City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Regular Meeting Agenda Thursday, January 25, 2024 7:00 PM City Council Chamber and Remote Participation Published January 23, 2024, 1:00 PM, Revised January 25, 2024, 12:45 PM. NOTICE: Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of the City Council may be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audiovideo recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Register at the following website to listen to this meeting live or to testify at any public hearing: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8btfbqjgSMyhXT6dDOP4IQ Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 24-0113) 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 24-0114) 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, (ID # 24-0115) December 14, 2023. 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0070) That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss how inclusive playground accessibility is being considered in future playground plans and redesign projects. Page 1 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 4.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0071) That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning discuss the potential for density bonus incentives, such as $150,000 for homeowners to build affordable housing for rent or homeownership. 4.3. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0072) That the Director of Health and Human Services provide an update on the communication efforts and rollout of the Warming Center, including the plan to inform Armory tenants, and the plan for security and client assistance. 4.4. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0075) That the Director of Office of Housing Stability appear before the Housing and Community Development Committee to discuss the current status of residents facing displacement and the number of households seeking rental assistance. 4.5. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0076) That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development discuss the maintenance plan for the Armory building. 4.6. Resolution By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0073) That the Administration, in conjunction with the Housing and Water and Sewer Departments, provide optional, affordable, water utility assessments in low-income housing units and in benevolent landlord and subsidized landlord housing, whereby residents would pay their own water and sewer bills. 4.7. Resolution By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0074) That the Administration provide an update on plans for Universal Basic Income/Guaranteed Basic Income implementation and roll out. 4.8. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 24-0085) That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this City Council how the sidewalk clearing pilot program is working this winter. 4.9. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 24-0088) That the Director of Engineering install robust, permanent pedestrian crossing signage at the intersection of Vinal and Highland Avenues, given the importance of this crosswalk for High School students and many others. Page 2 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 4.10. Resolution By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 24-0086) That the Administration explain the issues that are preventing Reavis Field from opening and how the process may be expedited. 4.11. Resolution By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Clingan (ID # 24-0087) That the Administration discuss with this Council’s Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, whether the financial comparisons of various new school building scenarios have taken into consideration projected costs of creating new usages at the current Winter Hill and Brown School sites. 4.12. Resolution By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 24-0089) In support of an enduring ceasefire in Gaza. 4.13. Order By Councilor Sait, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor (ID # 24-0090) Wilson That the Director of Economic Development take the steps described within, relative to the Armory building. 4.14. Order By Councilor Mbah (ID # 24-0091) That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry report to this Council’s Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy on the status of the parks and open spaces that have been completed or are under construction and planning as part of redevelopment projects. 4.15. Communication By Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor (ID # 24-0092) Ewen-Campen In her capacity as Chair of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee, conveying new guidelines for discussion, for interviewing applicants in committee. 4.16. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0093) That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 24-28 Broadway, the former Taco Loco site, due to repeated cleanliness and business violations within the last two years. 4.17. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0094) That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 112 Broadway, formerly the East End Grill, for any violations within the last ten years. Page 3 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 4.18. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0095) That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor regarding any fines associated with 176-182 Broadway, formerly Patsy's Pastries, in the last ten years. 4.19. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0096) That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect 112 Broadway, 176-182 Broadway, and 24-28 Broadway for violations and report the findings to the Ward 1 City Councilor. 4.20. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0097) That the Director of Inspectional Services address trash and other violations by the Rent-A-Center on Broadway. 4.21. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0098) That the Tree Warden inspect and trim the tree at 11 Melvin Street. 4.22. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0099) That the Tree Warden trim the tree at 11 Illinois Avenue. 4.23. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0100) That the Director of Parking address the low-hanging traffic sign on Washington Street, by Oliveria's Steakhouse and the BlueBike Station, that makes it difficult for pedestrians to pass. 4.24. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0101) That the Commissioner of Public Works inspect the many uneven sidewalks on the north side of Broadway in East Somerville, commonly known as the State streets. 4.25. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0102) That the Commissioner of Public Works address the uneven sidewalk in front of 11 Illinois Avenue. 4.26. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0103) That the Director of Water and Sewer clean the sewer at the intersection of Gilman and Cross Streets. 4.27. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0104) That the Commissioner of Public Works work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) to address the piles of trash under Interstate-93, by the Stop and Shop. Page 4 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 4.28. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0105) That the Director of Engineering inspect the traffic signal at Foley Street and Middlesex Avenue to ensure the timing is functioning correctly. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January (ID # 24-0077) 23, 2024. 6.A.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 23-1757) $2,833.59 using available funds in the Human Resources Department Professional & Technical Services Account for investigative services. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 23-1772) $1,175.32 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Professional & Technical Services Account for online payment services. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $37,500 (ID # 23-1776) grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for maritime related training and equipment. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $15,000 (ID # 23-1777) grant with no new match required, from New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) to the Arts Council for training and funding for a public art project. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 23-1803) $13,190.05 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Moving Services Account for moving of furniture and equipment. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of (ID # 23-1828) eight months with Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc. for design services for the Somerville High School project. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 5 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 6.A.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension of (ID # 23-1829) eight months for PMA, LLC for Owner's Project Manager services for the Somerville High School project. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.9. Mayor's Request Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a (ID # 23-1840) $48,529.99 grant with no new match required, from the Boston's Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for installation of access controls, card entry access, and indoor fencing. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.10.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $135,000 (ID # 23-1846) grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance for the implementation of a records management system. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.11.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 23-1847) $16,041.33 using available funds in the Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management Professional & Technical Services Account for the Asset Management Program. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.12.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept a $5,000 gift from the (ID # 23-1848) Cummings Foundation for the Basic Income Pilot. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.13.Mayor's Request Requesting acceptance of, and approval to expend, a (ID # 23-1852) $75,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team expenditures and overtime. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.14.Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a grant of easement and (ID # 23-1864) maintenance agreement for US Union Square D2.1 Owner LLC for 10 Prospect Street and Somerville Avenue. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.15.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 23-1875) $420 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fire Alarm R&M Account for alarm monitoring. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 6 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 6.A.16.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 23-1876) $1632.31 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Roofing R&M Account for roof repairs. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.17.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 23-1877) $325 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Towing Account for towing services. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.18.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $122,627 (ID # 24-0010) grant with no new match required, from Mass General Hospital/Cambridge Health Alliance to the Health and Human Services Department for recruitment and training of Community Health Workers. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be withdrawn. 6.A.19.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 24-0011) $28.75 using available funds in the Human Resources Department Wellness Account for an employee Weight Watchers wellness benefit. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.20.Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the (ID # 24-0012) contract with WSP, Inc. for design work on the Somerville Avenue Utilities and Streetscape Improvements project. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.21.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant (ID # 24-0013) with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for senior transportation. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.22.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $76,867 (ID # 24-0014) grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging for social, educational and physical wellness programming. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.23.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,600 grant (ID # 24-0015) with no new match required, from Massachusetts Councils on Aging to the Council on Aging for the Somerville Memory Cafe. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 7 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 6.A.24.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $91,211.79 (ID # 24-0035) grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Fire Department for staffing costs. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.25.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $53,200 (ID # 24-0036) grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for the Local Cultural Council grant program. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.26.Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $260,836.34 from the (ID # 24-0045) GLX Developer Contribution Fund Account for procuring an owners project representative for the 100 Chestnut Pedestrian Bridge. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $1,405,962 from the (ID # 24-0053) Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Community Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $426,925 from the (ID # 24-0055) Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the Mystic River Watershed Association for improvements to the Blessing of the Bay Linear Park. 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $35,000 from the (ID # 24-0054) Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Open Space Reserve to the Public Space & Urban Forestry Division for design of the Kennedy Schoolyard. 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $25,000 from the (ID # 24-0056) Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to Vida Real for a condition assessment of the building at 404 Broadway. 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting the transfer of $75,605 from the Community (ID # 24-0052) Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Community Housing Reserve. 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an extension and amendment to (ID # 24-0080) the contract with Symmes Maini and McKee Associates for an additional three years to 2/28/2027, and a revised amount of $978,649, for Central Hill design and construction administration. Page 8 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only extension until (ID # 24-0038) 12/31/2024 for the contract with Warner Larson Landscape Architects, to complete additional design services and punch list work at the Healey Schoolyard and Athletic Field. 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only extension until (ID # 24-0067) 1/1/2026 for the contract with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners for design services on the Building Master Plan. 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only extension of three (ID # 24-0057) years for the contract with Vida Real for restoration of the bell tower at 404 Broadway. 7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Austin (ID # 24-0084) Brower to the Board of Elections Commissioners. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License New Lodging House License, Tufts University, 29 (ID # 24-0109) Sawyer Ave, 27 residents. 9.2. License Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 56 (ID # 24-0108) Professors Row. 9.3. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Raymy Inc, #59. (ID # 24-0110) 9.4. License Renewing Used Car Dealer License Class 2, Intercar, 39 (ID # 24-0111) Webster Ave. 9.5. Public Five residents submitting comments re: proposed Zoning Communication Ordinance Climate & Equity Innovation Sub-Area (ID # 24-0112) Overlay District. 9.6. Public Julie Corwin submitting comments re: Green Line Communication Extension. (ID # 24-0068) 9.7. Public Dan Seaman submitting comments re: Little Free Library Communication on Cedar Street. (ID # 24-0069) 9.8. Public Peter Heald submitting comments re: facial recognition Communication technology. (ID # 24-0082) Page 9 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 24-0106) That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment work with this Council and Green and Open Somerville to develop a job description for an Invasive Species position to spearhead outreach, education, and citywide invasive plant species removal and to allocate funding for such a position in the FY 2025 budget. 10.2. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 24-0107) That the Director of Economic Development update this Council on efforts taken to inform relevant business owners about the newly implemented closed captioning ordinance. 10.3. Order By Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 24-0116) That the City Solicitor appear before the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters to discuss the scope and role of the Committee in confirming various appointments. 10.4. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0117) That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on leaks at the Benjamin Brown School and any exterior envelope damages in the past six months, and actions being taken to address such leaks and damages including the recently dislodged downspout. 10.5. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0118) That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on leaks at the Arts at the Armory Building and any exterior envelope damages in the past six months, and actions being taken to address such leaks and damages including the recently dislodged downspout. 10.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $30,000 (ID # 24-0079) grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Economic Development Division for the implementation of a green jobs training program for nontraditional students. 10.7. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jason (ID # 24-0119) Mackey to the Human Rights Commission. Page 10 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 25, 2024 10.8. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Martin (ID # 24-0120) Polignone to the Human Rights Commission. 10.9. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Elyse (ID # 24-0121) Best to the Human Rights Commission. 10.10. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mallory (ID # 24-0122) Carroll to the Commission for Women. 10.11. License New Drainlayer's License, D'Alessandro Corp. (ID # 24-0123) 10.12. License New Garage License, John's Auto Sales Inc, 181 (ID # 24-0124) Somerville Ave, for 2 vehicles inside and 22 vehicles outside for mechanical repairs only, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: Closed. 10.13. Public Meriwether Buruss submitting comments re: ceasefire. Communication (ID # 24-0083) 10.14. Public Eleven individuals, including five residents, submitting Communication comments re: item 24-0089 a resolution in support of an (ID # 24-0125) enduring ceasefire in Gaza. 11. ADJOURNMENT Page 11 of 11