44/19 to a point of pickup at 10 Poplar Street. Dave Flewelling, representing Comcast, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. Councilor Scott thanked Comcast for including a traffic management plan at the site. RESULT: APPROVED 3.2. Grant of Location Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 38 feet of conduit in (ID # 23-0683) Tufts Street, from Utility Pole 5 to a point of pickup at 31 Tufts Street. Dave Flewelling, representing Comcast, explained the reason for the request. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed. RESULT: APPROVED Page 2 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-0669) That this City Council invites Cobble Hill residents Bill Mahaney and Anne Ryan to speak about 90 Washington Street. Councilor McLaughlin noted that this property has been abandoned since 2014 and now that the city is proposing to develop the parcel, there are a number of concerns. He sponsored two residents of Cobble Hill to speak on this item. Ms. Ryan said that she wanted to focus on Cobble Hill Park, which she said might qualify as an ecological unit in and of itself. According to Ms. Ryan, Somerville has benefited from the park’s environmental contributions for over 40 years. The park supports 300 residents as well as off-street parking for residents and guests. A major portion of the west end of the park taken by eminent domain by the city should be recognized as part of an environmental capital asset. Ms. Ryan said that the plan is to divide the park into three parcels which she said would destroy the integrity of Cobble Hill Park and lessen the quality of life for all of the tenants of Cobble Hill. She asked that city, state and federal mandates to protect the sustainability of the environment and the health and safety of tenants. Mr. Mahaney referenced the court case going on involving the property in question and spoke about the Civic Advisory Committee and its attempts to garner input for what residents would like to see be developed at the site. Councilor McLaughlin stated that residents don’t want to lose the trees, nor the berm, at the park and he commented that the city should not be taking away green space. RESULT: APPROVED 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. Communication By Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-0547) Conveying a report of the Children's Cabinet meetings of March 14, 2023 and April 11, 2023. Councilor Strezo reported that the Cabinet discussed a letter submitted by Winter Hill Neighborhood School administration, students and parents regarding incidents of fear and violence and calling for an increase of support from the city to address those concerns as well as others, including summer jobs and student homelessness. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 3 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 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 # 23-0664) Committee of the Whole on April 26, 2023. Councilor Scott reported on the actions taken by the committee including the discussions about open seats on boards and commissions and constable appointments. A public hearing on the recommendations and proposed Charter text, conveyed by the Charter Review Committee, is scheduled for May 10th. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.2. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 23-0707) Amending Section 2-8 (a) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to read: The city council shall not unreasonably reject such an appointment unless the candidate does not have the experience, training, and/or education to perform the duties of the office or position. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.3. Order By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0709) Amending Section 1-7 (18) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to update the definition of “posting or post” to read: means making available publicly on the city website, at city hall, and in a local newspaper, and/or as otherwise may be required by law under the General Laws. For the purposes of this definition, a local newspaper shall be a newspaper of general circulation within the city, with either weekly or daily circulation. The city council president may, from time to time, select a local newspaper for posting according to a procedure that shall be set forth in the rules of the city council. RESULT: APPROVED Page 4 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 6.A.4. Order By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0710) Amending Section 2-8 (b) of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to add: (1) In the event of a vacancy on a multiple member body where the seat has remained vacant in excess of one year and the mayor has not referred to the city council any proposed appointees to fill the vacancy, the city council president may present to the mayor the names of no more than three individuals as recommendations for appointment. The procedure for selecting names for presentation to the mayor shall be established within the rules of the city council. (2) The mayor shall twice annually, in February and August, post a complete list of the vacancies within all multiple member bodies, as well as the procedures for individuals to apply to become a member of those bodies. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.5. Resolution By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0711) That the proposed Charter be revised to include a provision that Police and Fire appointments and promotions are subject to City Council confirmation. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.6. Order By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0712) Amending Section 2-8 of the Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter text to add: (c) Constables - The mayor shall refer to the city council and simultaneously file with the city clerk the name of each person the mayor desires to appoint as a constable within the city. The city council shall not unreasonably withhold confirmation of such appointments and shall accompany a rejection with a written statement describing the reason, which shall be delivered to and placed on file with the city clerk within 30 days of filing. The question on confirmation of any appointment submitted by the mayor shall not be subject to the procedure of charter objection provided in section 2-9 (b) of this charter. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.7. Resolution By Councilor Davis (ID # 23-0713) That the proposed Charter be revised to include language to establish a three-year term for constables and to ensure that applicants for constable appointment are submitted for confirmation with sufficient time for City Council review prior to the expiration of the term. RESULT: APPROVED Page 5 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 6.A.8. Resolution By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0714) Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee for a simple majority requirement for approving the administrative code. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.9. Resolution By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0715) That the proposed Charter be revised to add language to Section 5-1 to provide that if no city council meeting is held within the subsequent 30 days of the first meeting, the city council shall instead have 30 days from the second regularly scheduled meeting after the submission to approve an administrative order. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 25, 2023. (ID # 23-0662) Councilor Wilson reported on the actions taken by the committee, listing the financial transactions that were recommended for approval. He noted that the FY 2024 budget session is fast approaching. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $30,000 from the DPW Electrical (ID # 23-0507) Account to the DPW Fleet Account for costs related to motor parts and accessories. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $1,618,683 from the Community (ID # 23-0510) Preservation Act Fund Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend an $18,840 grant with no new (ID # 23-0521) match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for mattress recycling. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.5. Mayor's Request Requesting the use of $14,154.88 in available funds from the Health and (ID # 23-0526) Human Services Salaries Account to fund a Finance Manager position. RESULT: APPROVED Page 6 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 6.B.6. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $180,000 from the Medical Marijuana (ID # 23-0527) Stabilization Fund for the Substance Use Prevention Coordinator position for FY 2024 and FY 2025. 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld 6.B.7. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $4,200,000 in a bond, and to appropriate (ID # 23-0530) the same amount for additional work on the Somerville Ave Streetscape & Utilities 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld 6.B.8. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond, and to appropriate (ID # 23-0531) the same amount for additional work on the Somerville Ave Streetscape & Utilities 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld Page 7 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 6.B.9. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $2,840,000 in a bond, and to appropriate (ID # 23-0532) the same amount for the recurring FY 2023 Building Improvements program. 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld 6.B.10. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $7,110,000 in a bond, and to appropriate (ID # 23-0533) the same amount for participation in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s Local Water System Assistance Program for Water Main Rehabilitation projects. 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld 6.B.11. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $135,050.89 from the Parks and Open (ID # 23-0539) Space Stabilization fund for completion of the 25% design services for Union Square Plaza and Streetscape 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 Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld Page 8 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 6.B.12. Mayor's Request Requesting the transfer of $12,729.52 in available funds from the Parks & (ID # 23-0542) Recreation Uniforms Account to the Department of Public Works Interior Building Maintenance Account for the installation of a buzzer system with a security camera at the Edgerly Building. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.13. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a grant of $2,500 from the (ID # 23-0544) Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Public Library for a Library Comix Con event. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.14. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $1,000 from the Engineering Personal (ID # 23-0633) Services Salaries Account to the Infrastructure & Asset Management Personal Services Salaries Account to fund the IAM Administrative Assistant position reclassification. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.15. Communication By Councilor Wilson (ID # 23-0642) Conveying the draft schedule for the FY 2024 Budget Review. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, (ID # 23-0657) meeting on April 19, 2023. Councilor Strezo reported on the actions taken by the committee and noted that many items were kept in committee due to the lack of availability of city staff. RESULT: APPROVED 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $26,279.51 from the Medical Marijuana (ID # 23-0673) Stabilization Fund for the Supervised Consumption Plan. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked that they be referred to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 9 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $60,000 from the Fire Department (ID # 23-0549) Salaries Account to the Fire Alarm Overtime Account to cover a deficit in the Fire Alarm Overtime account. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked that they be referred to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $27,200 from the Office of Strategic (ID # 23-0656) Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Housing Division Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Administration Division Personal Services Account to fund temporary salaries to cover the OSPCD special counsel vacancy. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked that they be referred to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $17,590.52 from the Office of Strategic (ID # 23-0655) Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Economic Development Division Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Administration Personal Services Account to fund a grants and procurement analyst position. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked that they be referred to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for PMA Consultants (ID # 23-0643) LLC, for owner's project manager (OPM) services for the Building Master Plan project. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked that they be referred to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $65,040 grant with no new (ID # 23-0668) match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the traffic safety program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked that they be referred to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 10 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $17,950 grant with no new (ID # 23-0661) match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Department for produce for the Mobile Market. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 to 7.7 and asked that they be referred to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session pursuant to MGL Communication Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) regarding Cobble Hill Center, LLC v. (ID # 23-0666) Somerville Redevelopment Authority. City Solicitor Cindy Amara stated her opinion that this matter should be addressed in Executive Session. The issue is about the value of the property and its taking. The Council recessed at 7:47 to enter into Executive Session. The Council returned to Open Session at 8:43 PM. President Ewen-Campen stated that no votes were taken in Executive Session other than the vote to adjourn. RESULT: APPROVED 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License New Drainlayer's License, Cavalieri Construction Co., Inc. (ID # 23-0674) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.2. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Classic Site Solutions Inc. (ID # 23-0675) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.3. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Raffaele Construction Corp. (ID # 23-0677) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 11 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 9.4. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, The Welch Corp. (ID # 23-0676) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.5. License Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Domino's, 201 Elm St. (ID # 23-0678) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.6. License Renewing Extended Hours Operating License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution (ID # 23-0679) Dr. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.7. License Renewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway. (ID # 23-0699) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.8. License Renewing Flammables License, Somerville Mobil, 360 Medford St. (ID # 23-0698) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.9. License Renewing Flammables License, Trum Field Sunoco, 541 Broadway. (ID # 23-0700) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 12 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 9.10. License Renewing Garage License, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway. (ID # 23-0680) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.11. License Renewing Open Air Vendor License, The Somerville Flea, Buena Vista (ID # 23-0681) Parking Lot. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.12. Public Event Winter Hill Community AIM Program applying for a Public Event License (ID # 23-0694) for AIM Walk and Roll on April 30 from 11am to 3pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.13. Public Event Francesca Broekman applying for a Public Event License for Holi Festival (ID # 23-0695) of Colors on April 30 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate May 6 and 7). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.14. Public Event Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event (ID # 23-0696) License for Community Growing Center Calendar on various dates and times from May-December. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.15. Public Event Chuck Lechien, Jr. applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on (ID # 23-0684) Prospect Hill on May 13 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm (raindate May 14). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 13 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 9.16. Public Event Garden Club applying for a Public Event License for Garden Club Plant Sale (ID # 23-0685) on May 14 from 8:30am to 5pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.17. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica (ID # 23-0686) Performance on May 18 from 11am to 3pm (raindate May 19 from 5:30pm-9:30pm). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.18. Public Event Nancy O'Connor applying for a Public Event License for Browning Rd BP (ID # 23-0687) on May 20 from 3pm to 8pm (raindate May 21). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.19. Public Event Ann Peralta applying for a Public Event License for Warwick St BP on June (ID # 23-0688) 3 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate June 4, 10, 11). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.20. Public Event Marla Wessland applying for a Public Event License for 19th Wallace St BP (ID # 23-0689) on June 3 from 3:30pm to 9:30pm (raindate June 4). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.21. Public Event Arts Council and East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event (ID # 23-0690) License for SomerStreets: Carnaval on June 4 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate June 11). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 14 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 9.22. Public Event Meredith Jones applying for a Public Event License for Trull St BP on June (ID # 23-0691) 17 from 12pm to 8:30pm (raindate June 18). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.23. Public Event Tadhg Pearson applying for a Public Event License for Munroe St BP on (ID # 23-0692) June 17 from 1:30pm to 9pm (raindate June 18). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 9.24. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big Gay Dance Party (ID # 23-0693) on June 17 from 3pm to 9pm (raindate June 18). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Scott (ID # 23-0702) That this Council work with community partners to hold an educational session on forming worker cooperatives. Councilor Burnley commented that this would provide democracy in the workplace and he would like to investigate how the city could assist. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Licenses and Permits Committee 10.2. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 23-0703) That the Director of Parks and Recreation ensure a notice is posted on every community board in parks advertising city job postings. Councilor Burnley commented that this is another way to make the public aware of employment opportunities with the city. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee Page 15 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 10.3. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 23-0704) That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment update this Council on the Administration's Inflation Reduction Act application and its funding status, particularly targeted toward people of color and low-income residents. Councilor Burnley commented that the city should explore and publicize the opportunities that may be available. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee 10.4. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 23-0701) Demanding Harvard University come to the bargaining table. President Ewen-Campen recused himself from any participation on this item and Councilor Gomez Mouakad assumed the Chair. Councilor Burnley spoke about Harvard University’s wealth and its refusal to pay its workers a living wage. He sponsored two speakers from the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW) to speak on the item. Will Lombard spoke about Harvard’s insistence on paying market rates and said that Harvard should be setting the market labor rate and showing workers that they are valuable. Kerry Barbash, President of HUCTW, addressed the Council and said that their union has 5,000 members working at Harvard. Due to inflation, members have seen their pay cover less of their expenses, with some members living paycheck to paycheck. Harvard has refused to provide pay increases to keep pace with inflation. Councilor Strezo asked that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Board of Overseers at Harvard University. Councilor Clingan noted that many universities don’t value their workers and Councilor Kelly stated that Harvard is exploiting its workers. Councilor Gomez Mouakad noted that a key piece of sustainability includes having your employees being able to live near where they work. RESULT: APPROVED Page 16 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 10.5. Resolution By Councilor Scott, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Burnley Jr., (ID # 23-0705) Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson Urging the Mayor to move forward tomorrow on the Letter of Intent to apply for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant to help pay for major capital improvements to the Central Library. Councilor Scott spoke about the benefits of the Central Library to the city and pointed out that it was last renovated in the 1970’s. The application for this grant which could provide over $20 million in project funding, (including planning, design, and construction assistance), isn’t due until May of 2024, but in order to apply, a letter of intent must be sent by tomorrow. The letter commits the city to nothing and he suggested that everyone contact the mayor to urge her to sign and send the letter of intent. RESULT: APPROVED 10.6. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 8.1, Affordable (ID # 23-0660) Housing, of the Zoning Ordinances to remove errant text and amend the dimensional standards. Councilor Scott stated that these are some minor modifications being requested for an affordable housing development. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 10.7. License New Drainlayer's License, D&R General Contracting Inc. (ID # 23-0708) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 10.8. Public Event Somernova applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Open (ID # 23-0706) Studios @ Somernova on May 6 from 12pm to 11pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED 10.9. Public Event Toriah Mimms applying for a Public Event License for The Curl Bar BP on (ID # 23-0717) May 21 from 9am to 6pm (raindate May 27). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 to 9.24 and 10.7 to 10.9, and approve them tonight. RESULT: APPROVED Page 17 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 2023 10.10. Public Urban Forestry Committee submitting comments re: reaffirming support for Communication retaining the trees at 90 Washington Street. (ID # 23-0716) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 11. LATE ITEMS 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 9:08 PM. Page 18 of 18