City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 26, 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 7:01 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. The City Council entered recess at 7:46 PM and returned at 7:55 PM. 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 23-1614) 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 # 23-1615) President Ewen-Campen requested a moment of silence in memory of K-9 Officer Lobo. RESULT: APPROVED 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, September 28, 2023. (ID # 23-1616) RESULT: APPROVED Page 1 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 2. CITATIONS 2.1. Citation By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 23-1610) Commending Ken Fields for his musical contributions to the arts and arts community. Councilor Burnley spoke about the creativity of the Arts community in Somerville and spoke about Mr. Field’s contributions to the city. He sponsored Johann Correa, President of the Carnival Society of Boston, to speak. Councilor Burnley will present the Citation to Mr. Field at a later date. RESULT: APPROVED 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 20 feet of conduit in (ID # 23-1560) Beacon Street, from Utility Pole 142/25 to a point of pickup at 205 Beacon Street. Dave Flewelling, representing Comcast, spoke in favor of the item and explained the purpose of the request. Resident Chris Dwan asked if this was the work that started yesterday, and Mr. Flewelling stated that Comcast hadn’t begun the work yet. Councilor Scott reported that a trench was, in fact, dug yesterday and he would like to table the item to obtain additional information. There being no further speakers, the Public Hearing was closed. Prior to adjournment, this item was taken off the table and Councilor Scott said that he provided photos of the work to the City Clerk and he asked that this item be referred to the Licenses and Permits Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Licenses and Permits Committee 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Resolution By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Clingan and (ID # 23-1592) Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Somerville City Council supports the passage of H.1255, An Act requiring menstrual products in buildings on public higher education campuses, H.3018 An Act requiring menstrual products in all state buildings, and S.2481, An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products. Councilor Strezo said this would end menstrual poverty and she asked that the item be forwarded to the state delegation. RESULT: APPROVED Page 2 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 4.2. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-1594) That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Director of Finance explain to this Council the steps and processes in the School Building Master Plan for a ballot vote on Proposition 2½ in reference to funding a School Building project. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 4.3. Order By Councilor Gomez Mouakad (ID # 23-1595) That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning conduct an historic demolition review to identify buildings over 75 years old, to determine structures that could potentially be designated historic, and to expedite demolition reviews for buildings that are not potential candidates for historic preservation. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 4.4. Resolution By Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, (ID # 23-1593) Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Administration provide an update on the Compensation Study, including a definite delivery timeline, at the November 9, 2023 meeting of this City Council. Councilor Gomez Mouakad noted that municipal workers have not received a salary increase in several years. She spoke of the important work that these people perform on a daily basis, saying that when work is outsourced, the work isn’t taken to heart, adding that often, outsourced workers don’t know the city as well as the city’s employees. She went on to say that it’s been 7 months since the Compensation Study (CS) began without an end in sight. She sponsored Somerville Municipal Employees Union (SMEA) President and 30-year city employee, Ed Halloran, to speak. Mr. Halloran spoke about the various jobs that the union’s members perform around the city and said that their contract expired on June 30, 2022. Negotiations came to a halt because the city didn’t have market information of job salaries because the CS hadn’t been completed. He noted that some of the city’s union members/employees make 25-33% less than their counterparts in Cambridge, Arlington and Waltham. He reviewed several positions, comparing salaries to other communities and said that employees are leaving the employment of Somerville due to the low pay. Presently, there are over 40 vacant positions in the city, 14 of which are for positions in the Sewer Department that have remained unfilled for 2 years. Mr. Halloran said that the city frequently outsources work at twice the rate that city employees are being paid, adding that the CS delay is Page 3 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 the latest insult perpetrated on the union by the city. He urged Mayor to release the CS so negotiations may continue and he asked Councilors and residents to become active in this matter. Reference Librarian Meg Ragland was also sponsored to address the Council. Ms. Ragland, a union and bargaining representative spoke about an equipment repair request from two and a half years ago. She explained that there was a broken dehumidifier in basement of the library and that a 311 request was submitted to have it repaired. The work order was closed 9 months later with no apparent repairs having been made, resulting in mold beginning to grow, so she raised the issue during contract negotiations and asked that a safety committee be established with the SMEA. The city conceded that the repair was not made because there were no plumbers on staff. Ms. Ragland urged the Mayor to release the CS. The final sponsored speaker was Inspectional Services Department Housing Inspector Stephanie Estrella, who said that the substantial increases in taxes, water and sewer rates, make it hard to live in Somerville and that the union has been without a contract for 16 months while work is being outsourced at a higher cost. Councilor Clingan commented that the CS should bring salaries to competitive rates. Councilor Scott noted that he has complained about this for 6 years and said outsourcing is five times higher than the in-house cost for sewer salaries. He said that the lack of maintenance is corrosive to the residents of the city and that the message is clear - that this city does not care about its current residents. He said that we don’t need a study to know how bad things really are and nobody will take better care of the city than the people who live here. It’s offensive to talk about the community we’re building in a place where labor has to be imported. President Ewen-Campen said wages are negotiated and everyone is waiting for the CS to be completed, adding that this situation is embarrassing and frustrating. He apologized to the city workers for what’s happening. Courtney O’Keefe, a 43-year resident and city employee said that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution and that all the administration had to do was to sit down and have a conversation with the workers. RESULT: APPROVED 4.5. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 23-1596) That the Commissioner of Public Works install a water fountain for people and dogs at Nunziato field. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 4.6. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Wilson (ID # 23-1598) That the City Solicitor advise this Council on the city's ability to take steps to combat predatory towing practices by adopting similar legislation as the City of Boston. Page 4 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 Councilor Burnley said the state’s towing laws are obscure and the public needs to be aware of what can be done. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 4.7. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Wilson (ID # 23-1599) That the Director of Parking publicize how residents can file complaints related to illegal towing, namely through the Department of Public Utilities Transportation Oversight Division. Councilor Burnley commented that this may be a way for people to obtain restitution for being illegally towed. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.8. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Wilson, Councilor Davis, Councilor (ID # 23-1600) Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment work with this Council and Green and Open Somerville to consider the creation of an Invasive Species Czar position to spearhead outreach, education, and citywide invasive plant species removal. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee 4.9. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor (ID # 23-1597) Ewen-Campen, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Kelly, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson In Support of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ's cleaning contract campaign. Councilor Burnley commented that this body should stand with any group attempting to secure better working conditions. He pointed out that some of these workers work and live in Somerville and their contract expires in 3 weeks. He asked that the Council stand united on this matter. He sponsored Roanne Riviera from Boston to speak. Ms. Riviera explained that the master contract covers 12,000 employees who provide janitorial services at multiple locations, including Somerville High School. Janitors will conduct a strike vote this Saturday to make a statement to make the public aware of their efforts. Councilor Burnley sponsored Aida Mena, who addressed the Council. Ms. Mena lives in Somerville and works in Burlington and has a daughter attending Somerville High School. She asked for the Council’s support of their efforts to secure better working conditions, saying that the janitorial staff did the work during the pandemic, disinfecting and cleaning workplaces for others and in return, they need the ability to care for their own families now and in the future. Page 5 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 Councilor Gomez Mouakad recognized the value that these employees bring to workplaces. Councilor Clingan asked who is at the other end of the negotiations and was told that there are about 60 contractors who are a part of the master contract. RESULT: APPROVED 4.10. Order By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-1606) That the Director of Mobility advertise alternate walking paths to the intersection of Broadway and McGrath Highway. Councilor McLaughlin said this intersection has always been an issue and in the short term, a solution is needed. He noted that the McGrath Highway overpass is available as is the Gilman Street underpass. He would like these alternate routes publicized with signage. RESULT: APPROVED 4.11. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-1601) That the Director of Mobility increase signage and visibility of the newly installed rotaries along Pearl Street, Oliver Street and Glen Street. Councilor McLaughlin said he has received mixed reviews about these rotaries, and he thinks that additional signage would be helpful. The one at Pearl and Glenn Streets is being re-adjusted. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.12. Order By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Strezo (ID # 23-1602) That the Director of Mobility assess loading zone and metered parking at the intersection of Pearl and Cross Streets and report back to the Ward 1 Councilor. Councilor McLaughlin noted that spots have been lost to fire lanes and he would like a solution to help the businesses situated there. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.13. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-1603) That the Commissioner of Public Works trim the trees by 89 Cross Street. RESULT: APPROVED 4.14. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-1604) That the Commissioner of Public Works address the broken bench in Symphony Park. RESULT: APPROVED Page 6 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 4.15. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-1607) That the Commissioner of Public Works continue to remove trash from Chuckie Harris Park on a daily basis. RESULT: APPROVED 4.16. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-1608) That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the manhole cover and surrounding road at the entryway of the Cobble Hill homes. RESULT: APPROVED 4.17. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-1605) That the Director of Water and Sewer inspect the sewers on Otis Street, east of McGrath Highway, and determine if they need to be cleaned. RESULT: APPROVED 4.18. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 23-1609) That the Director of Engineering inspect the sinkhole in the road directly in front of the entrance to the Cobble Hill homes. RESULT: APPROVED 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 24, 2023. (ID # 23-1582) Councilor Wilson commented that the city will be paying for parking spots at the Tufts Administration Building (TAB). He spoke about the city’s cost for providing booster shots and said that the city will not be offering RSV shots due to their high cost. Other items discussed by the committee included portable restrooms, Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds invested in the Somerville Museum and concerns about GrayKey. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new (ID # 23-1263) match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department to support the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) sustainability and upgrades. RESULT: APPROVED Page 7 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 6.A.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $220,560 grant with no new (ID # 23-1341) match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to the Health and Human Services Department for Tobacco Control Prevention. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the use of $1,500 in available funds in the Inspectional Services (ID # 23-1398) Staff Development Account to establish a Food and Refreshments Account, to provide food and refreshments for staff during quarterly training sessions. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $29,780 from the Health and Human (ID # 23-1401) Services Professional and Technical Services Account to the Council on Aging Professional and Technical Services Account for nutritional counseling and education at the Senior Center. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 grant with no new (ID # 23-1402) match required, from MA Department of Housing and Community Development to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Administration Division for a partnership with the City of Medford to examine the zoning and economic development potential of the parcels along Broadway that are split by the municipal boundary. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $11,059.72 from the Health and Human (ID # 23-1403) Services Professional and Technical Account to the Department of Public Works Building Rentals Account for three additional seasonal, portable bathrooms. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,625 using (ID # 23-1404) available funds in the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Parks and Urban Forestry Division Account for Wedding Nook and Quincy Street open space production. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.9. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-373 of the Code of (ID # 23-1407) Ordinances, to establish a Vaccine Revolving Fund. RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED Page 8 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 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.A.10.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to authorize a FY 2024 expenditure limitation of (ID # 23-1408) $60,000 for the Vaccine Revolving Fund. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.11.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,207.50 using (ID # 23-1419) available funds in the Fire Department Professional & Technical Account for medical case management costs. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.12.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend an $18,400 grant with no new (ID # 23-1424) match required, from Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for unrestricted operating support. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.13.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,250 using (ID # 23-1425) available funds in the Human Resources Arbitration Services Account for arbitration services. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.14.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $440 using available (ID # 23-1426) funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services Account for language testing services. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.15.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,298.83 using (ID # 23-1427) available funds in the Human Resources Arbitration Services Account for arbitration transcription services. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.16.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $44,167.81 using (ID # 23-1474) available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering. Page 9 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.17.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $25,418.02 using (ID # 23-1475) available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.18.Order By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-1480) That the Chief of Police provide a written explanation, and any accompanying documentation, of the Police Department’s receipt of GrayKey surveillance technology from Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI)/Boston without requiring a grant acceptance from the City Council. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.A.19.Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $67,478 from the Community Preservation (ID # 23-1492) Act Historic Preservation Reserve Fund to the Somerville Museum for storage area renovation. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.20.Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $113,440 from the Community Preservation (ID # 23-1493) Act Historic Preservation Reserve Fund to Just A Start for restoration and reinstallation of a historic window at 24 Webster Ave. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.21.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $26,721.10 using (ID # 23-1496) available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.22.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,729.64 using (ID # 23-1497) available funds in the Department of Public Works Natural Gas Account for natural gas supply services. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.23.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,436.40 using (ID # 23-1498) available funds in the Department of Public Works Grounds R&M Facility, Parks & Playgrounds for irrigation system repair and maintenance. RESULT: APPROVED Page 10 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 6.A.24.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $280 using available (ID # 23-1499) funds in the Department of Public Works Employee Training Account for Construction Supervisor continuing education. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.25.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $371.44 using (ID # 23-1500) available funds in the Department of Public Works Motor Parts & Accessories Account for pump replacement parts. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.26.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a grant with no new match (ID # 23-1501) required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for the reimbursement of Hazardous Material Response Team members. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.27.Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $30,020 from the Parking Department (ID # 23-1538) Parking Meter Receipts Account to the Capital-Building Lease Account for rental of parking spaces per the lease agreement between the Trustees of Tufts College and the City of Somerville. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B. LAND USE COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the (ID # 23-1576) Planning Board on October 19, 2023. Councilor McLaughlin summarized the items before the committee and read some of the public comments received at the public hearings. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 17, (ID # 23-1571) 2023. Councilor Davis noted that two Surveillance Impact Report resubmissions were recommended for approval as was an ordinance regarding closed captioning. He noted an omission in the Committee Minutes that will be before the committee at its next meeting. (The omission has no bearing on this Committee Report.) Councilor Scott commented that he is not supporting the GrayKey item and asked to sever item #23-1531 from the Committee Report so that his vote may be recorded. RESULT: APPROVED Page 11 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 6.C.2. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Wilson (ID # 22-1449) That the City Solicitor and the Director of Parking provide this Council with an opinion on whether the adoption of Chapter 90, Section 20A of the Massachusetts General Laws would allow the City to mail tickets for traffic violations, including those identified through 311 reports. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.3. Ordinance By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor (ID # 23-0076) Clingan, Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Scott Amending Chapter 8, Article I of the Code of Ordinances by adding a new section regarding Closed Captioning Accessibility. 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.C.4. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Kelly, Councilor Wilson, Councilor (ID # 23-0078) Clingan, Councilor Gomez Mouakad and Councilor Scott Supporting Closed Captioning Accessibility. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for (ID # 23-0234) Camera Ticket Enforcement. RESULT: WITHDRAWN 6.C.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for (ID # 23-1354) GrayKey Digital Forensics Analysis Tool. RESULT: WITHDRAWN 6.C.7. Officer's City Clerk conveying information regarding item #23-0076, amending the Communication Code of Ordinances by adding a new section regarding Closed Captioning (ID # 23-1507) Accessibility. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for (ID # 23-1531) GrayKey Digital Forensics Analysis Tool. Page 12 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Kelly, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld NAY: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, and Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.C.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for (ID # 23-1532) Camera Ticket Enforcement. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 18, (ID # 23-1574) 2023. Councilor Burnley presented the report and noted that item #23-0583 was not approved because the applicant had not appeared before the committee after several invitations to do so. He also explained some of the issues with tow companies and asked to sever item #23-1339 and refer it back to the Licenses and Permits Committee. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D.2. License Renewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 381 Washington St. (ID # 23-0583) RESULT: NOT APPROVED 6.D.3. License Renewing Garage License, Dewire Family Trust, 387 Washington St. (ID # 23-0584) RESULT: NOT APPROVED 6.D.4. License New Garage License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 61 Washington St, 3 vehicles (ID # 23-1210) inside, 4 vehicles outside for mechanical repairs and autobody work, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed. RESULT: WITHDRAWN 6.D.5. License New Garage License, Quick Auto Center, 30 Joy Street, 0 cars inside, 40 (ID # 23-1339) cars outside, for charging money to store vehicles, maintaining and operating a tow vehicle, and storing unregistered vehicles, Mon-Fri:8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, and Sun: closed. Page 13 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Licenses and Permits Committee 6.D.6. License New Garage License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 61 Washington Street, 3 cars (ID # 23-1340) inside, 4 cars outside, for mechanical repairs, autobody work, and charging money to store vehicles, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, and Sun: closed. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D.7. License New Extended Operating Hours License, Dumpling Garden, 273 Broadway, (ID # 23-1479) opening Sunday-Saturday from 10am to 2am for in-store, take-out and delivery service. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D.8. Order By Councilor Scott (ID # 23-1486) That the Director of Inspectional Services, the Chief of Police and the City Clerk meet with this Council to discuss the operation of duly licensed live music venues in the city, and the applicability of the Noise Ordinance as written. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to add (ID # 23-1590) Chapter 6 Article VII to restrict and prohibit new building construction and major renovation projects that are not fossil fuel-free. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $5,561,768 in a bond, and to appropriate (ID # 23-1585) the same amount for street and sidewalk reconstruction. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2, 7.4 through 7.6, and 10.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $52,403 from the Salary Contingency (ID # 23-1584) account to Police Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with Local 888 - Crossing Guards. Budget Director Mike Mastrobuoni explained the purpose of the item to the Council saying that the hourly rate will be raised to $24/hour from $20.25/hour and will include a sick leave benefit. The contract will run to Page 14 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 2026. Councilor Kelly commented that she hopes the pay rate will increase in the next budget. Matt Sirigu, Assistant City Solicitor and labor counsel, noted that the union dues provision is fairly standard in labor contracts and Councilor Pineda Neufeld voiced her displeasure about the 6-month employment requirement in order to access the sick leave benefit. RESULT: APPROVED 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $32,000 from the Office of Strategic (ID # 23-1517) Planning and Community Development Housing Division Personal Services Account to the Office of Sustainability and Environment Personal Services Account to transfer the clean green program manager position to the Office of Sustainability and Environment. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2, 7.4 through 7.6, and 10.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,925.42 from the Infrastructure & (ID # 23-1554) Asset Management Personal Services Account to the Engineering Personal Services Account to fund an existing position. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2, 7.4 through 7.6, and 10.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to create a Senior Project Manager position in the (ID # 23-1555) Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management - Engineering Division. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2, 7.4 through 7.6, and 10.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval for specified City Employees to work the November 7, (ID # 23-1559) 2023 City Election. RESULT: APPROVED 7.8. Mayor's Conveying the FY 2023 report of SomerViva: Office of Immigrant Affairs. Communication (ID # 23-1557) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee Page 15 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's Planning Board conveying recommendations for item #23-0940. Communication (ID # 23-1547) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License New Drainlayer's License, New England Construction Managers Inc. (ID # 23-1558) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.2. License Renewing Outdoor Goods License, 130 Broadway LLC, 130 Broadway. (ID # 23-1611) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.3. License Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 295 Broadway. (ID # 23-1580) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.4. License Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 1 Davis Sq. (ID # 23-1579) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.5. License Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 22-26 Union Sq. (ID # 23-1578) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 16 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 9.6. License Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Hillside Service Center, 45 (ID # 23-1612) Mystic Ave. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.7. License Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Somerville Motors Inc, 182 (ID # 23-1613) Washington St. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.8. Public Event Samuel Feller applying for a Public Event License for Neighborhood Chili (ID # 23-1561) Cookoff on October 27 from 10am to 5pm (raindate November 3). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.9. Public Event Tiffany Cayarga applying for a Public Event License for Kingston St BP on (ID # 23-1562) October 28 from 4pm to 10pm (raindate October 29). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.10. Public Event Kelsey Coffin applying for a Public Event License for Partridge Ave (ID # 23-1563) Halloween BP on October 29 from 4pm to 9pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.11. Public Event Danielle Angelillo applying for a Public Event License for Pleasant Ave BP (ID # 23-1564) on October 31 from 3pm to 9pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.12. Public Event Adrienne Agarwal applying for a Public Event License for Hall St BP on (ID # 23-1565) November 4 from 2:30pm to 7pm (raindate November 5). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 17 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 9.13. Public Event Alliance for Safe Streets applying for a Public Event License for World Day (ID # 23-1566) of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 19 from 3pm to 7pm (raindate November 20). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.14. Public Event Somerville Road Runners applying for a Public Event License for 27th (ID # 23-1567) Annual Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race on November 23 from 6am to 1pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.15. Public Harvard University conveying its Fall 2023 Accountability Report. Communication (ID # 23-1551) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.16. Public David Thorpe submitting comments re: Somerville High School Scholarship Communication Foundation. (ID # 23-1552) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 9.17. Public Digital Fourth submitting comments re: item #23-1354, Surveillance Communication Technology Impact Report for GrayKey Digital Forensics Analysis Tool. (ID # 23-1556) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.18. Public Yizhi You submitting comments re: homelessness in East Somerville. Communication (ID # 23-1572) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.18 through 9.20 and Place them on File. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.19. Public Bill Valletta submitting comments re: City Council Orders, item #22-1593 Communication and item #23-0612. (ID # 23-1573) Page 18 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.18 through 9.20 and Place them on File. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.20. Public Tufts University conveying its Fall 2023 Accountability Report. Communication (ID # 23-1589) President Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 9.18 through 9.20 and Place them on File. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Order By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Wilson, Councilor (ID # 23-1618) Burnley Jr. and Councilor Gomez Mouakad That the Director of Parks and Recreation provide additional play and athletic equipment for the outdoor recess area at the Edgerly School. RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 10.2. Order By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Clingan (ID # 23-1619) That the Director of Parks and Recreation provide an outdoor storage box at the Edgerly School for additional equipment. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 10.3. Order By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Gomez (ID # 23-1620) Mouakad That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the Edgerly building for noise issues during class time, and provide necessary adjustments to classrooms to address acoustic issues. RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 10.4. Order By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Scott and Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 23-1621) That the Director of Engineering provide this Council with an update on the 2013 Pedestrian Accessibility Study and the progress made in the 10 years since its release. Page 19 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 10.5. Order By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Gomez (ID # 23-1622) Mouakad That the Director of the Office of Racial and Social Justice update this Council on the implementation of the FileVine system that was procured to track Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaints. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 10.6. Order By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Scott (ID # 23-1623) That the Director of the Office of Racial and Social Justice update this Council on the status of the procurement of a Braille embosser to accommodate requests for materials in Braille. Councilor Clingan sponsored resident Holly Simione, Co-Chair of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, to speak. Ms. Simione explained that it’s a big task to format data for brailling and that they’re using a process that reduces the volume of documents and reduces costs. She briefly explained that in order to utilize this process, there is some standardization that would need to be done to the original documents. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 10.7. Order By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson (ID # 23-1624) That the Director of Mobility add a speed bump to Shore Drive at Governor Winthrop Road. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 10.8. Zoning Ordinance By Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 23-1625) Amending Section 7.2.7 of the Zoning Ordinances to add Shared Workspace & Arts Education to Table 7.2.7 Permitted Uses. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 10.9. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 23-1626) That the Administration increase the $55,000 allotted to support food access to $100,000, in accordance with its promise to pledge $1 million for participatory budgeting. Page 20 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 Councilor Burnley noted that this amount represents the unused portion of the promised $1 million allotment for participatory budgeting. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 10.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $108,226.70 grant with no new (ID # 23-1550) match required from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department to support implementation of the Somerville-Cambridge Shared Public Health Service Initiative. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2, 7.4 through 7.6, and 10.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.11. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Linda Dubuque as City (ID # 23-1632) Treasurer and Collector of Taxes. Councilor Pineda Neufeld moved to waive the readings of items 10.11 through 10.14 and refer them to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 10.12. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Francis J. Golden as Chief (ID # 23-1635) Assessor and Chair of the Board of Assessors. Councilor Pineda Neufeld moved to waive the readings of items 10.11 through 10.14 and refer them to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 10.13. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Michael Flynn to the (ID # 23-1631) Board of Assessors. Councilor Pineda Neufeld moved to waive the readings of items 10.11 through 10.14 and refer them to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 21 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 10.14. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Richard Scanlon to the (ID # 23-1633) Board of Assessors. Councilor Pineda Neufeld moved to waive the readings of items 10.11 through 10.14 and refer them to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 10.15. Officer's Chief of Police conveying supplemental information regarding Somerville's Communication participation in the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region (MBHSR). (ID # 23-1627) Councilor Kelly commented that this is the information she requested and Councilor Scott spoke about resolutions prohibiting the city from participating in the federal government’s surplus military programs. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10.16. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, V.I.N.L. Transportation Inc., Med. #65. (ID # 23-1628) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.17. License Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 3, Ed's Used Auto Parts, 516 (ID # 23-1629) Columbia St. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.18. Public Event Theia Henderson applying for a Public Event License for Holyoke Rd BP on (ID # 23-1634) October 28 from 11am to 6pm (raindate October 29). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.19. Public Event J.T. Scott applying for a Public Event License for Springfield St BP on (ID # 23-1636) October 31 from 4pm to 10:30pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and 10.16 through 10.19 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 22 of 23 City Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 2023 10.20. Public Charles Zammuto requesting the adoption of an amendment to the Zoning Communication Ordinance Map to change the zoning district of 563-565 Broadway from (ID # 23-1617) Urban Residence (UR) to Mid-Rise 4 (MR4). RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 11. LATE ITEMS 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 9:27 PM. Page 23 of 23