City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 25, 2024 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 recess at 7:50 PM and returned at 7:53 PM. The Council entered recess at 9:03 PM and returned at 9:15 PM. 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 24-0604) Councilor Scott arrived at 7:26 PM. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Present: Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin City Councilor At Large Jake Wilson Ward Five City Councilor Naima Sait Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr. Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen Absent: Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 24-0605) Councilor McLaughlin requested a moment of silence in memory of Franklin Dalembert. President Ewen-Campen acknowledged the many residents from the public school community in the audience tonight and noted that they held a rally outside City Hall in support of fully funding public schools in the city budget. He explained that there was nothing on tonight’s Council agenda related to that issue and he assured everyone that the Council is paying attention and that this issue is a Council priority. RESULT: APPROVED Page 1 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 28, 2024. (ID # 24-0606) RESULT: APPROVED 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit in (ID # 24-0552) Quincy Street, from Utility Pole 296/6 to a point of pickup at 30 Quincy Street. Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, spoke in favor of the item and explained the purpose of the request. There being no further speakers, the Public Hearing was closed. RESULT: APPROVED 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Resolution By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor (ID # 24-0583) Sait, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson In support of An Act Relative to the Future of Clean Heat in the Commonwealth and An Act Establishing a Moratorium on New Gas System Expansion. Councilor Clingan recognized Mothers Out Front for their work on this matter and he sponsored Lindsey Lucke from Mothers Out Front to speak on the item. Ms. Lucke said that it looks like Somerville will be the first community in the state to pass this Resolution which is designed to put pressure on the state legislature to pass legislation that would make this transition equitable and affordable for everyone. She went on to explain that as more people cease using gas, the cost of maintaining its infrastructure and delivery will be borne by fewer people, making it more expensive for those still using gas. Ms. Lucke also explained that utility companies can build geothermal, and other, infrastructures which ultimately would be paid for by ratepayers. Councilor Clingan also sponsored Edward Woll, a member of Gas Transition Allies and Mothers Out Front, to address the Council. Mr. Woll told the members that one of the bills, S.2105, was reported out favorably on March 28th. He spoke briefly about some of the key provisions of the bills, e.g., ·Providing a pathway for gas utilities to stay in business of providing energy, but not with gas, ·Not requiring the Department of Public Utilities to approve a pipeline but rather it would require a utility company show that there is no alternative to Page 2 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 gas before they may install a pipeline, ·Moving a percentage of gas customers off gas use each year, and ·Providing training for gas workers who lose their jobs because of the transition. He noted that Somerville has received a $50,000 grant to determine its next geo-thermal district. RESULT: APPROVED 4.2. Resolution By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor (ID # 24-0584) Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott and Councilor Wilson In support of The I AM bill: An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products in Prisons, Homeless Shelters and Public Schools. Councilor Strezo shared why she thinks that menstrual products should be free and available in every public bathroom in the city, state and nation, saying that this is a public health issue. RESULT: APPROVED 4.3. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Wilson, Councilor (ID # 24-0585) Sait, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Scott and Councilor Ewen-Campen In support of increased safety for sex workers. AMENDMENT: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council supports the passage of An Act to Prevent Human Trafficking and Improve the Health and Safety of Sex Workers (S.1046 and H.1758) and urges our state house delegation to support these bills. Councilor Burnley stated that sex work is real work and sex workers need protection to help stop the pain that is happening to friends in our community. He said that sex workers use their body autonomy to earn a living and pursue economic stability. He sponsored Jessica Van Mier and Mary Carol to speak on the matter. Ms. Van Mier has been researching this topic for 10 years and said that any form of criminalization puts sex workers at risk. Passage of these bills would create an amnesty provision to report crime without fear of arrest for sex work, repeal a third strike law for “common nightwalking,” create a human trafficking project and create a committee to study policies relative to sex work. Ms. Van Mier spoke about another bill, the Nordic model, before the legislature that is not being supported by sex workers because although the intent is fine, it is not borne out in practice and it increases police surveillance of sex workers. Ms. Carol stated that she is an independent scholar of sex work and has benefitted immensely as a sex worker. She said that all sex workers are stigmatized, leading to difficulty accessing many basics in life. She supports Page 3 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 the bill because it allows sex workers to report crimes without fear of repercussions but is opposed to the Nordic model because it seeks to eliminate sex workers. Councilor Clingan commented that he sees the bills as a way to lessen the harm to sex workers. Councilor Scott commented that this is a first step and he referenced a City Council resolution from 2019 that asked that Somerville Police decline to arrest or seek prosecution for consensual sex work. Councilor Burnley made a motion to correct the bill numbers in the last section of the Resolution by changing them to S.1046 and H.1758. That motion was approved. RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED 4.4. Resolution By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait, (ID # 24-0586) Councilor Mbah and Councilor Strezo That the Administration utilize American Rescue Plan Act money to address excessive water bills for residents. Councilor McLaughlin explained that users are being back-charged for water usage and he spoke about one bill brought to his attention that was just under $25,000. He is suggesting that some ARPA money be used to at least pay water bills until such time as the city figures out how to handle water bills in the future or for at least 1 year. Councilor Wilson commented that he and the Council’s Legislative and Policy Analyst have been speaking with the Administration, city staff and the city’s state delegation about what might be able to be done. RESULT: APPROVED 4.5. Resolution By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Mbah, Councilor (ID # 24-0587) Strezo, Councilor Sait and Councilor Pineda Neufeld That the Administration develop a program to recruit and train Somerville High School students to become firefighters and police officers in Somerville. Councilor McLaughlin briefly referenced the issue of lateral hiring and noted that both the city’s Police and Fire Departments are disproportionately white but that the city’s schools are mostly non-white. He mentioned a city program, (since cut from the budget), that involved getting local students interested in police or fire fighting work. Noting that the framework for the program already exists, he feels that implementing such a program could address diversity issues and help the city’s youth to become police officers and fire fighters by, at the very least, letting them know when the tests are. RESULT: APPROVED Page 4 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. Mayor's Conveying an update on Police and Fire hiring. Communication (ID # 24-0455) President Ewen-Campen noted that this was discussed as part of a different item during a previous City Council meeting and that some Councilors have asked that the Administration provide updates on this matter. Speaking on the item for the city, were HR Director Anne Gill, SFD Chief Charles Breen and Chief Administrative Officer Lammis Vargas. A brief presentation was given, and Director Gill said that we share a common concern for public safety. She went on to explain the hiring tools available to the city under civil service rules, noting that the lateral transfer is one such tool. She assured the Council that the city has no intention of veering away from civil service regulations and that when recruiting, the city looks for the widest range of candidates possible. She explained that civil service has a lengthy multi-step process that must be followed for each candidate and that the lateral transfer process would take less time than the list process. Chief Breen told the Council that his priority is to open the Assembly Square fire station and that the only lens he’s using is a public safety lens. He said that using the civil service list will not allow that station to open on time. Additionally, working overtime on a daily basis to staff that location could affect the quality of service to the public. He noted that there are challenges when hiring for overtime shifts, possibly up to 6 shifts a day, since many employees refuse overtime in favor of spending time with their families. Director Gill noted that there are 15 steps to the civil service process and commented on some of the inherent problems and reviewed the Assembly Square station planning timeline. She noted that a new civil service list came out April 1st and believes that there are some veterans on it, adding that the city will also be using that list. She said that the city is not abandoning any avenue available to it, but if only the lateral transfer method is used, staffing would be ready for the expected February 2025 station opening, however, if only the civil service list method is used, the station would not be permanently staffed until September 2025. She also advised the Council that the backlog for attending classes at the Fire Academy is 3-4 months. Councilor Clingan noted that the department’s rank and file don’t want to lateral transfers and he asked when it became the policy to have staff from the city’s Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) Department sit in during hiring interviews, since private citizens were used in the past. Director Gill said that the city is trying to involve RSJ to make sure the correct questions are being asked, since they’ve been involved in the community. Councilor Clingan wondered what RSJ would bring to the table and he stated his opposition to any lateral hiring. Councilor Wilson inquired which of the 15 civil service process steps would be skipped by lateral transfer hiring and Director Gill said that the city Page 5 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 would not have to conduct 25 interviews and that candidates wouldn’t have to go to the academy. Chief Breen commented that he would want to see an approval letter from the chief executive of the community that any lateral transfer would be coming from before interviewing any lateral candidates. There was a brief discussion about the various civil service lists, e.g., gender list, language list, which could be requested, and Chief Breen noted that there have been problems with them in other communities. Councilor Scott asked what other steps in the list process would be eliminated and was told that there were none. He then asked if a candidate could be eliminated for failing a drug test before being interviewed and Director Gill affirmed that, leading Councilor Scott to comment that the drug test is step 10 but the interview is step 5. Director Gill said the process is sequential and she corrected her statement. Councilor Scott said that he doesn’t think it would take 7 months to do 20 interviews and also said that he favors using the certification list. President Ewen-Campen commented that he thinks that the Administration is acting in good faith and believes that their preference is more fiscally responsible, however, he thinks that the resolve of the Council is being underestimated. Chief Administrative Officer Vargas told the Council that the Administration is not shying away from the civil service list but is opting to utilize the lateral transfer tool that is available as well, adding that the city wants interviews to be consistent, therefore the same interview panelists will be used. Councilor Burnley inquired how candidates from other departments would be vetted and Director Gill responded by saying that the city would still do its due diligence and would ask for their personnel files. Councilor Pineda Neufeld commented that the presentation doesn’t address the concerns expressed at the last City Council meeting and that the lateral transfer proposal is playing with peoples’ lives. Director Gill said that the city understands people are upset, but the Administration is looking at this as a public safety matter. Councilor McLaughlin stated his opposition to the lateral transfer option and asked who would represent the City Council when the city gets sued over this. Solicitor Amara said it would depend on what the suit was and that she would represent the city. She doesn’t see this as an issue at this point, but if it should occur, it will get it worked out. Chief Breen clarified that the information he presented tonight about the academy is up to date as of April 5th and Councilor McLaughlin said that, according to the information he received, it’s not as difficult as it seems. Councilor McLaughlin made a motion that the City Council goes on record in opposition to lateral hiring within the Fire Department. That motion was approved. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 6 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 23, 2024. (ID # 24-0568) Councilor Wilson summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that 13 items were recommended for approval, including appropriations, borrowing, transfers, Big Belly contract, prior year invoice payments, conveyance and easements. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $302,720 from the Energy Stabilization (ID # 24-0412) Fund to use as a Green Communities grant match to fund energy improvements for 42 Cross Street. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.A.3. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $7,310,000 in a bond, and to appropriate (ID # 24-0476) the same amount for the FY 2024 Water Main Rehabilitation program as part of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority's Local Water System Assistance Program. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.A.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $108,373.07 using (ID # 24-0485) available funds in the Department of Public Works Natural Gas Account for natural gas expenses. Page 7 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $307.97 using (ID # 24-0486) available funds in the Department of Public Works Admin Postage Machine Rental Account for postage machine lease expenses. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,780 using (ID # 24-0487) available funds in the Department of Public Works Rental Buildings Account for the lease of conduit to carry Fire Alarm equipment. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $224.67 using (ID # 24-0488) available funds in the Department of Public Works Bituminous Supplies Account for the purchase of asphalt. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $493.08 using (ID # 24-0489) available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Motor Parts and Accessories Account for vehicle repair parts. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to enter into an 84- and 89-month contract renewal (ID # 24-0490) term with Big Belly for existing equipment and deliverables, and enter into a new 96-month contract term with Big Belly for new units. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.10.Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $42,500 from the Office of Strategic (ID # 24-0492) Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Housing Personal Services Account to the OSPCD Public Space and Urban Forestry Personal Services Account to cover a projected year-end salary deficit. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.11.Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $1,800,000 in a bond, and to appropriate (ID # 24-0495) the same amount for the annual recurring FY 2024 Sewer System Evaluation & Infiltration/Inflow Assessment. RESULT: APPROVED Page 8 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.A.12.Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a pedestrian access easement on Charlestown Place, (ID # 24-0540) approval of a grant of easements over certain alleys located in the D2.2 parcel, and approval of a grant of license from the City to Union Square RELP. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis RECUSED: Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.A.13.Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Conveyance and Easement for Parcel D2.2 (ID # 24-0541) (Union Square) Civic Space Lot 2A. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis RECUSED: Ward Two City Councilor Scott 6.B. OPEN SPACE, ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting (ID # 24-0567) on April 18, 2024. Councilor Mbah summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that among the items discussed were city-wide curbside composting and the progress of adding new open spaces in the city. RESULT: APPROVED Page 9 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 6.B.2. Order By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Burnley Jr. (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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.3. Order By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Scott (ID # 24-0472) That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the condition of Conway Field and the displacement of infill that is occurring there during extreme rainfall events, as well as the schedule for regular grooming and maintenance of the City’s artificial turf athletic fields. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on (ID # 24-0566) April 17, 2024. Councilor McLaughlin summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that the committee received an updates on homelessness and the displacement of people residing under a portion of Route 93, issues of violence near the Stop and Shop, the dark skies ordinance, the vacant property ordinance and its enforcement, the building collapse at 16 Bonair Street, opioid settlement funds, and PorchFest safety/security. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.2. 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.3. 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Page 10 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 6.C.4. 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.5. 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.6. 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.7. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 24-0371) That the Administration update this Council on plans for the $244,891.15 received as part of the Massachusetts Municipal Opioid Abatement Payments. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.8. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0384) 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.9. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0385) 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.10. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0386) 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Page 11 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 6.C.11. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0387) 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.12. Order By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, (ID # 24-0388) Councilor Scott, Councilor Pineda Neufeld and Councilor Sait That the Director of Inspectional Services appears before the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to discuss implementation of the Vacant Properties Ordinance, and provide the Ward 1 Councilor with a list of registered properties, the dates they were registered and any fees and fines associated with the properties. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.13. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0389) That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to discuss the department's methods of reporting, inputting and organizing fines within their databases. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.14. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0417) That the Executive Director of the Arts Council appear before the Housing and Community Development Committee to present a Porchfest safety plan that addresses pedestrian safety concerns, promotion of street closures, intersection crossing safety and the prevention of aggressive and dangerous driver behavior during the active event hours. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.15. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0429) That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the recent collapse of a house at 16 Bonair Street. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.16. Order By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0430) That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the status of any permits issued to contractors associated with 16 Bonair Street. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Page 12 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 6.C.17. Order By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Wilson (ID # 24-0469) That the Director of Inspectional Services update the Ward 1 Councilor on enforcement of the Dark Skies Ordinance. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Somerville Zoning (ID # 24-0551) Ordinance to add Section 8.5 Interim Planning Overlay District (IPOD) and the Brickbottom sub-area. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $2,041,000 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 24-0577) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly School to accommodate Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School students. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 24-0579) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Emergency Response Stabilization Fund to provide temporary shelter, food, and other common necessaries of life to displaced individuals and families. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $248,111 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 24-0574) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas Account for the remediation of an expected year end deficit. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $237,468 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 24-0572) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Buildings Interior Building Maintenance Account for repairs to the Dilboy Pool. Page 13 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 24-0576) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for building improvements at 77 Broadway for the East Somerville Police sub-station. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $2,041,000 from the Facility Renovation (ID # 24-0578) and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continued renovations to the Edgerly School to accommodate Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School students. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $400,000 from the Emergency (ID # 24-0580) Stabilization Fund to support critical emergency shelter services. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $1,095,000 from various Department of (ID # 24-0573) Public Works personal services accounts to the Department of Public Works Buildings Electricity Account to cover a deficit. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $13,800 from the Police Salaries (ID # 24-0564) Account to the Police Special Items Rental Buildings Account to pay the remaining East Substation lease payments for FY 2024. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 Page 14 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $243,094 grant with no new (ID # 24-0575) match required, from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to the Office of Sustainability and Environment, for a residential decarbonization outreach campaign and two-year Energy Advisor position. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alyssa DuBois to the Board (ID # 24-0581) of Health. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 7.13. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Margaret H. Coit to the (ID # 24-0582) Board of Health. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Caruso & McGovern Construction Inc. (ID # 24-0553) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.2. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Edward Ahern. (ID # 24-0554) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 15 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 9.3. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, JNJ Sacca Inc. (ID # 24-0555) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.4. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, LaMountain Brothers Inc. (ID # 24-0556) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.5. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, New England Style Inc. (ID # 24-0557) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.6. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, P. Gioioso & Sons Inc. (ID # 24-0558) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.7. License Renewing Garage License, Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Ave. (ID # 24-0559) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.8. License Renewing Garage License, K Professional Auto Detailing, 682 Mystic Ave. (ID # 24-0560) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 16 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 9.9. License Renewing Garage License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway. (ID # 24-0561) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.10. License Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Buffalo Exchange Ltd, 238 Elm St. (ID # 24-0562) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.11. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Michael H. Garvey, Med. #57. (ID # 24-0563) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.12. License New Outdoor Parking License, John's Auto Sales, 216 McGrath Hwy, store (ID # 24-0588) 23 vehicles on premises. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.13. License New Sign and Awning License, Toca Chida, 333 Great River Rd, 3 awnings. (ID # 24-0589) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.14. Public Event Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event (ID # 24-0590) License for Somerville Community Growing Center 2024 Event Calendar on May through December from various times. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. Page 17 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 RESULT: APPROVED 9.15. Public Event Somerville Open Studios applying for a Public Event License for Open (ID # 24-0591) Studios informational table on May 4 and 5 from 11:30am to 6:30pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.16. Public Event Jason Oberstein applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest for Flying (ID # 24-0593) Turtle on May 11 from 11am to 3pm (raindate May 12). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.17. Public Event Jonathan Bernhardt applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on (ID # 24-0595) Charnwood on May 11 from 1pm to 4pm (raindate May 12). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.18. Public Event Nate Kaufman applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on (ID # 24-0596) Highland Rd on May 11 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate May 12). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.19. Public Event Dave Rothfarb applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on (ID # 24-0592) Aberdeen on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.20. Public Event Liz Hewitt applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Craigie on (ID # 24-0594) May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. Page 18 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 RESULT: APPROVED 9.21. Public Event Jeff Kaufman applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Morrison (ID # 24-0597) on May 11 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate May 12). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.22. Public Event Nels Nelson applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Munroe (ID # 24-0599) on May 11 from 3pm to 7pm (raindate May 12). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.23. Public Event Claire Crowther applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on (ID # 24-0598) Morgan on May 11 from 3:30pm to 6pm (raindate May 12). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.24. Public Event Alexandra Weiner applying for a Public Event License for Calvin Street BP (ID # 24-0600) on May 25 from 10am to 8pm (raindate May 26). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.25. Public Event Veterans Department applying for a Public Event License for Memorial Day (ID # 24-0602) Parade on May 26 from 8am to 3pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.26. Public Event Maria M. Carreiro-Luis applying for a Public Event License for Ermandade (ID # 24-0603) do Devino Espirito Santo on May 26 from 9am to 3pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. Page 19 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 RESULT: APPROVED 9.27. Public Somerville Community Corporation nominating Gonzalo J. Puigbo to the Communication Wage Theft Advisory Committee. (ID # 24-0601) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Sidewalk Easement and (ID # 24-0565) Maintenance License at 599 Somerville Avenue. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of item 10.1 and refer it to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.2. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, CRL Inc. (ID # 24-0608) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.3. License New Extended Operating Hours License, Eat Greek Gyros, 215 Elm St, for (ID # 24-0609) in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 2am. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Licenses and Permits Committee 10.4. License Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 355 Artisan Way. (ID # 24-0610) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.5. License Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 445 Artisan Way. (ID # 24-0611) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this Page 20 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.6. License Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 479 Canal St. (ID # 24-0612) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.7. License Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 455 Grand Union Blvd. (ID # 24-0613) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.8. License Renewing Garage License, FRIT, 333 Great River Rd. (ID # 24-0614) CONDITION: Pedestrian sensors must be installed. Councilor Burnley moved to condition the license to require that pedestrian sensors must be installed. The motion was approved. RESULT: APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS 10.9. Public Event Gary Rowe applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest on Bailey on (ID # 24-0616) May 11 from 11:30am to 2:30pm (raindate May 12). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.10. Public Event Toriah Mimms applying for a Public Event License for The Curl Bar BP on (ID # 24-0615) May 26 from 8am to 8pm (raindate June 8). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.26, 10.2, 10.4 through 10.7, and 10.9 through 10.10 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.11. Public Mo Rizkallah requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning Communication district of 5 Homer Square from Neighborhood Residence (NR) to Urban (ID # 24-0607) Residence (UR). Page 21 of 22 City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 11. LATE ITEMS 11.1. Resolution By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-0617) That this City Council opposes the use of lateral hiring in the Fire Department. RESULT: APPROVED 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 9:31 PM. Page 22 of 22